August 4th, 2023 6pm Stage 1
Come Together, A Gathering of Voices
A Gathering of Voices brings a range of creative diversity that spans genres, reflecting the solidarity and creative coalition-building currently happening in the grassroots of our times. Through the lifting of our authentic voices, together we can create positive change and healing in our communities nationwide through the power of the arts. From grassroots street team action to wide-scale momentum, encouraged by collective activism, we can all as a whole embrace equity. Forging gender equity isn't limited to women solely fighting the good fight, we also embrace our allies by partnering for a safer, better world. This movement is incredibly important for the social, economic, cultural, and political advancement of women building community and harmonious communications. The featured artists promoting this cause are gathering from all parts of the country for the third year to celebrate through song and reignite our Historical Roots Museum series, which went dormant during quarantine. They couldn’t be prouder.
LINDA McRAE: Is a Canadian born, Nashville based multi-instrumentalist with 30 years’ experience touring and teaching both nationally and internationally. A singer-songwriter and musician of the old school you may t hink you know what she is up to; that is until she throws you a curve with a new twist. David Bowie on Banjo! Linda’s love of Canadian, American, and British music resulted in multiple band configurations from roots-rock to punk to folk. These bands included platinum recording group, Spirit of the West. Her deep contribution to the Canadian music scene resulted in her being honored as a British Columbia Entertainment Hall of Fame “Pioneer” inductee. She has performed in venues as diverse as the Orpheum Theatre with the Vancouver Symphony to New Folsom Prison with the “in house blues band” where she facilitates writing workshops for the inmates. These experiences led to the creation of “Express Yourself”
KAY MIRACLE: is a bare bones Americana Artist. No matter what incarnation you see her in, be it Kay & The Miracle Cure, Ghost Town Ramblers or Buck Naked, it is she, who comes shining through. Kay’s music is organic, raw, and full of true-life experiences that make you feel her infectious light through sarcasm, passion, and pain. After supporting the U.S. Troops with international performances on the USO Patriotic circuit for seven years, Kay fought to find her own authentic voice again. She has found a path to do just that and help others through her outreach program Blood to Ink: Trauma reduction through songwriting, art, and sound meditation. Look for her WPBS 2-Part series. Kay has showcased her original songs on many different platforms. Kay has appeared at the Native American Stage of Nations at the Blue Rain Eco-Fest, the American Roots Historical Songwriter Series, and has received several national song writing accolades and awards.
PENNY JO PULLUS: It has been during her tenure in Austin, TX that PJ has found her musically eclectic and organic ideal. A heady, smoky combination of roots and pop styling’s that now defines her unique and soulful sound. Hers is a great big voice, a mighty twang that takes a song. Penny Jo brought home 2 Sammy Music Awards before heading to Texas. Pullus has stepped into her own authentic style of playing and singing with her solo project “Plain Jane” and as a backing singer for “Greezy Wheels,” often called “The Grateful Dead of Texas.” Penny Jo stands firmly at the helm of the Independent Women’s music community. TeXchromosome.org, advocates for women in music, and an international Radio series.
MIKE YOUNGER: Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, left home at the age of 17 and cut his teeth as a fledgling street performer in Toronto and Vancouver & New Orleans when he was "discovered" by Rodney Crowell, who then produced Mike's debut release, Somethin' In The Air (2000). Since that fateful turn of events, Mike has written, performed, recorded, and released an impressive body of work. His music, songwriting, and devotion to progressive causes earn him new fans worldwide. His most recent release Burning the Big top Down (2021) is the masterful result of a hardfought battle to reclaim his lost recordings with rock legends Levon Helm and Jim Dickinson. Now Nestled in Nashville, Mike is also an environmental advocate recognized by the Sierra Club for his dedication to Mother Earth.