Past Festivals: 2004 Vail Film Festival
VFF SESAC Music Showcase
Grammy award winning singer-songwriters rocked the Red Lion on Bridge Street from 2-5 PM daily, Thursday, April 1 through Saturday, April 3, 2004.
Don Henry
One of Nashville's true treasures, Don Henry has the unique ability to bring listeners from a belly laugh to tears - all in the same song. But for all the humor and finely honed ironic sense that mark his amazing songs, Henry is as serious as he can be about about the craft of songwriting. While keeping daily writing appointments and a steady schedule of live appearances, he's also busy recording his own critically acclaimed solo projects, including 1991's Wild In the Backyard and his latest release, Flowers and Rockets. It was in '91 that Henry picked up a Best Country Song Grammy award for the heart-wrenching ballad, "Where've You Been," a #1 hit for Kathy Mattea.
Richard Leigh
Shortly after arriving in Nashville from his native Virginia back in the early '70s, Richard Leigh wrote a standard. "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" went directly to #1 for country star Crystal Gayle, and Leigh's songwriting career was off and running. He has scored #1 hits in each subsequent decade for artists like Reba McEntire and the Dixie Chicks. No one, however, does Richard Leigh like Richard Leigh, and his live performances are legendary for their intimacy and immediacy.
Pam Rose
As half of the Grammy-nominated duo Kennedy Rose, Pam Rose, along with partner Mary Ann Kennedy, was responsible for some of the most compelling music of the '80s and early '90s. Signed to Sting's Pangea label, the duo released two critically lauded albums before going on to separate solo careers. These days, Rose is concentrating on songwriting, writing hits for artists like country star Martina McBride and many others. Her live shows are the stuff of singer/songwriter legend.
Jon Nicholson
From the moment you see and hear Jon Nicholson, it's obvious that he has something special. His music marries meaningful lyrics with soulful vocals and pop sensibilities.
The Madison, Wisconsin native journeyed to Nashville in 1997 to hone his writing skills, forming the short-lived but critically acclaimed band, Stroller. Out of the ashes of that initial effort, Nicholson reinvented himself and focused on the diversity of his songwriting. Now a solo act, Jon is busy creating music that knows no bounds. His live show takes you on a musical rollercoaster. Whether he's sitting at a Rhodes keyboard belting out songs with depth and soul reminiscent of Elton John or strapping on his electric guitar blasting out pure, old-school rock 'n' roll, John Nicholson makes it all work together, leaving audiences exhausted yet wanting more.