Join the email list!

Want to contribute
to the production? Have $10 to spare for a good cause... Click this button to Sponsor the Peace from the Porch project:

Every donation makes a difference!
Visit the sponsor page to see how you can contribute and get your name or your business logo on the CD.

Peace from the Porch Vol.1
$10.00 of every CD purchase goes directly to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life

Read more about Vol.1

Listen to "Affirmation"
Listen to "There is a place"


"Peace from the Porch Vol.1"
Buy it online @

 

 

Peace from the Porch...

"Peace from the Porch" has come to represent many things for me. It reminds me of the amazing Bear Creek Concert series. It certainly points to fundraising for important non-profits and charities, and it literally means the relaxation and solitude that surrounds the actual porch out here on the Texas prairie. This little cabin lends itself beautifully to reflection. It's a wonderful place to take an inventory of who I am. I've watched the sunrise, the sunset, and the night sky in deep contemplation many, many times over the last five years. It was the porch that hosted my inspiration to give back. It was here that I understood that richness cannot be measured in money or things. It is also here that so many amazing musicians helped to create the magic that is the "Peace from the Porch" project.

"Peace from the Porch, Vol. 1" was a treasure because it was so representative of the Bear Creek Concert series. Although the purpose was to raise money for The American Cancer Society, the music was not necessarily directed at the subject. Each artist chose to put his/her best song forward, and the result was an award winning project. In 2004, we defined peace as a sense of community that existed to raise money and help stop the pain and suffering of cancer, and that is a whole different kind of peace than what Vol. 2 will address. Vol. 2 speaks to a different kind of pain and suffering; the kind that is brought on the victim by choice. Cancer is not something we actively will on one another. An act of violence is. For whatever reason, we choose to act out in violence. And for another reason all together, many accept the violence that is dealt to them. Therefore, Vol. 2 will sound a little different than Vol. 1. First of all, it will have many more non-Texas acts. Secondly, it will have a more urban feel to it. And I think the most noticeable difference will be that the artists chose songs that call for social activism. This album definitely has a message. Domestic violence and child abuse demand this. We have to really examine our entire culture if we are truly going to make headway in eliminating these horrors. The listener will find Vol. 2 very heavily populated by female artists. One might immediately ascertain that women are more likely the victims of domestic violence. Statistics support this notion. However, abusers learn their behavior somewhere. Could it be a pattern they grew up with? Could it be they are simply choosing not to break the cycle? Do American politics, pop culture, consumerism, rigid notions of religion, violent entertainment and emotional isolation contribute to the problem?

I'd say yes, yes, yes.

The agencies that work to help the victims, that work to stop the cycle, that work to educate the public, that work to keep the stress of poverty reduced, and work to find social justice are having to work harder than ever to find funds. Their grants and government funding are constantly being cut. The economy leaves the willing donor maybe a little short on how much he or she may want to contribute. Regardless of the uphill struggle, no one is giving up. So here we are. A band of big hearted musicians, producers, fans and artists ready to busk our music for $15 a disc. Any one of us might be the late night ride to a shelter that saves a life. That feels good. Any one who buys our music might be the clean bed that keeps a child out of harm's way for a day. This is big peace. If you can only think of "peace" in the same sentence as war, then I'll give you that. We're waging a bloodless war against one of the most shameful facets of this great society, and we intend to win it, one song at a time.

Who's On...

Shake Russell http://www.shakerussell.com From Bar Harbor to Santa Fe; from Los Angeles to Nashville, one can mention among Texas songwriters, the name “Shake Russell” and be virtually assured of interest, pleasure and joyful recognition.	Wishing Chair http://www.wishingchair.com Wishing Chair is the folk-roots partnership of Miriam Davidson and Kiya Heartwood.
Eric Taylor http://www.bluerubymusic.com Eric Taylor is a sage musician, a lyrical genius and a master of the guitar.	Erika Luckett http://www.erikaluckett.com A masterful guitarist, a sultry voiced singer, and a terrific songwriting talent
Ginger Leigh http://www.gleigh.com Fans describe her show and her music as "empowering," "funny," "sexy," and "encouraging." Ginger’s music reaches all demographics; all ages, genders, and back-grounds. The thread is that Ginger Leigh makes you feel good about life.	Julie Loyd http://www.julieloyd.com "...a sight to behold in boots, halter top and thirties style red hair that matched her guitar. Her tunes are strong and memorable...Loyd's hard bass guitar strumming invokes the best of contemporary folk rockers…. an artist to look out for."
Martine Locke http://www.martinelocke.com Musically she travels far in the folk-rock world. Some tunes will remind you of Counting Crows and others will bring in that Alanis Morissette association, with a sting of Carol King sneaking in here and there.She’s got a beautiful voice, plays guitar like a monster.	Patrice Pike http://patricepike.com Many people have come to know Patrice Pike from her years as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the popular Austin band 'Sister Seven'.
Sharon Bousquet http://www.sharonbousquet.com Sharon Bousquet ('boo-skay') is an award-winning singer-songwriter and a skillful acoustic guitarist, writing songs that bridge the spiritual and the life of the senses.	Still on the Hill http://www.stillonthehill.com This duo uses traditional instruments from their home in the Ozarksas well as other exotic offerings to create a kaleidoscope of musical color and texture
Tret Fure http://www.tretfure.com One of the most prolific artists in the contemporary singer-songwriter arena, Tret Fure is extraordinarily talented. This writer, producer, engineer, vocalist and gifted instrumentalist has navigated her career with integrity and determination.	Natalia Zukerman http://www.nataliazukerman.com Natalia Zukerman's distinctive style has been described in Velvet Park Magazine as having "jazzy flourishes, while nevertheless tipping her pick to the blues with her smoky slide guitar and sweetly seductive come-hither vocals."
Smythe and Taylor http://www.smytheandtaylor.com Houston's premier folk duo includes award winning songwriter, Gary Taylor and independent music champion, TC Smythe. Strong songwriting and great harmonies make this team a favorite for the young and old alike.	Levi Kreis http://www.levikreis.com Levi Kreis is one fine performing songwriter whose Southern upbringing gives West Coast music the heart and soul it's been missing. If you're not snuggled up with your sweetheart making sweet love, then you'll be throwing your hands in the air, shouting, "Amen!".