Ocrafolk Festival 2024 Performers
Click on the following links for more information.
Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba
Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba ecstatically explore the spiritual songs, stories, and rhythms of Senegal’s millennia-old Mandé culture. Bandleader Diali Cissokho chose the name “Kaira Ba” (meaning “The Great Peace”) because it elegantly reflects a core value that he and his band aim to express when they perform. Cissokho comes from a long line of prominent hereditary griots – people who are entrusted to maintain a West African village’s genealogies and important ceremonial affairs through song. But he is much more than a preservationist. Cissokho and his band effortlessly integrate the traditional sounds of the kora, the 22-stringed bridge-harp, with a modern rush of electric guitar and an exuberant rhythm section.
kairabamusic.com
kairabamusic.com
Clements Brothers
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The Clements Brothers are George and Charles Clements, identical twins from New England. They’ve been playing and writing music together for as long as they can remember. ‘The Clements Brothers’ marks their first project together since playing in the internationally touring grass-roots band, The Lonely Heartstring Band, with whom they put out two albums on Rounder Records. With roots, rock, bluegrass, jazz, and classical influences, George (on guitar) and Charles (on bass) aim to capture their singer-songwriter sensibilities in a unique blended voice, at once enthralling and intimate, groovy and serene. theclementsbrothers.com
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Cold Chocolate
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Returning for their second year, Cold Chocolate is a genre-bending Americana band that fuses folk, funk, and bluegrass to create a unique sound all their own. Featuring Ethan Robbins on guitar and Ariel Bernstein on percussion, this group from Boston is impressing audiences throughout New England and beyond. Punctuated by tight harmonies and skillful musicianship, and with a focus on songwriting, Cold Chocolate has quickly gained recognition for their original music and high-energy shows. The band has shared bills with Leftover Salmon and David Grisman, and regularly performs at venues and music festivals up and down the East Coast. coldchocolatemusic.com
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Lipbone Redding
Lipbone is a one-man orchestra and award-winning collaborator, who makes stories into songs, and songs into birds. In his early years, he left his home of North Carolina to live in New York City, where he busked nightly for three years in the Uptown 6 Train subway station in SoHo. The experience of New York has led him to many accolades and adventures. His music is groove-inspired, unique and heartfelt; a rootsy, soulful joy that can move a crowd to dancing with just a microphone and a guitar. His songs are peppered with vocal trombones and throat-singing crickets, fantastic animals and a host of poignant characters. Lipbone engages the audience as if they are additional band members, and invites them to employ their voices, claps and dance moves for the greater good. lipbone.com
Rev. Robert Jones
Rev. Robert Jones, Sr. is a renaissance man. He has been a professional musician for more than forty years. The legendary blues man, Willie Dixon, encouraged him to bring his music into schools over 35 years ago. In fact, The National Blues Foundation recognized his work as a leading blues educator in 2007. He has been a Pastor for more than 20 years, and he has been a nationally recognized storyteller for more than fifteen years. All of those experiences have allowed him work in a variety of ways and to apply his speaking and musical skills to educate, entertain, and inspire. At the heart of his message is the belief that our cultural diversity tells a story that should celebrate, not just tolerate.
Rev. Robert Jones makes his home in Detroit, Michigan but he performs throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. An award-winning multi-instrumentalist, he is accomplished on guitar, harmonica, mandolin, banjo, fiddle and ukulele. revrobertjones.com
Rev. Robert Jones makes his home in Detroit, Michigan but he performs throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. An award-winning multi-instrumentalist, he is accomplished on guitar, harmonica, mandolin, banjo, fiddle and ukulele. revrobertjones.com
Cassie & Maggie MacDonald
From the deepest roots of Canada and its very earliest musical traditions come Nova Scotian sisters Cassie and Maggie, putting their own 21st Century stamp on the Celtic soundtrack of this nation. Exciting and innovative, their talent is surpassed only by the sheer joy they exude in performance. Alternating between Gaelic and English, traditional and contemporary, haunting and electrifying, the duo is nothing short of mesmerizing. They’re turning heads wherever they go – 2018 JUNO award nominees, 17 Canadian Folk Music Awards, Female Singers of the Year by Live Ireland Radio, and Album of the Year by NPR’s Celtic Connection – the list goes on. cassieandmaggie.com
Jacob Johnson
Since dropping out of college in 2007, Jacob Johnson has journeyed across the country in six minivans (so far), captivating audiences with his highly caffeinated brand of acoustic guitar playing. Known for his energetic performances, Jacob has had the privilege of sharing the stage with Grammy winners like Victor Wooten, Yonrico Scott, and Paula Cole, as well as esteemed musicians including Tommy Emmanuel, Marcus King, and Tim Reynolds.
Beyond his guitar prowess, Jacob has proven himself as a talented songwriter, garnering recognition as the Don Gibson Songwriter Award Grand Prize Winner, Nashville Connection Songwriter of the Year, and a Finalist for the Freshgrass No Depression Songwriter Award.
Jacob currently resides in Greenville, SC, with his wife, Jessica. In addition to his busy touring schedule, Jacob is an adjunct guitar faculty member at North Greenville University. Yes, that is the college he dropped out of. jacobjohnsontunes.com
Beyond his guitar prowess, Jacob has proven himself as a talented songwriter, garnering recognition as the Don Gibson Songwriter Award Grand Prize Winner, Nashville Connection Songwriter of the Year, and a Finalist for the Freshgrass No Depression Songwriter Award.
Jacob currently resides in Greenville, SC, with his wife, Jessica. In addition to his busy touring schedule, Jacob is an adjunct guitar faculty member at North Greenville University. Yes, that is the college he dropped out of. jacobjohnsontunes.com
Biscuit Eaters
The Biscuit Eaters are a 7-piece, bluegrass and old-time family string band from Surry County, NC, with their youngest member playing fiddle and singing at 5 years old. The parents, Meredith, homeschooling mother of the six kids, and Jason, a pastor, round out the ensemble. www.facebook.com/thebiscuiteatersnc/about
Donald Davis
Photo: Eakin Howard
Donald Davis was born in a Southern Appalachian mountain world rich in stories. While he heard many traditional stories about Jack and other heroic characters, he was most attracted to the stories of his own family and places of origin. Davis began retelling the stories he heard and then adding his own new stories to them until he was repeatedly asked to "tell it again, on purpose." During his twenty-five year career as a United Methodist Minister, Davis began to use stories more and more. He was also asked to begin performing at festivals and in other settings until he retired from the church to tell stories full time.
The author of eighteen books and more than forty original recordings, Davis is the recipient of both the Circle of Excellence and the Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Storytelling Network. ddavisstoryteller.com
The author of eighteen books and more than forty original recordings, Davis is the recipient of both the Circle of Excellence and the Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Storytelling Network. ddavisstoryteller.com
Saltare Sounds
Photo: Eakin Howard
Saltare Sounds returns to Ocracoke with a diverse array of local and international artists. Directed by Marina Zurita, in close collaboration with the rest of the ensemble, they will be presenting a devised theatre piece inspired by islands and their mysteries, as well as smaller musical and multi-disciplinary sets throughout the festival. It promises to be an experience that pushes the boundaries of conventional classical music performance, with intention, humor and heart.
Blue Cactus
Photo: Sandra Davidson
Blue Cactus, the North Carolina duo of Steph Stewart and Mario Arnez, creates “Dream Country:” a blend of grit, glitz, groove, and twang that evokes a celestial soundscape of mid-century heartbreak, and harkens comparisons eclectic and iconic as Bobbie Gentry, Fleetwood Mac, and David Bowie.
Between the comfort of classic country and the glamor of 70s rock, Blue Cactus resuscitates a fleeting style of honest-to-goodness country music considered valueless to a “new” country music, where songwriting is officiated by financial analysts and teams of marketing plutocrats instead of woebegone troubadours. With a high lonesome twang, an Emmylou-like southern drawl, and blistering guitar techniques, Blue Cactus exercises the honky-tonk muscles to firmly bear the flag for a new generation of country music. bluecactusmusic.com
Between the comfort of classic country and the glamor of 70s rock, Blue Cactus resuscitates a fleeting style of honest-to-goodness country music considered valueless to a “new” country music, where songwriting is officiated by financial analysts and teams of marketing plutocrats instead of woebegone troubadours. With a high lonesome twang, an Emmylou-like southern drawl, and blistering guitar techniques, Blue Cactus exercises the honky-tonk muscles to firmly bear the flag for a new generation of country music. bluecactusmusic.com
Beleza Trio, & Berto & Vincent
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United by musical interests that include samba, funk, soul, blues, bossa nova, jazz and Spanish flamenco; Humberto (Berto) Oliveira Sales (native to Salvador, Brazil) and Madeline Holly-Sales (raised in the southeast of the US) blend the melodic, rhythmic and harmonic riches from North and South America. They are joined by percussionist Matt Wyatt, a songwriter, musician and sound engineer for Tree and Booms studio in Charlottesville, Va. belezamusic.com
Berto & Vincent Combining the untamed spirit of wild gypsy rumba with the heart and soul of Latin guitar, Berto Sales & Vincent Zorn engage their audiences with their high energy and sophisticated performances. From Berto’s flying fingers to Vincent’s percussive rhythm, these two may even get you out of your seat. vincentzorn.com
Berto & Vincent Combining the untamed spirit of wild gypsy rumba with the heart and soul of Latin guitar, Berto Sales & Vincent Zorn engage their audiences with their high energy and sophisticated performances. From Berto’s flying fingers to Vincent’s percussive rhythm, these two may even get you out of your seat. vincentzorn.com
Martin Garrish and the Ocracoke Rockers
Photo: Eakin Howard
Since he was a teenager, Ocracoke Heritage award winner Martin Garrish has been at the heart of the music scene here on the island, fronting bands such as "The Ocracoke Rockers," "The Graveyard Band Revived," and his acoustic ensemble “Martin and Friends." His exceptional guitar playing and rich voice covers everything from acoustic folk and bluegrass to hard rock, classic country and blues. Teamed up with his brother Clifton (bass), young Dallas Mason (guitar & drums), and other special guests and family, they will be ready to rock on Friday night!
Jay Turner & The Swinging Doors
J. T. & The Swinging Doors plays "Roots Country, Old Rock and Refurbished Hits of Today" with a feel and love of this music. This is not your Grandfather’s Country Music. Oh wait, Yes it is. A good part of it anyway. Jay remembers his Grandfather yodeling Jimmie Rodgers songs while shaving, and listening to Johnny Cash on WXGI at the family's Body Shop. These songs bring those memories to life & remind us there is a great selection of music that many have written off. The Swinging Doors does play a variety of these classics but also drops in some Sun Records era Rock-N-Roll and takes songs of the past 20 years and sets them in new light. Hop in and take a refreshing and entertaining ride down the rural routes of yesterday while still having your modern influences satisfied. facebook.com/SwingingDoorsBand
Molasses Creek
Photo: Justin Casey
Your host band, Molasses Creek, began life way back in 1993 when Gary Mitchell lured "Little FiddleBoy" David Tweedie to spend a college summer on an exotic island filled with beautiful bikini-clad young women, live music and fig cake. David got quite excited about the fig cake, and moved to Ocracoke where he found the beautiful woman of his dreams, paid music gigs, and also became an accomplished baker of figgish goods. Over the next 30 years, Molasses Creek band went on to win awards and loyal fans around the world (and beyond), produce 15+ albums, create The Ocrafolk Opry, Deepwater Theater, The Ocrafolk School, and last but certainly not least, The Ocrafolk Festival. The band is currently composed of Gary Mitchell, Fiddler Dave Tweedie, Gerald Hampton and Kim France. They welcome you to Ocrafolk 2024! molassescreek.com
The Fontanelles
The Fontanelles of Wilmington, NC, have deep roots in the North Carolina coast, which probably explains their mixture of sweet but salty sensibilities. Their style and harmony-driven sound can be attributed to the influences of Townes Van Zandt, Dire Straits, The Byrds, and Blaze Foley, then rounded out with undercurrents of Bonnie Prince Billy, Mazzy Star, and Magnolia Electric Co. The music is made with the belief that life is filled with heartache, but laughter and love are what make the journey beautiful. It's the perfect balance between "supper at grandma's" and "put the youngins to bed, so grown folks can visit." Be prepared to cry, cackle, and blush before it's all said and done.
The five-piece folk group is comprised of members of Wilmington's No Dollar $hoes (Carson Jewell, Jesse Jewell, Richard Welsh), Masonboro Sound (Shane Lippard), and Ocrafolk alumni, The Barnraisers (Tiff Reece Jewell).
The five-piece folk group is comprised of members of Wilmington's No Dollar $hoes (Carson Jewell, Jesse Jewell, Richard Welsh), Masonboro Sound (Shane Lippard), and Ocrafolk alumni, The Barnraisers (Tiff Reece Jewell).
Aaron Caswell Trio
Photo: Eakin Howard
Aaron Caswell is a native to Ocracoke Island who cut his outstanding guitar chops at an early age, absorbing songs, technique and tunes from local guitar legends Martin Garrish and Lou Castro. He performs regularly on the Outer Banks with area musicians, and can frequently be found onstage in the Aaron Caswell Band.
Paperhand Puppets
Photo: Eakin Howard
For over 21 years, Paperhand Puppets has been using papier-mâché, cardboard, bamboo, your old house paints, cloth, and other assorted junk (treasure to them!) to create incredible giant puppets, masks, shadow plays and spectacle performances for all ages. Director Dononvan Zimmerman has visited Ocracoke many times as part of Ocrafolk and as a featured artist-in-residence at Ocracoke School’s Arts Week. Paperhand continues to tell stories, beat drums, sew cloth, get sweaty, push boundaries and carry heavy things to help make the world a better place. Their parades, pageants, and award-winning performances aim to be an inspiration, a call to action, and a celebration for everyone to enjoy! paperhand.org
mahaloJazz
Photo: Eakin Howard
mahaloJazz is Alison Weiner (piano, melodica, vocals), Steve Chall (electric bass), and Beverly Botsford (percussion) – three eclectic musicians and great friends coming together to have their delightful way with jazz standards and original tunes. Blossom Dearie comes to mind often when hearing Alison sing. Ben’s joy grounds us all no matter what style we indulge in. Beverly keeps all of us in the pocket as she shares her global experience of drum traditions. mahaloarts.com
Brooke & Nick
Brooke & Nick’s music is truly a unique & fresh combo. Their sound brings a dynamic fusion of folk/rock with an edgy twist of roots revival. Brooke plays cello, almost bridging bass & violin with how she plays, while harmonizing alongside Nick’s spirited voice and bigger-than-life baritone uke & foot percussion. Their style offers a large and compelling sound that easily pulls listeners in with their heartfelt harmonies. Nick’s voice & tunes offer a special experience as his customized foot percussion almost generates the heartbeat that drives their act, while Brooke holds ground playing bass & soloing on the sweet end. brookeandnickavl.com
Bob & Jeanne Zentz
Photo: Eakin Howard
Bob and Jeanne are old friends and life partners who combine a passion for music and history -- which they love sharing with others! They are singers of songs, old and new, about people, places and times gone by ... players of dozens of the usual (and unusual!) "unplugged" folk instruments ... collectors of stories in verse ... tellers of "the tales behind the songs" ... commentators on the ecology of the human spirit ... scholars of the evolution of "homemade music.” See them onstage, or stop by the Workshop stage (Sat 12 PM) for the Instrument Petting Zoo, where you can try your hand at being a folk musician! bobzentz.com
Jef the Mime
Photo: Eakin Howard
Whether onstage or roving, Jef is a quiet kind of guy. He juggles and balances things. He gets confused at times. (Sometimes he even forgets what his hat is for!) He involves his audience members to play along with his mime, mask, and variety arts shenanigans. He even leads sing-a-longs! In addition to making appearances at Ocrafolk Festival and Ocracoke School Arts Week, Jef has performed at such places as Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC; Piccolo Spoleto in Charleston, SC; the Very Special Arts Festival in Pembroke, NC; and The Children's Festival in Hampton, VA.. jefthemime.com
Rodney Kemp
Photo: Eakin Howard
Remember "Old Jake", "Phoene Bell Gillikin", and "Duke the Duck Dog?"
A crowd-pleaser and proven 'spellbinder' of adults and children alike, Eastern Carolina’s beloved Rodney Kemp is a Morehead City native who managed to actually remember all those Down East tales he heard while growing up. His humor comes not only from his folksy manner but also from his knowledge of, and affection for, the people and places of his boyhood days along the Carolina coast. He is often featured at festivals and events in the coastal region, was a performer at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC., and, we're pleased to say, has been with us every year of the Ocrafolk Festival since our beginnings in 2000.
A crowd-pleaser and proven 'spellbinder' of adults and children alike, Eastern Carolina’s beloved Rodney Kemp is a Morehead City native who managed to actually remember all those Down East tales he heard while growing up. His humor comes not only from his folksy manner but also from his knowledge of, and affection for, the people and places of his boyhood days along the Carolina coast. He is often featured at festivals and events in the coastal region, was a performer at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC., and, we're pleased to say, has been with us every year of the Ocrafolk Festival since our beginnings in 2000.
Ana Luisa Chavez
Photo: Eakin Howard
Ana Luisa grew up in Mexico City between sacred music, school choirs and traditional Mexican songs. In her final days as a high school student, the school choir director saw her passion and talent and encouraged her to take her singing to the next level. Thus, she began her training in classical vocal technique as part of her college studies. Although her favorite opera is Verdi’s Traviata, her true self comes alive with the Mariachi, voice of her soul and heart of her country. In 2019, she came for the first time to Ocracoke to visit her father Eduardo (Eduardo’s Taco Stand) and fell in love with the island. Donning a traditional Mexican gown, Ana will be dusting off her falsetto and bringing her joyful performance to Ocrafolk Festival 2024.
Philip Howard
Photo: Eakin Howard
Dive for the Oyster . . . Dig for the Clam . . . Carry your partner to the promised land!
Ocrafolk Festival isn't just about sitting still and listening to incredible performances . . . it's about jumping into activities like the Ocracoke Squaredance that give you that one-of-a-kind Ocracoke experience.
Ocracoke Islander Philip Howard is celebrated within the community for his passion for collecting and sharing the local stories. Without the efforts of researchers like him, many of the treasured Ocracoke tales would have disappeared. Not only does he pass along his research through his books and his blog on the Village Craftsmen website, Philip also instructs local residents and visitors in the living tradition of the Ocracoke Squaredance. A featured event on Saturday night of the Ocrafolk Festival, this dance is easy to learn and fun for the whole family. Not to be missed!
villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com
Ocrafolk Festival isn't just about sitting still and listening to incredible performances . . . it's about jumping into activities like the Ocracoke Squaredance that give you that one-of-a-kind Ocracoke experience.
Ocracoke Islander Philip Howard is celebrated within the community for his passion for collecting and sharing the local stories. Without the efforts of researchers like him, many of the treasured Ocracoke tales would have disappeared. Not only does he pass along his research through his books and his blog on the Village Craftsmen website, Philip also instructs local residents and visitors in the living tradition of the Ocracoke Squaredance. A featured event on Saturday night of the Ocrafolk Festival, this dance is easy to learn and fun for the whole family. Not to be missed!
villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com
Ella Ralston
A lifelong poet and thespian, Ella graduated from Florida State University with a BA in theater in 2003. The past 20+ years have been a magical journey of teaching theatre to various groups of children and adults, writing and performing her own unique style of Spokenword, MCing a range of events from Hip Hop shows to Ocrafolk Festivals, and exploring many other creative outlets, such as jewelry making and visual arts.
Ocracoke Ghost Stories with Amy Howard, David Tweedie, & Philip Howard
Saturday evening as night falls and the misty moon rises, join Amy, David, & Philip in the front yard of the Ocracoke Preservation Museum for some ghoulish stories from Ocracoke Island. They will introduce you to some of the famous and infamous characters that have strolled the sandy village lanes over the years. You might even learn some island history. Spooky Stuff!
Louis Allen
Photo: Eakin Howard
Louis began his band life with Gary Mitchell in the mid-70s as one of the founding members of The Wahoo Revue bluegrass band. It was there that he acquired the stage name "Uncle Dewey." (Gary's stage name was..."Gary.") Since then, he has spent the last 45!! years in the trio Warren Bodle & Allen, a past repeat performer at Ocrafolk. Louis went to law school to learn how to emcee a stage at Ocrafolk. Heckle him at your own peril! warrenbodleallen.com
Ocrafolk Festival 2024 Poster Artist ~ Denise Deacon
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With an eye for perspective, self-taught Kitty Hawk artist Denise Deacon designed architectural renderings professionally for commercial interests, contractors and homeowners since the 1980s. She created the 2019 Ocracoke Fig Fest artwork, the original Seal for the Town of Duck, and “World-Famous” Brew Thru T-shirts. Another of Denise’s favorite pasttimes is being barehanded and elbow-deep in a colony of thousands of honey bees! She absolutely LOVES Ocracoke and feels especially honored to now be among those counted as an artist for the Ocrafolk Festival!
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