The Leo presented by Queen City Balladeers

PERFORMANCES 6:40 - 9:00 PM
1ST SET JEFF GUSHIN & SCOTT NUTTER
Jeff is an old-time fiddler and mandolinist whose interests range from blues, ragtime, and jug band music. He also performs with the Laurelview Ramblers. Scott returned to the guitar, the passion of his youth, about 16 years ago when he joined the Leo. He loves to explore a wide variety of musical styles. Expect a few rags, blues, stomps, etc. on fiddle and mandolin and guitar.
2ND SET APRIL COMBS MANN
April Combs Mann likes to sing. She performs her original and traditional songs under the name Goldenthread. She has toured extensively across the US and Europe, played Lollapalooza, recorded at Prince's Paisley Park, and at BBC Radio One in London. April is the creator of the April Eight Songs & Stories fairytale podcast with listeners across the globe. Her love of song and story has led her into a deep study of the old ballads that have made their way from the old world to Appalachia. April is also the founder of The Cinci Sing, an all-comers community singing initiative in and around Cincinnati. April will be joined on stage at the Leo by guitarist Michael Mann and Kelli Dompke (Whistlestop) for some harmony.
3RD SET ELLIE FABE
a Cincinnati singer/songwriter whose songs create an intimate portrait of longing and love; an interpreter of memory and nostalgia, she has a sound all her own. She’s performed in New York’s The Bitter End and Chicago’s The Elbo Room and her release, Devil May Care is the 2015 Ohio Music Awards Winner for Best Singer/Songwriter. She was also nominated for the 2017 Just Plain Folks Music Awards: Best Americana Song from album: Devil May Care for: “How Does It Feel?”and Best New Folk Album: Be A Girl Again.This is alternative folk—expressive, authentic.
BEFORE THE LEO
5:00 PM Ballads-Singing as Storytelling led by APRIL COMBS MANN
We will explore the ancient and living tradition of narrative song. This workshop centers singing as creative expression rather than winning “The Voice”. We will explore how melody supports story, repetition builds communal memory, and tone and articulation create meaning. You don’t need to read music or consider yourself a “good singer.” If you have a voice you can tell a story.
5:15 PM GUITAR ROUNDTABLE Workshop Mike Helm leads this forum for players of any skill level to exchange ideas so we can all make better music together. Bring a question, share a tip. Learn a new lick or chord. Gain a new perspective, share your own with us. Enrich your guitar experience.
Circle Jams–Anyone can bring songs to lead while others provide backup and harmony.
5:00 PM Any well known, jam-friendly songs downstairs.