Mary Ellen O'Brien

May Musician of the Month

I first met Mary Ellen at a Wednesday Open Mic at Espresso Joe's. She's a regular there, with her beaming smile and positive attitude. Her enthusiasm was contagious. And then when she takes the stage you realize that this is one talented lady. 

Her songs are different from the run of the mill. I always enjoy seeing her perform. She recently released an album entitled "All Roads Lead Us Home" and it's available online or at one of her appearances.

As for how she got to be who she is and do what she does, it's all in the interview. Enjoy!

The Interview

April Musician(s) of the Month
at the 
2nd Annual Creative Arts & Music Festival 

We're trying something new this month. Instead of interviewing a featured artist, which will continue to be our main format, we decided to do a remote recording live at the Creative Arts and Music Festival, entertainment provided courtesy of Musicians on a Mission. We were able to get a couple of impromptu interviews, with Cat London and Rich Aveo, and Gil Velazquez

Check out excellent videos of their performances by Eddy Hayduk on the Musicians on a Mission Facebook page.

Listen to the live interviews here

Carolann Solebello

March Musician of the Month

                                                                                

 photo by Brian W. Johnson

A New York City native, Carolann first fell in love with mountain music and the

bluegrass and country that grew out of that tradition -  while working as an actor 

in East Tennessee and Kansas. Tunes and techniques she learned from musicians in 

both places fundamentally changed her approach to songwriting and guitar

playing, and subsequently colored her work with her group, Red Molly.

- 2015 Winner, Musicians on a Mission Songwriting Contest

- 2014 Winner, Third Place, SolarFest Songwriter Showcase

- 2014 Finalist, South Florida Folk Festival Songwriting Competition

- 2012 Official Showcase Artist, Northwest Regional Folk Alliance

- 2012 Official Showcase Artist, Folk Alliance International

- 2011 Winner, Susquehanna Music & Arts Festival Songwriting Competition

Please visit her website for more information on Carolann.

And now, sit back and listen to our interview.

The Interview

Michael Patrick

February Musician of the Month

Inspired by the more traditional folk, country, rockabilly, bluegrass, gospel, roots and rock sounds & writing of such artists as : Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, Doc Watson, Guy Clark, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine, and the like, Michael Patrick has developed an appreciation of simplistic story-telling lyrics, catchy hooks and memorable melodies. 

A proud member of Musicians on a Mission, you can catch Michael performing solo acoustic shows or with his band of esteemed musicians known as "The Suburban Hillbillies" as well as Recalling the spirit of Johnny Cash in the Tribute show "RING of FIRE" Band!.. 

To date, Michael has logged over 1500 live performances in the tri-state (NY,NJ,PA) area in addition to 3 annual tours down south. 

His achievements include: Three successful CD releases as well as opening Slots for:Randy Travis, Clint Black, Marty Stuart, Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle, Carlene Carter, Billy Joe Shaver, Gary Allen, David Alllan Coe, Justin Townes Earle, Chris Knight,The Marshall Tucker Band, The Outlaws, and more. 

He maintains a website which includes tour dates, media photos and video/audio clips. Visit Michael's Facebook page, and listen to his music at Reverb Nation and iTunes. 

Now, sit back, relax and listen to Michael's story

The Interview

"Coffee House" Todd Goldin

January Musician of the Month

Todd Goldin, aka "Coffee House" Todd, is a man who needs no introduction. Well-known and well-loved by the Jersey Shore music community, Todd and his Mom, Dale, are the area's most dedicated and enthusiastic supporters of the artists and the venues they play. Todd knows just about all the performers, their genres, gigs (next, current and last) and the words to almost every, if not every, song. And his T-shirt collection is second to none. 

Todd often can be seen accompanying acts on percussion instruments i.e. bongos, shakers, tamborines, snare drums, congas etc. He's hosted many open mic nights and kept the musicians in line and following the schedule. No one enjoys the music and community spirit more than Todd.

In this candid interview, Todd tells us the origin of how he and his Mom became aware and involved with the coffee house scene which sparked an untapped passion in Todd that's lasted twelve years and is still going strong. You will be touched by his story and learn things about him that you never knew.

Thanks to Michael Patrick and Joe Iantosca for permission to use their song.

                                     


                                              The Todd Goldin Interview

Tommy and Abby Anton

December Musicians of the Month

      

      Tommy and Abby are, in this writer's opinion, two of the most creative and 

      unique people I've had the pleasure to meet in my years on the Jersey Shore

      music scene.

      Tommy is a seasoned, well-travelled singer songwriter who's music, mystical 

      pop, is infused with and informed by a holistic and integrative lifestyle. 

      His journey from Texas to the Jersey Shore is a kind of magical mystery tour

      as you'll hear in this interview

      Abby, Tommy's wife, collaborator and lifestyle coach, brings tasteful 

      arrangements to his music that can at times soar and lift the song to a new

      level.  And she is quite a talented artist in her own right with a background

      in recording, early work with synthesizers and a band of her own called

      Jabberpony. She's a veteran of the open mic scene, as is Tommy.

       Abby is also a raw food diet expert who brought Tommy into that way of 

       eating which took them to a new level  of heath and well-being. They are 

       part of a thriving alternative and integrative scene in Belmar that offers 

       myriad facets of the mystical and holistic lifestyle.

       To learn more about Tommy and Abby, including pictures, song clips

       and upcoming events, please visit Tommy's website and their Facebook page

The Interview

Carol Barbieri - November Musician of the Month

Carol has been a favorite on the Jersey Shore music scene for many years, both as a performer and an open mic host. She's also a dedicated advocate for adoptee's rights. In this candid  interview, she shares much of her life's journey, and a few things you might not have expected. Her new CD, "Let It Go" is available now. Her songs can be heard on ReverbNation and other sites. Her song "I Need A Man" is on the MOAM 5th anniversary CD.

Interview with Carol Barbieri