Kane Welch & Kaplin (photo provided)

Kevin Welch grew up in Oklahoma where he played in the popular regional band Blue
Rose Cafe.  He moved to Nashville in the late 1970’s and became a songwriter for Tree International.  His songs were recorded by numerous top artists including Waylon Jennings, Roger Miller, The Judds, Reba McIntire, Charlie Pride, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty and Trisha Yearwood.  Welch also developed a highly successful solo career.

Take the considerable talent of Kevin Welch, add the distinct songwriting flavor of Kieran Kane and refreshingly unscripted instrumentation with Fats Kaplin’s playing of multiple instruments, unite it all with the fluid, rhythmic pulse of Lucas Kane’s spare drumming, and you have the unique sound of Kane, Welch & Kaplin. 

The band recorded You Can’t Save Everybody in 2004 and Lost James Dean in 2006 (which resulted in a nomination for duo/group of the year by the Americana Music Association.)  Drummer Lucas Kane joined on the latest release, Kane, Welch & Kaplin (to be released September 11, 2007) and the groove and intimacy found in the earlier releases continued. 

The album title, Kane Welch & Kaplin is an assertion of band cohesion says Welch.  “We want people to finally understand that we are a band, not just three solo artists playing for the hell if it.”

Travis Linville

Performing comes natural to Linville, a 28 year old, originally from Chickasha, OK, whose family name has gone hand in hand with music for three generations.  "My grandparents had a family band that played dances, parties and live on the Chickasha radio station, so I think it always felt right to pursue music.” Linville says. 

The first music he learned was country, but traditional jazz with a melody and changes really defines music for him and has played a big part in his musical studies.  The melding of jazz and country, together with other musical influences, has resulted in the okie music and Red Dirt sound which has become synonymous with Linville’s name.

Once a University of Oklahoma guitar performance major, Linville’s guitar work can be absolutely dazzling, his songwriting simple and heartfelt.  He was the voice and lead songwriter for the Burtschi Brothers for five years, touring widely during that period.  Much of his original music is recorded on the four Burtschi Brothers albums, produced between 2000 and 2004. 

Mountain Smoke

The free Summer Breeze Concert begins at 7:30 PM in Andrews Park Amphitheater, Webster and Daws. Concert goers are invited to take advantage of Amphitheater built in seating.  Lawn chairs or blankets are welcome on either side in the grassy areas.  Bring your favorite refreshments and enjoy a musical journey, Mountain Smoke style.

Mike Hosty Duo

Mike Hosty and Mike “Tic Tac” Byars have been playing great music together for the past decade.  Both are seasoned musicians who are in no way afraid to try new tricks as well as new forms of old tricks.  A casual sampling of their set might lead one to believe that it would take at least four players to make their sound.  However, after a closer look at Mike Hosty’s feet and Mike Byars economical, locomotive like licks on the drums, it becomes apparent that you are witnessing two superb musicians at the top of their game.