Merry & Bright: Wavemakers Holiday Concert and Market

WENDY COLONNA

For the better part of her life, Louisiana native Wendy Colonna has been communing with folks through the gift of live music. She was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, close to the Texas border. From church choir pews, to front porches and fishing docks, Wendy’s childhood and teen years were spent strumming guitars and belting out songs at gatherings. She grew up steeped in the swampy, music-rich culture of Cajun Country. Her musical lineage is part memory and part DNA melting pot: Italian, Portuguese & English via Trinidad, French, and Cajun. As Wendy carved out her place in Austin, she treated each opportunity as a blessing, forging musical partnerships that continue today. Along the way, she’s racked up accolades – Black Fret, Apple Music, Spotify, Wall Street Journal, New York Times – as well as commercial success, including landing an original song on a Coca-Cola ad. She’s released eight albums since her move to the Lone Star State, with time well-spent developing close relationships within Austin’s fertile musical community.

ERIN IVEY

Erin Ivey is a singer-songwriter whose intimate, confessional style, expressive voice, and emotionally powerful performances have won her a loyal following, national endorsements from Guild and Gretsch, and artist grants to create new work. Raised in Annapolis, Maryland at the U.S. Naval Academy, Erin moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. She started playing open mics at the renowned Cactus Cafe and has since performed countless shows around the world in various solo and band scenarios, sharing stages with Norah Jones, Emmylou Harris, HEART, Indigo Girls, Shawn Colvin, Ralph Stanley, Stanley Jordan, and many others. Texas Monthly has called her a "superstar." Austin.com dubbed her the "queen of Austin songwriters." Roxy calls her "the darling of Austin's legendary music scene" and according to KUTX, Ivey has "quietly become one of our city's biggest critical successes." In 2020, Texas Music Magazine named Erin's breakout album Broken Gold one of 20 "albums that defined Texas music over the past 2 decades."

LURLEEN LADD

Growing up in Houston Texas, Lurleen Ladd found her calling in music after establishing a career in social work and healthcare. “The journey to bring music to the center of my life has been challenging but very rewarding”. Lurleen's strong connection to her audience is channeled through her experience helping those in need while addressing her own personal struggles. Her music radiates a compelling energy and intense honesty that characterizes her unique songwriting style - inspiring resilience and inner strength in her audience.

Wavemakers was born out of Lurleen’s desire to help others after overcoming personal struggles and following her passion for music. Wavemakers came to fruition after the release of Lurleen’s second album, ‘No Goin’ Back and correlating ‘Sing Out Loud’ challenge. Lurleen created the challenge - encouraging other women to share their stories, dreams and aspirations in the music industry. "A template has been set where we bring together the decision makers, the artists and the audience to challenge the status quo, champion female musicians 40+ and forge a path that celebrates creativity at any age."

KEVIN MCKINNEY /GUITAR

Kevin McKinney is an Austin, Texas music Icon. With 5 solo albums, Kevin remains a respected prolific Austin staple. He performs with numerous Austin artists including Bob Schneider, Wrenfro, Fastball, Earthpig and Fire, Bruce Robison, and Martin Zellar. Kevin has built his reputation as much on the back of his live shows as anything else. Live, his shows range from solo acoustic stand-up to full-on power acts. Kevin’s songs, old and new, live on, making people happy and continually inspiring other Austin musicians.

DAVID PULKINGHAM / GUITAR

David Pulkingham grew up traveling internationally, recording and performing music. He was first published at age four and was on his first recording session at age seven. Deciding to pursue music professionally at age 20, David enrolled in the prestigious Jazz studies program at the University of North Texas. Upon graduation he moved to Austin, Texas where he has been a mainstay of that city’s thriving music scene ever since. Known for his abilities in numerous styles, he has been called on for many recording sessions whether it be Latin music or Rock and Roll. David currently tours with Patty Griffin and plays internationally under his own name.

CHRIS MARESH / BASS

Through his unique and tasteful style, Grammy® Award nominee Chris Maresh has firmly established himself as one of the most in demand studio and live performance musicians in Austin, Texas. As a virtuoso bassist and composer, Chris Maresh began his professional music career in Austin, Texas in 1984 after receiving a BM in Applied Double Bass Performance with an Emphasis in Jazz Performance from the University of Texas in Austin. Over the past 27 years, Chris has performed on more than 200 albums.

KYLE THOMPSON / DRUMS

Kyle Thompson, a native Texan, has been playing drums in the Austin area and beyond for almost 20 years. His musical range is extremely diverse and he can be seen playing jazz gigs, backing singer-songwriters, and rocking out. As Duke Ellington said, “There are two kinds of music. Good music, and the other kind.” Kyle focuses on good music and can currently be seen sharing the stage with the Dupree Organ Trio, Suzanna Choffel, Tacks the Boy Disaster, Drew Smith, Charanga Cakewalk, and countless others.

ERIN FRAZIER / BACKING VOCALIST

Erin is an American singer-songwriter and pianist in Austin, Texas.

ANDRE HAYWARD / TROMBONE

MIKE SAILORS / TRUMPET

Dr. Mike Sailors is a critically acclaimed trumpeter, arranger and educator who has toured the world as a leader and sideman.

JOSEPH SERRATO / TENOR SAX

Joseph Serrato is an Austin based saxophonist and composer. He has been one the city’s busiest musicians known for his versatility and tone. He has played with the scene’s top bands and toured with international artists.