Chris Stephens is a multi-instrumentalist like no other. It’s difficult to explain what he does with his instruments – the Arabic Oud, Persian Tar, Indian Sitar, and Chinese Pipa – but however you describe it he’s crossing musical boundaries and fostering connections between distant traditions. A true master musician and innovator, his music is based on the historic music from the world’s oldest cultures. His specialty is in the family of instruments known as “lutes”, which are the ancestors of the guitar. Chris’ performances are both an homage to these classical traditions and an exploration in contemporary improvisation. His main focus is to share these historic art forms with new audiences and to engage those who are familiar with them by honoring the old traditional styles and compositions. Each concert creates an enchanted musical scenery never to be heard again. Performances can go from melodic and meditative to rhythmic and explosive at any moment creating a rich and unique tapestry of sound that all can enjoy.
Comfortable stage floor seating
Candace Ivory, the originator of the genre “avant soul”, offers eclectic original music. Former alum of The New School University and the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead residency at the Kennedy Center, Candice also has various accolades and awards stemming from a 20 year career in music.
This varies according to venue and style of event. Suitable back line and soundcheck at least 3-4 hours prior to event.
Music and love define the artistry of singer, songwriter and dedicated community activist Brian Owens. These qualities radiate from all of his work, including his duet with five time Grammy-winning and legendary vocalist Michael McDonald on SOUL OF FERGUSON, and the heartfelt interpretation of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” which Owens filmed and recorded with his father, Thomas Owens. Their powerful performance ignited the internet and has received more than 100 million views on Facebook and Brian’s own YouTube channel.
During the pandemic, Brian has been actively seeking ways to infuse energy into the community through his music. Many of the virtual concerts he has been working on, including Soul of Ferguson Revue, A New Holiday, and Homegrown Soul, will be aired on St. Louis’s PBS station later this year.
Audio reinforcement (see technical rider for specifics), 1 meal provided before or after the performance, 4 volunteers to assist with load-in.
Samba Bom is a Midwest-based music and dance ensemble that plays authentic Brazilian music at schools, night clubs, wineries, festivals, and private events.
The group plays a unique mix of Brazilian popular music styles, including: Samba, Bossa Nova, Brazilian Jazz, Olodum, Forro, Chorinho, among others the Batucada is an exciting, all-percussive jam session that brings any audience to its feet to dance along with the group – just like Carnaval festivities in Rio de Janeiro.
We also can provide workshops and residencies in Brazilian percussion, dance and/or Brazilian culture. Additional musicians and Brazilian dancers with authentic costumes can be added to the performances to transform your event with a taste of tropical Brazil.
For live music shows: Preferably a stage and a PA sound system. Upon request, the group can provide the sound system.
For Brazilian percussion workshops: A room that will allow loud drums.
For Brazilian dance workshops: Preferably a room with a dance floor.
Known from the Oscar-nominated 2011 film “Winter’s Bone,” their iconic mix has become finer with age. Their honey-sweet harmonies and tasty Ozark-style pickin’ is seasoned with poignant, hilarious celebrations of Ozarks unique music and culture.
Singer Marideth Sisco is now accompanied by multi-instrumentalists Bo Brown and Dave Wilson, and bassist George Horne, 3/5 of the legendary 1980s bluegrass band “The Undergrass Boys.” They and Sisco, a Missouri Master storyteller and host of the public radio series “These Ozarks Hills, offer an elegant mix of traditional Old Time Ozarks tunes and original works in contemporary topical folk music.
Contact bo@firstearth.com
A performing songwriter presenting a variety of sounds ranging from folk to roots rock, Beth can be booked in a variety of formats ranging from solo to full band. Think Joni Mitchell all the way to Neil Young. Past performances include the Whitaker Festival at Missouri Botanical Gardens, and multiple regional tours in the Midwest/East Coast.
Music presented can include cover songs as well as original material. We will work with you to tailor a program to your needs. In addition to in person events, Beth is now offering virtual live streamed concerts featuring a top notch professional audio and video experience.
“With her recent album, Evergreen finds a freshly invigorated Beth Bombara fronting a tight, taught band and performing her songs with the fortitude of an artists coming into her own after years touring the endless highway. Don’t let this one pass you by.” -American Songwriter Magazine.
Beth can provide a small PA system if needed for an additional fee. If you have a P.A. system, we need: minimum 4 channels, 2 microphones with stands and cables. (If in a small space, a P.A. system may not be necessary.) A sound person to help set appropriate levels. A one hour setup time is generally sufficient, but this is dependent on the formation of band booked (solo, duo, full band)
Ben Harris-Bandleader/Bassist – has recently performed with 2009 Grammy Award Winner for best Latin Jazz Album, Pianist, and composer Arturo O’Farrill. Ben also performed with Nichelle Nichols -Actress/Vocalist- who played Lt. Uhura in Star Trek. In the local area Ben Played in the 2015 Leeś Summit Symphony Winter Concerts.
Ben provides a highly entertaining performance with a rich soundscape of main stream jazz and blues, in addition to just enough funky jazz to keep your foot happy.
On request.
Back to the 70s Tributes brings the music of Neil Diamond and Karen and Richard Carpenters to your community.
Experience the “Feel of Neil” with Diamond look and sound alike Keith Allynn and A Neil Diamond Tribute . In this romantic comedy Keith unveils the story of Diamond’s life through Neil’s own songs while weaving though his own career change from a top ten Elvis tribute artist to A Neil Diamond Tribute, all for the love of a woman.
Celebrate the sounds of Carpenters Once More with vocalist Diana Lynn. This poignant tribute to this iconic brother – sister duo gives insight to their lives, struggles, and impact on the music industry. Diana delivers spot on vocals, multi- media, quick change, humor, and your favorite Karen tunes.
Having logged over 3,500 solo performances, these artists are experienced, professional, and courteous , delivering the music of the tapestry of our lives like no other tribute artist today.
We provide 90 minute award winning production, sound if necessary, production technician, load in /out, and digital marketing material for your promotion.
Bach to the Future: A fun, new way to enjoy classical music favorites, performed with jazz and world rhythms. Pianist Michael Silverman is the most downloaded pianist in the world, with over 3 billion streams. The band’s music has appeared in many films and TV productions, including Martin Scorcese’s “Silence,” “Two and a Half Men” and “The Good Wife.” They have performed to audiences all over North America, in top theaters and jazz festivals everywhere. Major guest musicians are also available, including a number of Grammy award-winning artists for an additional price.
Contact for technical requirements. Most are open to negotiation.
Rob Compton is a one-man, one-guitar musical comedy act for kids of all ages. His show is a raucous, high-energy event involving original songs, slapstick, one-liners, and loads of audience participation. Babaloo’s unique ability to connect with kids has won him a large following in the Midwest and thousands of cd sales worldwide. He was named “Best Children’s Entertainment” by Saint Louis Magazine in 2008, and “Best Recording Artist for Elementary-Age Children” by the 2008 Children’s Web Awards. He was also the first and second place winner in the children’s category of the 2008 International Songwriting Contest, the largest in the world.
Electricity, sound system for audiences of more than 200 (with two mics, one line-in for guitar), shade/shelter for outdoor performances