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By K. Reka Badger
Photos by John Fitzpatrick

Powerful performances of folk-blues-country music at the Valley's Tales from the Tavern small venue concerts are now being replayed around the world.


Part song, part narrative and a whole lot of hometown conviviality, Tales from the Tavern celebrates the magic that takes place when powerful performers meet a receptive audience.

Named for its original venue, Mattei's Tavern, and for the tale lurking within every lyric, this ongoing community concert series draws music lovers to lose themselves in the wonder of live entertainment.
"We've turned Tales from the Tavern into a journey of discovery," says Ron Colone, who co-produces the series with his sister, Carole Ann. "We have such an intelligent and sophisticated audience, and the artists have really gotten behind the project because the concerts are such community events."

Though some fans buy tickets for individual shows, most snap up the entire series and attend week after week, forming a warm relationship with their fellow audience members. Whether drawn to a particular headliner or taking a chance on an unfamiliar artist, they know each performance holds its own rewards of music, poetry and old fashioned storytelling.
Over 40 performers, including Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen, Lauren Ellis, John Hammond, Karen Tyler and Geoff Muldaur, have headlined Tales from the Tavern, bringing AmericaÕs own roots music into the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley.

"These artists represent the forefront of grassroots Americana," Colone declares. "It's folk-blues-country stuff and it has a direct connection with the roots of American music. It's not stuff you're going to hear on big commercial stations.

"These performers drive all over the country in their own little cars," he continues, "playing one night stands and becoming known through word-of-mouth. We wanted this to be a great gig for them, well-paying and where we put them in front of their audience."
From left: Carol Ann Colone, co-producer of Tales from the Tavern concert series; Michael Smith, whose live CD from Tales from the Tavern was named CD pick of the year by a nationally syndicated radio program; renowned music photographer Henry Diltz; Ron Colone, co-producer of Tales from the Tavern.
To help spread the magic of this music, Colone and his team have released five CDs recorded live at selected performances. They include "Such Things Are Finely Done - Michael Smith Live at Tales from the Tavern" (named "CD of the Year" on National Public Radio's long-running show "The Midnight Special"), "Oh My God, What Am I Doing Here - Michael on Fire Live at Tales from the Tavern, Vol. 1" and "Ramblin' Jack Elliott - Live at Tales from the Tavern, Vol. 1," featuring the beloved folk singer and National Medal of Arts recipient.

With the launch of the series' fourth season in February 2006, Tales from the Tavern's organizers released their fourth CD, "Tales from the Tavern, Vol. 1," presenting highlights from their sold-out shows. From "Zippy" by Michael Smith to "Mission Hall" by Michael on Fire, these performances sizzle with fun, feeling and the flavors of authentic experience. "

"We're so thrilled with the contents of this CD," Colone enthuses. "It's a compilation of the first three seasons and features twelve different artists. We have introductions and storytelling, as well as the live acoustic performances."

To create the fourth CD, Colone and his production team had to wend their way through a maze of professional wariness and corporate red tape.
"We had to go through managers, agents and record companies," he says, "but once we showed them we were exceptional artist advocates, they got on board. Then Redeye Distribution got involved and now the CDs in stores across the country and there are fifty online sites where you can buy it!"

In mid-August 2006, Colone and his crack team of friends, professionals and volunteers released their fifth CD, "Let's Use Yours - Jon Dee Graham Live at Tales from the Tavern."

With the irresistible momentum generated by their earlier discs and audiences' continuing love affair with American roots music, all five efforts are destined to enjoy brisk sales for a long time to come.

Colone keeps his eyes and ears on airplay to make sure the relevant retail outlets have plenty of CDs on hand. As he monitors playlists and online broadcasts, he marvels at the breadth of the music's reach, not only across the country, but as far away as Belgium, Germany and England, and chuckles when he hears the names of Valley towns and landmarks rendered in distant regional dialects."We feel this music in the Santa Ynez Valley," he muses, "but the ripples are being felt around the world."

Tales from the Tavern offers live music in the Valley over six Wednesdays each February and March, where Valley residents can visit with friends, revel in the wonder of shared stories and savor powerful performances. A new mini-series of concerts, to run from August 16 to December 6, has been introduced for the summer/fall season.

Thanks to Ron and Carole Ann Colone and their dedicated team, talented musicians have found a receptive audience around the world, as well as a great gig close to home.
To purchase any of the five CDs call 688-0383, send an inquiry to Tales From The Tavern, P.O. Box 1672,
Santa Ynez CA 93460 or log onto www.talesfromthetavern.com.

Copyright 2006, 2007 Inside Santa Ynez Valley Magazine, All Rights Reserved