AvalonFest 2010 Performers

ANNE HILLS: Anne Hills is a singer, actress, writer, and musician. Acoustic music audiences know her both as a solo artist and through her collaborations with Tom Paxton, Michael Smith, Cindy Mangsen, Priscilla Herdman, and many others. Tom Paxton says, "For me, Anne's writing, in songs like 'Follow That Road' and many others, is as direct, melodic and deep as any work being done today. She is quite simply one of my absolute favorite songwriters." We agree, and we are pleased to welcome Anne back to Avalon as our featured songwriter this year. www.AnneHills.com

CREOLE STOMP: This is Real Deal Louisiana Creole Zydeco, Cajun, Blues, and New Orleans Swamp Pop. Their unique sound and mix of ancient and modern Mississippi River valley musical tradition positions them as the only band to encompass French Creole and Folk Music from the entirety of the old Louisiana Territory. "Arguably the best band from outside of Louisiana to ever play its music" (Taste LA Festival, IA) www.CreoleStomp.com

THE RANDALL WILLIAMS BAND: Two hours after informing his voice teacher that he was leaving the world of classical music, Randall Williams graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Mons, Belgium at the head of his class. In 2005, Randall returned stateside to scrounge up a career as a performing songwriter. He has sung in a dozen languages in over 35 countries. "Sing Out" magazine says, "It's rare that a honey-toned tenor carries as much force as Williams. Combine that voice with highly articulate guitar work and superlative songs for a most powerful presence." Randall is joined by Lisa Redfern, David Glaser, Mike Mullane, and Tommy Geddes. www.whereisrandall.com

ILYAIMY: Fronted by Rob Hinkal's and Heather Lloyd's tightly interwoven harmonies, ilyAIMY (ill YAY' mee) is live percussive performance. Their fans say ilyAIMY sounds like some combination of Rusted Root, Buckingham/Nicks, Jethro Tull, acoustic Tool, Ani Difranco, Keller Williams, "Nickel Creek on crack," Alice in Chains, the Indigo Girls, Metallica, and Cry Cry Cry. www.ilyaimy.com

GUY MENDILOW BAND:Led by Israeli composer/performer Guy Mendilow, this spirited quintet breaks down musical boundaries with a dynamic blend of Israeli and Sephardi tempered with Bahian street beats and blues. Featuring world-class musicians from Israel, Japan, and the United States, the band skillfully fuses tradition with a contemporary sound in vibrant musical storytelling awash with lush vocal harmonies, intricate textures and spellbinding rhythms. It's a folk music of hope and affirmation, sophisticated in its delivery but easily accessible to listeners anywhere" (Chicago Tribune). "This isn't for quirky ears, it's for jaded ears that need to be shaken awake with something substantially different that keeps the interest on the beam throughout. Delightfully different, even when it seems like it might be familiar" (Midwest Record). www.guymendilow.com

RESONANCE: Resonance is a world fusion group featuring the alluring sounds of the Caribbean steel drum. The ensemble blends the rhythms and sounds of Trinidadian Calypso and Soca, West African drumming, Brazilian Bossa Nova and Samba, Jamaican Reggae, and American Jazz and Funk. At the heart of every performance is the compelling vibe of the steel drum and a celebration of Caribbean/Jazz and the music of the Americas. www.resonancesteel.com

DAVID KLEINER: David Kleiner, winner of the 2009 Avalon Performing Songwriter Competition, has headlined venues like Philadelphia's World Café Live and the Prism Coffeehouse in Charlottesville, VA. Songs from David's three CDs have been played on radio stations around the world. Sing Out's review of This Human Heart raved, "It's all about intensity and passion." He truly looks forward to entertaining another terrific Avalon audience at the 2010 festival, joined this year by band members Elliott Levin on sax and flute, Richard Brown on harmonica and Herb Engelsberg on guitar. David also will lead the Friday night after-hours singing in the Lodge. For more information about David go to sonicbids.com/davidkleiner and cdbaby.com/Artist/DavidKleiner.

MISS TESS AND THE BON TON PARADE: Miss Tess brings us groovy, modern-vintage, 20's and 30's, Swing-Blues Infused Jazz. "If Billie Holiday and Chet Atkins had a musical baby, it would be Miss Tess. She has shared the stage with Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett among others. Bon Ton Parade band members are Alec Spiegelman on sax & clarinet, Ben Davis on upright bass, and Matt Meyer on drums. www.misstessmusic.com

THE TWO MAN GENTLEMAN BAND: Original Circus-Country, Dixieland-Swing, Dueling Kazoos and Vaudeville Charm. The Two Man Gentlemen Band's original brand of raucous, retro vaudevillian swing is fast becoming an underground sensation, even catching the attention of big-names like Bob Dylan & Willie Nelson, for whom The Gents opened a handful of shows last summer. www.thetwogentlemen.com

CRAIG BICKHARDT: For his latest project, "Brother To The Wind," Craig Bickhardt dug deep into his 800 - plus tune catalog. The record contains songs that have already proven their strength, having been recorded by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood, Tony Rice, Charlie Louvin and others. In 2006 Bickhardt made the bold move to leave Nashville and return to the concert stage and to his roots in eastern Pennsylvania. Since his move he has shared the stage with Kathy Mattea, Judy Collins, Billy Joe Shaver, Livingston Taylor, and Janis Ian among others.

IONA: IONA returns to our stage, bringing Avalonfest to a close with upbeat Celtic music stylings. Conceived in 1986, IONA was the musical offspring of lead singer, bouzouki, guitar and bodhrán player Barbara Ryan and wind section, Bernard Argent. With fiddlers Jim Queen (banjo and vocals as well), bass guitar player Chuck Lawhorh and Kathleen Larrick on vocals and dance performance, IONA has become the leading Celtic group in the Mid-Atlantic region.

ROBYN KAY: From Toronto, Robyn Kay was a finalist in the 2009 songwriting contest, and we had many requests for her to join us again this year. She brings us folk music with balls and the soul of an injured bird ready to take flight and risk everything. She sings about living life through your guts before its too late and loving yourself every step of the way. www.myspace.com/robynkaymusic

JENNIE AVILA: Jennie Avila accompanies herself with acoustic guitar, conga drum, and kokirikko (an instrument that resembles a snake vertebrae) and exotic hand percussion. Jennie brings an incredible magnetism to the stage. Her earthly voice swings from muddy earth growls to mystic ethereal whispers with heart touching lyrics that stir the soul. Jennie is a member of the trio Hot Soup and will lead the Saturday night after-hours sing as well as a drawing workshop on Saturday afternoon. www.jennieavila.com