Winters Tavern Showcase
Ants Fujinaga invents and plays tragicomic songs replete with scientific and literary references, Balkan, Renaissance, Celtic and other elements, unusual rhythms (e.g. 5, 7, 9, 11, 13) and ornate vocals, tackling topics from social awkwardness, noisy neighbours, the digestive system and human reproduction to toad rescue, nocturnal chronotypes, annoying morning road work and the starch apocalypse. bardpower.com
Rod Reilly is an acoustic guitarist, originally from Dundee, Scotland. Only in recent years did he start writing original songs. Some of his Inspirations are legends like Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and the Scottish band Aztec Camera. Rod's songs are on the slightly more "melancholy" side ... but it's the early days yet! He's also working on a concept album called "The Blunder Years", which is all about growing up as a teenager in 1980's Scotland. Hear some Rod’s musical musings:
Newman is a Singer, Guitarist and Songwriter, performing in California, New York, Portland, Oregon and Zihuatanejo, Mexico. His albums, “What Am I Afraid Of?” and “Blanket the Homeless” were released to broad critical praise both domestically and internationally. He is currently working on his next album, “Downside Up” with a release scheduled for Spring ’25 followed by a European tour. His music videos have been awarded at over 20 International Film Festivals. Newman Music Dot profile
Recent Reviews:
“Newman should be playlisted in the hard-edged Americana rock zone alongside Petty, Springsteen, Johnny Cash & Woodie Guthrie.”
“Newman’s musical world is a sharp one, blending great songwriting and social commentary.”
After meeting in Palo Alto in 2023 and sharing their mutual love of American roots music, Kyle Bagwell and Anna Troy decided to get together to learn some Elmore James and Hank Williams tunes. This quickly led to the discovery of a powerful musical chemistry and passion for songwriting. Less than a year later, they are now completing a new CD, Out of the Blue, with 13 original compositions. Their music builds on a broad Americana foundation, with strong blues, country, folk and jazz influences. https://bagwelltroy.com/
Mark Lauden Crosley is the guitarist and songwriter for the San Francisco acoustic band Stray Muse. His songs complement the band’s repertoire of traditional and “modern folk” tunes – they’re thoughtful, a bit blues-inflected, and catchy. Stray Muse is currently recording an album of Mark's songs.
Mark has played in various rock bands, including the infamous Partly Foggy, where he began writing original songs. He has also published several books.
Shelley is an accomplished rock and blues singer. She's one of two singers and flautist for Stray Muse, and also sings for Pacific Fault Line. Shelley is widely known for her popular podcast The Rock and Roll Librarian.
Scott M Hill is a singer/songwriter in the San Francisco Bay Area, performing solo and with various bands, including Wall of Blues and The Accidents reggae band. Scott plays guitar, bass, and occasionally, the keyboards. He is currently working on a new album of original indie tunes.
Dr. JoAnn Dahlkoetter, performance psychologist for musicians, and singer/songwriter, plays flute, keyboard, and guitar. She performs her original music in a variety of genres including jazz, rock, folk, blues, Motown - you name it, she plays it. Her music is inspiring, uplifting, and energizing, like sunshine on a cloudy day. Coaching is an important part of who she is, and more can be found here, on her website: Www.DrJoAnn.com
Stephen Forte came up in the Dayton Ohio indie scene in the early 90s with bands such as the Beer Pagans and Anachronauts. After moving to San Francisco, he was part of the punk blues duo The Panties. Since 2015, he has been writing songs that explore the boundaries between resonance and dissonance, dream and reality.
David and Noah play together as Cooper Strings. Between them they play 6 different instruments and have been playing together on and off, for 15 years. They play everything from fiddle tunes to Stevie Wonder to Charlie Parker, with a large collection of originals. What they might play next is anyone's guess.
