Doug Mahard and Randy Emmons

Randy Emmons is a Sarasota, FL based guitarist and singer/songwriter whose songs and instrumental compositions have won numerous awards. He performs classical works, original solo compositions and songs that weave intricate guitar arrangements and deep, thoughtful lyrics that shares his experiences of life, such as flying 747’s and delivering a baby, that guarantee you will leave his shows smiling.

In 1981 Doug Mahard lit out on the road and landed in Louisiana for six years. There he reveled in the cajunfunkhillbillyrockjazzgrass music that permeated the cities and the backwater bayous. His experiences fired his imagination and he began writing songs such as “The Sun Always Shines in Louisiana,” which his wife thinks is Louisiana’s equivalent to Ray Charles’ “Georgia on My Mind.” Another song crafted in between bites of gumbo was “Railroad Troubadours,” which spins a yarn so vivid you can smell the alcohol on the hobo’s breath.

The Berklee College of Music songwriter finalist has released three CD’s. His self-titled 2012 release featured late, greatguitarist Joe Beck. His third CD, Fidel Castro’s Favorite Band,showcases the talents of Gordon Titcomb, who produced and played, along with some of the finest musicians out of NYC.In 2017, he took second place in the American SongwritersNovember/December lyric contest with “You Are the Amazing One.” Doug was one of the judges for the 2018, 2019 and 2020CT Folk Alliance songwriting contest along with judging for the 2019 Bethlehem Fair“Bethlehem Got Talent Contest”. His songs “Big Planet of Love” and “You Are The Amazing One”were chosen as the official retreat songs at Ellis Paul’s New England Songwriters Retreat in 2017 and 2018, respectively.