10:30 am
Mystic Warriors
Mystic Warriors is dedicated to exposing the essence of Andean Music in a completely unique way. Their music is a fusion of world music, contemporary jazz, Latin, mainstream pop, without leaving the boundaries of Andean music. They use Andean ancient flutes and panpipes with contemporary instruments. Mystic Warriors was founded by Andres and Marco Mallea in Washington, DC in 1993. They wanted to make Andean music more accessible to an American audience by including contemporary instrumentation such as guitar synthesizers, bass, and drums. The fusion of ancient and modern instruments allowed them to bring their music to a wider audience and to create their own unique style. While they were growing up they listened to top 40s, rock, and contemporary jazz, a mix that influenced their music as much as their Andean music background. They have performed for government agencies, embassies, museums, and the Smithsonian Institution, and the Kennedy Center. In 1994, by special invitation, they performed at the White House for the Hispanic Heritage celebration. They have shared stage with Tito Puente, Bo Diddley, and Spyro Gyra. They have also recorded music for various National Geographic documentaries.
Contact: highlandmu@aol.com
Website: www.mysticwarriors.com

1:00 pm
Karen Collins and the Backroads Band
One of the Washington area's top retro honky tonk bands, The Backroads Band plays classic country music like it was played back then. Their sound is vintage country from the 1940s-1970s plus original roots songs written in that early country style. In 2007, the band was nominated for Wammies in the country band and country recording ("Tail Lights") categories by the Washington Area Music Association. Karen Collins (vocals, rhythm guitar, fiddle) is a coal miner's daughter from Southwest Virginia whogrew up listening to country music. She was a 2007 Wammie nominee in the vocalist and songwriter of the year categories. Ira Gitlin's guitar playing has long been involved in bluegrass, western swing, and jazz. He is a former National Bluegrass Banjo Champion, In 2007, he won a Wammie for bluegrass instrumentalist and was also nominated for country instrumentalist. Geff King is a former standup bassist who went "electrified" in 1980. Geff has played with many bands, including Honky Tonk Confidential He is also an accomplished songwriter. Drummer Rob Howe took up drums in 1969 and has played with bands such as Honky Tonk Confidential, The Fabulettes, and Daryl Davis Band. He was nominated for a Wammie best rock/pop instrumentalist in 1998.
Contact: kecollins@starpower.net
Website: users.rcn.com/fredfeinstein/karen/backroadsband.html