2023 Concerts

Sunday, December 10th, 2023, 2:00 PM - Ordinary Elephant

I can’t think of a better way to introduce our audience to Ordinary Elephant than to use this quote by Tom Paxton:

“There is nothing at all ordinary with this elephant. They are smack dab in the tradition that I have always loved but have both (all four?) feet in the 21st Century. This is rich ground. Listen!”

Actually, they are better described as EXTRAORDINARY Elephant. Incredible harmonies, uniquely written original songs and a wonderful afternoon of haunting musicianship. It just doesn’t get any better than this.
Many of you have asked for more afternoon concerts so you can drive these country roads in the daylight and we all agree that there is something really special about a Sunday afternoon of music. Couple that with the opportunity to enjoy Ordinary Elephant up close and personal.

But don’t take our word for it, go to their website and check out their music: OrdinaryElephant.net

November 12, 2023 (7 PM) - Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris

We have been looking forward to November all summer long, and not just because of the heat, but because Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris will be opening Sycamore Creek’s 2023/2024 concert season!

These two spectacular artists represent the best of the Americana/Folk scene. Mary is an established Grammy nominated artist who has definitely paid her dues. Jaimee is a young emerging artist for whom the sky is the limit. Mary and Jaimee perform together frequently, but they are also established performing artists on their own. We are so privileged that they have agreed to play Sycamore Creek together.

I could write pages about Mary’s accomplishments, but your best bet is to check out her webpage (www.MaryGauthier.com) for a taste of her music and a little bit of her biography. You will find that she has written a book entitled “Saved By a Song” and that she works with veterans and their spouses helping them make sense of the many challenges they face as they join the rank of civilians. “Dark Enough to See the Stars” Mary’s latest of 12 albums, is a masterpiece of heartfelt renderings including the title track where she mourns the loss of dear friends that include: John Prine, Nanci Griffith and David Olney. Mary and I met several years ago when she was teaching songwriting at the Kerrville Folk Festival. I quickly learned that songwriting is serious business as Mary worked with students to hone their skills and strengthen the messages of their songs. And on top of all of this, she is a master chef!!

Gail and I met Jaimee during one of the Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Award Winner Tours and we have enjoyed watching her grow as a songwriter and performer. NPR has dubbed Jaimee “The Next Queen of Americana/Folk”. We concur completely. Jaimee’s sophomore album, “Boomerang Town”, is simply stunning. The songs are exquisite, Iris Dement says it best; “After half a dozen listens over two long road trips I can wholeheartedly recommend you BUY and LISTEN to Jaimee Harris’ new record [Boomerang Town]. She has things to say that I’m the better for having heard! I expect you will be, too. Thank you for being so generous with your heart and artistry, Jaimee!” Check out Jaimee’s website: (www.JaimeeHarris.com).

April 29, 2023 (7 PM) - Steve Seskin and Allen Shamblin

Some of you may not be familiar with their names, but all of you will be familiar with their songs.

Allen Shamblin and Steve Seskin are two of the most successful writers in Nashville. They are also prolific co-writers, and as you can see from their bios below, some of their greatest hits were products of their co-writing partnership.

Allen Shamblin has written songs like "I Can't Make you Love Me", "The House That Built Me", "Life's A Dance", "Don't Laugh at Me", and "He Walked on Water". Allen has had more than 100 songs recorded by artists in several genres of music. Check out Allens website to learn more about him and his music.

Steve Seskin has written a boatload of songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Neal McCoy, John Michael Montgomery, Kenny Chesney, Collin Raye, Peter Frampton, Waylon Jennings, Alabama, Mark Wills, and Peter Paul and Mary. His song "Don't Laugh At Me" was a finalist for CMA "Song of the Year" in 1999, and has spurred an entire tolerance movement, launched by the Don't Laugh at Me Project. Other Seskin hits include: "I Think About You", "Life's A Dance", "No Doubt About It", "If You've Got Love" and "Grown Men Don't Cry". More information on Steve and samples of his music can be found at his website.

Allen and Steve are both great solo performers, but when they take the stage together, it is magic.

Two friends, two songwriters, joining together to provide you with an incredible night of music.

March 18, 2023 (7 PM) - 2022 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Award Winners

Many people consider the Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition to be the soul of the Kerrville Folk Festival. Every year since 1972, songwriters have been invited to submit two songs to be considered for this prestigious competition. From the 800 submissions, 24 artists are invited to come to the Kerrville Folk Festival and perform their songs before an adoring and enthusiastic audience. A panel of professional touring singer songwriters selects six “award winners” from the 24. Each year those six award winners are invited to participate in a tour of central Texas.

This year, all 6 award winners will join us at Sycamore Creek Concerts to kick off the tour and share their incredible songs and musicianship.

Click on the links to their websites for bios and to hear a sample of their music.
• Calista Garcia
• Kyle Rasche
• Javier Jara
• Jean Rohe
• R. O. Shapiro
• Sadie Gustafson-Zook

February 18, 2023 (7 PM) - Susan Werner

Born into a musical family and raised on a farm in rural Iowa, Susan became focused on music at a very early age. From that point forward she has written and performed songs in numerous genres. She mesmerizes audiences wherever she goes. From the moment she walks on stage you are hooked, you know immediately that you are in for a magical experience.

She first arrived on the national stage when her 1995 BMG debut earned her national concert tours with Joan Armatrading and Richard Thompson. In 1996 Werner was featured as part of the “next generation” in Peter Paul and Mary’s PBS special LifeLines. She has performed on NPR’s World Café, NPR’s Mountain Stage, and in 2016 Nebraska Educational Television broadcast “The Land Will Outlive Us All,” a one hour special on Werner, agriculture, and her 2015 concert tour across the state.

We saw/experienced Susan at Kerrville and at Blue Rock in years past and knew she was a must for Sycamore Creek. It has taken a while for that to happen, but we know you will agree it was well worth the wait.

As if you need anymore encouragement, do yourself a favor and check out some of her YouTube videos:

1955 Chevy Bel Air
May I Suggest
While You Wait for the Rain