8:00pm.- $10-$20 Suggested donation for the artists.
Local Cream rises again!
Every first Wednesday of the month, Annette Wasilik curates and hosts this showcase of the area's finest singer/songwriters at Hank Dietle's Tavern in Rockville, which has literally risen from the ashes and it looks, sounds and feels fabulous! $10-$20 Suggested donation for the artists.
Aaron Nathans is a Philadelphia-based alternative folk music singer, songwriter and recording artist with a distinct sound, due in large part to a combination of rhythmic acoustic guitar, wide-ranging baritone vocals and beautiful melodies that you won’t soon forget. When pairing that with talented songwriting that touches on everyday life and easily connects with audiences, you’ll see why Aaron is someone you won’t want to miss.
Aaron has a unique brand of storytelling. He writes about things no one else has written about before—like a song about male bonding between a guy and his barber. Or the onslaught of the outside world upon a new parent. Surely somebody's written that song, right? Ok, find it.
Aaron describes his songs as, “wild-mind, bittersweet acoustic music.” This doesn’t mean somber. It means you’re in for a treat whether you’re watching Aaron at a live show or tuning in to his extensive Spotify and YouTube playlists. He creates an unforgettable listening experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seat.
If you’re lucky enough to catch Aaron performing during one of his many live shows throughout the U.S., you’ll notice he unabashedly opens up to his audience, sharing stories that will keep you every bit as captivated as the music itself.
Aaron is a prolific presence in the Philadelphia folk music scene, with both solo and collaborative performances and recordings. He also is co-creator of the Philly Songwriters In-the-Round Series with Avi Wisnia. The series highlights emerging local talent with multiple performances throughout the year at the Philadelphia Folksong Society.
Aaron also performs and records as one-half of the guitar-cello duo Aaron Nathans & Michael G. Ronstadt. His shows with Michael are high-energy events, full of musical combustion as Aaron plays off Michael's brilliant cello work, as well as Michael's own wildly creative songs.
Their album, “Hang On for the Ride,” includes Aaron’s tribute to Jackie Robinson and the power of nonviolence, “The Strength to Not Fight Back.” John Platt of WFUV radio in New York City said, “You need to hear this song!’
Ian Zolitor, host of The Folk Show on WXPN (Philadelphia), said: “What a treat… This album, Hang On for the Ride, is really fantastic, a great collection of songs that’s really all over the map in a lot of ways. There’s serious songs, there’s political songs, there’s funny songs, choice cover songs… Wonderful album.”
Michael Tearson of SingOut! magazine wrote of their previous album, Crooked Fiddle, “Throughout the songs are stirring and they leave you thinking. A thoroughly satisfying and stimulating effort."
Jill Knapp of the comedy duo Hot Breakfast! raved, “Said it before, but it bears repeating: Aaron Nathans & Michael Ronstadt’s Crooked Fiddle is PERFECT. Songwriting, playing, singing: Just, wow.” And CityPaper of Philadelphia called Nathans & Ronstadt one of the Best Bets for the Philadelphia Folk Festival in 2015.
Aaron has opened for Lucy Kaplansky, Tracy Grammer, Vance Gilbert and other folk luminaries. He has written with Craig Bickhardt, Phil Henry and, of course, Michael Ronstadt. Aaron’s songwriting was honored by the Kerrville Folk Festival, which named him a New Folk Finalist in 2018 and 2011.
Aaron was born in the mill town of Paterson, New Jersey, and grew up in Bexley, Ohio.
Aaron Nathans’ mission is to write songs about things no one else has written about before. Like a song about male bonding between a guy and his barber. Or the onslaught of the outside world upon a new parent. Surely somebody's written that song, right? Ok, find it.
Aaron, who lives in the Philadelphia area, describes his songs as wild-mind, bittersweet acoustic music. He's one of a million guitar-slinging singer songwriters, but you've never heard anyone quite like Aaron, with his warped sense of humor and off-kilter view of the world.
His shows include humorous, meandering stories that will keep you every bit as captivated as the music itself -- beautiful guitar work, catchy melodies, and his sweet baritone voice and eye-popping vocal range.
Aaron’s songwriting was honored by the Kerrville Folk Festival, which named him a New Folk Finalist in 2018 and 2011
Hailing from the D.C. area, 5 time Wammie nominated Domenic Cicala - A singer/songwriter with a love for the 3 minute song. Largely influenced by the holy musical trinity of Hank, Elvis and Bruce and owing all his musical acumen to the sagely philosophy of Woody Guthrie "If you play more than 2 chords you are showing off". Domenic is a Roots Rock/Americana artist who performs his own compositions as well as digging deep into the covers catalog.
John Bolten
John is an avid songwriter, musician, and folk music enthusiast from West Virginia. He has been called a “songwriter’s songwriter” and has played everywhere from the sidewalks of LA, to house concerts in South Carolina, to concert halls in Virginia. John has shared the stage with the likes of Drivin N Cryin, Jason Isbell, Tom House, and Eric Taylor, and once picked up Roland White in a rainstorm and took him to Walmart to buy a poncho. His songs have been recorded and performed by other regional bands and Nashville recording artists. He received 3rd Place in the 2020 Common Ground on the Hill Contest, Honorable Mention in the 2019, 2020, and 2022 Hazel Dickens National Songwriting Contests.
Annette's performances are marked by her compelling alto and moving songs that "touch you to the bone". In the tradition of the poet songwriter, with rich tones reminiscent of Linda Thompson or Natalie Merchant, she weaves a spell both startling in its intimacy and expansive in its vision. Her songwriting influences include Jane Siberry, Lucinda Williams, Mary Gauthier and John Prine. Both down to earth and deeply atmospheric, Annette’s songs are explorations into longing, love, loss, God, home, homesickness and hope.
In her late teens and twenties. Annette was performing in local cafes, small venues and eventually festivals. When her daughter was small, Annette took a break from performing to attend her family and grow her massage practice. Now she is out performing again and becoming known in the DC area and nationally as a powerful songwriter and performer. Annette's debut CD, Songs from the Talking House, was awarded Contemporary Folk Recording of the Year by the Washington Area Music Association in April 2016. She has won Honorable Mentions for her songs Don't Look Down, Highway and Love & Fire in the MidAtlantic Song Contest. Her January 2020 release, Love & Fire, is her first album on the Azalea City Cooperative label. On release, it landed at #6 on FAI Folk DJ chart and #1 on the NACC chart and ended up #40 for the year. In 2019, Annette created a new concert series, Local Cream, showcasing the best local and regional songwriters.