Joe Ely at Sandler Center For The Performing Arts

Joe Ely's voice is that of a man who speaks fluently the patois of honky tonks and jook joints, who can hold an audience around a campfire riveted until the break of dawn, or inspire a crowd of thousands to kick up their boot heels in a two-step or a stomp. It's a voice that can converse with a pistolero as directly as it conveys intimacy to a lover, or articulates that high lonesome feeling known to everyone who has ever hurt.

Those who have followed Ruthie Foster's eclectic musical history know that she can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk and gospel. When Grammy Award-winning producer John Chelew suggested she record an album in New Orleans , with support handpicked from the Crescent City's overflowing pool of talent, it was an opportunity for Ruthie to infuse fresh spices into her already rich sonic gumbo....

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Joe Ely's voice is that of a man who speaks fluently the patois of honky tonks and jook joints, who can hold an audience around a campfire riveted until the break of dawn, or inspire a crowd of thousands to kick up their boot heels in a two-step or a stomp. It's a voice that can converse with a pistolero as directly as it conveys intimacy to a lover, or articulates that high lonesome feeling known to everyone who has ever hurt.

Those who have followed Ruthie Foster's eclectic musical history know that she can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk and gospel. When Grammy Award-winning producer John Chelew suggested she record an album in New Orleans , with support handpicked from the Crescent City's overflowing pool of talent, it was an opportunity for Ruthie to infuse fresh spices into her already rich sonic gumbo.

It has been said that a Paul Thorn concert is like "taking a 6-pack to church," as evidenced by his song, "Mission Temple Fireworks Stand." The first thing you notice is the voice, distinctively soulful and funky, the voice of a man who has walked a long, hot span over dusty Mississippi country roads. He has opened for Bonnie Raitt, Mark Knopfler, and John Prine among many other headliners.

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