Pat Wictor
Pat Wictor first burst on the folk and acoustic scene as an innovative slide guitarist known for doing fresh and memorable versions of traditional and contemporary songs. He has since become a well-regarded singer and songwriter, writing material grounded in the rural country, gospel, and blues traditions of our nation. An adept improviser and accompanist, he is sought after as a collaborator, sideman and session musician, providing his distinctive slide guitar and vocals on dozens of recordings, most recently on releases by Sloan Wainwright, John Vezner, Joe Crookston and Lipbone Redding.
Recognition and acclaim have followed Pat for years: he won the Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist Showcase, was nominated for Emerging Artist of the Year by the Folk Alliance, was nominated for Gospel Song of the Year by the Independent Music Awards, and was a finalist in the Kerrville New Folk songwriting contest.
His CD "Sunset Waltz" reached #2 on the Folk-DJ charts, and "Heaven is so High" and "Waiting for the Water" both reached #4.
In the past year, Pat has been touring nationally as one third of Brother Sun, the powerful harmonizing trio with Joe Jencks and Greg Greenway, garnering festival bookings and a #2 CD on the Folk DJ charts.
Here's what folks are saying about Pat Wictor ...
"If you can make it to only one concert this year, let it be a show by Brooklyn's own Pat Wictor, who plays heart-felt blues-based roots music like the only begotten son of Bonnie Raitt (same red hair!) and Chris Smither. And unlike blues interpreters who have seen too many stormy Mondays with hellhounds on their trail, Pat is also an excellent songwriter whose new/old compositions will send you on a journey through the old Dock Boggs and Son House 78s. But these aren't old songs, they're originals that, to paraphrase Mr. Smither, are "still flopping around on the deck."
-Jim Motavalli, WPKN, Bridgeport, CT
"Unquestionably, anyone who has ever heard a Wictor show will permanently place him in the company of the best in the genre- Harry Manx, Kelly Joe Phelps and Ed Gerhard."
-Frank Matheis, TheCountryBlues.com
"Pat's Zen-like quality instantly puts the audience at ease, and I'm afraid it underestimates his skills. Like Joe Dimaggio could make a spectacular catch look rudimentary, Pat Wictor delights in sharing original and traditional songs in his unique style. His original songs are gaining a lot of attention and a number of artists are beginning to record him."
-Ron Olesko, WFDU Teaneck, NJ
"...the clarity of his voice is an interesting juxtaposition to the glorious grit of his musicianship.....He manages to creatively absorb the work of others, leaving their musical intentions beautifully intact, while adding his own sonic signature to the mix."
-Ellen Geisel, Dirty Linen
Annika Bennett
Singer / Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Annika Bennett (age 17) has written scores of songs and performed extensively throughout the greater New York metropolitan region.
In 2014, Annika was awarded ASCAP's prestigious Robert Allen Award for excellence in songwriting, and was winner of radio WNYC's Queens Battle of the Boroughs competition. She was a member of Real Women Real Songs (RWRS), a group of 22 women who each wrote a prompted song-a-week for the entirety of 2014. With her song Where I'm Dreaming Of Annika was a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition 2014. Most recently, Annika won the 2015 Your Big Break Contest sponsored by Gold Coast Arts Center.
Along with her sister and two friends (also sisters), Annika has also performed as part of the indie-rock band, Still Saffire, since early 2009 at venues that include Lincoln Center, The Knitting Factory, The Great South Bay Music Festival, The Turning Point, The Chance and The Living Room, just to name a few.
Annika's songwriting is fresh-sounding and original yet draws upon a wide diversity of musical influences. Her songs exemplify a level of craftsmanship and her lyrics a depth of wisdom that belie her youth.
Annika is taking off like a rocket...
Annika chosen for "Emerging Artist Showcase" at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
August 1, 2015
Annika Wins ASCAP Foundation Robert Allen Award
December 10, 2014
12/10/2014 -- The ASCAP Foundation Robert Allen Award is named in honor of Robert Allen, composer of many classic pop songs, including "It's Not For Me To Say," "Chances Are" and the seasonal favorite, "Home for the Holidays." Funded by a gift from Patty Allen in memory of her husband, this award is presented annually to an aspiring ASCAP songwriter participating in ASCAP's New York Jerry Ragovoy Songwriting Workshop.
Annika on WFUV
August 22, 2014
On Sunday, August 17th, Singer-Songwriter Christine Lavin sat in for John Platt on "City Folk Sunday Breakfast" on WFUV 90.7. She played a couple of Annika's songs, including "Eyes on the Train" off of her new EP "Blind Desire".
Annika Wins Audience Choice Award in the Battle of the Boroughs!
July 4, 2014
Out of the few hundred acts that auditioned for NPR's Battle of the Boroughs 2014, Annika won the Audience Choice Award! In addition to winning the battle for the borough of Queens and placing as a top 5 finalist, she received the greatest number of in-house votes at the Ultimate Battle in the Greene Space.
