Steve Webb has been a songwriter since 1980, and has recently written, performed and recorded with the Northwest act Buckwheat Elvis. Webb has published music with Knechtel of the band Bread (and of Elvis Costello's tour band). One of Webb's songs was considered by Bonnie Raitt for her Nick of Time album. Although he has gotten his feet wet in the Los Angeles Music scene, Webb currently works out of Northwest Washington State, where he grew up.

For information call (360) 734-9937.

From the Caribbean island of Trinidad comes singer-songwriter Andy O, whose love for music can be traced back to his childhood days as a triple-guitar-pan player in steel drum orchestras. By age 18 Andy had played on the Savannah Carnival stage with such steel orchestra greats as Huggins Pandemonium, Coca-Cola Silverstars and Vat 19 Tripolians. In 1975 he moved to the United States and played in several reggae/ska bands including Almighty Dread, which eventually changed its name to Jumbalassy. In 1991 Andy O decided to go solo, and formed his own band, aptly named 'Andy O'. His band's sweet, hot Caribbean sounds can be heard on three releases: Searchin' (1992); As Long As it Takes (1994); and Getting Closer (1995). Andy's stage performances, songwriting and vocal talent make his Soca-Calypso-Reggae sound a Northwest favorite.

For information call (206) 660-2703.

Clay People is a six-piece neo-hippie post-funk groove-ensemble residing in Bellingham, Washington. Featuring songwriters Scott and Cheri, the band's music is complemented by ethereal flute and a happenin' rhythm section. Formed in 1990, the band is devoted to diverse, exciting and danceable music. Clay People's goal is to create an organic hybrid of electric music, heavily influenced by 1960's San Francisco psychedelia with a twist of 90's funk. Their popular anthem, Be Here Now, has received regional airplay, and truly reflects the band in both thought and sound. Clay People are currently in the studio, working on their forthcoming album. Their four-song debut album, Clay People (1992), is available through mail order.

For information contact Clay People via cyber-space: CNUNY@aol.com

Laurette Langille has been described by Seattle's Rocket Magazine as "a Northwest treasure." Her gutsy blues vocals and slide guitar have tantalized audiences throughout the Northwestern United States and Western Canada. Best know for her delta blues, Langille is also a vocalist for the infamous band Seattle Women in Rhythm and Blues. Langille's own band, Rogue Paradise, is a fiery take on vintage blues featuring her slide guitar. "I was excited to have my song, Three Cards, included on a seamless connection," comments Langille. "I feel very strongly about the tune, and yet it doesn't quite fit in the 'genre pocket' that people expect to find me within." Langille can also be heard on Axiom Record's CD, Seattle Rhythm and Blues, vol. 1 (1993).

For information call (360) 734-7489.

Singing and playing the guitar have been J. P. Falcon Grady's main mode of expression for most of his life, and he says that his songwriting focuses on the theme of "letting go." "Even though I'm a Native American, I never attempt to speak for all Native Americans through my music," says Grady. "I do, however, sometimes incorporate Native American imagery or ideas into my music."

For more information call (360) 715-1938.

Folk singer-songwriter Linda Allen has performed and given workshops from one coast of North America to the other for over twenty years. Her acclaimed original music tells lyrical stories about our lives . . . our history, our hopes, our challenges. Allen has released four recordings:Mama Wanted to be a Rainbow Dancer (1982), October Roses (1984),Women's Work (1988),Washington Notebook (1992), and Live From the Roeder Home (1995). Her songs have appeared in prestigious publications such asSing Out! and Broadside. Both a song collector and a songwriter, Allen has been designated as Washington State's Resident Songwriter, has worked extensively with the Washington Woman's Heritage Project and has organized two community folk centers. She is a passionate and engaging performer whose songs are rooted in tradition and honed by years of commitment to an art that informs and transforms.

For information call (360) 734-7979

"My song, Enchanted Land, is about my growing sense of connection with the earth, and about my need for deep and nurturing connections with other people . . . I sometimes imagine a beautiful house in the country-side, surrounded by gardens, fields and woods. I would live here with a small community of close friends who share a vision of self-acceptance, compassion and personal and planetary well-being. . . we would create time and space to truly see and hear each other; to feel that shock of recognition in someone's eyes; to hear our own thoughts from another's voice . . ."

For information call (360) 384-8888.

During the 1970's Rick Allen performed and recorded extensively in the United States and Europe with the gospel-rock group, Joyous Celebration. Since then Allen has returned to his native Seattle to explore the realms of acoustic blues and folk. "Music opens doors to many kinds of relationships," says Allen. "I find it easier to communicate heart-to-heart with my music than with verbal communication."

For information call (360) 384-8888.

Carolyn Nelson has been writing music and singing since she was old enough to talk. Music has been her way of exploring the world, her philosophies and spirituality. Although Nelson has been involved in recording projects in support of others and has made several unreleased recordings of her own compositions she is working toward her own CD which will capture the essense of what she has worked a life time for. Her powerful and inspirational messages are delivered with a piano/synthesizer instrumentation and a rich passionate angelic voice. Nelson recently made a legal name change to Kaleah (Kay-lee-uh) which will be the name of her upcoming release.

For information call (360) 650-0483

Tim McHugh and the Lost Poets have performed their heartfelt music from coast to coast at events and concert rallies which also featured Kris Kristofferson, Sarah MacLachlan, Jim Page, Tower of Power, Bonnie Raitt and many others. The Band's first CD, You're Not Alone (1993) received rave reviews from critics. Their latest release, Edge of Forever (1996), features singer-songwriter Tim McHugh's searing indictments against racism, religious hypocrisy, environmental destruction and injustice. They call on us to reflect upon the essence of our own humanity. Tim McHugh can also be heard on his debut solo album, Shadows on the Land (1989).

For information call (360) 676-6238.

Karen FitzGerald began her love affair with the piano at age six when she begged her parents for lessons. Twelve years of traditional piano studies ensued, emphasizing the classics, music theory, composition and performance. During her college years she had little time for formal study, so FitzGerald's occasional encounters with the piano naturally led her into the world of improvisation. Although she majored in the sciences, it was during these years that FitzGerald realized that her calling was music. Inspired by the playing of Keith Jarrett and George Winston, she began her composing efforts in earnest. Seven years later she released her first album of solo compositions, Turquoise Flame (1987). FitzGerald is best known in the Northwest for her work with the Kulshan Chorus, a dynamic community performing group which she co-founded with director Roger Griffith.

For information call (360) 676-5727.

Songwriter Gregory T. Pitsch, Jr. has fronted a variety of Northwest country bands, notably Special Delivery, with his rich, resonant vocals, harmonica and guitar. His charismatic stage presence has made him a popular regional festival and club headliner for over a decade. His self-titled debut album, Gregory T. Pitsch, Jr.(1986), was recorded at the renown Muscle Shoals Studio in Alabama with top-notch musicians, including guitarist Duncan Cameron of the country-group Sawyer Brown. Pitsch's more recent studio projects have brought together the very best of Northwest country musicians, including members of the Charlie Gearheart Band.

For information call (360) 384-6410.