Tonio K. (a.k.a. Steven M. Krikorian, b. July 4, 1950) is an American singer/songwriter who has released eight critically acclaimed albums and has had original songs recorded by many of Pop, Rock, Country and R&B’s leading artists ranging from Al Green, Aaron Neville and Burt Bacharach to Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd and Vanessa Williams. His song, “16 Tons Of Monkeys,” co-written with guitarist Steve Schiff, was the featured tune in the 1992 Academy Award winning Live Action Short Film, Session Man. His work with Bacharach and Hip-Hop impresario Dr. Dre won the Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Recording in 2005.
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Trigger Hippy
Trigger Hippy
The group was initially formed as a casual collaboration between Govrik, Gorman and other Nashville musicians. Trigger Hippy made its live debut on February 2, 2009, at the Cox Capitol Theatre in Macon, Georgia.
The band played shows in 2011 and 2012, with a rotating cast of band members. A consistent lineup featuring Govrik and Gorman along with Joan Osborne, Jackie Greene, and Tom Bukovac came together and announced plans to record an album in the fall of 2012.
Trigger Hippy released their first EP on Record Store Day’s Back to Black Friday on November 29, 2013.[1]
Trigger Hippy released a full length album on September 30, 2014. In the summer of 2015, the band announced a lengthy break.
A new four piece lineup featuring Jurdi and Woodhouse was announced June 19, 2019.
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Steve Forbert
Steve Forbert
Samuel Stephen “Steve” Forbert is an American pop music singer-songwriter. Bob Harris of BBC Radio 2 said Forbert has “One of the most distinctive voices anywhere.” His 1979 song “Romeo’s Tune” reached No. 11 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 13 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart. Wikipedia
2020 release – Early Morning Rain — In Steve’s own words:
“For the past few years things have been extremely hectic–nonstop issues and distractions. Now we’re trying to cope with a full-on pandemic – the very kind of contagious thing we studied back in history class! My new record is my idea of rather a “breather”. I’ve released 20 studio albums of original material by now and I’m taking my time writing more songs…but this EARLY MORNING RAIN “cover” album is a what you might call an “easy assignment” for Americana/folk music fans. You don’t have to study new chapters here, just enjoy these renditions of songs you already know and probably love!”
Still prolific Steve has a 2022 and 2023 release. Check out Moving Through America and Streets of this Town – Revisited
For more video variety vist Steve Forbert on social media.
And check out his book:
Big City Cat: My Life in Folk Rock
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D.K. Harrell
D.K. Harrell is a prominent young American blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter known for his soulful vocals, stinging guitar style, and dynamic stage presence. Born in Ruston, Louisiana, in 1998, Harrell was heavily influenced by B.B. King from an early age, learning King’s music, tone, and stage craft by studying concert footage. This dedication led to an invitation to play one of King’s iconic “Lucille” guitars at the B.B. King Symposium in 2019, his first paying gig.
Harrell quickly made a name for himself in the blues world, winning the 2022 B.B. King “King of the Blues” Award and finishing third in the International Blues Challenge. His 2023 debut album, The Right Man on the Little Village Foundation label, received critical acclaim for its 11 original songs and blend of blues, soul, funk, and gospel elements. The album earned him the 2024 Blues Music Award in the “Best Emerging Artist Album” category.
Now signed to the legendary Alligator Records, Harrell released his second album, Talkin’ Heavy, in June 2025. The album, produced by Christoffer “Kid” Andersen, features twelve original tracks that cement his place among the new generation of blues stars, showcasing his ability to bridge traditional blues with a modern, fresh perspective. At just 27 years old, Harrell is hailed as a leading light of the younger generation of blues artists, bringing a vital energy and authenticity to the genre. Known for his magnetic stage presence, dapper tuxedo attire, and engaging interaction with the audience, Harrell is dedicated to preserving the blues while ensuring it resonates with contemporary audiences. He has toured extensively across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, performing at major festivals and captivating audiences with his high-energy, unpredictable live shows. As Blues Blast called him, he is “The fastest-rising talent in the blues today.”
