Original Post written by Ben Slowey Steven Smith is a singer-songwriter from Milwaukee. His current primary project is duo act Smith & Binder with fellow Wisconsin Music Ventures member Linda Binder. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? STEVEN: I can’t remember where I saw it…it might have been Facebook…and it seemed … More Spotlight of the Week: Steven Smith
Original Post written by Ben Slowey Dusty Pockets is the solo project of Jeffrey Salczenko. Originally a jazz artist, he has been breaking into the Milwaukee music scene as a singer-songwriter the last few years. ME: How did you get involved in Wisconsin Music Ventures? JEFF: I have a mentor that had suggested it who … More Spotlight of the Week: Dusty Pockets
Original Post written by Ben Slowey Isiah Driessen is a singer-songwriter who characterizes his music as “Western psychedelic folk.” Based in Little Chute, he founded a co-op known as The Cedars Project that connects community members with artists and business owners. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? ISIAH: I met Allison … More Spotlight of the Week: Isiah Driessen
Original Post written by Ben Slowey Esquires II were formed to keep the sound of the original Esquires alive, who formed in Milwaukee in 1957 and were active until 1976. They perform as a six-piece band while led by Johnny Moorer, Tammie Moorer Pace and Rudy Jacobs. We spoke to Johnny this week. ME: How … More Spotlight of the Week: Esquires II
Original Post written by Ben Slowey David HB Drake is an artist who’s been called a “gentle troubadour” and an “elemental folk singer.” His music is inspired by Midwest journeys and culture, and he’s been performing for over fifty years. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? DAVID: I have a very … More Spotlight of the Week: David HB Drake
Original Post written by Ben Slowey Jaqui JaFelle is a singer-songwriter who’s picked music back up after quite some time away from it. She’s now done three Tiny Desk Contests, one of which raising money for California-based organization Al Otro Lado. ME: How did you get started with Wisconsin Music Ventures? JAQUI: It’s kind of … More Spotlight of the Week: Jaqui JaFelle
Original Post written by Ben Slowey Steven J. White is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who has done scoring and sound design, working with both electronic and acoustic instruments. His solo album “Breath” is available on Bandcamp; he currently plays with acts Sindoolaa and Yves Francois as well. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin … More Spotlight of the Week: Steven White
Original Post written by Ben Slowey Canary Reeds are a Milwaukee-based woodwind quintet who play both contemporary and standard chamber music. We spoke to their clarinetist, Lauren LaFond. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? LAUREN: So, it actually started when I was in a reed quintet in my undergraduate, and our … More Spotlight of the Week: Canary Reeds
Original Post written by Ben Slowey Joanna Kim is a renowned fingerstyle acoustic and classical guitarist who started her musical journey at the age of six, teaching herself to play from YouTube. She’s become a phenomenal performer who has won prizes at local, national and international competitions from a young age. ME: How did you … More Spotlight of the Week: Joanna Kim
Original Post written by Ben Slowey Jesse Frewerd is a singer-songwriter based in Milwaukee. A veteran, he began playing as a way to heal and express himself when he came home from overseas. He plays as both a solo artist and in a project with his wife known as Canary Canyon. ME: How did you … More Spotlight of the Week: Jesse Frewerd
