March 28, 2009
David Amram and Jack Kerouac gave the first public jazz poetry readings ever held in NYC in 1957, and collaborated until the author's death in 1969. Amram wrote the score for the landmark 1959 documentary Pull My Daisy, spontaneously narrated by Jack Kerouac. He also co-wrote the title song with lyrics by Kerouac, Ginsberg and Neal Cassady. Amram appeared in the film as Mezz  McGillicuddy, the deranged French hornist. David’s appearance at Bellamy Road will include a screening of the 29 minute film and comments on its chaotic making.

In addition to his sixty years as a multi-instrumentalist, and pioneer of both jazz French horn and World music. Since Leonard Bernstein appointed him as the New York Philharmonic's first-composer-in-residence in 1966, Amram has composed more than 100 orchestral and chamber music works. He has also written many scores for Broadway theater and film, including the classic scores for the films Splendor in The Grass and The Manchurian Candidate; and two operas. In the summer of 2008, he was appointed as composer-in-residence for the Democratic National Convention in Denver. In January of 2009, his new piano concerto was premiered in San Jose, California. When not touring the world, David lives on a farm in upstate New York and is author of three books, including Offbeat, Collaborating With Kerouac.

February 13
Bluesman Willie Green and guitarist Rick Levy performed in concert Friday 7 – 8:30 p.m

Following their performance on the outdoor stage around a bonfire, Rudy Turner of Ocala returned to light up the dance floor with classic R & B and jazz.www.williegreenblues.com
http://www.rudyturnerjazz.com/
http://www.ricklevy.com/index.htm

Sunday, November 23
A CD Release Party and concert was staged by Will  Barrow on Sunday, November 23. Will is a Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, pianist,  guitarist, producer and educator who lives in Nashville. He's originally from  Gainesville and spent much of his 25-year career in the music business in New York City -- doing studio work,  touring, and playing with artists like R&B vocalist Vickie Sue Robinson ["Turn the Beat Around"] gospel singer BeBe Winans, and Tony-winner Vivian Reed  ["Bubblin' Brown Sugar"], conducting and playing on Broadway shows and teaching.  Since moving to Nashville in 2001, Will has toured and recorded with country  artists The Gatlin Brothers, Crystal Gayle and Suzy Bogguss [the latter two he is  currently performing with], and he performs regularly on the Grand Ole Opry. He  also hit the road with Rockabilly queens Wanda Jackson and Rosie Flores [for  whom he co-produced an '05 CD]. An extremely eclectic musician, Will has also  toured with jazz artists Ronnie Hubert and Eloise Laws and banjoist Alison  Brown, and recorded with operatic soprano Karen Parks. Will won a Grammy in 2004 for his contribution to "Beautiful Dreamer - the Songs of Stephen Foster". He's  been on the radio in "A Prairie Home Companion",  E-Town, Mountain Stage and  Voice of America, and on TV on VH1, BET, GAC and CMT. Will is the author of a  DVD instructional series from Legacy Learning Systems ["Learn and Master  Piano']. He earned a Master's from Manhattan School of Music.

Will Barrow's flagship CD as a singer/songwriter, "Find a  Way", reflects his interest in multiple genres -- on the CD you can hear the influences from world music, jazz, country, blues, New Orleans, classical and  the 70's music he grew up on. His lyrics show romanticism, humor and his concern  for social causes. He's become a fund raiser for the organization Aid Sudan -- working for the betterment of folks in the South Sudan. His serious-minded  lyrics are balanced out by some light-hearted "groove" tunes and love songs. Will's bio, tour schedule and some samples of his CD are at www.myspace.com/willbarrowmusic

November 14, 2008
Dim Lights is a group of four Gainesville area musicians playing lively down-home music.  Ned Stewart, on guitar, has a fabulous voice and picking style, singing songs of Jessie Winchester, Claire Lynch, John Anderson, and Merle Haggard, to name a few.  Karan Newman, on mandolin, fills in with a few vocals of her own and adds harmony to Ned's songs.  Gerald Snyder, vocalist, adds a nice blend to ballads, bluegrass, and folk songs.  His great rhythm guitar fills out the sound with his harmonic vocals and fine melodic leads to the mix.  Chuck Spitzner fills in the spaces and provides a rhythmic strain with the upright bass.  Everyone enjoyed this quartet with their nice blend of Americana, country, lively bluegrass, and old-time songs and instrumentals.

September 19, 2008

Bellamy Road hosted a benefit concert on September 19, 2008 by Nashville based singer/song-writer, Tori Sparks. Co-sponsored by Melrose Bay Gallery, proceeds of the concert benefited Historic Melrose, Inc. in a fundraising drive for Heritage Park.

Doors opened at 7:00 pm – desserts and beverages were served at an open bar. Artworks by 30+ artists were on sale in the gallery (also to benefit Historic Melrose, Inc.). After the concert Patti and Anna hosted a party at the historic Lee House.

For more information on Tori Sparks, please see www.torisparks.com