Show Description

Kristina Train

Her powerful voice is leaving audiences amazed. Often compared to the likes of Allison Krauss, Dusty Springfield, and Bonnie Raitt, the Savannah, Georgia native is making a name for herself with deep, expressive vocals and fiddle in hand. Her soulful singing complements her catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Drawing inspiration from her idol, Aretha Franklin, Train's bluesy vibrato alternates between gentle ballads and powerful belting as she sings with mature intensity and an awareness of her southern roots.

John Francis

"It's moments like this [live] when his voice rings clear as a bell that you can hear the...sentiments of an artist whose live shows are just as often a rock and roll Molotov cocktail of vices and verses as they can be quietly transfixing." -Tara Murtha, PLAY Magazine

The 2006 recipient of The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Foundation Sammy Cahn Lyricisit Award, Philadelphia's John Francis continues to ride the wave of support he has earned since releasing his critically acclaimed album "Strong Wine & Spirits" in October 2005. Produced by Devin Greenwood (Amos Lee, Birdie Busch), and mastered by Phil Nicolo (Philadelphia Grammy Chapter President and producer for John Lennon, Sting, Lauryn Hill, Bob Dylan, etc), "Strong Wine…" has brought Francis to the attention of music fans, industry ears and discerning listeners with its palate of Zep-influenced rock, lilting love songs and topical folk music. Francis' disturbing storybook lyrics have drawn comparisons to Johnny Cash and Bruce Springsteen, while his otherworldly tenor, reminiscent of Jeff Buckley or Roy Orbision, leaves his listeners spellbound. With "Strong Wine's" first single "Heavy, Heavy Love", the record became one of the most played on leading AAA radio station WXPN for 4 months in late 2005 into early 2006. Francis continues to play to sold-out audiences in the North East, bolstered by appearances at esteemed events such as the Philadelphia Folk Fest, WXPN's All About the Music Festival, The Appel Farm Festival, and the 2006 SXSW Festival.