From The Bluebird Café in Nashville, to The Bitter End in New York and Seattle’s Folk Life stage, Marianne has appeared on many stages across the country. Her recorded music has been played on radio stations around  the world. Flemming’s song “Come on Back to My House” was covered for a compilation project of LA woman vocalists and released on a CD called “Her Voice”. That song sits in with covers of John Prine, Bob Dylan and Richard Thompson. In addition, songs from 2 of her CD’S were re-packaged into a compilation CD and distributed in Germany by Square One Records.

After spending 10 years in Madison Wisconsin, Marianne added family and children to her  proudest of accomplishments. Currently, residing in SW Washington, Marianne balances her day job as a special education teacher, mother, and music obsession with mostly a smile. She continues to perform, write and record. She has just released her 5th recording project, ” Across the Hemisphere”, recorded and produced at home, under lockdown and unrest with her husband guitarist Kevin Neil.

Together they describe their style as “Hill Billy- Bosa Nova” and sometimes can be spotted as the “The Billy Novas”.

“Marianne’s audience rapport was engaging. She sang with wonderful pitch, and controlled abandon. Flemming’s guitar playing was inventive and smooth, and her compositions were clever and interesting -musically and lyrically.”
Robert Goss, Production Coordinator, PSU Lincoln Performance Hall, Portland OR

“The combination of her great lyrics and stellar musicianship makes this woman a cult legend.”
Rachel Bissex, Singer/Songwriter

I was blown away by Marianne’s talent.  I can’t remember the last time I was so impressed with a performer – not only do I love her guitar playing, but she has an amazing singing style, and as if that isn’t enough, she writes great songs too!
David Duthie, Bassist,  River City Ramblers

Varying between a jazz-inflected, sinuous voice reminiscent of Rickie Lee Jones and Natalie Merchant, the solid folk sensibility of Janis Ian, and the straight-ahead emotionalism of Patty Griffin, songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Marianne Flemming has been writing and performing memorable lyrics and melodies for many years. Michael Henchman, Producer, Singer/Songwriter, Multi-instrumentalist

CRIS PLATA was born in South Texas, the son of migrant workers.  Those early days of living in different migrant camps and following the harvest from region to region, exposed Cris to a wide range of musical experiences.

His early musical  experiences reflect his Mexican heritage.  This heritage includes Norteno (Northern Mexico border music), conjunto (elements of both European and Mexican music fused by early residents of South Texas), and ranchera (Mexican country) music.  Today, Cris describes this as “Mexican roots” music.

Another strong influence stamped its mark on this man at an early age.  This can be best described as the Texas singer-songwriter genre.  Texas has long been the hot bed of musical talent that has been forged by its wide open vistas and its independent nature.  Out of this landscape, Texas has “grown” notable and innovative  singer-songwriters such as:  Bob Wills (Texas  swing), Townes Van Zandt and Lyle Lovett (masters of melodic story songs with a uniquely Texas soul), and Steve Earle (his “Guitar Town” is the epitome of gritty country-rock, a standard that Nashville writers have yet to reach).

With all of these influences, how do we describe Cris Plata’s music in a nutshell?  Perhaps we will have to borrow the term Tex-Mex and redefine it.  “Tex” would now stand for Texas singer-songwriters and “Mex” would stand for Mexican root’s music.  But  don’t let this definition confine your impression of his music.  Just listen to his music and the best definition will be your own.

BILL CAMPLIN has played here a few times.

Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.