Folk Archives - CreativeSonoma.org

Christopher Alexander Audio, Composition, Film, Instrumental, Media, Music, Other, Vocal Christopher Alexander is a songwriter from Sonoma County who performs in a style evocative of the 60's and 70's. He's a poet turned musician who composes music of various genres from blues to psychedelic rock and folk rock to jazz. The subject matter he writes and sings about ranges from the mundane to the fantastical often blending the two in a seamless, mind-bending way.

Moon Alley Music Instrumental, Music, Vocal Love is a central theme for Moon Alley Music, which stems from husband and wife duo: Scott and Aleena Decker. The Bay Area duo focuses on jazz ballads, swing, and latin jazz, with a sprinkling of contemporary music arrangements. Scott’s guitar sensitivity and Aleena’s sweet vocals infuse their performance with a deep love of music. Scott is an accomplished musician who received his degree in Jazz Studies from Sonoma State University, earning the honorary Mel Graves 'Distinguished Graduate in the field of Jazz' award. Aleena is a classically trained vocalist who has performed with L.A. Opera and is influenced by Patti Cathcart Andress, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughn. The pair have enjoyed performing in many events by the Healdsburg Jazz Festival and have performed in a wide range of venues ranging from large jet hangars for fundraising events to intimate dinner parties and special occasions. Wherever Moon Alley Music goes, they bring their fun and loving nature.

Two Lions Band Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal

Once Upon a time...

The Two Lions band was created to showcase the music of Mitchel Slade. The idea of the band stems from the iconic idea that the Lion and the Lamb in friendship are a sign of peace.

We have come far towards our goals of peace, but we are truly in the time of the Two Lions. The time of personal leadership and evolution, and the need to resolve differences. Musically, we hope to bring a depth in the poetry and create an ambiance with the music that provokes a thoughtful, intended, and progressive experience.

The Band:

Mitchel Slade - guitar and vocals

Ashley Holmberg - violin & viola

Lance Harrington - percussion

Mandy Brooks Composition, Instrumental, Music, Teacher/Instructor, Vocal Mandy Brooks found the road to music career a natural path to follow as she grew up with a mother who was a professional singer. She began sitting in with her mom's bands and learning about the industry from about 12 yo. Throughout her teens and twenties, she studied music in high school, college, recorded on various audio and visual projects in the studio and performed in live groups and ensembles including The Jimmy Scott Band, Blues Baby & Good Thing. Mandy has taught piano, voice and band workshops throughout the years at Yamaha Music School; Irvine, CA; Moody Music; Anaheim, Ca. and currently teaches privately out of her home studio. As the founder of Mockingbird Productions Company, she enjoy promoting and booking acts for venues and independently. 2017 marked the year of my debut album release, "Move on Up". Mandy Brooks is the leader of the "Mandy Brooks Band", also formed in 2017, featuring local artists including Levi Lloyd on guitar. Since this release, Mandy has also released five original songs and performs nationally with her family band “Small Hat”. As well as performing live, Mandy has a passion for songwriting. Mandy has won an award in 2017 from the West Coast Songwriters, and a finalist in the 2019 Creative Sonoma Next Level songwriting contest. Mandy was also commissioned in 2018 to write a song “Common Ground” in commemoration of the 2017 Tubbs fire. Women in Music Collective was founded by Mandy Brooks in 2017 and has since produced a benefit concert in 2018 as well as donated instruments to women, to Verity and the Ronnie Martin Foundation. In 2019 Mandy was asked to speak on behalf of the collective for the Women’s March in Santa Rosa in front of 3,500 people. 2018 Mandy won the female artist of the year for the Christian/Gospel category for the Josie Music Awards in Nashville. Mandy has a passion for helping other musicians achieve their goals and making a positive change in her community through her songs and her music. Singing, playing guitar and keyboard, writing songs and utilizing the gift of music to make a difference in individuals and communities is a driving force behind the music and life of Mandy Brooks.

Cade Burkhammer Artisan, Audio, Ceramics, Design, Fiction, Functional Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Instrumental, Interior Design, Literature, Media, Mixed, Multi-Media, Music, Other, Other, Other, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Video, Visual Arts Cade Burkhammer, born April 21st 1973, has been painting and exhibiting paintings and playing music since he was 13 years old around the country. Painting styles include surreal oils, abstract acrylic and latex, experimental and controlled mixed media, watercolor illustration, original Photoshop photography, ceramics, bronze sculpture, writing, landscape design, gardening, science, healing arts, bardic meditation, drumming, piano, DJ... Cade is the creator of 'The Wise Fool Tarot', a self-published independent manifesto that took 15 years of research, meditation, painting, writing and raising funds for printing and distributing. This year will be Cade's second tarot release collaborating with another author. His third oracle deck is in the making. Cade is the creator of 'Wrecords', a series of recordings and sound collages in the vain of Vicki Bennett and Philip Jeck, which is the musical accompaniment for the video series 'Recycled Memories.' A multi-media event featuring video and sound collage of noisy vintage meditation of the forgotten past and dreamy future combined with live drums, piano and sometimes female vocals.

Sean Carscadden Composition, Music Carscadden is a two time winner of the North Bay Bohemian Norbay award for best Americana artist 2018 and 2019. With a crack team of musicians, the Sean Carscadden Trio is one of the most exciting bands in Northern California. Playing a mix of Blues, New Orleans Funk, Folk and old time songs with a contemporary touch, the group is energetic and known to gets some folks dancing! Carscadden is joined by bassist extraordinare Cliff Hugo (Ray Charles, Supertramp) and behind the drums you will find either Mikey Cannon (Gator Nation) or Kendrick Freeman (Joe Craven). And you can often find some of the bay area's best musicians popping in and joining the band on stage.

Andrew Cedeño Acting, Music, Performance Art, Theatre, Vocal - Sonoma State University graduate with a bachelor’s in Vocal Performance - Private voice/piano teacher at Music to My Ears in Cotati - Hybrid baritone and countertenor

Jason Cool Acting, Architecture, Artisan, Arts Administration, Ballroom, Ceramics, Children's, Choreography, Composition, Crew, Dance, Design, Directing, Equipment, Fashion Design, Fiber Art, Fiction, Film Office, Folk Art, Functional Art, Furniture, General Services, Glass, Hip-Hop & Funk, Illustration, Improvisation, Improvisation, Instrumental, Interior Design, Jewelry, Literature, Media, Mixed, Modern, Multi-Media, Music, Non-Fiction, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Painting, Performance Art, Photography, Poetry, Production, Professional Performance, Puppetry, Sculpture, Storytelling, Talent, Teacher/Instructor, Theatre, Visual Arts, Vocal, Woodworking

Jason Cool/Henson

Raised by musical and artistic tallent. from my grandfather Walter cool.writing and composing set designs on and off Broadway as well as music teacher. He tought me many things about music ,set design ,and writing stories making songs.mom colleen cool was a d.j for many years growing up .her morning talk show won an addy award. experience of the evolution of radio stations format from vinal,reel to reel,8 track,cassette,cd,to digital.learned lots about the insider secrets and politics , selling air time ,being a paid musical artist.and much more.on my dad's side .the "story family." his grandmother had 21 kids .4 sets of twins ,all natural birth!all musicians playing together ofton..on ed sullvon show and groucho marks.this popular family band and I would practice at grandma's regularly. As a kid growing up. i would try many instruments pianos ,drums,accordion ,banjo ,mandolin etc. I have been in theater,loved the arts, music ,writer. open to everything since i was a young kid.arts and music are my life!if i dont know how to do something,i will be honest!i ask,try and will do all things of interest with love !and any collaboration with heart.I Compromise to learn others perspectives because im always learning. preforming on and off stage.jamming with the public.sharing what i know. Learning what others are willing or able to teach.I loved all the music,art,storys,I have been a part of, or experienced 1999 to current over 15 countries I visited. World Share

Clementine Darling Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal Self taught singer-songwriter performing under the name of Clementine Darling. I play acoustic guitar and write folk tunes about my observations on love and the world.

Oddjob Ensemble Composition, Equipment, Film Office, Instrumental, Music, Other, Other, Performance Art, Talent, Theatre, Vocal "Hailing from Sonoma County, Oddjob Ensemble performs a myriad of musical styles and collaborates with perfomance artists in Vaudevillian shows, musical theater, and the avant garde. The Ensemble, led by Kalei Yamanoha, is a trio that is comprised of trap kit, string bass and accordion. Dancing to energizing early jazz numbers, listening to ethereal folk music and stomping to raucus overtures, the crowd will have their ears twisted into a delicious musical pretzel."

Jesse Fichman Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal "While AJ Lee is only 19 years old, she’s been the new face of bluegrass for more than a decade.” -The San Francisco Chronicle Blue Summit combines accomplished instrumental work with powerful vocals and a lose interpretation of traditional bluegrass. Taking in elements from western swing, soul, folk, rock, and old time music, this band of friends puts their heart into their music, and has honorably been recognized as 2018 NCBS Band of the Year. At the head of the group is AJ Lee, eight-time winning NCBS Female Vocalist of the Year, and 2018 Mandolin Player of the Year. The rest of Blue Summit’s accomplishments can be accredited to the dedication, persistence, and passion of founding member Isaac Cornelius (bass), Jesse Fichman (guitar), and two-time Guitar Player of the Year, Sullivan Tuttle. Blue Summit has played at festivals all around California, including the CBA Father’s Day Festival, the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival, and the Kate Wolf Music Festival. They have recently released their first album, “Sweet Company”.

Ross Friedman Composition, Instrumental, Music, Other, Vocal Ross Friedman is a songwriter, recording engineer and music instructor based in Petaluma, California. Ross' songwriting covers many genres including: singer/songwriter, jazzy ballads, blues, rock and country rock. Instrumentals of various styles (acoustic, jazzy, blues and rock are also part of Ross' repertoire. Ross has a ProTools recording setup and can help songwriters and other musicians record their music. Ross provides individualized instruction on guitar and bass, taking into account the students taste in music. Instruction is provided for all levels - beginning, intermediate and advanced. Ross has many years of experience in music instruction and has been teaching in California since 1979. Ross has performed in bands and as a solo act since the age of 12. Although a professional for many years, he says "I remember what it's like to be a beginner and know that people starting out appreciate patience and encouragement." With this in mind, he has developed teaching techniques to simplify and explain the workings of music to all ages and levels of ability.

Kevin Gonyo Audio, Composition, Design, Film, Graphic Design, Media, Music My name is Kevin Gonyo, and I love to create. Currently, I work as a designer at a non-profit in Santa Rosa. I received my BA in music from UCLA, and still compose and perform. Always looking to work with new people!

Carissa Green Instrumental, Music, Other, Vocal Carissa Green is a singer/songwriter & vocalist hailing from Sonoma County whose musical influences include Americana, folk, blues, jazz, alternative, rock, funk, & reggae, to say the least. Like so many, she got the early church-going start! Miss Caris always has a ukulele on hand & plays to connect emotionally with people on that level only music can reach. Wherever there's music, there's instant community. She has been part of various, widely differing musical groups including Midnight Sun, Freedom Jazz Choir, Santa Rosa Junior College Choir, Saturn Goes Pop, Jon Gonzales Stringband, Jon Gonzales & Family, Helen's Mini Band, The Ukazookee Orchestra of Sonoma County, Jamie Clark Band, and the Hunka Hunka Hula Revue. She writes music that can be played solo, with a few fellow musicians, or a full band. She prefers to explore music from an inclusive perspective, often writing across genre lines and blurring the traditional sense of styling. Music is love! Music is as important as life itself. Sharing music is the ultimate honor & she endeavors to connect community around music in every way, shape and form available.

Matthew Isais Bowker Composition, Instrumental, Music, Teacher/Instructor Matthew Isais Bowker is a Mexican-Italian- American Saxophonist, composer and educator. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and California Teaching Credential from Sonoma State University. Matthew’s mission in music is to bridge the gap between classical music and music of the Latinx/ Hispanic communities. Many members of the Latinx community don’t feel welcome in a concert hall because of the Western European traditions which have excluded them. His hope is to welcome people into classical music by playing music they’re used to hearing but set for a classical ensemble. There are many classical works written by Latinx composers that are never heard because classical ensembles don’t program them. Matthew is actively trying to change that by personally performing those works, as well as folk/ Mariachi, and arranging them for saxophone and piano to get them heard. As an educator, he feels it is important to have representation in the classroom and have children play music they can relate to instead of the same music that has been used for years. He is arranging Mexican folk music, mariachi music and many other traditional Latinx music for school ensembles like concert bands, wind ensembles, string orchestras, and symphony orchestras. He hopes that these arrangements can act as an avenue to diversity the classroom and teach about Latinx culture and traditions. If we want to see real change in our community, we have to start within the classroom.

Leslie M. Levy Acting, Artisan, Audio, Composition, Crew, Directing, Fiction, Film, Film Office, Folk Art, Improvisation, Literature, Media, Mixed, Multi-Media, Multimedia, Music, Non-Fiction, Other, Photography, Poetry, Production, Storytelling, Talent, Technical, Theatre, Video, Visual Arts, Vocal I am a developing multifaceted creative based in Sonoma County, offering a breadth of knowledge and growing experience. Currently a senior at Sonoma State University in Communication and Media, I am looking for collaborative and mentorship opportunities within Sonoma County primarily and the Bay Area at large. A writer to the bone, I have experience with video work of all kinds (mostly camera, lighting, and directing/producing, some with editing) as well as some audio experience (ever-expanding because it is my second passion next to writing). I believe I have a lot to offer in a wide range of areas and love helping creative juices flow like watersheds into a project.

Dan Martin Audio, Composition, Instrumental, Media, Music, Teacher/Instructor, Vocal Northern California native, Dan Martin has been writing songs and performing in bands since he was 17 years old. A student of drums, as well as guitars and vocals, his passions are found within Reggae and Ska as well as Jazz, Rock and Folk. In 2009, Dan began performing as a solo artist, creating a local buzz through songs with lyrical honesty and an upbeat, danceable feel. Leading into 2010 he began the formation of a backing band, recruiting other local musician-friends who shared in his passion for the Rocksteady vibes. By 2012 the band had solidified into a full 7-piece band, The Noma Rocksteady Band and they lit-up dance floors wherever they went. Performing at venues throughout Northern California, Dan and The Noma Rocksteady Band has shared bills with such acts as The Melodians, Pato Banton, Israel Vibrations, Burnt, and Midnight Sun Massive. Dan Martin and the Noma Rocksteady Band continue to lighten the spirit and shake the dance floor with old-school reggae rhythms, while maintaining a unique contemporary sound.

Hannah Mayree Artisan, Audio, Composition, Creative Sonoma Grantee, Folk Art, Instrumental, Media, Music, Other, Teacher/Instructor, Vocal, Woodworking Hannah Mayree (she/her/they/them) is a creative facilitator and musician who's work and art lends itself as a tool for redesigning and reconnecting to our roots as humans on this planet. A banjoist, multi-instrumentalist, producer and vocalist, Hannah shares original and traditional banjo compositions as well as harmonies through acoustic live vocal looping and reminds us of the power found in our relationship to the earth, music and community. They co-founded and creatively direct the Black Banjo Reclamation Project which is currently creating musical, cultural and land-based opportunities for Black, Afro-Diasporic communities around the world to work with the banjo as a tool for reclaiming ancestral wisdom & creating Afro-futures.

Puffinhorn Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal Puffinhorn is a duo of Mike Campbell - (guitar,trumpet, ukelele,vocals) and John Paul Norris - (acoustic & electric bass, bass uke, vocals). We perform a mix of original & classic folk-rock, blues & jazz. The amount of each of these genres will vary depending upon venue & event. We are also available as a trio with drums for dance parties. Our venue specialties include restaurants, coffee house, private dinner parties festivals & wine events. We are self contained with our own sound & lighting systems and can provide music and sound levels appropriate for any occasion. .

Steven Radice Composition, Illustration, Instrumental, Music, Other, Painting, Technical, Theatre, Visual Arts, Vocal Are you smiling? Is it fun? That's what I look for in my art, in my life. I want to play. I want to share. In music or visual art, I offer the joy of my heart. And yes, I've won the awards, endorsements, audiences and whatever. That's nice, but Love is what matters. Smile, dance, live the life. Balance. Enjoy.

Jewel Shield Artisan, Ceramics, Composition, Instrumental, Music, Other, Other, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts, Vocal Music is the Universal language of all people and creation. I am a lifelong Artisan with a deep love and appreciation for harmony and beauty. The creative spark that leads me from within feels natural and familiar. It perhaps comes from an experience of many lifetimes being emerged in the arts and my ancestral lineage that includes many artists, musicians and teachers. I have been a professional harpist, musician, artist, teacher and mentor since the early 1980’s. I have a passion for creating and contributing more love, beauty and peace in the world through music, arts and compassionate teaching. I have a BFA in Studio Arts/ Ceramics with a background in Creative Arts Therapies and also Certifications in Sound, Voice and Music Healing, and Yoga of the Voice and Transformational Life Mastery Coaching. Although I have played and performed a variety of genres and styles mostly rooted in world and ethnic traditions, I am currently focused on my own creative compositions and contemplative improvisations on Harp, my primary instrument, as well as exploring and creating new music, instruments and sounds for healing. I am a holistic and compassionate teacher and creative mentor. Primarily being a self taught musician, I love to empower my students and assist them in discovery of their inner guide and teacher. Music is natural to everything, it is what connect us and has powerful transforming and healing benefits. I currently perform ambient background for special events, receptions, featured performances, Sacred occasions and meditations, healing and magical SoundScapes. I also perform music as accompaniment for yoga, dance, chi gong and tai chi classes, poetry readings and other various events and collaborations. As a multi instrumentalist I play a variety of instruments, especially in my Sound Healing work, including Crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, Native American flutes, and zithers. I am now combining my experience and artistry, and working on designing instruments that anyone can enjoy playing and experience the powerful and therapeuticbenefits of making music.

Kenny Simeone Audio, Composition, Instrumental, Media, Music, Other KENNY SIMEONE from San Rafael, California, Now in Windsor, CA. I offer Songwriting, Recording, music production, Mixing and mastering and can create a song for anything.

Mitchel Slade Composition, Music, Vocal

Take a moment, and show the world what you got....

Music offers us a form of expression to help explore and give meaning to the otherwise predictable world.

Born in 1973, Mitchel's musical training began with his first classical piano teacher in sixth grade. Her inspiration continued to push him forward into using music to express his experiences and journey. His musical influences range from the 80's punk scene to bluegrass, and include the great song writers: Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Beck, Cohen and an endless list of poets, mentors, family, friends, and a constant supply of interesting people from around the world.

Linda Stonestreet Composition, Improvisation, Music, Performance Art, Teacher/Instructor, Theatre, Vocal Linda Stonestreet is the founder of The Sing Project which seeks to seed circle singing groups in the north bay for the purpose of re-building and strengthening community. Born in California, she is mentored by Rhiannon in the vocal river traditions and conducts improvisational circle singing. She is a Singer-Songwriter with 40+ songs published. A former long time civil-servant in the State’s Natural Resources Division (Conservation Corps, State Parks and CalFire) she utilizes her expertise in State government and water issues to grow capacity in rural communities throughout California by her work with Rural Community Assistance Corp.

George Thompson Audio, Instrumental, Media, Music, Performance Art, Vocal I live in sonoma. I have a folk/americana/native american music show called coyote road for 15 years called Coyote Road on KSVY. I play guitar, banjo and dulcimer and drums. and really whatever anyone might hand me to play. play mostly in the living room or with friends but i have played gigs at times in my life. I'm currently on Sonoma City Commission for Culture and Fine Arts and run my own gardening business, Shambhala Gardening Company , for 35 years.

CREATIVES

Once Upon a time...