Michelle Swan October 6, 2012

Frederick native, Michelle Swan released her second solo CD 'What I Got' in March, '04. Her first, 'Whistling in the Dark' (released May, 2000) was nominated for 'Best Debut Recording' at the Washington Area Music Association's award ceremonies in 2000. She has been nominated in other WAMA categories over the past several years - 'Best New Artist' ('98), as well as 'Songwriter of the Year' and 'Best Contemporary Folk Vocalist' (in 2002). If her past success is any indication, 'What I Got' will no doubt add to her list of devoted followers and hopefully to more awards at the Wammies this year.

While stylistically, her music vacillates between folk and country, labeling it as such risks trivializing it. Her melodies are uniquely her own; her lyrics are deeply personal, and compellingly sensitive. Most notable is the absence of cliche in either her lyrical or melodic composition. Michelle is an intuitive creator of highly original, and exceptionally musical inspiration. 'I was fortunate to live in a very musical home' says Swan. 'My parents listened to classical, gospel, pop, bluegrass and rock and roll.' This diverse range of musical influences seems to have given her a pallette of many colors from which to pick and choose; and has enabled her to simply be creative without restrictions, or the tendency to sound like anyone other than herself.

Unlike many singer/songwriters who tend to be more one than the other, Swan is master of both. Vocally she is simply awesome - able to effortlessly sing both the touchingly gentle and the emotionally volitive. Her songs are exceptionally original in their construction, with melodies that could only have been conceived by a highly conceptual, musical mind. Swan is also an inspiring acoustic guitarist, with not only excellent technique but a superior touch. She is impressive from every angle, and is gifted as few are.

(from Old Town Crier - 2004 - Chris Sky Shaw and Spencer Hill)

Show starts at 8pm and, as always, is free. (tips for the musicians are accepted)