Photo by Wingate Downs
Caroline releases her 2015 and 9th CD: BROKEN WINGS HEAL with special guests Emily Saliers (Indigo Girls), John Keane (GRAMMY nominated producer and musician), Michelle Malone, Ike Stubblefield (Legendary Motown B3) and Randall Bramblett (Bonnie Raitt, Steve Winwood, Allman Brothers). A 2015 national tour opening for the Indigo Girls and Caroline continues touring the USA and Europe.
Caroline says, “I was moved at the age of 12, kicking and screaming, from the village of St. Simons Island, GA, to Long Island, NY, clutching a guitar and book of songs. Then: 1969 in NY, 1971 West Coast, 1973 South America, 1975 NW, 1984 to present USA,UK and EU. The ‘Perpetual Instructional Path Towards Gratitude’ Tour.”
“Years of performing, beginning in 1969 in NY, California, South America, NW and Europe, Caroline Aiken was named “The Best Acoustic Act”(Atlanta Mag) in her birth town of Atlanta, GA. Her rich history includes recording and performing with Bonnie Raitt and the Indigo Girls, opening for Arlo Guthrie, Muddy Waters, Doc Watson, Randy Newman, Little Feat, 38 Special, Beach Boys, Janis Ian, Richie Havens. Caroline appears in regional and national festivals, radio shows, workshops and concert series, supporting 9 nationally acclaimed recordings. Caroline’s “Sensual voice, masterful songwriting, expert guitar” (Victory Music-Seattle) anchored the city’s acoustic and folk scene, influencing up and coming artists whom she took under her wing, including Indigo Girls and Shawn Mullins.” GA MUSIC HALL OF FAME
”Named “The Best Acoustic Act”(Atlanta Magazine) in her birth town of Atlanta, GA, Caroline’s rich history includes recording and performing with Bonnie Raitt and the Indigo Girls, opening for Arlo Guthrie, Muddy Waters, Doc Watson, Randy Newman, Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat, 38 Special, Beach Boys, Janis Ian, and Richie Havens. Caroline appears in regional and national festivals, radio shows, workshops and concert series.
Caroline’s “Sensual voice, masterful songwriting, expert guitar” (Victory Music-Seattle) anchored the city’s acoustic and folk scene, influencing up and coming artists whom she took under her wing, including Indigo Girls and Shawn Mullins.”
GA MUSIC HALL OF FAME
NPR’s MOUNTAIN STAGE @ UGA Performing Arts Center – AIKEN, a featured performer, along with Randall Bramblett and Patterson Hood of the Drive By Truckers (find the link here.)
“CA tears her 12 string a whole new consciousness” Blue Suede News
“Sensual voice, masterful songwriting, expert guitar” Victory Music Seattle
“‘Singer/songwriter’ is an adequate description of Caroline Aiken, but it doesn’t tell you what you really need to know. It doesn’t even hint at the unseen work, thought, vision, organization and management she puts into every performance. It doesn’t tell you that if she brings along a band, it’s going to be an enthusiastic but disciplined unit that’s committed to the total musical experience. And it doesn’t tell you that Caroline is an Artist with a capital A, whose seemingly effortless songs form a direct link from one soul to another. During the years I hosted “It’s Friday!” it was my honor to present performances by Caroline at least ten times, and I never tired of basking in the glow of her work.” Robb Holmes, UGA Radio show: IT’S FRIDAY
More about Caroline:
“Years of performing, beginning in 1969 in NY, California, South America, NW and Europe, Caroline Aiken was named “The Best Acoustic Act”(Atlanta Mag) in her birth town of Atlanta, GA. Her rich history includes recording and performing with Bonnie Raitt and the Indigo Girls, opening for Arlo Guthrie, Muddy Waters, Doc Watson, Randy Newman, Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat, 38 Special, Beach Boys, Janis Ian, Richie Havens. Caroline appears in regional and national festivals, radio shows, workshops and concert series, supporting 8 nationally acclaimed recordings. Her 2006 release “ARE WE THERE YET, MAMA?” was nominated for a GRAMMY. Caroline’s “Sensual voice, masterful songwriting, expert guitar” (Victory Music-Seattle) anchored the city’s acoustic and folk scene, influencing up and coming artists whom she took under her wing, including Indigo Girls and Shawn Mullins.” GA MUSIC HALL OF FAME
Festivals:
- Kerrville Music Festival (many years on main stage, 2010 w Indigo Girls)
- SummerFest, Falcon Ridge, NY
- New Bedford, High Sierra, CA,
- Magfest, Fla (w Joe Craven),
- Bumbershoot, Seattle, WA
- Mendocino Music Fest, CA (co headlined w Ruthie Foster)
- Music Midtown, Atlanta, GA
- … more!
WORKSHOPS
Caroline teaches her workshop “Zen and the Art of Performance” nationally and internationally:
- Otis Redding Songwriter Camp – GA Music Hall of Fame
- Shorndorfer Guitarentaga – Germany
- Swannanoa Gathering – NC
- Summersongs – CA
- Artichoke Music – OR
- August State College, GA
- Master Class-Far-west Music Business Conference – Eugene, OR
- Lamb’s Songwriter’s Retreat- MI
- Boys and Girls Clubs – GA/TX
- Schools, art counsels, festivals, private lessons, consulting
- 12 years as Atlanta Dogwood Festival Entertainment Director (93-05)
- www.GuitarsNotGuns.org – Clarke County Chapter President
ZEN AND THE ART OF PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP:
“SPENDING TIME WITH CAROLINE IS AS UNFORGETTABLE AS IT IS INSPIRATIONAL. SHE’S TRULY AT THE HEART OF AMERICA’S FOLK/ROOTS MOVEMENT AND HAS THE SKILLS ALONG WITH LIFE EXPERIENCE WE ALL DESIRE AS ENTERTAINERS.”
ARTICHOKE MUSIC –PORTLAND, OR
Folk Alliance International performances/volunteer positions:
- Official Showcase Performer/SERFA 2013
- Official Showcase Performer – NERFA 1997
- Sponsorship Chair/Stage Manager/Private Showcase Presenter/Master Class- Zen and the Art Of Performance – FARWEST
- Private Showcase Presenter: AIKEN’S SHAKIN’ SHOWCASE – Austin, TX – Jacksonville, FL – Nashville, TN
- NATIONAL FAI, Black Mountain, TN; SERFA
- Holiday House Concerts – Athens, GA – Presenter/Talent Buyer
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