Apr18

Michael Kelsey, Edgar Cruz, Antsy McClain

UCO Jazz Lab 405-359-7989 , 100 E. 5th, Edmond, OK

Antsy McClain brings his unique blend of music and “humor with heart” to the stage, combining his original songs with a hilarious slide show, including Antsy’s own life observations, social commentary and imaginary sponsors from his home town trailer park of Pine View Heights. As a master storyteller with the likes of PBS, NPR and TEDTalks under his belt, Antsy includes humorous and serious songs in his shows. Songs such as “One Less Trailer Here in Pine View Heights,” My Baby Whistles When She Walks,” and “The Junk Drawer of Your Heart,” are keenly humorous observations about love and loss, while his more serious songs, like “Field Trip,” “I’m Everyone,” or “Falling in Love in America,” are more akin to personal journal entries written in the act of living. It’s this tightrope walk between humor and heart that makes Antsy McClain a true original.

Antsy McClain’s newest album (his 15th), “Under the Light of a Quarter Moon,” was started as a collaboration with his friend Pete Huttlinger, who died before the album’s completion. Dedicated to Pete, and including a wonderful cast of players, the album has been called Antsy’s deepest and most sincere to date. Rich storytelling and masterful musicianship has made “Quarter Moon” an instant fan favorite. Hear samples and purchase the album HERE.

Antsy McClain is one of those rare performers who can have you laughing hysterically and shedding a tear – often within the same song. In the last few years, McClain has been playing a lot of solo acoustic shows, but still plays with his band, The Trailer Park Troubadours, who bring their masterful touch to his live shows. Whether alone with his guitar, or with a group of other musicians, Antsy McClain creates an unforgettable night of music, theater and storytelling. Others have called him “a national treasure” (Modesto Bee), and “a creative force whose roots lie in songwriters like John Prine, Kris Kristofferson and Guy Clark” (Houston Chronicle), and “a happier, funnier Bob Dylan.” (his Uncle Fred). Whoever you think his influences might be, you will likely think of him as a friend after attending one of his concerts, due to his casual, approachable presentation and the relatable nature of his songs.

Michael Kelsey pounds, pings, stings, pops, and pulls music out of every part of his instrument or anything else an arm's length or foot kick away in a funky, rhythmic style he calls progressive/aggressive acoustic guitar. Guitar wizard/singer songwriter/performance artist/entertainer all in a one-man-band package, Kelsey performs music for the eyes and ears.A native of Lafayette, Indiana, Michael Kelsey cut his musical teeth on electric lead and bass guitars in a variety of cover bands from progressive jazz to rock. He spent five years as a recording engineer and arranger in his own studio before closing it to pursue his solo career. After placing as a finalist in a Guitar Player Magazine's national competition, he switched from electric to acoustic guitar to take advantage of the broader variety of sounds, moods and nuances available from this instrument that could increase the dimensions of his music.In 2004 the music store chain Guitar Center held its "Guitarmageddon" Guitar competition. After three months of searching through 3000 guitar players to find the nation's best unsigned guitarist, the judges selected Michael as the winner.Michael has toured nationally as the opening act for Blind Melon and Dishwalla. He has opened shows for such notables as Adrian Legg, Tim Reynolds, Cowboy Junkies, The Bodeans and John Wesley Harding. After performing an opening set for folk artist David Wilcox, David described Kelsey's show as 'Cirque Du Soleil' on acoustic guitar."Websitehttp://www.michaelkelsey.comHe started playing at age 10

Call 405-974-2100 to Reserve Seating. $20 at the door.

Edgar Cruz is Oklahoma's multi-genre, award winning solo guitarist performing an average of 200 times a year. Those who have witnessed Cruz’s performance immediately become entranced at the precision, speed and complexity with which his fingers strike the strings of his guitar to create a symphony of sound unusual to just one instrument. He just celebrated his 40th year of playing with 18 CDs and two DVDs. He also performs with The Brave Amigos which adds two more of Oklahoma’s finest musicians on vocals and guitars. He just released his second Beatles CD. Highlighting 1964-1966 songs...I Feel Fine, Eight Days A Week, Daytripper, Yesterday, We Can Work it Out, Ticket to Ride, Drive My Car, Michelle, Norwegian Wood, In My Life, Here, There & Everywhere, Eleanor Rigby, Got To Get You Into My Life and more. All steel string and two 12 String* recordings. This is the follow up to 'Cruzin the Beatles' ('62-'64).