All Posts By

Ken Settlemyer

FIDDLE FEST!

By |
Saturday November 12, 2022 1:00 PM

Our Finale for the yearnote 1PM Gates, 2PM Show!

Bob Banerjee, Lew London, JD Edge

Drop Dead Dangerous Backing Band!

Credit to Emily Randle Music Composition Scoring….

Three Fiddles, Three Styles, One Amazing Show!

Note – this is a Saturday show, music starts at 2PM, Doors at 1PM

About the Show…

A while in the making, a lot of coordination for multiple musicians and diverging schedules, this will be a one-of-a-kind show! You know the names in the lineup – you know you don’t want to miss this show!

About Bob…

A native of Calcutta, India, Bob came to the US at a young age. He chose to learn violin in 5th grade because it was the lightest instrument to carry – and he could annoy almost anyone when he played it. His musical legend grew as he outgrew 20 years of classical violin to go to the “dark side” of playing improvisational performances in country, bluegrass, folk, reggae, jazz, rock, and Celtic.

A founding member of the “Duo Corned Beef & Curry” Band, you will also find him dragged up on stage with anyone in the trop rock world within hearing distance!

About Lew…

Lew London is a multi instrumentalist, singer, composer with an eclectic range of musical tastes and a passion for traditional roots music and jazz. Lew has performed and toured the country since the early seventies. He has recorded with Grammy winners Steve Goodman, Mavis Staples and as a studio musician for many artists throughout his long career.

Lew was a candidate for Guitar Player Magazine’s guitar player of the year in 1977. Lew’s Philo/Rounder album “Swingtime in Springtime” met with sparkling reviews and is available in the USA and Japan. Lew participated in performance and production of “Singing Through the Hardtimes”, a tribute to Utah Phillips nominated for a grammy in 2010. Lew is also a live sound and recording engineer, producer and an Avid Certified Instructor for Pro Tools. He spent 18 years as Executive Director of Chartertech High School for the Performing Arts in Somers Point, NJ. He lives in Florida now where he focuses on performing and recording music.

About JD…

JD started playing fiddle at the age of three, and he credits his supportive parents and grandparents for encouraging him to perform from a very early age. JD has shared the stage with the likes of Charlie Daniels, Marty Stuart, and Mel Tillis.

JD joined Southern Drawl Band in 2014, playing countless shows all over the US and Mexico. Their unique blend of country and southern-rock kept fans coming back for more. More recently, he has been touring with Drop Dead Dangerous (Loaded!) and also now fronts his own project, Rebel Railroad.

About DDD…

Drop Dead Dangerous is a musical force that has taken the continental United States and the Caribbean by storm. A band full of songwriters that intertwine addicting melodies with honest, passionate lyrics, they are described by their loyal following to be among the best in the business.

Kitty Steadman is the lead singer and guitar player that combines a magnificent voice with a party hard attitude that has brought fans all over the country to their feet.

Melanie Howe, also commonly known as, “The Djembabe,” fills the pocket with grooves and percussive magic that can only be found on the Drop Dead Dangerous stage.

About Emily…

We are sad that she wont be able to perform at this show – but she still has a major part of what is going to happen – she is excited to be a part of this, and has worked on the scoring of the multi-fiddle parts of this show.

A native Chicagoan, SGM Emily Randle joined The U.S. Army Strings, in 2003. Randle holds violin performance degrees from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Prior to 2003, she was a member of The Louisville (KY) Orchestra, then performed regularly with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Joffrey Ballet Orchestra, and Ravinia Festival Orchestra. She has been a substitute violinist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra since 2008, and in 2016 recorded her solo album “Girl of My Dreams.” In January of 2014, Randle accepted the position of S3 Operations NCO, and was appointed NCOIC and S3 Group Leader in 2019.

RSVP deadline is past

Jeff Dayton at The Habitat

By |
Saturday January 7, 2023 5:30 PM
 

Jeff Dayton at The Habitat

And he will be joined by Dave Machette on Harmonica

About the Show…

Jeff is best known for his 15 year time with Glenn Campbell as his Guitarist, Band Leader, and all around right hand man, but is an excellent songwriter and performer in his own right. We are beyond excited that he has chosen to join us for a house concert in 2023!

About Jeff…

Nashville artist Jeff Dayton’s career is a success story built on hard work, faith and professionalism. From his 15 years as bandleader and guitarist with Hall of Fame legend Glen Campbell to his tours on guitar with Lee Greenwood and megastar Kenny Chesney, Jeff has kept the same upbeat gratitude and energy he’s had since his early days in club bands. He’s played shows on guitar with Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Tanya Tucker, Toby Keith, Buck Owens and Bo Diddley. He’s done TV and film work on Hawaii Five-O, Nashville and current Netfilx drama Messiah. Jeff’s songs have been recorded by George Strait, Doug Stone and others and have been used on The Voice and Hawaii Five-O. He may be new to the trop-rock scene, we are very excited to host him here at The Habitat, and as a special treat, he will also be joined on stage by Dave Machette on harmonica!

We also encourage you to check out his web site: Jeff Dayton Music

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… We are no longer able to offer pre-donations as we have not been able to locate a reliable method to do this going forward. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past

Donny Brewer at The Habitat 2023

By |
Saturday January 28, 2023 5:30 PM
 

Donny Brewer at The Habitat

About the Show…

It’s Donny Brewer, Y’all… Yep, that pretty much covers it. I know you know him already, have seen him a hundred times, and you know you need to be here!

But wait… There is one of you that doesnt know who Donny is? OK. take 2….

Just a Texas boy living on the road. He’s not Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, or even Kenny Chesney, nor does he want to be. Those famous guys make wonderful music, but the difference is, they probably won’t have a drink with you or throw you into to their lyrics at your friend’s backyard show. And they certainly won’t invite you on their bus to sing on an album or share a catamaran with you and maybe write some songs. But Donny will. Why? Because while he may win awards and tour the world, he’s just a super fan like you. He may love Trop Rock and Drinking Songs, but he loves any kind of music, as long as he can share it with his friends, his family, …his zimzalas… all over the world, in tropical places and big ol’ stages and back yards, with a cold skinny beer or a rum and somethin’, because a songwriter’s life is like a fishbowl margarita – ya need someone to share it with.

There is so much more to say, but If you need more to go on, come to the show, your donation gets you a whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge!

We also encourage you to check out his web site: Donny Brewer Music

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… We are no longer able to offer pre-donations as we have not been able to locate a reliable method to do this going forward. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past

Cautionary Tales – Album Release – Dean Johanesen

By |
Saturday February 4, 2023 5:00 PM
 

Cautionary Tales

Album Release

Dean Johanesen

Featuring the 24 Hour Men, Live Production of Artwork by DV Cooper, Rebekah Pulley Opening

Every so often, something magical happens…

Dean Johanesen has been one of our favorites since we first met. It is music like his that convinced us we needed more places to LISTEN to music.

Dean was looking for the ‘right’ place to do his Album release, and asked us if The Habitat would host it.

We said yes.

The 24hr Men will Join him

Rebekah Pulley will Open for him

BV Cooper will produce a Live Art Piece

Speakeasy attire will be encouraged

Dancing sidestage will be occurring

An event to remember will happen

if you don’t have facebook, please RSVP below…. if you DO have facebook, please follow this link to Dean’s version of the event page, there is more information, and we have more of the RSVPs in one place

We also encourage you to check out his web site: Dean Johanesen

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, Please also consider bringing extra for Rebekah as the opener, and extra for the artwork that will happen during the show that DV Cooper will raffle at the conclusion. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past

Christie Lenée at The Habitat

By |
Saturday May 27, 2023 5:30 PM
 

Christie Lenée at The Habitat

About the Show…

Lenée took First Place at the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship in 2017, was voted Acoustic Guitarist of the Year by England’s Music Radar in 2019, and was named one of the “Best Acoustic Guitarists in the World Right Now” by Guitar World Magazine in 2020.

And she is coming back to The Habitat

Christie Lenée is a captivating performer with a devoted following among instrumental, folk-pop and rock band audiences. Combining guitar mastery, contemporary singer/songwriter and a passion for storytelling, she thrives onbringing people together through the language of music.

Christie’s unique guitar work and profound instrumental compositions are well described as ‘Michael Hedges meets Joni Mitchell and Dave Matthews.’ Among the vast community of fingerstyle and tapping guitarists, her niche is the integration of melodic pop lyricism with catchy hooks that excite both modern commercial listeners and classic purists. With a menu of percussive and sonic effects, and larger than life sounding instruments, her solo shows embody layers of orchestral elements with a wide array of dynamics and harmonic textures.

We also encourage you to check out her web site: Christie Lenée Music

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… We are no longer able to offer pre-donations as we have not been able to locate a reliable method to do this going forward. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past

Ariella at The Habitat

By |
Saturday April 29, 2023 5:30 PM
 

Ariella Returns to The Habitat to help kick off our 2024 season!

About Ariella

Previously performing at The Habitat as a full-band show under the name Ari and The Alibis, This high-energy duo returns for an intimate show at The Habitat. Infusing Funk, Jazz and Samba with Blues Soul and Rock, Ari and the Alibis created a memorable ear-catching sound and quickly became one of the top acts in their native Tampa Bay music scene, with recognition with nominations for best local band in Tampa Bay and Ari for best Jazz vocals, and Grammy nods in two categories: Best Rock Song (Dirty Little Secret) and Best Rock Performance (Dirty Little Secret and Bon Appetit).  Appearing now a a duo, they continue to be a don’t-miss show, and they always bring their A-game when the crowd is attentive and listening to their music!

We also encourage you to check out their web site: Ariella

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person, you can request this through the notes field on the RSVP… All donations are made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show – if you find you cant, please let us know at least 48 hours before the show so that we may offer your spot to someone else…

Sunny Jim and Lefty Lucy at The Habitat

By |
Saturday June 10, 2023 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
 

Sunny Jim and Lefty Lucy at The Habitat

About the Show…

Sunny Jim is our Long-Term Local Trop Rock Icon. He has performed at The Habitat quite a few times, both solo and with others, and this time, he is bringing us something new – Lefty Lucy!

This is going to be a wonderful show The Habitat

About James:

A live performance by James “Sunny Jim” White calls up sea breezes, palm trees. sandy beaches and good tropical vibes. Audiences often end up dancing in conga lines and moving to the up-tempo rhythms of his original music, a blend of influences that range from the Caribbean to California, by way of Texas. White, was born in San Antonio, raised in California, and then spent 12 years in the Cayman Islands. In the Caribbean, he perfected his solo show featuring guitar, vocals and backup tracs. He added steel drum and soaked up the culture of the West Indies, infusing his songwriting with the influences of Caribbean masters. It was in Cayman that he picked up the nickname “Sunny Jim.”

About Lefty Lucy:

Longtime friends, Lucy Malia and Nick DiBlasio, began Lefty Lucy in the Philadelphia area. Shortly thereafter, the two started touring playing as a duo, trio, and a five-piece band.

Over the course of their career in Music, they have become the house bands in many exotic locations like Bermuda, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, St Croix, and St John performing at many of the best known locations there.

They also spent 6 years in Las Vegas performing as the house band for Toby Keith at his “I Love This Bar and Grill,” at Harrah’s as well as many nightclubs on the famous Las Vegas Strip; Margaritaville, Planet Hollywood, The Flamingo, Carnaval Court, The Piano Bar, O’Shea’s.

It was in Las Vegas that Lefty Lucy’s five-piece Country band was chosen as the Opening Act for Kenny Chesney at the MGM Grand Garden Arena playing their original music to a sold-out crowd of 18,000 people.

Now making Florida their home while they are not in Colorado, Lefty Lucy is based in the Sarasota area playing The Hard Rock in Tampa, and places in and around Sarasota and Siesta Key.

We also encourage you to check out both their web sites: Sunny Jim Music and Lefty Lucy

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… We are no longer able to offer pre-donations as we have not been able to locate a reliable method to do this going forward. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past

Jonas Lorence & Monallo at The Habitat

By |
Saturday June 24, 2023 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
 

Jonas Lorence and Monallo at The Habitat

About the Show…

A New Pairing of Musicians for a back and forth songwriters adventure, Jonas Lorence and Monallo!

About Jonas:

Jonas Lorence has been playing guitar in the Austin Texas and surrounding areas for over 20 years, touring with original artists such as Lonely Child, the Dealers and Mark McKinney, and more recently with the Stooch Band. He is also one of the founding members of the central Texas sensation the American Gypsy Band, and of course, how you likely know him, the Jonas Lorence Band, performing at many ParrotHead events.

Jonas Lorence has won multiple awards from the Trop Rock Music Association including the prestigious Horizon Award for 2021 “Verona Corona” by the JLB was named #1 song of 2020 by Tikipod Radio. You can also catch the JLB on many of your favorite Trop Rock stations including Radio Trop Rock, Tikiman Radio, Radio A1A, Shore Life Radio, Tikipod Radio as well Radio Georgetown 106.7 and Texas Select Radio.

About Monallo:

Songwriter, former environmental scientist, amateur beach bum, aspiring boat captain.

After a near fatal car accident at age 16, monallo picked up a guitar and began writing songs. He played in various bands over the next few years until losing his voice completely at 23. Not sure if he would be able to sing or even talk well going forward, monallo put it all on the line after the ensuing vocal cord surgery and began writing, recording and touring more than ever before.

Inspired by real-life experiences and the world that surrounds us all, monallo’s warm sound, vivid imagery and organic style produces songs that are both true to the heart and easy to listen to. Some are lighthearted, some are heartfelt, but they each set a relaxing, down-to-earth tone that we can all enjoy.

As a former environmental scientist, monallo is passionate about the environment, with an especially soft spot for any body of water. monallo has been recognized as a Global Ambassador for the “Plastic Ocean Project” since 2018. A percentage of proceeds from all shows and album sales are donated to POP. In 2019, monallo was recognized as a BYObottle Artist, joining highly touted artists all working to make the music industry more sustainable.

We also encourage you to check out both their web sites: Jonas Lorence and Monallo

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… We are no longer able to offer pre-donations as we have not been able to locate a reliable method to do this going forward. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past

John Friday at The Habitat

By |
Saturday July 29, 2023 5:30 PM
 

John Friday at The Habitat

About the Show…

John’s First show at The Habitat!

About John:

John Friday, the Tropical Balladeer, is a singer/songwriter originally from Maryland. John got his first guitar when he was 13, after attempts at learning the piano and the clarinet were less than successful. For years, John was never far from that guitar. He took it backpacking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire; while working on a crabber in Chesapeake Bay; even while skiing in Maine & Colorado. He still has that guitar, although his collection has grown somewhat over the years.

An eclectic set of interests led John through the gamut of college majors, including biology; education; engineering; mathematics; business (“I’d always made fun of business majors, and suddenly I was one!”); computer science; classics (the most useful part of a classics degree is that you can say “Do you want fries with that?” in Latin!); and finally, one that combined many of John’s interests, History. It took a mere twenty years to complete his baccalaureate, as little things like raising children and going to war kept him busy. John’s love of History is readily evident, as he will discuss historical events at the drop of a fin-topped hat.

When it came time to “get a grown-up job,” John put away childhood dreams and joined the Army. A series of injuries led to a medical discharge after thirteen years of service. Moving back to the Mid-Atlantic region, John shortly realized that (1) he’d never really grown up and never would, and (2) his childhood dreams of making music were still powerful. Eventually, those dreams led to a southward move. “Dreams…don’t leave childhood without them!”

We also encourage you to check out his web site: John Friday

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… We are no longer able to offer pre-donations as we have not been able to locate a reliable method to do this going forward. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past

Summer Songwriters Sessions Featuring Aubrey Wollett and Bryton Stoll

By |
Saturday August 12, 2023 5:30 PM
 

Summer Songwriters Sessions at The Habitat

Featuring Aubrey Wollett and Bryton Stoll

Note – this is a Saturday show, music starts at 6:30PM, Doors at 5:30

About the Show…

With the success of the Summer Songwriters Session in the past, we are doing it again (this is a reschedule of the one we were not able to host last year) and we are excited to have two rising stars in the Trop Rock world – Aubrey Wollett and Bryton Stoll!

About The Artists – Aubrey and Bryton…

Aubrey:

Originally from the Tampa Bay Area of Florida Aubrey now spends her time in Nashville. Her smooth soulful voice, acoustic guitar playing, and relatable lyrics will have you listening on repeat. She originally worked on the business side of the industry for one​ of the top songwriters, Dallas Davidson,​ who has written hits for Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, among many others. ​

She finds herself now touring all over the U.S. and has opened up for Country Artists such as Tanya Tucker, Billy Currington, Hunter Hayes, Wynonna Judd, LoCash, Carly Pearce, and opened for Jay Leno on his comedy tour in 2018. Wollett’s single “Saltwater Gypsy” was premiered on CMT won 2019 Music Video of the year for the International Singer Songwriter Association Awards. Wollett’s latest EP has a two hit singles “Beach Vibes” and “Better on a Beach” which has won another ISSA Award, nominated for Trop Rock’s Female Artist of the Year and On the Horizon and has had multiple songs hit #1 on the Trop Rock charts.

Wollett adds a refreshing beach vibe to this country music era with a captivating sound and catchy songs, you will enjoy her songs and stories during this Songwriters Series!

Bryton:

He is The Landlocked Sailor…

Bryton says… Some of my favorite memories are of sitting around a campfire on a beach in Kansas while my dad played the guitar and sang. The moonlight, the stars, and the fire all danced together on the water, while the rest of us danced on the sand.

There was some country, a little classic rock, and a whole lot of Jimmy Buffett. Years later, when I picked up my own guitar, I could feel all those influences come through me in the music I played and the stories I told.

Whether it’s a song about life, love, or the lack of, I want to take listeners to their own place where worries fade and solutions become more clear. I may not be able to make problems disappear, but as the Landlocked Sailor I do know how to find a beach, even in the middle of Kansas!

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… If you would like to ask for the VIP experience (preferred seating, concert poster, goodie bag, etc), please state so in the notes field so we know! As always, 100% of donations go straight to the artist, and with your donation, we also have a raffle for an artist’s CD and a bottle of Siesta Key Toasted Coconut Rum!

RSVP deadline is past