The Americana Community Music Association kicks off summer with a full schedule of all original music.
Ray Cerbone’s CD release party with special appearance by “The Trio” featuring Gil Jusino and Maria Valsi will take place on Saturday, July 13.
One of the founding members of the Fort Myer’s ACMA, Ray began playing guitar during late 60’s folk scene. With the support and inspiration of fellow local and touring musicians, he began writing and playing in earnest in 2010. Traveling a long road in a short time, his music encompasses many genres, including Americana, Folk, Blues, Ballads, and a little bit of Country. His storyteller style takes the listener to another place in time, his music and lyrics bringing evocative insights into the many sides of life. Ray is also a singer-songwriter’s song-singer. That is, he does interpretive covers of other great originals by very talented artists using his own creative touch. His inventive fingerstyle guitar is uniquely diverse and easy-on-the-ears.
In addition to his status as featured artist at local performance venues in SW Florida, Ray also hosted for WGCU, a live radio show for Michael Haymen’s “Morning Zoo” featuring on “The Aficionado Show.” His song ”Fondest Memory of All,” a tribute to Guy Clark, has been celebrated on the Austin-based KEOS radio. He has opened for such extraordinary artists as Roy Schneider, Robin O’Herin, Jaime Michaels, Pierce Pettis, Muriel Anderson and Jefferson Ross.
His alter ego is “Rafer John,” lead singer and co-songwriter for Apocalypse Blues Revue. Group members include Brian Carpenter on bass, Tony Rombola and Shannon Larkin of Godsmack, respectively, on guitar and drums. Featuring all original compositions, Apocalypse Blues Revue signed with Mascot/Provogue Records and, after the release of their first CD, toured the Northeast, opening for Steven Tyler, Robbie Krieger of The Doors, Blue Oyster Cult, also touring with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and playing The Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival, as well as various blues venues around Florida and the East coast. ABR’s second album release “The Shape of Blues to Come,” produced by Dave Fortman of Ugly Kid Joe, was released in July of last year.
Ray has now released his own first professional CD. It is a blend of traditional Americana and songs with styles he has developed through the years working with musicians from all genres.
The ACMA welcomes Alan Rhody on July 20. He is an American songwriter, singer, guitarist, harmonica player and record producer, with ten solo albums to his credit and over 100 covers of his original material. Rhody tours year-round and what he loves best is “connecting with an audience and having a great time.” His latest release, his tenth indie album, “Farther On” has earned critical acclaim from folks like, music journalist and author, Robert K. Oermann – “Music City troubadour Alan Rhody has a new CD titled Farther On. It features his songwriting collaborations with Guy Clark, Murray McLauchlan and Don Henry and a feast of solo works. Not the least of the latter, is his new recording of “I’ll Be True To You,” once a hit by The Oak Ridge Boys. Rhody’s track is stunning and his original, long version reveals just how powerful the song really is. This fellow is one of those rare individuals who can hold you completely spellbound with just his axe and his voice.”
A Louisville native, Rhody created the new album, off and on, over a one year period, in his home studio, playing and singing everything, keeping it simple and letting the songs be heard in their unrefined simplicity and directness. His easy-to-listen-to baritone, slowly pulls you in, as you’re given a personal and evocative picture of this well-loved singer-songwriter. Two of his paintings and a recent poem add a nice touch as well.
Some of Rhody’s previous releases have included guests: John Prine, the late John Hartford, Sam Bush, Jamie Hartford, David Rawlings and Maura O’Connell. He’s also known as the songwriter of “That Ol’ Train” (Del McCoury Band), which has been all over bluegrass radio since spring 2018 and the #1 country-folk classic, “I’ll Be True To You” (Oak Ridge Boys); “Wild-Eyed Dream” (Ricky Van Shelton); “Trainwreck Of Emotion” (Lorrie Morgan / Del McCoury); “Christmas To Christmas” ( Toby Keith / Tanya Tucker / Lee Greenwood) and others by Suzie Boggus; Michael Martin Murphey; Atlanta Rhythm Section; Hoyt Axton; Lynn Anderson and George Jones. Drew Dintzner will open the show on July 20.
Other upcoming ACMA shows include a Florida Music Food Initiative Benefit Concert on Aug. 17, Brian Smalley on Aug. 24, The 502s on Sept. 7, Grant Peeples on Sept 14, Cliff Eberhardt on Oct. 5, Friction Farm on Oct. 12, Mike Laureanno on Oct. 19 and Violet Bell & Omar Ruiz-Lopez on Oct. 26.
The ACMA provides a venue for local and touring artists, many are award winning performers in the Americana/Folk community. All shows are in a quiet, intimate setting and every show is a meet and greet with the artists. YouTube any of these artists and be prepared to be impressed by the talent that is available to you all year round for a cost of $10 to $15 donation. The headliners are touring “under the wire, should be famous” musicians. Each show has a local songwriter that performs at a professional level open for the headliner.
Singer songwriters circles are held every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation at 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. The circle is for acoustic songwriters of all levels. Songs and experiences are shared in a non-judgmental, casual atmosphere. No membership is required. All are welcome to come and play or just to listen.
The ACMA is a non-sectarian not for profit organization. Most concerts are held at All Faiths Congregation located at 2756 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. all shows start at 7 p.m. For more information visit www.americanacma.org.
