KC Cafe Radio’s microphones were there for the kickoff concert at the 2017 Folk Alliance Region-West music conference in Bellevue, Washington, with the Venues Choice Concert. Five venues from around the FAR-West region, dedicated to presenting acoustic music, each presented an artists of their choice.
Here are the archived recordings of the performances:
The Triple Door Presents Lydia Ramsey
Her songs convey both the wildness and free nature of the great northwest and are steeped in the fingerpick-guitar rudiments of folk music. A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Lydia Ramsey has been praised for the almost vintage quality of her voice. Her songs feature ancient music making devices in unique arrangements to back up her beautiful voice.
Listen to Lydia’s performance here:
Download the performance here: The Triple Door Presents Lydia Ramsey
Sisters Folk Festival presents Jeffrey Martin
Jeffrey Martin‘s music is not widely known, which is a shame, because he might be the best songwriter in Portland. With lyrics that read like Raymond Carver stories and a voice that’s one breath away from breaking completely apart, Martin’s songs are beautiful, sparse, and utterly devastating. . . . If there is any justice in the world, Martin’s music will soon reach a wider audience and inflict devastation on a much larger scale.
Listen to Jeffrey’s performance here:
Download the performance here: Sisters Folk Festival Presents Jeffrey Martin
Mission Folk Festival Presents Early Spirit
This band is a hot example of Celtic music and jazz fused together by superb musicians. The group is centered around violinist Gabriel Dubeuil, a well-established session player, who has recorded on dozens of pop, jazz and rock albums and music videos with local and international bands.
Listen to Early Spirit’s performance here:
Download the performance here: Mission Folk Festival Presents Early Spirit
Olalla Community Club & Americana Festival Presents Leroy Bell
Sometimes a songwriter has to take the plunge and express what’s really on his mind. In these turbulent times the emotions of the moment can overwhelm you … and then we witness a natural cycle of renewal. Leroy Bell is a songwriter who brings the optimistic part of our humanity to the center stage.
Listen to Leroy’s performance here:
Download the performance here: Olalla Community Club & Americana Festival Presents Leroy Bell
The Royal Room Presents Led to Sea
Alex Guy (as Led to Sea) is one of those artists, like St. Vincent or Andrew Bird, who approaches pop music with the eye of a classical composer, breaking down and rebuilding pop tropes into something resembling fine art. It’s a constant balancing act, combining classical and pop. Her layered viola melodies coupled with an incredible voice are enough to hold any audience in thrall.
Listen to Led to Sea’s performance here:
Download the performance here: The Royal Room Presents Led To Sea