RUPERT WATES with opening performance by Cristina Harris June 6, 2009

Rupert Wates was born in London. He describes his music as acoustic, melodic art/folk.

Since his move to the US in fall 2006 his music has found a warm reception and in 2007 alone he was nominated eight times for songwriting awards. Strong melodies, memorable lyrics, nuanced and real emotion - these are the hallmarks of Rupert Wates' music.

Rupert plays 100-150 live shows a year in venues all over the US. He has received over ten songwriting awards, including Gold Prize in the Folk/Acoustic category of the Midatlantic Song Contest in Washington DC, Second Prize in the North Carolina Songwriting Contest in Holly Springs, and Top Prize in the Folk/Acoustic Category of the International Song Wars Contest headed by Mike Pinder. His CD ‘Coast To Coast’ was voted a TOP 10 Album for 2007 by
Britsound Radio, an independent program based in New Jersey. In 2008 his album ‘Dear Life’ was named ‘one of the best CDs of 2008’ by the Indie Acoustic Project (www.indieacoustic.com).

Reviews for Rupert Wates:
“Man! This guy sings from the heart and then some. Each song yanks the listener fully into the story and rhythms, not to mention an emotionality imbuing Wates’ plaintively melodic voice. Every cut’s a gem, completely enthralling, absorbing, and thus we have a new and unique
songwriter-musician already in the front ranks” (Mark Tucker, Folk And Acoustic Music Exchange)

CRISTINA HARRIS -

Cristina Harris is a singer/songwriter from New Haven, CT who writes and performs introspective piano-pop. She has been described as, "...Fiona Apple and Regina Spektor did a side Project with Ben Folds." Cristina has been performing in the area as both the main draw and the opening act for
various touring performers. She continues to write new material which delves into new realms of her visionary songwriting.

www.myspace.com/cristinaharrismusic

http://www.rupertwates.com/

Official Website: http://www.buttonwood.org