Boxerstock 2010 ~ A Full Day of Music & Boxers!
October 24, 2010 ~ 12 noon - 7:30pm
Jim Miller Park
Marietta, GA
Schedule:*
*Time slots are subject to change.
Musician Bios:
The Barry Richman Band
"Richman is brilliant technically, matching the speed and riffs of his mentors, yet playing with the soul and heart of a seasoned bluesman." Voodoo Child--Hendrix Publication
Barry Richman, an Atlanta transplant from the Big Apple, can be seen performing his psychedelic blend of original music all over the Southeast. Traveling from one venue to the next festival or concert, leaving a following of fans and a crowd of locals hypnotized, mesmerized, and in awe with the lull of his melodious free sounding, rockin' guitar..."sounds that make your blood start to flow".
Music was a major influence early in Richman’s life; his father plays tenor sax and has played and recorded with many legends like Sinatra, Judy Garland, Doc Severenson, Buddy Rich, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, and Nat King Cole to name a few. Barry’s been playing the guitar (he plays and collects vintage Fenders and Gibsons) for over three decades now.
The greatest influences and inspirations that helped shape Barry’s style include: Jimi Hendrix, Chet Atkins, Jeff Beck, Mike Bloomfield, Duane Allman, Dickey Betts, Johnny Winter, Carlos Santana, Leslie West, Buzzy Feiten, Phil Keaggy, Joe Walsh, Steve Vai, Frank Zappa, Billy Gibbons, Steve Howe, B. B., Albert, and Freddie King, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Peter Green, Django Reinhardt, Les Paul, Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino, Lenny Breau, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder and my father, Boomie Richman. If he had to pick the one strongest influence, it would be Jimi.
He’s had the opportunity to work with many of those mentioned on the above list; but of all the musicians he’s played with, those who left the biggest impression on Barry were Hendrix Band of Gypsys drummer Buddy Miles, The Allman Brothers, Eric Johnson, Jimmy Herring, and Eric Clapton.
Barry spent time touring with his own band, which used to be called The Visitors, as well as a little time on the road with Wet Willie and Col. Bruce Hampton. However, he prefers to stay in the Southeast as much as possible, where he’s spent time developing his discography.
Richman's original tunes are brilliantly written and exquisitely played. His CD The Moment of Now (Amgems Records) is an eleven track CD of masterfully written songs blended to perfection and mastered by Jim Gaines, known for producing Santana and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Willie Marr’s 1996 review in Guitar World acknowledges: Barry Richman is obviously a child of the 70's. Fusing blues, jazz, rock and psychedelia, Richman's "The Moment of Now" has the loose, jammy feel that recalls classic 70's rock bands like the Allman Brothers, Santana and the Jeff Beck Group.
The sensuous voice of Angie Aparo flavors Jellybread on Richman's CD titled Temporary Eternity (Amgems Records) and Michael Meredith lends his strong voice on White Trash TV, which gets played often on Atlanta's rock stations. Barry also released two limited edition CD's: The Live at The Darwin's Blues Festival CD is from an outdoor festival that he played with a side project blues band called The Well Hungarians. The Live at The Brandy House CD is from a live Z-93 radio broadcast and features the 4 piece band that he had for a couple of years. Several songs of Barry’s are included on Notes From the Underground Volumes 1 & 2 compilation disc that have gotten a lot of exposure in Europe and Japan; CD orders come in from all over the world.
Richman provided a background soundtrack for the documentary The American Guitar Series, Volume 1: Fender (CDB Productions LLC), produced by Atlanta filmmaker Dennis Baxter. At Fender's finale, narrator Tom Wheeler makes a distinction between the company's "legend" being for the historians and its "legacy" being for the players. Barry Richman's a player who lives the legacy ... and, perhaps, will one day be a part of the legend as well. (Creative Loafing, 1998: Barry Richman shines on CD -- and on film by Gregory Nicoll)
Q) I have seen you perform on many occasions and you always look so happy, always pleasantly smiling...more like shining. Everything about you seems to burst with satisfaction. Your technique is precise, yet you play seemingly effortlessly. Fingers just dancing like fire all over the guitar and you smile as if you're smelling roses. How have you obtained that sort of ease? A) Well, as corny as this may sound, music is a gift from God...and I feel so lucky to be able to live my life doing something that I love to do. For me, it's the best feeling in the world to stand on stage and express all my emotions. After many years of developing my technique and learning theory, I think I'm finally able to find those notes and sounds at the exact same time that I'm hearing them in my head. Then it passes through my heart to my fingers. It's an incredible feeling, and I hope the people in the audience can feel some of that while they're listening. If you listen closely, you can hear words coming out of the guitar.
"A genuine guitar hero, but blessed with modesty, humility and discretion both onstage and off. A rare breed indeed." Gregory Nicoll, Creative Loafing, Atlanta, GA
Excerpts (except where noted) taken from Smash Magazine, 2002 by Charlotte Davies. Interview with: Guitar Wizard Barry Richman
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State of Man
In troubled times like these, where every day seems to bring more bad news and even the brightest forecasts make Chicken Little sound like an optimist, it takes a heaping helping of hubris to think that any one person or group of people can truly make a difference. But State of Man sincerely believes that music has the power to change the world, and remain determined to do their part to inspire the “Yes We Can” generation.
Formed in Atlanta in 2000, the quartet originally bonded over their common sense of professionalism and love of ‘90s rock legends like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Tool. But unlike many young bands, who expect rapid success and give up when million-dollar deals don’t rain from the heavens, State of Man kept plugging away, racking up a series of accomplishments ranging from Battle of the Bands wins and Rolling Stone appearances to landing a single on the Billboard charts.
“Every year something would happen to keep us going,” Beale recalls, “picking up momentum gradually along the way. We’ve experienced the highs and lows, but even when we encountered disappointment we all remained focused on our commitment to our goals. That’s why we’ve been together as long as we have, because we built that critical chemistry that is the foundation of every good band.”
That chemistry has never been more potent than on In This Place, State of Man’s first new album since 2006’s Both Sides of the Story. Produced by Rick Beato, the disc features a bevy of instantly memorable anthems ranging from the devotional “Be Still (My Heart)” (which the band dedicated to American soldiers stationed overseas) and the conciliatory “I Have Forgiven” to the inspirational title track.
But perhaps no song on In This Place has proven more helpful than the arena-ready epic, “Swallow Your Fears.” Whether it’s a therapist playing the song to help teens in a suicide prevention program or Adam Bush, who produced a State Of Man video before dying of leukemia in February of 2008, the song has provided a beacon of hope for people caught up in life-or-death struggles, assuring them that “you don’t have to be alone” if you “swallow the things that hold you back from living life.”
“We’ve had the name State of Man for five years,” says Panza, “but I think this record really exemplifies what the name is about. It’s like a mission statement. We’re representative of where humanity is as a whole, and I think John’s lyrics reflect that. We want to lead by example and actually get our hands dirty.”
To that end, the band is planning their ‘Service2Humanity Tour,’ in which they’ll perform some form of community service in various cities before their concerts, hopefully inspiring local fans to do the same. The concept originated in part from a 2007 tour in which they entertained troops in nine countries throughout Asia and the Caribbean, listening to soldiers’ stories and realizing the emotional impact of their music.
“Everybody in the band is in music because we want to make a difference somehow,” Stringer insists. “And we want to inspire other people to want to make a difference, especially in times like these. We’re in a very similar time to the era that produced artists like Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones, where people are looking for change. We’re not trying to be anything we’re not: the bottom line is that we want to be true to who we are, and ultimately to inspire others to do the same.”
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Anna Kaelin
Anna Kaelin recently returned, to Utah, from living in Nashville and now commutes back and forth where she writes with some of the industry's best. Though she had been surrounded by music since the age of 2 and recorded for her first time at the age of 3, it was there (in Nashville) she realized her true love for music, singing, and performing. Growing up in a musical family and being surrounded by professional musicians did not make playing five instruments including the piano, guitar, bass, cello, and violin, seem out of the ordinary to her, but she describes that they ‘have become more a part of who she is as she has gotten older.’
Recording on dozens of albums before turning sixteen and being a part of musicals throughout Jr. High and High School made her appreciate all types of music, however she switched her focus to film when she went to college. She graduated with a BA in Film Studies from the University of Utah in May 2008, but returned to music and has been spending any free time she has had since then writing and performing.
Anna was most recently seen on American Idol:Season 8 where she qualified as a finalist and can be heard on on several Konami "Dance, Dance, Revolution" games. She has performed throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico and Canada, has shared the stages with artists such as Vince Gill, Chaka Kahn, SheDaisy, and David Archuleta and looks forward to the many more stages she will be able to perform on. Anna’s Debut album was released summer 2010.
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Heather Luttrell
Heather Luttrell has been surrounded by music for as long as she can remember. Having grown up in the company of her father and his band, she would take her naps amidst a pile of instrument cases at numerous live shows throughout her childhood.
Heather started playing and writing her own music very early in life, sounding music out on the guitar and piano. After cutting her teeth playing solo shows, she gathered several talented Atlanta musicians to back her. The trio formed Heathergrrrl and the Hungover. The group recorded a live album, and toured throughout the Southeast garnering a loyal and enthusiastic following.
After a couple years with the band, Heather ventured out on her own again, finding that outlet allowed her to be ultimately more creative and self-sufficient. She's developed a very dedicated fan base in the 3 years of solo touring since then. In 2002, Heather released her 1st album, the live solo acoustic "Drive It Like You Stole It". Her recent follow-up studio album "Grits n' Pulp", was released in early 2005 and showcases Heather's proven bare bones vocal and guitar combination while enhancing various performances with a full backing band and her own masterful piano abilities.
Heather is preparing to tour in support of her own music and her latest CD "Pomegranate.” Having the benefit of her recent global exposure, she looks forward to what the future holds on her terms. She still enjoys performing solo, but is also joined by a new backing band who performed on her album, giving a solid back to her powerful vocals and melodic style.
She has played with such acts as Angie Aparo, Ryan Adams, Elton John, Melissa Ferrick, Robert Earl Keen, Bela Fleck, Hopsing Project, Teagan and Sara, Alana Davis, Michelle Malone, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zac Brown Band, Marshall Tucker, Georgia Satellites, Delbert McClinton, Dave Mason, Shawn Mullins and Tishamingo.
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Thomas Tillman
Born in Decatur, GA, with a Georgia upbringing as wide-ranging as his musical influences, Thomas Tillman’s sound lands somewhere in the realm of traditional outlaw country mixed with present day country love ballads. Thomas’ youth was always full of music, practicing for a lifetime of making music and entertaining. He sang in church, excelled in music throughout his school years, receiving award after award, and was active in Theatre, singing and performing musicals. Life’s experiences have driven him passionately towards success. The incarceration of his father in federal prison, from the time he was 3 until he was 9 years of age, left emotional and sometimes financial hardship on the family. And just as he was finally enjoying having his father in his life, an untimely death took him away from Thomas. These milestones are reflected in one of Tillman’s most-often requested originals, reflecting a story between his mother and father. Thomas wrote the lyrics and music to “Let The Band Play” shortly after his father’s death. With the love and support of his mother, sister and family, and the fact that he has always stayed grounded in his Christian roots, Thomas remains fiercely determined and positive. Tillman has remarked that he has many a story left untold to share in song, and wants to one day be able to give back to society’s children who are living through their own difficulties and need a hand up, and a hopeful word.
When Thomas was 17, he began thinking seriously about performing publicly, and saved his money in order to go into a studio and record a two-song demo. He submitted this and a bio to festivals and fairs, and he landed his first real singing gig at “Country Fair” held then at The International Horse Park in Conyers, Ga. Tillman performed with a group of young, talented Georgia country singers in The Cadillac Show. This opened up many opportunities for showcasing his voice and getting more stage experience. He made several trips to Nashville, Tennessee during Fan Fair and CMA Fest, having an artist booth in the CMA Fest Exhibit Hall. He was a featured artist at Acoustic Corner inside the Convention center and has sang at Tootsies, Legends Corner, and various other Nashville venues.
Thomas has entertained at many large festivals including the Georgia National Fair in Perry, GA for several years. He has won many open-mic contests and made it to the second callback for the television show, Nashville Star, finishing as a top-ten finalist in Georgia. Towards the end of 2004, Thomas started putting together a full band, and has been staying busy nonstop ever since. Thomas was a singer in the house band at Wild Bill’s and at Cowboys-Atlanta for a brief time, finally making the decision to go back out touring and work in the studio towards the eventual release of his CD. Thomas was Georgia Country Artist for the month of March, 2008, and Georgia-Country Male Artist of the Year for 2009.
Once you listen to Thomas Tillman, you will learn what those who’ve already seen and heard him already know: When the voices of the past, meet the voice of the future, this is Thomas Tillman.
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Sarah Peacock
Big things definitely come in small packages! Sarah Peacock is a powerhouse pop country vocalist and performer with a style reminiscent of Heart’s Ann Wilson and a boot-kickin’ twist of the Sugarland “country-ness.” Add a hinge of classic rock on the palate, throw in the fact that her songs are melodic and catchy, and you’ve got a star in the making!
Touring as a full time contemporary country artist, Atlanta native, Sarah Peacock is a non-stop pedal to the metal kind of chick. With no day job and only a ’92 Volvo full of guitars and clothes, she continues to perform almost every night of the week all over the country, anywhere from New York City to the U.S. Virgin Islands and everywhere in between. And make no mistake that she doesn’t put safety first! In the front seat of her box on wheels you will find Gibson, the guard dog (or lack thereof.) He’s great for selling merch and stealing sandwiches, and Sarah won't go anywhere without him!
With a positive and melodic approach to songwriting, Sarah Peacock is an artist quickly generating a buzz in the music industry with the release of her debut album, “Straight For Your Heart.” As she stays busy performing almost every night of the week, Sarah is winning over audiences in cities all over America with her catchy tunes and charming personality. Maze Records in Nashville, TN proudly presents to mainstream music a fresh, new sound with Sarah Peacock. Fusing memorable melodies with powerhouse vocals reminiscent of Heart’s Ann Wilson, you will find it hard to believe such a big sound coming from such a little person. Her most recent performances promoting the release of her album have received excellent reviews from music industry publications.
“I felt that Sarah was very outgoing, the kind of person that doesn’t know a stranger. Her songs were well written and had meaning. Her look, her entire act for lack of a better word has commercial appeal. Sarah is ready to sell records.”
--SiN, Senior Contributor
The Silver Tongue
"Whether you see her show or meet her in person, Sarah Peacock will make an impression. She is a down to earth person with superstar stage presence. Her songs are well written, her musicianship is amazing and her voice will knock you out."
--Glen Pridgen
Angry Face Music – 7:30 Club
“The excitement has been continually brewing from Sarah’s fans over the new album. Over the course of several years, Sarah has written, developed, produced, and recorded these tracks with honesty, devotion, excellence, and passion. Once you listen, you will see that Sarah is an artist quickly on her way to success! “Straight For Your Heart” will be released on April 18, 2009 on Maze Records.“
--Lee Gamble, High Note Partners Inc.
Sarah currently resides in Atlanta, GA and sometimes Nashville, TN when it's time to retreat and write for a little while.
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Hannah Thomas
Singer/songwriter Hannah Thomas is already making a name for herself in country music. With a totally original sound she was tagged "sophisticated country" this girl is catching the eyes and ears of music fans and industry professionals everywhere. Early 2006 she started her career at an open mic at the famous songwriter venue Eddie's Attic.
2007 especially proved to be a tremendous start. She won the Atlanta Opry Talent Showcase, received a nomination for 2007 Top Teen Country Artist in Georgia by www.atlantacountrymusic.com, won (1st Place) in the Atlanta Region Colgate Country Showdown, appeared on Fox 5's Good Day Atlanta Morning Show, and was featured live on WMOQ Real Country 92.3 FM.
In 2008, She worked on her promising debut independent release studio project entitled: "The Rest Is Yet To Come" and released it in spring of 2009. 2009 became a year to beat. After her album debut, she selected an all-star lineup of talent in organizing her own band and promoting her album. And the awards came flooding in! Atlanta-based country station 94.9 The Bull showcased three of her songs for over 11 weeks in a row on Saturday Nights (Backyard Country Series). In 2009, she was named the 2009 Top Female Artist by www.Georgia-Country.com and the 2009 Songwriter of the Year by ACM - Atlanta Country Music. Hannah has also opened for major artists such as Zac Brown, Mother's Finest, and Craig Morgan. Just recently, Hannah also shared the stage with Sarah Buxton.
Currently, Hannah is working on material for the next album, which she says she is very excited for her fans to hear. Look for the new release in the fall of 2010.
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RubberJean
Way back about a hundred years ago, two swashbucklin ramblers were strollin in from a long horse ride through the hot, dry, Colorado dessert. They rolled into town like two big tumble weeds...they slid off their horses...dust clouds puffed up off the dusty streets as their boots hit the ground. They surveyed the empty streets, moseyed past the old empty post office, sauntered past the dry goods store and the apothecary, and then struck gold...the sign above the doors said, "The Bar None Saloon." The two pushed their way through the swinging doors and strolled up to the bar. The piano player stopped playin, cigars dropped to the ground, drinks spilled, poker hands were thrown face down on the table, talkin and hollerin dwindled off to hushed whispers, and all eyes were on the two strangers. The taller blonde one said one word to the bartender..."Whiskey." The bartender grabbed the first bottle he could find, slid the bottle down the bar and ducked out of sight. The shorter dark haired stranger grabbed it just as it tipped off the edge of the bar. He checked the brand, nodded in approval, tossed out a couple of quarters to the bartender, took a swig and passed it to the other one. Two of the other local cowpokes slunk out of their chairs and moved away slowly to give up their seats to the strangers. The taller one said, "The name's Jon, JB for short." And the shorter one said, "Yeah, he's Jon and I'm Ted." They announced that they had a little music duo goin that wasn't half bad. The local guitar player was also in the crowd and said they could never hold a candle to his act. So it sounded like a duel. The stage was set. Guitars were blazin, songs were streamin, it was a fight to the finish on the stage. But only one group wins at the Bar None Saloon...and sure enough, the crowd wooped it up for the dazzling duo before the night was over. JB could only half hear due to his alternative-honky tonk days, but he ambled over to one purdy little lady in the crowd. He heard "Rubber Jean" when he asked her name. He and Ted pretty much talked all night during breaks. They sat with Rubber Jean until the last drink was poured. After several hours, when the last call came through, JB said "Goodnight, Rubber Jean." The little lady turned around, stared JB in the eye once and for all and yelled, "MY NAME AIN'T RUBBER JEAN, IT'S NORMA JEAN!" She broke the bottle over his head, stormed out and rode off on the horse he rode in on.
Not many remember the full story of what really happened that night, but we do know that they ended up carryin out the little lady who they call "Val" who tickled the ivories in the Bar None Saloon. And pretty soon the paper boy was ridin through town, ringin a cowbell to sound out his deliveries. Light bulbs went off in their heads faster'n you could shake a stick. The delivery boy known as "Miles" was thrown on the back of the wagon and was added to the band as the drummer. Ever since then, they've been playing for this crowd, that crowd, saloons, waterin holes all over, all the way from North Alabama to South Alabama, East Alabama to West Alabama. The magic and the legend of RubberJean will always follow these four, twinkling in the night when the music starts. See fer yerself. Ya gotta see it in person though cause that is where the Legend of RubberJean lives...
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Sam Rhodes
Sam Rhodes is a local musician and songwriter from Marietta, GA. He is an animal lover and volunteer foster dad for Atlanta Boxer Rescue and has a Boxer named Rocky that he has adopted thru the organization. His passion is found in music rooted from early folk rock to today's “artsy” ecclectic acoustic stylings, and the new “antifolk“ vibe. He says “my music and my lyrics are very simple and I hope because of its simplicity that people will understand right off what the message is without contemplating too deeply on its meaning.” Sam has performed in local coffee shops and open mic events throughout Atlanta.
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Check out our line up from Boxerstock 2009 and Boxerstock 2008