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Dee Alexander is one of Chicago’s most gifted and respected vocalists/songwriters. Her musical interests span virtually every genre especially those related to the African diaspora including: Gospel, R&B, Blues, Neo-soul and other global musical forms. Her true heart and soul though, are ultimately expressed in their purest form through her explorations in “jazz”, the one idiom that can encompass all her interests and influences. Ms. Alexander gravitated toward this musical form at an early age. She names Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Nins Simone and Ella Fitzgerald among her many major influences. Chicago saxophonist “Light” Henry Huff, as well,was profoundly influential on her by encouraging the taking of risks and the crossing of boundaries, setting her on a path that has allowed her to emerge as one of the celebrated vocal improvisers on the scene today. From a sultry traditional ballad, to a contemporary jazz-funk groove, a high-flying swing, or scat-filled romp, Alexander delivers each style with a passion and love of music that comes across in each and every note, and with a style and grace that is truly her own.

Dr. Michael Luster, a native of Texas, holds degrees from East Texas State University, the University of Arkansas and the University of Pennsylvania. He co-founded WEIR, Wide Earth Information Resources, a nonprofit corporation devoted to traditional and community arts and outreach. He produces and hosts a weekly radio program called Hand Crank Radio for public station KASU.

James Henry Drennen III, known as “The Generator Man”, is a St. Louis Missouri native. He was a retired union electrician, active member of the local union IBEW 1516, loved music, played in a Blues band with Bruce Page and the Blues Heavy Weights, played harmonica, and had his own radio show on KASU called Blues Where You Least Expect It.

Stephen Koch is an award-winning journalist in both broadcasting and print. Author of "Louis Jordan: Son of Arkansas, Father of R&B," he's also writer/host of “Arkansongs,” heard on public radio stations all across Arkansas, in east Texas and Louisiana.

Dave moved to Stone County in 1972 at the age of twenty and began attending the old-time musicals at Lonnie Lee’s house in the community of Fox. He was completely captivated by the old songs and tunes.

Growing up in NY, he was Pete Seeger’s neighbor. Now settled in the foothills of Appalachia, the Kentucky-based songwriter is a prolific artist with ten released albums, two published books and several national projects under his belt. He’s the touring, log cabin dwelling, organic gardening, front porch banjo picking, Martin guitar playing host of WoodSongs.

Nick Spitzer, the producer and host of American Routes, is a folklorist and a professor of anthropology and American studies at Tulane University. Nick specializes in American music and the cultures of the Gulf South, and received a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Texas in 1986 with his dissertation on zydeco music and Afro-French Louisiana culture and identities.