Performing will be Dar Williams, Slaid Cleaves, Roomful of Blues, Catie Curtis, Strangefolk, Celtic-rock quintet Enter the Haggis, Latin-rock band deSoL and jazz-bluegrass artists Snake Oil Medicine Show. Colin Linden will be the host.
The Saltwater Music Festival is a one-day event produced by Waterville-based Accord Music Group, a producer and promoter of live and recorded music. Partners Randy Labbe and Diane Sammer, who founded the music group last year, have produced four records under the Accord label, and Saltwater has been the company’s live-music component.
Labbe and Sammer say they believe people love great music, regardless of genre. That’s why, at Saltwater, listeners are just as likely to find a famous singer-songwriter performing as a hillbilly jazz band or a Celtic rock quintet. The goal is to offer listeners familiar music, as well as the opportunity to discover something new and exciting.
As part of Labbe’s and Sammer’s efforts to support independent music and local musicians, they’ve added “The Maine Stages” Saturday, July 31, when Maine artists, including Denny Breau of Lewiston, will perform on three stages in Topsham, Bath and Brunswick. People can visit www.saltfest.com for details.
Saltwater’s lineup
Here’s more on the performers for the Aug. 1 Saltwater Festival:
Dar Williams has both pop and singer-songwriter sensibilities. From her start on the coffeehouse circuit to her debut album, “The Honesty Room,” to 2000’s memorable “The Green World,” she has built a body of work establishing her a refreshing voice in music today. Her new release, “The Beauty of the Rain” demonstrates her storytelling skills.
deSoL is an Asbury Park rock band that was nominated for four Asbury Music Awards and won two of them. The band infuses English and Spanish lyrics with melodies that range from fiery to folksy. They are known for their mix of chanted melodies, modern rock and flourishes of rap and hip-hop. Early this year, the band released its debut CD, “Spanish Radio.”
Slaid Cleaves is an acclaimed singer-songwriter who turned up the volume with his third album, “Wishbones.” Cleaves’ impressive debut in 1996 was “No Angel Knows.” The Austin Chronicle called the former Maine resident’s “Broke Down,” which followed in 2000, “the first great Texas album of the 21st century.”
Since 1967, Roomful of Blues’ deeply rooted, horn-driven blend of swing, jump, blues and soul has earned it four Grammy nominations and other accolades, including two W.C. Handy Blues Awards. Its newest release, “That’s Right!,” was nominated for a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2003.
Catie Curtis’ vivid songwriting and soulful energy captivate audiences. The Boston Herald calls her “one of the melodic delights of our age” and The New Yorker, a “folk rock goddess.” She’s written about domestic violence, corporate greed, religion, homelessness, peace and gay issues. Her new album is “Dreaming in Romance Languages.”
Rock, folk, blues and bluegrass influences keep Strangefolk’s listeners moving from start to finish. They also have trademark three-part harmonies and soaring lead guitars in addition to great songwriting.
Enter the Haggis is an explosive Celtic-rock quintet that combines the traditional sounds of the highland bagpipe and fiddle with a powerhouse rhythm section and strong vocals. Their latest release, “Casualties of Retail,” mixes Celtic, bluegrass and rock, with some elements of Latin, blues and funk. Their raucous live show has made them a favorite at festivals and clubs across North America since their formation in 1996.
Snake Oil Medicine Show plays a mix of hillbilly, old-time jazz and bluegrass. Founder and guitarist/bassist George Pond’s witty lyrics explore everything from the golden rule to quantum physics. Caroline Pond adds mesmerizing fiddle to her bubbly yet sultry vocals, while “artist in residence” Phil Cheney paints brightly colored fantasies live upon stage during each of their performances.
Colin Linden is an accomplished singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer. He has played on more than 150 records and produced more than 30 CDs. He has worked with such artists as Bruce Cockburn, Colin James, Leon Redbone, T-Bone Burnett and The Band. He also appears as Father Scott in the Coen Brother’s film “Intolerable Cruelty.” His latest release, “Big Mouth,” is a set of 15 roots originals that includes the bonus track “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues” from “O Brother Where Art Thou.”
To get to Thomas Point Beach, follow Route 1 to the Cook’s Corner exit and follow Route 24 south. Turn left on Board Road and then left on Meadows Lane. The park is on the right.
Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 the day of the festival. Children 14 and under will be admitted free with an adult. Advance tickets are available at www.saltfest.com, at Bull Moose Music and at Bookland in Brunswick. The gate will open at noon; the show starts at 1 p.m.
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