Three wonderful songwriters will participate in a fabulous songswap.

New Jersey born Nashvillean GREG TROOPER discovered a sort of holy musical trinity in the work of Otis Redding, Bob Dylan, and Hank Williams, with their guiding lights of passion, literary dexterity and plainspoken honesty, informing his music with Memphis soul, Greenwich Village folk and Nashville twang.

Trooper has made an impact on the music scenes in all the places he’s lived since leaving home after high school: Austin, Texas, Lawrence, Kansas, Nashville and New York. Music critics praise his poetic feel, infectious melodies and insightful lyrics. Americana star Buddy Miller produced 1998’s ‘Popular Demons’ album, while soul legend Dan Penn steered 2005’s extraordinary ‘Make It Through This World’.

His songs have been recorded by numerous artists including: Vince Gill, Steve Earle, Billy Bragg, Robert Earl Keen, Maura O’Connell, Lucy Kaplansky and Tom Russell.

And there is praise:

“Greg Trooper writes great songs, including one of my very favorite songs in the world, Little Sister. On top of all that, there’s his voice – an instrument I have coveted for 15 years.” – Steve Earle

“Greg Trooper has got to be on our list of our finest contemporary songwriters.” –  Billy Bragg

“Greg Trooper is a songwriter and performer who deserves about 12 times the attention he’s received. He knows how to play rock against country and folk and position the pressures of adulthood against the longing for adolescent freedom.”  –  Dave Marsh

Trooper’s lyrical manner is poignant and his singing is patient and evocative. –No Depression

Greg Trooper’s roots-rock can lean toward soul or country or Dylan, and it’s filled with yearning and promises – Jon Pareles (New York Times)

“Great stuff from one of the great American songwriters” – Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2.

On “Upside-Down Town” all of Trooper’s skills are on display:  the great storytelling, the lovely melodies, an enviable supply of wit and charm but most of all his compassion for the vulnerable and heartbroken. – Ryan Scott, The Nation

 His friend JOHN SIEGER  is a Milwaukee gem, known as a prolific and talented songwriter with a semi-country bent whose songs have impressed Dwight Yoakam, Jerry Harrison, The BoDeans, Robbie Fulks and Flaco Jimenez enough to record them. He has been in numerous Milwaukee bands, including the R&B Cadets, Semi-Twang, the SubContinentals. Roots rock, country, R&B- John runs the gamut.

Fellow Milwaukeean LARRY PENN sings and tells stories of hard work, working people, trains, trucks, life on the road, love, nonsense, and flamingos. Noted for their elegance in simplicity, his songs are not only popular with audiences, but are acclaimed by other artists, many of whom have recorded their own renditions of Larry’s songs. His performances are delightful.