Justin Roth Bio: Blending intricate guitar work, smooth vocal melodies and a groove, Justin offers up a rousing potpourri of new acoustic folk. Knowing that he stands on shoulders of those who came before him, he's been compared to the likes of Michael Hedges, David Wilcox, Martin Sexton and Willy Porter. A fan once said after that when Justin plays guitar, "it's more than just an instrument but an extension of himself." Seeing him perform, you see what they meant. Take an eye off him for a second, and you would swear that there were more instruments on stage. As a self-taught fingerstyle guitarist, Justin's inventive technique leaves people asking themselves "how did he do that?" as he expresses a new voice of the guitar. This voice is what creates his unique and engaging sound. His songwriting style is an artful mix ranging from insightful metaphors, to clever stories with unpredictable humor, to the familiar imagery of the world around us. Seeing Justin perform live, you better be prepared to write your own song too. He is well known for involving his audiences by having them write their own song during his set. After having the audience pick subjects to write the song about, a piece of paper is passed around the room for each person to write a line to the song. When the lyrics are completed, the audience votes between two guitar parts made up on the spot and then the lyrics and music are improvised into a full song at the end of the show! As his audience has grown, Justin has opened for many artists including: Shawn Colvin, John Gorka, David Wilcox, Martin Sexton, LJ Booth and Cheryl Wheeler. Repeat performances are a common occurrence, returning time and time again by request of not only the fans, but also the venues themselves. Justin has released two solo albums, Up Until Now (1997) and In Between (2000). He also has four original compositions featured on the solo guitar compilation, Lifescapes - Solo Guitar (2000), produced by Billy McLaughlin exclusively for Target stores nationwide. Most recently, Justin finished a live CD along with fellow Peppermint artist, Chris Cunningham, called 2 Forms of ID (2000). This album features Justin and Chris performing original and cover tunes as a duo, as well as solo, and features both on numerous instruments. It was recorded at two sold-out nights at Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe in Duluth, MN near the end of their 60-city tour. Justin attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth graduating with a degree in Performing Arts Management with a minor in music. While a student, he spent three years booking and promoting musical performances for regional and national acts in and around the Duluth area and on his college campus. He soon found himself doing all that and more for his own music, much to his surprise. With no complaints, his touring continues to become more and more extensive each year. No stranger to the road, Justin spends about 5 months a year touring. Performing around 120 shows a year at colleges, coffeehouses, clubs, churches, and house venues across the country, his touring radius continues to expand. Originally from Minnesota, Justin has also lived in Colorado and California to aid his music in continuing to reach new audiences. On this never-ending endeavor, neither he nor his music show any sign of slowing down. ---------- Chris Cunningham Bio: Chris Cunningham, a native of Bozeman, Montana, started his musical career as one half of the popular folk duo Storyhill. After Storyhill's break-up in 1997, Chris moved to Seattle for a few months, taking a break from making music. In the autumn of 1998, he moved back to Bozeman, where he started a band called Sixth Sense. In addition to Chris, principal singer, songwriter, and guitarist for the group, the group consisted of Chad Langford on the upright bass, Ken Glynn on drums, and Reeves Petroff playing the dobro and slide guitar. He followed that tour up with another, even more extensive, fall tour with Justin, which culminated in the live recording 2 Forms of ID. At the same time, he also found time to record and release his first entirely solo CD, House Concert. Both CDs were released in late 2000. In 2001, Chris regrouped with his old friend and Storyhill partner John Hermanson for several Storyhill reunion concerts - first in July in the Twin Cities, and then in December 2001 in their hometown of Bozeman. In 2002, Chris has been back out on the road, with tours through the Pacific Northwest, the Upper Midwest, and other areas. He has also just released Concierto!, a live EP of Spanish-language folk songs he recorded in 1994. He is currently planning another tour with Justin Roth for fall 2002.