The Chattanooga Market

Dana Rogers’ musical style is an American mosaic of acoustic fingerstyle jazz, blues, good ‘ol rock n roll and many other influences that span most of the 20th century.

Dana has been performing for over a decade and in that time has played such venues as Soup Plus, the oldest jazz club in Sydney, Australia, and NY Singer Songwriter Sessions at legendary Manhattan venues, CBGB and The Bitter End. While living in New York City, one of the most memorable moments was when she was cast on the spot in an Off Broadway play, just after an open mic set. In tears, the Manhattan playwright walked up to her and said, “You have to do that song in my play!” She performed “Dreaming”, an original instrumental, and was very well received by New York theater audiences.

Dana has shared the stage with Sarah Lee Guthrie, Guy Davis, Ingrid Michaelson, Steve Poltz, The Waybacks and The Floating Men to name a few.

Jeans. T-shirt. Boots. Guitar. Tyler’s appearance is indicative of his style of music. Simple, straight forward and candid.

Born in Mobile, Alabama, Tyler’s music is well rooted in Southern Americana. Growing up listening to his uncle play guitar and sing on the porch deck of a beach house, Tyler’s inspiration came at an early age. Tyler attended the Florida State University, where he became refreshingly dependent on his fan base. Paying his dues and performing in bars for eight years before recording his first album, Whiskey Down (February, 2008), he has tailored his music to the live venue.

His performances are infectiously enjoyable and fun. Tyler’s blend of Texas-style, raw country and Americana finds audiences that wait with open arms and raised glasses.

While other little girls dreamt of being princess brides, mermaids, or fairies, Jen Woodhouse performed in her parents’ living room in front of a captivated audience made up of her two younger sisters, various stuffed animals, and Barbie dolls. Whether she was performing in ballet and piano recitals, or just hula dancing for the neighbors, it was apparent at a very early age that Jen was a born entertainer. Since her sold out living room concerts, Jen continues to mesmerize audiences across the globe.

These days, Woodhouse has been keeping busy. She is currently on a 7-month tour in Asia, playing shows 6 nights a week. Fans can experience Asia with her as she documents her travels and performances on YouTube.com.

A recent Nashville transplant, Woodhouse has been ceaselessly touring and promoting her highly anticipated double-disc album, “The Shaping & Shifting of Objects & Sound.” Quickly garnering tremendous word-of-mouth support, Woodhouse’s sophomore album follows on the heels of her critically acclaimed 2005 debut, “This Honest Age.”

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Gary Pfaff & the Heartwells have recently been noted as one of the hardest working bands in the business. Touring with nothing more than their van, their music, and a vision as big as their sound, Gary & and the band currently tour over 200 dates a year.

Gary Pfaff was born a musician to a military family in Lahnsthul, Germany in 1978. He grew up listening to his Dad write songs on the piano every night, just downstairs from his room as he went to sleep. Like most kids, he wanted to emulate his father and began learning the piano. But by age 12 Gary switched gears to the guitar and began writing his own songs, landing his first paying gig by age 15.

On learning from his Dad, Gary recalls: “I remember heading up to Nashville (from Atlanta) with my folks for a family vacation at Opry Land and discovering country music. I’ll never forget tagging along with my Dad while he dropped off demo tapes to Ronnie Milsap and The Oakridge Boys. Back then I was too young to understand what we were doing there. But I definitely had a surreal flashback when I recently found myself pitching my own songs on the same streets in Nashville.”

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Sonia Leigh is a singer/songwriter hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. With gritty vocals and poetically compelling lyrics, Sonia grabs her listeners with her raw honesty and primal emotion, all while wearing her heart on her guitar strap. Sonia Leigh brings an electrifying excitement to the stage with her unbridled passion and rebellious charm. She easily and immediately establishes a bond with her audience through the sincerity of her haunting voice, soulful lyrics, excellent musicianship and sultry appearance. Although Sonia stands only 5′4”, her powerful stage presence belies her petite stature. Sonia Leigh’s bloodlines run deep in country music (her grandfather was a musician and songwriter) but she soon discovered Blues and Rock and Roll. As a toddler, Sonia banged away on her father’s guitar and by the age of 10, he had taught her chords and strumming techniques. Sonia was drawn to artists from various musical backgrounds, including Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Lightning Hopkins, Brownie McGhee, Bruce Springsteen to Melissa Etheridge, The Cure, Everclear, and even Tupac. This musical upbringing serves as the foundation for what has become the unique sound of Sonia Leigh.

Sonia Leigh has written a diverse selection of music over the years.  Her first song was recorded at the age of 14 when asked by a family friend to write a song. After hearing it, he immediately set up a recording session at an Atlanta recording studio for a demo. By the age of 21, Sonia had recorded two albums, Remember Me (1998) and Laundry (2000). Sonia has performed all over the Southeast as a solo artist, headliner, and as the supporting act for well known names including Randall Bramblett, Jason Mraz, Jennifer Nettles, Kristen Hall, The Marshall Tucker Band, Georgia Satellites, and the Zac Brown Band.

The Pool was formed in 1989 by original members Jason Norris who had placed an ad in the local paper looking for “Beatle Enthusiasts”. “The Pool” name is a play on Liverpool.  (“The Pool” sounding much better than “The Liver”.)   Michael Welch was the first person to answer the ad. After many failed attempts to find other musicians who shared their vision, Dave Cornwell answered the ad and soon became the third member. Michael then contacted Nick Honerkamp whom he had played with in the recent past to handle bass guitar and vocals. The final piece of the puzzle was original drummer Dave Olson (1989-90).

The core group of Welch, Honerkamp, and Cornwell have been together throughout the Pool’s history. Jason left the group in 1996 and the Pool became a 4 piece band with Dave picking up keyboards. Other members have included John Wilson – Drums (1991-2004), and Matt Turnure – Drums (2005- present).

The band continues to play music from the original British invasion and beyond including British bands from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Current members include:
Michael Welch – Guitar/flute/vocals
Dave Cornwell – Guitar/keyboards/vocals
Nick Honerkamp – Bass guitar/vocals
Matt Turnure – Drums/percussion

We’re celebrating our unique, entrepreneurial, fun, beautiful city this weekend by featuring all things CHATTANOOGA on Sunday, November 1st. 

Live on the EPB stage:

Letty & Georgia 11:30 – 12:30
Mountain School of Folk 1:00 – 2:00
Baaddmojo 2:30 – 3:30

We’ll have over 130 vendors selling their one-of-a-kind arts, crafts and gourmet foods; it’s not too early to start shopping for the upcoming holiday season!  Relax this Sunday and enjoy a beautiful Fall day downtown with us.  Plan on coming for lunch in the Market Cafe where you’ll find plenty of local eateries.  Pick up a pumpkin, fresh picked apples, or some Fall flowers while you’re shopping!

Led by one of the Southeast’s premier banjo musicians, Ed Brown, The Cumberland Band plays their own variety of traditional bluegrass, folk, and Irish tunes. These local guys (and girl) have a blast entertaining audiences with their sharp rhythms, slow ballads, strong vocals, tight harmonies, and the occasional joke or two. They are regulars on the regional bluegrass scene, performing often at the Mountain Opry, as well as many area music festivals and venues.

Wurstbrats Oompah Band is a 20-member ensemble that has played in the Chattanooga area since 1994. They play a variety of listening, dance, and ballroom dance music that includes classic and modern big band, swing, Latin, and waltz tunes.

In the Chattanooga area, the Wurstbrats Oompah Band has earned the respect of accomplished ballroom dancers. However, they are also known for their ability and willingness to customize the musical program to meet the needs and preferences of its audience. Songs are selected and tempos are adjusted in order to accommodate the dancing abilities of those in attendance.

The Wurstbrats have played for listening audiences, as well as for weddings, picnics, military reunions, and charity events.