Corey Hart w/ Ryan Gavin - $5

"Music is my solace, says Wisconsin singer/songwriter Corey Hart, "Writing is a very internal process, but I love getting out and sharing the results." With his soulful delivery of dynamic vocals reminiscent of the late Jeff Buckley and pulsating guitar that evokes the rhythmic playing of early Neil Young, Hart creates a brand of folk that "suggests the intensity of real life." (Isthmus) It is this intensity in Hart's songcraft along with his fiery and passionate live performances that earned Hart the title of Songwriter of the Year (2007) in his adopted hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. 2007 also brought the release of Hart's "Words Like Wildfire" EP, recorded at Smart Studios with engineer Beau Sorenson (Death Cab for Cutie, Sparklehorse). Building on the success of "Words Like Wildfire", the past year has found Corey playing shows in support of Shawn Mullins, Dar Williams, and The Duhks. In 2009 Hart spent time in North Carolina and teamed up with Danny Johnson. The collaboration is called Wooden Houses, and their self-titled debut album was released in September of 2009.