Two from the Top: Eddie from Ohio & Tony Furtado Bring Top Folk & Blues

Borrowing a phrase from Virginia based folksters Eddie From Ohio, this weekend is going to be Folkin’ Excellent. These veterans of the folk circuit return to Northern Michigan for the first time since their electrifying performance three years ago for the Crooked Tree Arts Council in Petoskey. EFO made their Northern Michigan debut nine years ago at the Gopherwood Concert Series in Cadillac. They return this Saturday, March 12 to an expected sold-out crowd.
Closing out the weekend is bluesman Tony Furtado who takes to the stage Sunday night at 4 p.m. as part of the Connemara Concerts Early Show Concert Series. Furtado, after a quick trip to Grand Rapids on Monday will return to the area on Tuesday, March 15 at the Phoenix Café in Beulah.

TONY FURTADO
The music of Tony Furtado is anything but predictable. His evolution as an artist and musician has defied boundaries and crossed genres. Traveling across the country, Tony Furtado is out there proving to audiences night after night that he is one of America’s most influential and respected roots musicians.
“I don’t think I could ever be happy staying in any one place musically,” said Furtado. “I can’t imagine doing the same thing year after year after year, and I don’t know how people are able to do that.”
From the hard-driving baselines of the blues to the crisp workings of his banjo and smooth delivery of the slide guitar, Furtado is constantly reinventing and redefining his music. With a tireless work ethic and a continuous live tour, Furtado has shared the stage with such cohorts as Leftover Salmon, String Cheese Incident, Galactic and David Lindley.
He struck out on his own with his 1989 solo debut “Swamped.” His love for Latin, Cajun, jazz, swing and Celtic flavor was quickly added to the mix. His 1992 album, “Within Reach,” saw Furtado collaborate with such talent as Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, and Stuart Duncan.
He’s also earned the respect of many guitarists including The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards who is not only a fan but has invited Furtado to jam on stage.
Currently out touring to promote his forthcoming release, “Bare Bones: Live, Solo, Acoustic,” due out March 22 (maybe there will be some copies at the Northern Michigan shows), Furtado has defined himself as being indefinable by diversifying his musical prowess.
“I think my audience appreciates the fact that it’s diverse, and they’re willing to watch me grow with it,” said Furtado. “I’ve always had that attitude of just going with whatever inspires you rather than sticking to any one influence, and I still approach things that way. It’s always been kind of a natural progression, and as long that continues, I’ll be happy.”
One thing that is definable with Furtado is few pick the banjo as well or play the slide guitar with his passion.

EDDIE FROM OHIO
Psycho-folksters Eddie From Ohio are excited about their return to Cadillac as they come in on the heels of their ninth CD release, “This Is Me.”
“Yeah we rolled in the first time in the middle of winter and our heater on our motor home wasn’t working,” said bass player Michael Clem. “It seems like every time we are invited it is cold and a bunch of snow. Will they ever invite us when it is warm up there?”
Actually Clem and his bandmates (yes EFO maintains their original cast of characters) played a few summers ago for a surprise birthday party organized by Gopherwood Music Director Paul Brown for his wife.
Regardless of the weather conditions this folky foursome puts on a must-see show for anyone who appreciates folk rock with an attitude. Lead vocalist Julie Murphy isn’t just another pretty face, she actually can sing. Another highlight of the live show is the percussion talents of Eddie Hartness. Robbie Schaefer kicks in with vocals and solid guitar play with Clem on bass, harp and the occasional vocal.
EFO has developed a large following on the folk circuit and are in demand at every folk festival in the States. Yet they claim to be “the best band no one has ever heard of.” Their fans, known as Edheads, may disagree with that claim. So do several folk labels that have tried to sign the band over the years. EFO likes their independence and continues to self-release their music on their Virginia Soul Records label.
“We are a family, a business and a band all rolled into one,” said Clem. “It is how we have made it work for over 10 years and hopefully how we will make it work for years to come.”
The 15 tracks on “This Is Me,” and the fact that they are booked solid through the year point to EFO being around for a while. Being in demand means that they probably won’t be back in the area for a while. Tickets are nearing sellout so don’t wait.

For additional information on the Eddie From Ohio show at the Cadillac Elks Club, contact Gopherwood through their web site www.gopherwoodconcerts.com, or call Paul Brown at (231) 775-2813. Information on the Tony Furtado shows may be obtained at www.connemaraconcerts.com or by calling (231) 941-8667.
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