2014 Folk Music Lineup
Frank Thomas:
Born and raised in rustic Clay County, Florida songwriter Frank Thomas has native Florida lineage dating back to the late 18th century. Few other songwriters can claim such a strong Florida heritage and sharing his love of Florida is the inspirational thread woven throughout his music and storytelling. He has been given many titles including the Dean of Florida Folk (for the many song-writing assignments he has given over the years), The Grand Old Man of Florida Folk, and is considered one of the most prolific songwriters in Florida.
In the 60s, Thomas toured nationally with several well-known bluegrass groups, most notably the legendary Arkansas Travelers. Thomas and beloved wife Ann settled into the "Cracker Palace," a Florida style home down Rattlesnake Hammock Road on the ridge just outside of Lake Wales. From there, Frank and Ann Thomas became the most well known duo in Florida music. Ann's big daddy thumping bass, deep rooted harmony singing and humorous jabs at her husband helped make them one of Florida's most popular acts. Frank and Ann Thomas traveled Florida, performing their unique music at schools, festivals, music and folk clubs, on television, and on concert stages. During the 80s, they produced and hosted the first Florida folk music radio show, weekly, on Tampa's WMNF. Their video "Florida History in Song," won the Florida Historical Societies coveted Golden Quill Award. Other awards received include the prestigious Florida Folk Heritage Award, The Inaugural Jillian Prescott History Award and The Stetson Kennedy Foundation Fellow -Man & Mother Earth Award. Frank was recently honored and inducted into the Florida Artist Hall of Fame -- Florida's most prestigious recognition!
Since Ann's death in 2004, Frank has continued his art as the patriarch of Florida folk music and is still a prolific songwriter: his catalogue numbers more than 500 songs -- all about Florida! A portion of them can be found on his nine albums, including Cracker Nights, Florida Stories, Bingo, Spanish Gold, and Just another Day in the Life of a Florida Cracker. For many years, Frank has hosted the River Gazebo stage at the Florida Folk Festival, where he personally welcomes and presents the state's best singer/ songwriters, reviews their work, gives out songwriting assignments and lots of praise.
While his accomplishments are certainly legendary, humble Frank Thomas will describe himself in one of his favorite cracker phrases: "I ain't nothin' extry."
Born and raised in rustic Clay County, Florida songwriter Frank Thomas has native Florida lineage dating back to the late 18th century. Few other songwriters can claim such a strong Florida heritage and sharing his love of Florida is the inspirational thread woven throughout his music and storytelling. He has been given many titles including the Dean of Florida Folk (for the many song-writing assignments he has given over the years), The Grand Old Man of Florida Folk, and is considered one of the most prolific songwriters in Florida.
In the 60s, Thomas toured nationally with several well-known bluegrass groups, most notably the legendary Arkansas Travelers. Thomas and beloved wife Ann settled into the "Cracker Palace," a Florida style home down Rattlesnake Hammock Road on the ridge just outside of Lake Wales. From there, Frank and Ann Thomas became the most well known duo in Florida music. Ann's big daddy thumping bass, deep rooted harmony singing and humorous jabs at her husband helped make them one of Florida's most popular acts. Frank and Ann Thomas traveled Florida, performing their unique music at schools, festivals, music and folk clubs, on television, and on concert stages. During the 80s, they produced and hosted the first Florida folk music radio show, weekly, on Tampa's WMNF. Their video "Florida History in Song," won the Florida Historical Societies coveted Golden Quill Award. Other awards received include the prestigious Florida Folk Heritage Award, The Inaugural Jillian Prescott History Award and The Stetson Kennedy Foundation Fellow -Man & Mother Earth Award. Frank was recently honored and inducted into the Florida Artist Hall of Fame -- Florida's most prestigious recognition!
Since Ann's death in 2004, Frank has continued his art as the patriarch of Florida folk music and is still a prolific songwriter: his catalogue numbers more than 500 songs -- all about Florida! A portion of them can be found on his nine albums, including Cracker Nights, Florida Stories, Bingo, Spanish Gold, and Just another Day in the Life of a Florida Cracker. For many years, Frank has hosted the River Gazebo stage at the Florida Folk Festival, where he personally welcomes and presents the state's best singer/ songwriters, reviews their work, gives out songwriting assignments and lots of praise.
While his accomplishments are certainly legendary, humble Frank Thomas will describe himself in one of his favorite cracker phrases: "I ain't nothin' extry."
Dora Anne:
Known as The "Lullaby Lady" is a delightful singer, song writer and speaker.
She has been singing her way across America at churches and festivals since 1994 with her music being distributed to at least 10 countries around the world through ministry.
With her angelic voice, melodious blend of music from her heart felt compositions to Gospel, Blues, Folk, Traditional Country and what Dora Anne calls "Lullaby Grass" you will find yourself drawn in by her different reflections in songs and stories.
Dora Anne's blessings include harmonizing with her Mother, Leesburg Baptist church with the deaf ministry, performing at Cockrams Ge. Store in Floyd, Virginia registered in the National Geographic as one of USA "hot spots" to play, Florida Folk fest, Will McLean fest., sharing her stage with Elroyce Makley, TV and radio appearances are just a few.
After accepting the invitation to be a member of the Country Gospel Music Association, Dora Anne was voted by her peers 2 years straight to be CGMA Southeast Region Silver Heart award for yodeling. 1999 Dora Anne became 1 of 6 in the USA and Canada to be nominated by her peers for the national yodeling award. Oct. 1999 Dora Anne became 1999 - 2000 CGMA National Golden Heart award for yodeling.
Traditional arts are not new to Dora Anne as she is from 12 generations of chair caners.She has been caning chairs since age 5.
She repairs & teaches auto harp & teaches yodeling
Dora Anne feels her greatest accomplishment has been serving Jesus, raising her children and being a grannie.
What others say about Dora Anne:
Frank Thomas feels he opened a can of worms when he discovered her.
Margaret Longhill thinks Dora Anne's voice is akin to the angels and she seems to overflow with God's goodness and love.
"Mamma" - Elroyce Makley says "keep practicing, your getting better”
Known as The "Lullaby Lady" is a delightful singer, song writer and speaker.
She has been singing her way across America at churches and festivals since 1994 with her music being distributed to at least 10 countries around the world through ministry.
With her angelic voice, melodious blend of music from her heart felt compositions to Gospel, Blues, Folk, Traditional Country and what Dora Anne calls "Lullaby Grass" you will find yourself drawn in by her different reflections in songs and stories.
Dora Anne's blessings include harmonizing with her Mother, Leesburg Baptist church with the deaf ministry, performing at Cockrams Ge. Store in Floyd, Virginia registered in the National Geographic as one of USA "hot spots" to play, Florida Folk fest, Will McLean fest., sharing her stage with Elroyce Makley, TV and radio appearances are just a few.
After accepting the invitation to be a member of the Country Gospel Music Association, Dora Anne was voted by her peers 2 years straight to be CGMA Southeast Region Silver Heart award for yodeling. 1999 Dora Anne became 1 of 6 in the USA and Canada to be nominated by her peers for the national yodeling award. Oct. 1999 Dora Anne became 1999 - 2000 CGMA National Golden Heart award for yodeling.
Traditional arts are not new to Dora Anne as she is from 12 generations of chair caners.She has been caning chairs since age 5.
She repairs & teaches auto harp & teaches yodeling
Dora Anne feels her greatest accomplishment has been serving Jesus, raising her children and being a grannie.
What others say about Dora Anne:
Frank Thomas feels he opened a can of worms when he discovered her.
Margaret Longhill thinks Dora Anne's voice is akin to the angels and she seems to overflow with God's goodness and love.
"Mamma" - Elroyce Makley says "keep practicing, your getting better”
Emmett Carlisle:
A Florida boy working on his 7th CD of original songs. Americana, Bluesgrass,and Folk Rock love songs mixed together might describe the sound. Some songs are about the history, environment, and characters of the Great State Of Florida.
IEmmett plays most of the big Festivals in Florida including the Will Mclean Festival, Gamble Rogers Festival, Florida Folk Festival, Sarasota Folk Festival, Clay County Fair, and many venues around the State.
His newest CD is "Higher Hopes Bigger Dreams," was awarded CD Of The Year (Song Writer) by the Jacksonville Times-Union. He is now writing songs for #8.
A Florida boy working on his 7th CD of original songs. Americana, Bluesgrass,and Folk Rock love songs mixed together might describe the sound. Some songs are about the history, environment, and characters of the Great State Of Florida.
IEmmett plays most of the big Festivals in Florida including the Will Mclean Festival, Gamble Rogers Festival, Florida Folk Festival, Sarasota Folk Festival, Clay County Fair, and many venues around the State.
His newest CD is "Higher Hopes Bigger Dreams," was awarded CD Of The Year (Song Writer) by the Jacksonville Times-Union. He is now writing songs for #8.
Florida Swamp Cabbage
Pete Gallagher:
Pete Gallagher, a Florida native born in Ft. Lauderdale and raised in Rockledge, has lived in St. Petersburg since 1974. He has been writing and singing about Florida history, culture and the environment for more than 35 years. An award-winning journalist, accomplished grant writer, event producer and freelance writer, Pete has been involved in Florida preservation pursuits since he graduated from the University of Florida in 1972. From his landmark Vanishing Florida column in the St. Petersburg Times to his investigative work that freed migrant farm worker James Richardson from jail (after being wrongfully convicted for murdering his seven children) to his work exposing the tragedy of Rosewood, the plight of the Florida panther and his expose on unethical state government permitting and variance capers that allowed the destruction of the worlds oldest aboriginal canoes (for the Seminole Indian Tribune), he has consistently fought for truth and sanity in Florida environmental and cultural issues. He has worked over 18 years in Tribal communications for Chief Jim Billie and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, writing for the award-winning Seminole Tribune newspaper, and producing large-scale entertainment events (including the Discover Native America powwow series, the Fire On The Swamp country music fests and the Phish NYE 2000 show which drew 100,000 folks to a Big Cypress cattle pasture on the millennium. Pete has appeared at the Florida Folk Festival each year since 1972, most of that time as a member of the original Green Grass Revival (Florida bluegrass/folk band). in duos with former WMNF co-hosts Raiford Starke and Kelly Green. Pete also plays bass and guitar in the Florida Boys with Florida State Fiddle Champ Elan Chalford, national harmonica talent T.C. Carr, dobro-ist Foster Barnes, singer Pat Barmore and guitarist Bart Hanchley Pete has released four albums, the legendary 'Live At Tampa Theatre' LP with Green Grass Revival in 1979, 'Florida Folk Music,' 'Florida Folk Music II' and 'Dog Peter Gnats' (with Raiford Starke) and 'Songs of Florida,' (with Kelly Green) , 'Orange Blossom Special' (with the Green Grass Boys) Pete's music combines humor (Dog Peter Gnats) and pathos (The Old Rope Swing, Suwannee River 2023) with intuitive looks at Florida characters and places, everything presented with a pro-Florida environmental theme. Pete was the winner of the first Will McLean Poetry Contest, and is a two-time winner in the LiveArts Peninsula Foundation's Floridian songwriting contest. From 1981 until 1991, he managed the comeback career of blues singer Diamond Teeth Mary Smith McClain and.called “Diamond Teeth Mary. He (with co-hosts Ronny Elliott and Gary Horrell) present the WMNF Florida Folk Show (Saturdays 9-10 a.m.) and co-hosts (with Pat Barmore) Florida Folk Night at Beak's St. Pete.--one of the state's top acoustic songwriter showcases. Pete is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and has been the executive producer on three nationally-released (Grammy nominated) CDs. Pete and Fiddle champion Elan Chalford present a 'Tribute to the Florida Fiddler' themed live concert show. They strive to educate their audiences about Florida's unique Cracker Jazz fiddle music, exploring the styles and songs of Vassar Clements, Arthur Smith, Chubby Wise, Erwin T. Rouse and others.
Pete Gallagher, a Florida native born in Ft. Lauderdale and raised in Rockledge, has lived in St. Petersburg since 1974. He has been writing and singing about Florida history, culture and the environment for more than 35 years. An award-winning journalist, accomplished grant writer, event producer and freelance writer, Pete has been involved in Florida preservation pursuits since he graduated from the University of Florida in 1972. From his landmark Vanishing Florida column in the St. Petersburg Times to his investigative work that freed migrant farm worker James Richardson from jail (after being wrongfully convicted for murdering his seven children) to his work exposing the tragedy of Rosewood, the plight of the Florida panther and his expose on unethical state government permitting and variance capers that allowed the destruction of the worlds oldest aboriginal canoes (for the Seminole Indian Tribune), he has consistently fought for truth and sanity in Florida environmental and cultural issues. He has worked over 18 years in Tribal communications for Chief Jim Billie and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, writing for the award-winning Seminole Tribune newspaper, and producing large-scale entertainment events (including the Discover Native America powwow series, the Fire On The Swamp country music fests and the Phish NYE 2000 show which drew 100,000 folks to a Big Cypress cattle pasture on the millennium. Pete has appeared at the Florida Folk Festival each year since 1972, most of that time as a member of the original Green Grass Revival (Florida bluegrass/folk band). in duos with former WMNF co-hosts Raiford Starke and Kelly Green. Pete also plays bass and guitar in the Florida Boys with Florida State Fiddle Champ Elan Chalford, national harmonica talent T.C. Carr, dobro-ist Foster Barnes, singer Pat Barmore and guitarist Bart Hanchley Pete has released four albums, the legendary 'Live At Tampa Theatre' LP with Green Grass Revival in 1979, 'Florida Folk Music,' 'Florida Folk Music II' and 'Dog Peter Gnats' (with Raiford Starke) and 'Songs of Florida,' (with Kelly Green) , 'Orange Blossom Special' (with the Green Grass Boys) Pete's music combines humor (Dog Peter Gnats) and pathos (The Old Rope Swing, Suwannee River 2023) with intuitive looks at Florida characters and places, everything presented with a pro-Florida environmental theme. Pete was the winner of the first Will McLean Poetry Contest, and is a two-time winner in the LiveArts Peninsula Foundation's Floridian songwriting contest. From 1981 until 1991, he managed the comeback career of blues singer Diamond Teeth Mary Smith McClain and.called “Diamond Teeth Mary. He (with co-hosts Ronny Elliott and Gary Horrell) present the WMNF Florida Folk Show (Saturdays 9-10 a.m.) and co-hosts (with Pat Barmore) Florida Folk Night at Beak's St. Pete.--one of the state's top acoustic songwriter showcases. Pete is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and has been the executive producer on three nationally-released (Grammy nominated) CDs. Pete and Fiddle champion Elan Chalford present a 'Tribute to the Florida Fiddler' themed live concert show. They strive to educate their audiences about Florida's unique Cracker Jazz fiddle music, exploring the styles and songs of Vassar Clements, Arthur Smith, Chubby Wise, Erwin T. Rouse and others.
James Hawkins:
James Hawkins is a singer/songwriter living in Venice Florida. Along with being a past president of the Sarasota Folk Club, he has been active with the Sarasota Folk Club and the state wide organization called Friends of Florida Folk www.foff.org.
His songs have been recorded by several Florida Folk Artists such as Mindy Simmons, Carl Wade & Barbara Schaffer, Ron & Bari Litschauer, Jon Semmes and Orlando's Hallelujah Sisters to name a few.
James Hawkins is a singer/songwriter living in Venice Florida. Along with being a past president of the Sarasota Folk Club, he has been active with the Sarasota Folk Club and the state wide organization called Friends of Florida Folk www.foff.org.
His songs have been recorded by several Florida Folk Artists such as Mindy Simmons, Carl Wade & Barbara Schaffer, Ron & Bari Litschauer, Jon Semmes and Orlando's Hallelujah Sisters to name a few.
JD and Zetha Lewis:
JD and Zetha Lewis are full time singer songwriters and performers "backwoods country boy and Girl " JD is From a Florida Pioneer Family 7Th Generation that was raised by his single mother and his grandparents . J.D was the oldest of 3 sons , He grew up loving to hunt and fish the creeks around His little south Florida town. He grew up around Bluegrass and Folk and Southern Rock music and received His first guitar his mother bought at the local Western Auto while he was laid up in bed after a severe leg injury , it was at this time when he was 12 years old he taught himself to play. From that moment on J.D dreamed of being able touch people through his picking. Then at a very young age he met his soul mate and decided he wanted a family and being on the road would not be good on his wife and children, so decided to put the music on a shelf until they raised there 4 wonderful children. J.D and his wife accomplished just that, now it is time to turn the page and start chapter two of his life and with his wife Zetha by his side singing with him at every show J.D strives to touch every heart and soul through his heartfelt songs and music. J.D has performed at great places such as the Florida Folk Festival, Barberville , Fort Christmas , Corkscrew Swamp , The Caladium Festival , The First Annual Frank Thomas Festival, The Duette Cracker Festival , The Florida Opry , and Fort Hammer Park just to name a few Florida treasures. J.D has also performed in Alabama , Georgia and Tennessee . In 2013 he recorded some of his music in Tennessee with the help of Mr Cory Clark , J.D has been blessed to perform along side some of the best musicians such as Frank Thomas , Billy Dean, Jim Stafford, and John McEuen. J.D has a unique sound to his musical story telling , he loves what he does and it truly shows. This is J.D and Zetha ( Johnny ) Lewis Florida Country Boy and Girl To The Bone.
JD and Zetha Lewis are full time singer songwriters and performers "backwoods country boy and Girl " JD is From a Florida Pioneer Family 7Th Generation that was raised by his single mother and his grandparents . J.D was the oldest of 3 sons , He grew up loving to hunt and fish the creeks around His little south Florida town. He grew up around Bluegrass and Folk and Southern Rock music and received His first guitar his mother bought at the local Western Auto while he was laid up in bed after a severe leg injury , it was at this time when he was 12 years old he taught himself to play. From that moment on J.D dreamed of being able touch people through his picking. Then at a very young age he met his soul mate and decided he wanted a family and being on the road would not be good on his wife and children, so decided to put the music on a shelf until they raised there 4 wonderful children. J.D and his wife accomplished just that, now it is time to turn the page and start chapter two of his life and with his wife Zetha by his side singing with him at every show J.D strives to touch every heart and soul through his heartfelt songs and music. J.D has performed at great places such as the Florida Folk Festival, Barberville , Fort Christmas , Corkscrew Swamp , The Caladium Festival , The First Annual Frank Thomas Festival, The Duette Cracker Festival , The Florida Opry , and Fort Hammer Park just to name a few Florida treasures. J.D has also performed in Alabama , Georgia and Tennessee . In 2013 he recorded some of his music in Tennessee with the help of Mr Cory Clark , J.D has been blessed to perform along side some of the best musicians such as Frank Thomas , Billy Dean, Jim Stafford, and John McEuen. J.D has a unique sound to his musical story telling , he loves what he does and it truly shows. This is J.D and Zetha ( Johnny ) Lewis Florida Country Boy and Girl To The Bone.
Whitey Markle:
Whitey Markle has been a fixture on the Florida music scene for decades. He has been performing and writing songs for over 30 years and continues to entertain audiences to this day. His style of music, known as "Swampgrass", is a mixture of bluegrass, folk and country with a taste of old fashioned Florida "Cracker" thrown in for good measure. Whitey Markle and the Swamprooters (as his band is affectionately called) have released two CD's, Cracker Blue and Hog Wild. Whitey has also written a book about his experiences in Florida called Whitey Markle's Recipes with Tales and Tunes.
Whitey Markle has been a fixture on the Florida music scene for decades. He has been performing and writing songs for over 30 years and continues to entertain audiences to this day. His style of music, known as "Swampgrass", is a mixture of bluegrass, folk and country with a taste of old fashioned Florida "Cracker" thrown in for good measure. Whitey Markle and the Swamprooters (as his band is affectionately called) have released two CD's, Cracker Blue and Hog Wild. Whitey has also written a book about his experiences in Florida called Whitey Markle's Recipes with Tales and Tunes.
Bill and Eli Perras:
The many inspired lyrics given to and interpreted by Eli, combined with Bill's bluesy finger-style guitar playing create a very uniquely modern take on true Americana music in its purest form. Receiving much recognition for their tightly woven musical creativity, they humbly remain true to their personal values. They speak out with strong heartfelt lyrics, accompanied with a soulful genuine pentatonic voicing, against social injustices, corporate greed, and daily follies in everyday life. They can grip your heart, search your soul, change a mindset, or softly strike a funny bone, all the while leaving the audience with a sentiment for the common good we desire in all mankind.
Panama Red:
So, you ask yourself, who is this Panama Red? The answer is simple, an original Texas Jewboy and a co-writer with Kinky Friedman, Billy Joe Shaver and Ronny Elliott, Panama Red was a fixture in the 1970s Music Row Outlaw movement in Nashville. His sphere of influence has grown lately to include an annual stint on and in European stages and bars. His irreverent stage comments are interspersed with original, intelligent songs which have been described as "honest', "elegant', and "soulful", by such luminaries as Kinky Friedman, Marshall Chapman and David Olney. He currently lives "just far enough" outside of Nashville.
So, you ask yourself, who is this Panama Red? The answer is simple, an original Texas Jewboy and a co-writer with Kinky Friedman, Billy Joe Shaver and Ronny Elliott, Panama Red was a fixture in the 1970s Music Row Outlaw movement in Nashville. His sphere of influence has grown lately to include an annual stint on and in European stages and bars. His irreverent stage comments are interspersed with original, intelligent songs which have been described as "honest', "elegant', and "soulful", by such luminaries as Kinky Friedman, Marshall Chapman and David Olney. He currently lives "just far enough" outside of Nashville.