Mary Gauthier and Stephen Kellogg

Mary Gauthier is a folk and alternative country singer from Louisiana, U.S.A. She is a singer-songwriter who has gained plenty of success over the years, receiving some fantastic critical acclaim over the times. She walks on stage to a good amount of applause, the audience is quiet and quite polite at best, not very animated, but that isn’t necessarily the way that these songs were written in the first place. “Sideshow” kicks of the proceedings with a catchy guitar sequence, engaging the audience. Her drawling southern-American voice sits on top of the chords that she strums and the gathering this evening quietly sing along to the song. “Blood is Blood” is another song that receives a similar reaction. This time, she plays a harmonica, which is on a harmonica holder around her neck. She has a fantastic reaction from the crowd at the end of each song. Making more of an impression with each song a little more than the last. It is interesting to watch this set as a play, as though she Gauthier is telling a story from start to finish.

We attended the concert featuring Stephen Kellogg with opening act, Liz Longley on Wednesday, February 24 at Music Box Supper Club in Cleveland. It was an amazing evening for my husband and me. My 60th birthday was February 22 and I had decided a couple weeks ago that I wanted to attend this concert for my special birthday celebration. I love Stephen Kellogg! The way I became acquainted with him was that my daughter-in-law included some of the lyrics to "Sweet Sophia" on our second granddaughter, Sophia's birth announcement. I noticed them and googled the lyrics to see where they originated from. I saw Stephen Kellogg's video performing "Sweet Sophia" and I was hooked! The way he speaks about his wife and daughters really touched me and he is very funny, personable and self deprecating......a combination of personality qualities I love. And further, I saw his "Four Daughters Medley" and learned that he also has an Adeline. Our first granddaughter is named Athena and I love her name, which was my son's choice. Her Mother's choice of names was Adeline, another name I love. So I thought, what a coincidence that Stephen has a Sophia and an Adeline. I was looking so forward to Stephen's concert and also seeing Liz Longley. Life took a very sad turn and my Mother passed away in the early morning on February 24. We had visited with her the previous Saturday and showed her Stephen's videos. She was so excited because she knew how excited I was to see him and the reasons behind my desire to see him, mainly my granddaughter, Sophia who has some medical issues which will require surgery in the future. We knew she would want us to attend the concert so we kept our plans to come to Cleveland and try to find a way to celebrate my 60th birthday as well as celebrate the life my Mom had lived for almost 84 years. I had a conversation with one of the employees while in the restroom and told her how delicious my meal was. She had recommended the shirt ribs for me because I have Celiac disease and need to eat gluten free. I also related how excited I was to be there because of my granddaughter, Sophia and also for my 60th birthday. And I expressed to her the sad story of my Mom passing away. Later that evening I felt a tap on my shoulder and it turns out she was the manager and she said that my husband's and my meal would be free of charge because they wanted to do something nice for us to help us celebrate my birthday and also heartfelt sympathy because of my Mom's passing away. We were blown away by the generosity and thoughtfulness! And Liz and Stephen were both totally, amazingly awesome! So much talent they both possess and such wonderful people. We purchased 2 cd's, one of Liz Longley which she signed for me. She posed with me for a picture and also gave me a big hug! I was joking with her to find out her age, saying I wanted to fix her up with my 29 year old son! And we purchased Stephen Kellogg's cd "1000" as well as thank you notes designed by his daughter, Sophia. We felt so blessed to be able to attend the concert that night because we had looked forward to it for weeks. It was a perfect evening......delicious meal and amazing performances by two extremely talented musicians! And thank you for making a precious memory for me!