Loch Ness Johnny

Combining Celtic, Appalachian, Bluegrass, Punk and Americana Rock, Loch Ness Johnny produces a sound and an energy comparable to Flogging Molly and The Pogues in their heyday!!! Having produced 5 Independent albums and logged thousands of miles on the road in the past 10 years, Loch Ness Johnny is well equipped to whip a crowd into a foot-stomping frenzy.

Website:  http://www.myspace.com/lochnessjohnny

Smithfield Fair

Smithfield Fair has been described by critics as “a folksy Supertramp” with “a distinct Peter Gabriel vibe”. Meaning? They are hard to pin down, hard to pigeonhole, definitely indefinable.

The quartet’s music has been heard the world over on radio, television, internet radio, film, and stages ranging from festivals to concert halls to house concerts.  Smithfield Fair is currently experiencing a fury of downloads from over 60 internet sites.  Now in its 20th year, Smithfield Fair has never chosen the obvious musical path – exhibited on eleven albums – and continues to grow.

Despite change and growth, the members of this unusual acoustic and vocal quartet have always considered their music to be song-driven. Songwriters and composers in their own right, the members of Smithfield Fair present critically-acclaimed original compositions bearing strong imagery and message as a perfect complement to more traditional selections.  The band’s approach to traditional material from their shared Scottish heritage is fresh and brings an evolving and evocative presence to already timeless material.  Not ‘the norm’ these days.

Beneath the motive power of Dudley-Brian Smith’s ringing guitar work is the exacting fury of Frang’s bodhran and percussion work and Bob Smith’s fluidly precise bass lines.  The combination of that rhythmic muscle is the perfect structure over which to lay Jan Smith’s melodic and ethereal accordion work, and the group’s hauntingly elegant vocal harmonies.  Together, the members of Smithfield Fair create a dynamic atmosphere to transport listeners through time and space, away from their daily concerns and deposit them on safer ground with a feeling of hopefulness.  Audiences consistently comment on the enormous sound the quartet achieves and the power and depth of the musical presentation.  Reviewers have noted the group’s live shows exhibit influences of folk, jazz, swing, pop, and Celtic, while remaining ‘a cohesively warm whole’.

Smithfield Fair’s active touring schedule includes a wide variety of carefully selected concerts, acoustic music festivals, house concerts and coffeehouses, but regardless of venue, the group preserves an intimate relationship with audiences.  Smithfield Fair has built a strong following and continues to garner high critical praise for its music and presentation.  The group has shared stages with a veritable ‘who’s who’ of American roots and Celtic music’s finest.

Website is    http://www.smithfieldfair.com/

Alex Beaton

Alex Beaton is the soul of quality Scottish music.  One can't talk about Scottish music without his name at the top of the list.  Every musician playing Highland Games in North America owes a debt of gratitude to Alex because he started what has become a tradition of Scottish music performances at North American Highland Games.  There are no music performances like this at games in Scotland.  He has served as a catalyst to advance the traditions of Scottish Highland Games and events to include Scottish music; it's proved to be essential for attracting more and more people to both the events and to the traditions, as well as advancing a general interest in music.

Website: http://www.alexbeaton.com/

Cynergy

CYNERGY is the collective alter ego of Judy and Bob Williams. The duo has been performing in and around Savannah for over two decades. In addition to playing at clubs, weddings, and private parties they have been featured at the Savannah Folk Music Festival, the Night In Old Savannah, the Forsyth Festival, and other public events.

The music of CYNERGY is "unplugged" and eclectic. Judy’s vocals and skill on guitar, bouzouki, and bodhran blend with Bob’s hammered dulcimer and occasional harmonica on traditional Scottish and Irish tunes and songs.  Cynergy often includes the talents of other musicians as well, performing on flute, pennywhistle, mandolin, and fiddle.

Website:   http://www.williamsav.biz/