CLAUDIA RUSSELL is an outstanding singer/songwriter who has shared stages with Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer, Steve Forbert, Tish Hinojosa, Kris Kristoffersen, Bill Morrisey, Willie Nelson, Darryl Purpose, Peter Rowan, Kevin So, Rosalie Sorrels and Bill Staines, among others. She is most often seen accompanied by her trusty sidekick, Bruce Kaplan, on mandolin, guitar and vocals. (BRUCE KAPLAN joined her for this show.)

Boston's WUMB FM named Claudia the Best New Artist of 2000, and for the second time, she was a finalist in the 2001 Kerrville New Folk songwriting competition. Claudia loves to sing harmony. She sometimes performs as a member of the Life Is Grand Band, an astounding, almost a capella collaboration with Jill Freeman and Laura Zambo. They are known for versatile vocalizing, superior songwriting and collegial comedy. Finally, when their paths cross, Claudia lends a third voice to Eric Lewis and Andy Ratliff's traditional high-energy Bluegrass and Old Time country sounds.

Claudia and Bruce performed an very enjoyable and entertaining set of music here, beginning a great night of music that also featured singer/songwriter Darryl Purpose. Claudia's wonderful voice and great songs were ear candy for our standing room only audience. Please visit Claudia's Web site at www.claudiarussell.com.