It is the last month for live music on the steps at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library on Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg this month. Every Monday, at 7PM, a different act will perform a variety of genres (American, roots, rock, bluegrass, celtic, and more) outside, free of charge. So bring a lawn chair and a beverage and enjoy the last of the summer sounds. Truly, the acts coming through are special and exceptionally notable.

August 2011

8/1/2011
Jeni & Billy www.jeniandbilly.com
Appalachian folk with honest soul and intertwining duet vocals and harmonies – Jeni Hankins and Billy Kemp will sooth your heart. Check out some of their tracks from their three albums, Sweet & Toxic, Jewel Ridge Coal, and Longing For Heaven on the website to get a taste of their original tunes. It is described well, “This is either the most sophisticated simple music or the simplest sophisticated music I’ve ever heard.”

8/8/2011
Angela Easterling www.angelaeasterling.com
This is a special act to hit town. Her recent album, Beguiler was produced by Will Kimbrough, lead guitar for Emmylou Harris, and has worked with Rodney Crowell, Todd Snyder, and Jimmy Buffett. Her unique blend of grassy-folk, has just enough pop to keep ya singing along. Her voice is angelic and her band truly enhances this along with each song’s story. She has been a finalist two times at the Kerrvile New Folk Festival and was a 2011 Telluride Troubador Competition finalist as well. The Don’t miss this one, folks.

8/15/2011
The Sunday Times Band www.sundaytimesband.com
This act covers everything from Jimmy Buffett to the Wild Cherries, INXS, Yardbirds, and The Beatles. This six piece band, with three guitars, keys, and vocals, will definitely livin’ up the evening. You may even want to get up and dance.

8/22/2011
AON www.aonband.com
This rockin’ celtic band blends traditional celtic sounds with American Appalachian sounds, with highland bag pipes, hammer dulcimer, drums, fiddle, tin whistle, and vocals. This group has definitely caught the notice of live music goers in the region, playing all over. Hear their tracks on the website linked above, come out and enjoy a fun evening appreciating the Celtic culture. Remember, the Irish are a huge part of Fredericksburg’s history. (Hence the Irish Brigade, Irish Eyes, The Blarney Stone).

8/29/2011
The Steel Wheels www.thesteelwheels.com
Live Music on the Steps couldn’t end the season with a better group. This roots rockin’ country-grass band has just released their album, Red Wing, with the strong, acoustic sounds of guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and bass, topped with lead singer Trent Wagner’s natural twangin' rasp, and the rest of the band’s accenting harmonies and echoes. In 2010, the band earned five nominations at The Independent Music Awards. All players, Trent Wagner (vocals/guitar/banjo), Jay Lapp (mandolin/guitar), Brian Dickel (upright bass), and Eric Brubaker (fiddle) have deep musical and performance histories and promise to deliver a lively and soul satisfying performance. They are stopping in Fredericksburg on a tour that has taken them west, south, and up and down the Blue Ridge Mountains. See them live, and check out their new album, Red Wing.

Learn more at
http://www.librarypoint.org/musiconthesteps.

Visit www.FredRockMusicLink.com for a comprehensive weekly live music calendar.