Thursday, October 15, 2009

Saturday, October 10, 2009 - Shauna Sweeney/Raffa & Rainer/Shawn Snyder


If you heard me on Michael Stock's show in late-August, you may recall I bemoaned the lack of young people at folk events in South Florida, as opposed to the northeast (my point of refererence is the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, which I attend every July), where there are beaucoups of people in their teens and twenties. We're very excited about this concert, introducing you to local singer-songwriters Shauna Sweeney, Raffa & Rainer and Shawn Snyder - with amazing young performers such as these, right in our own backyard, the future of folk and acoustic music is guaranteed to thrive into the next generation!

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Last Saturday's Labyrinth Cafe
by Fred, Boca Raton
posted October 12, 2009 to the sf_folk list

All these local musicians on the stage at the Labyrinth Cafe two evenings ago. And my first time hearing of all of them.

Shauna Sweeney. A whole lotta living going on in her music. It was a night for good music all around, but great lyrics and Shauna got it going. She's got a powerful voice driving powerful songs. I wish I could remember the name of the one which she said will be the first one on her new CD. First-rate, it was. I could imagine that one playing out of car radios all winter. I guess I'll have to try to catch it's Oct. 25th release party at the Old Key Lime House, Ocean Ave, Lantana, just west of the Intracoastal - a great house over 100 years old on the water. Shauna's got a wonderful and charming presence up there on the stage.

Shawn Snyder. His songs come and take him over when he sings them, and they work their way out of him in a variety of emotions - but always passionate. I don't know; it all sort of comes out not just from his voice, but through his whole body wrapped around his guitar. He's got very clever craftsmanship in his songs. A couple times I wasn't sure the song had finished singing him yet - not until the signature twinkle from his eye that, as far as he knew, the song was done. Great fun to witness and be part of.

Raffa and Rainer. Raffa's name refers to one who brings healing in the sound of the voice and music, and thru the presence of the ones who bring that sound to us. She's got a voice that's full of innocence and vinegar. . . . I don't even know what that means; you have to hear them. These are songs that have a lovely lilt to them, but when the words soak in, you're in for a string of surprises. Very delicate, smart, witty writing mixing with some inventive guitar work by Rainer. He played a great, seasoned electric guitar that had to be twice his age. And when he plays, he just melts into the instrument and melds with the notes. There was some very tasteful slide work, some deft looping, and flat-out original musicianship. The only dilemma is deciding which one of them to watch when they're playing.

As always, Susan Moss, the league of volunteers, and the UU for hosting this - we thank you.

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