AAFFM Presents: Out Of The Rain, and Joyce & Jacque

OUT OF THE RAIN

Out Of The Rain, composed of Ron Hipp and Carol Statella, is a folk duo noted for innovative arrangements and unusual expressive power. Ron Hipp has been known in the Atlanta area as an accomplished solo artist and Carol Statella has played and sung in various groups over the years. Their joining forces to regularly perform and record music together has created a compelling, poignant sound that is both timeless and fresh.

Ron is an acoustic fingerstyle guitarist/singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. A native of Atlanta, he’s been performing both solo and in various band combinations since about the age of 16. His rich baritone voice, consummate fingerpicking, and mesmerizing songs make his shows a memorable experience. Ron has graced many a recording project by other artists over the years as a studio musician, and has many CD cover photos to his credit.

Carol (string player/singer) has played in backup orchestras for Joni Mitchell, The Moody Blues, and Brian Wilson. As a music journalist, she interviewed Robert Shaw for a national publication, and also spent several years as an announcer/producer in public radio. In the classical performance realm, Carol has played in the Atlanta Opera Orchestra, and sang for seventeen seasons with the Atlanta Symphony Chorus/Chamber Chorus.

Ron and Carol have known each other and crossed paths musically for a decade and a half, through many artistic and personal evolutions. Their sound together has been described as warm, eloquent, and vivid. Onstage, Ron and Carol draw audiences in with artful musicality, occasionally inane humor, and absolute focus on inviting the listener into the depths of a song.

While continuing to perform in intimate Southeast venues, Out of The Rain also presented Ron’s first album of original songs and instrumentals titled “Two Hearts,” which has received international folk radio airplay and glowing reviews from press and concert presenters. “Ron Hipp and Carol Statella have crafted a musically delightful, emotionally involving work with “Two Hearts” … it deserves a spot on your CD shelf,” says Rich Warren of Sing Out! Magazine.

JOYCE & JACQUE

Performing favorites from their CD, “New Day Dawning”

“Every once in a while, someone plays music that stops you in your tracks,
music that mesmerizes and moves your soul.”

This is what has been said of the duo of Joyce Williams and Jacque Howard. Their original music transcends age, appealing to young children and seasoned elders alike. Setting is no boundary for them, as the duo has performed in clubs, youth conferences and churches throughout the country.

Joyce & Jacque have opened for many nationally acclaimed artists – including Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, The Pointer Sisters, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Nina Simone, Odetta and many others.

Joyce & Jacque’s rich vocal harmonies are a treat for the ears. Drawing from their Christian faith and incorporating hard-hitting issues in their lyrics, the two singer-songwriters minister to the human condition straight through the heart.

They will be performing songs from their acclaimed CD, “New Day Dawning.”