Intros for Salt of the Earth, 11/12/23

Rachel Brooke (Saginaw, MI) shows no mercy with her down-home twang, powerful stage presence and poetic lyricism. A seasoned songwriter who perfectly embodies the music of the American South but lives in the wilds of Michigan, Brooke is one of the most naturally talented up-and-coming artists in the world of country music and honkytonk, having won Outlaw Female 2023 at the Ameripolitan Music Awards. Once a player of punk, Rachel brings that energy to bear on while playing the hell out of her modern Americana. Our chairs do not have seat belts, so do your best to hang on, because here comes Rachel "Rattlesnake" Brooke.

Blake Elliott (Beulah, MI) effortlessly blends the present with the past to craft her own sweet recipe of jazz, blues, soul, and swing. Combined with her bright red lips and trademark vintage style, Elliott’s unique voice weaves throughout intricate melodies creating a nostalgic, yet modern sound entirely her own. Blake is a master collaborator, having played with the Robinson Affair, Elizabeth Landry, and most recently with Stonefolk, but a solo show weaves a smoky sweet spell all its own.  This is about as far south as this northern thrush ever comes, so please put away the birding binoculars and give Blake Elliott a listen.

Jen Sygit (Lansing, MI) wields a rare and powerful talent that seems equally comfortable performing ethereal folk tunes, crooning sultry swing numbers or soulfully belting gritty alt country ballads. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist who isn’t afraid to test boundaries and cross genres, Sygit’s music is sometimes traditional, sometimes contemporary, yet always imbued with a raw sense of honesty. Jen is also a longtime member of the female harmony trio Stella!, a rip roaring roll through the saltier side of roots music. Jen Sygit has respect for all, but reverence for none, so watch out for the sting in the tail of these stellar tunes. 

We want to thank these artists for sharing their music this evening.  Now if you clap really hard, not only will you save Tinker Bell, but you might persuade these three fine artists to come back up here and collaborate on a number or two.