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This year’s Folk DJ Showcase had 17 performers selected by folk radio hosts from across the region and beyond. I presented the Evie Ladin Band. Perhaps Evie was a name that some will recognize from her days as a member of the Stairwell Sisters . She appeared with them on stages from Lincoln Center to A Prairie Home Companion. She is currently performing with her band which is new to most of us, and until now we have not been getting a chance to see her very often on the East Coast. Based on her showcases at NERFA, I think we will be seeing more of her. A banjo player, step dancer, singer-songwriter and square dance caller, Evie embraces roots music and brings a contemporary flair to her performances. Her husband, Keith Terry, is known as a “body musician” and adds great energy to the group.

Monica Rizzo at NERFA

Another face that you might recognize from her days with the acclaimed trio Tripping Lilly was Monica Rizzio. Monica ventured out on her own and her solo performance at the Folk DJ showcase was very well received. She gave me an EP of a couple of songs that will appear on debut CD Washashore Cowgirl, scheduled for release in the spring of 2016. Washashore is the name locals in Cape Cod give to those who move to the Cape but weren’t born there. Monica, who grew up in East Texas, has a nice country attitude that blends with a Northern sense of irony. She can write some bonafide tear jerkers as well as humorous songs that deal with love, heartache and life. Bob Weiser, host of The Old Songs Home that broadcasts on WOMR in Provincetown, Rhode Island and WFMR in Orleans, Massachusetts had the good taste to present Monica.

John Platt, host of the Sunday Supper on WFUV in New York City presented local favorites The Levins. I really hope their music will spread beyond the tri-state region during the coming year. Their infectious sound is centered around their exquisite harmonies and the positive messages of their songs. With a world in crisis, we need these messages to boost our spirits and bring a smile to our faces.

There were also many “new” faces, or perhaps I should say “new” voices that were welcomed by my aging ears. Rich Warren, host of The Midnight Special out of Chicago, convinced a group from St. Louis to journey to Kerhonksen to share their distinctive music. I am so glad that they came. Mt. Thelonius chose the band name to pay tribute to their mutual influence, jazz legend Thelonious Monk, also adding a base firmly rooted in folk music to create their sound. It is innovative and yet classic. Their musical explorations were one of the highlights of the weekend for me.

Fendrick and Peck at NERFA 2015

Perhaps one of the most talked about acts to appear at NERFA this year was the duo of Fendrick and Peck. There was a “buzz” generated by their performance on Thursday night that built all weekend. Folk radio mainstay Mary Cliff from Washington DC met this duo and invited them to come to NERFA. Wisconsin natives, currently residing in Nashville, Fendrick and Peck are the contemporary embodiment of what makes American folk music so intriguing. Their original songs could easily be confused for ancient ballads that were treasured by folk song collectors during the folk revival. There is a refreshing old time sensibility to their songs that can easily be accessed by contemporary audiences. Madeline Fendrick has a gorgeous voice and a delightful sense of humor that wins over audiences. Brian Peck displays a respectful understanding of the traditions that can be found in his instrumentals as well as his songwriting. It is encouraging to find new artists like this and I hope they will get support from the folk community so that we can have more chances to witness their performances.

Annika Bennett at NERFA 2015

Both Angela Page, host of Folk Plus (WJFF in Jeffersonville, New York) and Kelly Walker host of the Sundilla Radio Hour (WTSU in Montgomery, Alabama) had the foresight to select Annika Bennett. Of all the DJs who presented acts, only 2 artists were selected by multiple DJs, a testament to the wealth of talent in our folk community. Annika is someone that will soon be on everyone’s radar. She is only 18 years old but she is writing songs that speak of far greater experiences as well as displaying a seasoned craftsmanship. A student at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, Annika has won numerous awards for her songwriting, including ASCAP’s prestigious Robert Allen Award for excellence in songwriting. In 2014 she was part of Real Women Real Songs, a group of 22 women who were prompted to write a song each week for the entire year. Through this hard work comes a young artist that offers intelligent songs that speak for a new generation rising in our folk community.

Other outstanding performers at the Folk DJ showcase that grabbed my attention were Meghan Cary (presented by Mark Corso of WRSU in New Brunswick, New Jersey), Kirsten Maxell (presented by Joe Pszoneck of Radio Nowhere in Upper Montclair, New Jersey), my good friend Davey-O (presented by Kelly Walker of Sundilla Radio Hour) and the delightful Doll Sisters (presented by Angela Page of Folk Plus). All told, the evening featured 17 outstanding and diverse acts, most of those being artists I am anxious to play as part of my own radio show. It was also wonderful to see how many different radio hosts were present which shows that folk radio is alive and kicking.

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