Dina Simone is a most amazing musical artist. She performs with Facing Winter and they will be performing at this year's Widow's Peak Festival on Saturday the 21st at arond 1:30 PM. I first met Dina during a Podcast recording of Facing Winter when she was playing one of my acoustic guitars over in a corner during a break. What she was doing was amazing and I immediately asked her to come in on her own and record a Podcast, and here it is.

MIke Maker Earthshakers

Andrea Else is a composer and musician who seeks to reflect the social consciousness of living in a global community. Trained in classical and jazz, Andrea has performed and recorded with orchestras, ensembles, choirs, and bands at venues and events including the Taste of Chicago, House of Blues, Looptopia, Dance Chicago, the Irish American Heritage Center and Gallery 37 Theater.

Carrie Westbay is an acoustic entertainer who has been performing and writing music for over 12 years. You can hear some of her original songs on myspace, facebook and reverbnation. She's been working on a solo project (EP) at Dharma Records with Jake Allen. She's selling singles of her new music to raise the funds to finish the Album.

Stephen Leonard was the former host for a concert series at the unfortunately now defunct "Wild Pug" Bar up on the Northside of Chicago. It was a wonderful bar where folks of all persuasions could come together and share the joys of live music in a very comfortable environment.

Jess Godwin and her band came into the studio where her infectious spirit took control and we all had a woderful time listening to her music and lyrics.The video attached to this Podcast is from her stellar performance opening for Brian Walker at his CD Release Show on April 7, 2011. As you will see by this clip, you must go see her live. She is a joy to behold.Jess has a very exciting Music Video Release show coming Saturday, May 7 BLACKSTONE HOTEL CHICAGO

GreenChoby is a partnership of singer songwriter Carolyn Green and musician Mike Choby. Their rootsy-style wonderfully combines the grit of the inner city with the sweetness of life based on hope. The duo joined forces back in 1995 when bassist Mike Choby saw singer-songwriter Carolyn Green perform at a coffeehouse in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood. That first meeting led to a rehearsal, many Persian dinners, many more gigs, five CD projects, and a friendship that has lasted over fifteen years.

Kelsey Montanez is a singer/songwriter born out of Chicago, IL. Raised into a family of musicians, from an early age she has been exposed to the passion and pleasure music can bring and that joy can be heard in each delicately crafted song she writes. She began singing when she was merely four years old when her father would bring her to band practices and let her sing into the microphone. " I remember sitting on the basement steps and watching my dad and his band build all these beautiful sounds.

"Truman's Ridge harmonies are varied, at times reminiscent of the early brother bands, and at other times showing a strong rural-gospel influence in the 3 and 4 part vocals. The lead vocals are always strong. Instrumentally the band continues to show the influence of midwestern string band and Chicago jazz and blues on its interpretation of traditional bluegrass arrangements. The rock-solid beat of the guitar and bass compliment the driving rhythm of the banjo and the compelling mandolin lead breaks. Fiddle and harmonica are also featured on some songs.

Trevor McSpadden with CAU alumni Steve Stokes joined the party and performed a bunch of Trevor's music. Trevor is originally from San Marcus, Texas just outside Austin.