|
WMU Home > About WMU > WMU News
Allison Downey rocks Wildflower music festMay 24, 2007 KALAMAZOO--Allison Downey, a local performer and assistant professor of teaching, learning and educational studies at Western Michigan University, captured audiences and the People's Choice award at this year's Wildflower Arts and Music Festival in Richardson, Texas. A talented vocalist, acoustic guitarist and songwriter, Downey performed two new songs at the festival's well-known Performing Songwriter Competition: the narrative ballad "All that Matters," and the folk-pop tune "Almost." Both are slated to be included on her upcoming album, which is scheduled for release this fall. Later in the festival, Downey again took the stage--this time with her husband, bass player John Austin, who is also a WMU faculty member. Downey's songs range from traditional folk to more rhythmically and dynamically complex arrangements. Her vocals have been called a cross between Natalie Merchant and Judy Collins. But, for her audiences and fans, Downey's most memorable and unique performance qualities are her sense of humor, intimate style and meaningful lyrics. Since joining WMU in 2002, Downey has performed regularly at the Union Cabaret and Grill, Kraftbrau and other local nightspots. She's been singing on stage since she was 10, and has performed throughout the United States and internationally in Canada, Italy, Mexico and Spain. Downey's debut album, "Wind at your Back," was released in November 2002 and has been heard on radio stations across the country. She currently is in pre-production for her second album. For more information on Downey or "Wind At Your Back," including audio, photos and reviews, or to purchase music, visit www.allisondowney.com. Held annually just outside of Dallas, the Wildflower is a multi-day, multi-stage ticketed music festival that draws more than 55,000 fans from around the world. This year, the festival celebrated its 15th anniversary with performances by Bo Diddley, Soul Asylum, Fast Ball, Better Than Ezra, Grand Funk Railroad, the Romantics, Jo Dee Messina, John Gorka and others. The Wildflower Performing Songwriter Competition encourages the growth of independent performing singer-songwriters. Media contact: Tonya Hernandez, (269) 387-8400, tonya.hernandez@wmich.edu WMU News |
