Local Folk You Might Care to Know

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... in the Houston Area

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Ken Gaines: An accomplished guitarist and versatile singer, Ken Gaines has entertained audiences for years here in Houston. His soulful expressions and signature vocal delivery continue to delight music lovers wherever he performs.

Ken has quietly, and usually from the side of the stage, guided and shaped the meaning of Texas folk music for s long time. Ken moved to Texas from Mississippi, and like a seed dropped by fate his authority has grown and flourished with roots touching far more than meets the eye. If you're a serious Texas folker and have never heard Ken's work, you have heard his influence whether you realize it or not.; Although he typically showcases various other artists with different styles, Ken's solid songsmithing always provides the cohesion to make it work. You can find him running the Writers in the Round showcase at one of Houston's premiere venues, the famed Anderson Fair.; For more information please check out the web site, http://www.andersonfair.com

Mark Beets: Alright, I'm sure everyone sooner or later finds a person in this world they think is a carbon copy of themselves in the future. Well, welcome to me, 15 years from now (or so I hope). A consummate guitarist with a distinct voice, Mark Beets has to be one of the most insightful songsmiths I have come across since Ken Gaines. His gritty-life ballads and melodious tunes captivated my interest from the first chord struck, and I have been an earnest fan ever since.

And there's more - Mark, much like myself, proves that sometimes you're not just a songwriter by choice, but instead one by fate. He has a wife, and a job, and a life he leads just like each and every other red-blooded American that walks down the sidewalk... and doesn't let that stop him from getting out there and playing the open mikes around town. I constantly struggle with trying to fit songwriting into my everyday life's schedule. I must admit, sometimes, the effort brings me down. Still, every time I think of Mark, I try harder, I feel energized, and I fight the good fight to make my music heard. I hope that the songs I write hit home as well as Mark's songs have with me, some of which have been stuck in my mind since I first heard them. If its any consequence, when I listen to him, I feel as if the mirror of life has sung.; Mark is a local talent, and can be found imparting the masses with his songs at the different open mikes around town (The Mucky Duck, the Vintage Bar, Cosmos Cafe), and has played Ovations from what I hear, but no signs of a website or contact as of yet. You'll just have to find him the way I do - out at the Venues - and if you should miss him performing, curse and kick yourself till you turn black and blue.

Bill Swaffar

Bill Swaffar is by and far, one of the most inspiring songwriters I know, mainly because of the uncanny union he has with the sincerity of his songs. Bill writes meaningful songs, that I can only assume are inspired by quite a collection of topics. Bill's story lines and unique lyrics entertain and inspire audiences throughout Houston's open mike scene.

Bill's personal life is a mystery to me. We have seen each other in passing many times, but I've never had the chance to sit and speak with him about his personal life and upbringing... but its neither here nor there. The point is that Bill, unlike so many others, is himself. He sings what is within him, I can tell. I think that the man reaches way down inside himself to pull up the gem that is his songwriting ability, shows it to everyone with a smile, and is gone again in an instant, leaving you with an impression that just will not die. Every time I think about songwriting being a function of the heart, I think of Bill. And I do it, with a smile on my face, damnit.

If you find the time or chance to see this man play, anywhere at all, do it, don't even hesitate. Bill has a gem in his pocket, and when he shows you, you'll never be the same again. And wait till you see it, boy... just you wait.

Melissa Adams: Although she has returned to her native home of Chicago, Melissa Adams began to grow roots in Houston around 1991. Her song writing style is very down to earth, and straight to heart. With a voice like milk and honey, brother you'd have to be downright dense to pass up seeing her.

Melissa loves to give new local talent the opportunity to have a gig to play, and many a time when I was just beginning to come into the Houston scene, I would've been sitting at home playing my guitar for myself had it not been for her invites. Her musical approach ranges from Blues to Folk, to Jazz and Country, and even to Rock. She's one of the most versatile songbirds Houston has to offer.

Her first Album entitled "Firefly" can be bought at and Cactus Records, and don't forget to check out her website at http://www.melissaadams.com - It's worth the look.

For more information please see her web site by clicking on her picture.

Tim & April, what a team.

Tim Walker & April Kelly: Tim Walker and April Kelly met in the spring of 1996 and began performing in their hometown of Houston, Texas. As they introduced original material into their repertoire of cover tunes, they found the response so encouraging that they began to focus on writing and performing their music. They have never looked back. Tim and April's material ranges from the humorous "Cindy Crawford's Pigmented Nevus" to the serious emotion of "To The Light, Again", with most subjects in between covered from a slightly different point of view.; Even though Tim and April are no longer a regular duo, they still play together from time to time, and one thing is certain; Whether together or apart, their close-knit vocal harmonies and distinctive guitar styles make them two of Houston's most established and important artists.; For more information on Tim Walker, please email him at tim@timwalkeronline.com or visit his website at http://www.timwalkeronline.com. For more information on April Kelly, please email her at April@AprilKelly.com or visit her website at http://www.aprilkelly.com

Annie Lin: This 5’4, guitar-toting, Asian-American in heels wields a sweetly assertive voice and a loyal and enthusiastic following in Texas and Southern California. She regularly packs shows at clubs (Fitzgerald's); participates in singer-songwriter showcases (Borders Books & Music, SRO Sports Bar, the Travis Café) and was invited to perform at the 6th Annual Houston Women’s Festival. She has opened for artists like Edie Carey, Jennifer Marks, Terri Hendrix and Canadian chart-topper Sarah Harmer at venues like The Last Concert Cafe, Houston's award-winning SideCar Pub and McGonigel's Mucky Duck. Annie has also made appearances on Los Angeles (KYSR 98.7 FM, KLAS 95.7 FM) and Houston (KTRU 91.7 FM) radio stations and draws large audiences at her West Coast shows.

Annie's live performances sparkle with energy, intimacy and the kind of charm that deters cops. "There’s usually this gap between the performer and the audience," she says, "and short of stage-diving, I always try to close that gap. My personal space is yours."

For more information please contact Annie Lin at annie@annielin.com or visit her website at http://www.annielin.com

Teresa Smythe: Native to Midland Texas, Teresa's ties to Texas are most tangible through in her music. The music she writes is very heart felt, and could easily make you tap your feet or dry your eyes. Teresa started attending open mics around town in July of 1997, and has since grown into Houston's local music scene.

She is also a long-standing member with the Houston / Fort Bend Songwriters Association. Teresa was introduced to the Fort Bend Songwriter's Association in 1997. Under their critical guidance, Teresa learned the spirit filled art and craft of song writing.; From winning countless awards for her songwriting ability, to managing for Jack Saunders and Recording Studio White Cat Records, TC isn't letting anything obstruct her path, and is well known herself all over Houston.

For more information please contact Teresa at tcsmythe@ev1.net.

Blue eyed Selia... as beautiful as talented.

Selia Qynn: Selia Qynn can best be described as a contemporary acoustic folk Artist. Her sensitive, beautiful, soft-spoken voice captivates her audiences. This current Houstonian has received may awards for her talents, ranging from her Award at the Spring Music Festival to honors at the Houston International Peace Festival.

Selia's music can be heard on local radio station 90.1 KPFT here in Houston, on various New England and Midwestern college radio stations, and internationally on French Radio. She has released 3 albums, and her current Album "Charmed Existence" can be bought at Cactus Records and Tapes as well as off the Internet. Simply follow the links to her web site by clicking on her picture.

For more information on Selia, simply click on her picture or feel free to contact her at selia@selia.com.

Lucky Boyd: Born in Port Arthur, Texas, lucky has lived in the state for most of his life. He got his start gigging as a solo artist in the Fort Worth area, and has been performing in clubs around the Bay Area south of Houston since the early 1980s.

Lucky is a talented entertainer who can do it all, and do it with a smile. Lucky writes a variety of music ranging from side splitting funny, damn near teary-eyed, and anywhere in between. Lucky has been thrilling audiences for over 20 years... and speaking from experience, he would have to be one of the nicest and most supportive people you will ever meet.; For more information please contact Lucky at luckyboyd7@aol.com or click on his picture to visit his web site.

Trey Clark: Trey Clark is one of Houston's more down to earth singer/songwriters, mainly because of his appeal to such a wide range of listeners. One of those groups would be one of the more chief crowds around - rednecks. Don't let the term fool you, because if you live in Texas, you know that it's a compliment, not an insult

Singing from a heart that wears a sombrero, Trey's songs speak of retreating to Mexico from the pains of love, drinking tequila under the setting sun, and in-laws with a death wish for the disloyal. A songsmith with true creativity, Trey sings of love from the state pen and running for the border, and it's enough to make you want to pick up a guitar and learn to play, or pack your bags and gas the car up.

But these are not the only subject matter Trey sings about by a long shot. With every horizon in his grasp, an excellent voice, and a delicate hand on the strings of his guitar, Trey is sure to charm the tap out of every toe in the audience. In the Yearbook of Houston Songwriters, Trey has "Most Likely to Git Down" written under his picture. If you find him in a local venue, sit down and stay awhile. If you don't enjoy the show, you're "Most Likely to Be Tone Deaf".

For more information on Trey, please visit his website at http://www.treyclark.net or just click on the pick.

Mark Zeus: Mark Zeus is an artist who has done his share of songwriting, both in Houston and in his home town of Chicago. But one thing that usually goes without saying is the level of quality that Mark turns out. The few times that I have been witness to Mark Zeus on stage have been, in all honesty, pure inspiration to my own songwriting ability. He is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, an icon in the singer/songwriting circuit, with a sound as compelling and as stirring as Ken Gaines or Trey Clark.

Playing places like Walter's Pub and Comos Cafe, Zeus and his collaborators (named "The Thunderboltz"), are a sure-fire hit every time, turning out masses of individuals for the venues he frequents. His shows are full of wit and intensity; you can't help but enjoy yourself. He is admired by countless fans, and is established and recognized as a important example of the potential that every singer and songwriter has within his or her own self. Do yourself a favor, and go see this man perform.

For more information on Mark, please visit his website at http://www.markzeus.com or just click on the picture.

Stevie Muree: With a strong voice and an awesome display of talent on flute and 12-string guitar, Stevie Muree is setting the standard for what it is to be a Female singer/songwriter in the Houston circuit. Her band, Beryl Grady, consists of some amazing lead guitar, excellent bass, and some respectable drumming, but without a doubt, Stevie is what brings it all together.
: Stevie's style ranges from hard and heavy to soft and sweet, sometimes in the same song, but always with a smooth transition and pleasing melody. Her vocals are strong and expressive, and have an undeniable power about them. I don't know many female vocalists of this caliber. Unfortunately, words can't really describe just how good Stevie is - you'll have to see her for yourself to know for sure.; For more information on Stevie, please visit her website at http://www.berylgrady.com or just click on the pick.

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Constructed June 3, 2000 & Updated February 1, 2003

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