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CHERYL WHEELER
Cheryl's songs are often emotional portraits of people, leaving you with the impression that you know the characters. You find yourself being dragged into the song rather than standing outside and observing. Then again, other songs by Cheryl are hilarious situation comedies. Cheryl's concerts are more like what you would find at a comedy club than expect to find at a folk music concert. She told stories that had us rolling on the lawn, and then sang songs that left us wiping tears from our eyes. She spoke about some serious current events, and then sang songs that will had us howling with laughter. Her entire concert was a emotional roller coaster. Outrageously funny. Heartachingly vulnerable. Stellar. Aloof. Charismatic. Poet. Philosopher. Storyteller. It seems critics may soon run out of words to describe Cheryl Wheeler and yet, no one can quite describe her. Although her recordings are perhaps unequaled in passion and truism, Cheryl's live performances surpass all of her recorded efforts. Witty. Sensitive. Distinctive. Marvelous. She instantly connected with the audience and wasn't afraid to reveal the secrets behind her songs.
 1 2 Cheryl Wheeler websites | |
Opening Act: JAMES O'MALLEY
The warm and intimate melodies that he crafts beautifully frame the direct and honest stories that he tells. James has enjoyed some national success with the acoustic band The Braid, and local audiences have been thoroughly pleased by James's solo work in recent years. James's superb first solo album I'm Ready contains much-requested songs such as If I Ain't got the Blues ... by Now and his heart-wrenching song of childhood Jimmy and John, as well as twelve other well crafted songs. All of the songs were written and composed by James, except for his tender rendition of Danny Boy. The album was just released and was available at the concert. James O'Malley's website | |
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HE has to be seen to be appreciated. Nothing you read and nothing you hear of her songs prepares you for how good a performer she is. From her albums you can tell that she is a gifted songwriter with a beautiful voice. From other people's comments about her you can learn that she is a natural storyteller with a fantastic sense of humor. But until you see her in person, you never really believe what you've been told about her. Besides, almost half of the songs she does during her shows haven't been recorded! 
Local favorite James O'Malley is definitely a musician's musician; he is clearly one of our favorites, and he proved to be an audience favorite. His sweet voice and gentle fingerstyle on the guitar enthralled the whole audience.