Paul Iwancio (pronounced "eye-wan-see-oh") has just released his first full-length CD Open Heart Stories. The songs cover topics such as hope, acceptance, joy, love, and gender issues. Paul's music is a great blend of folk & funk: contrasting sweet ballads with rhythmic smart-hook rockers. His live shows are heartfelt, upbeat, energetic fun events. Paul is also well known in the region as the president and founder of The Baltimore Songwriters Association, a 501(c)3 organization. Paul performs in solo singer-songwriter mode, as well as with the duo "Take Two" featuring jazz vocalist Nita Paul Callihan and the quartet "The Art of Meaning" with chromatic harmonicist Carl Rosetti. *Finalist at The Avalon Music Festival 2004 *Sem-finalist at Mountain Stage Newsong Festival 2004 *Honorable Mention in Mid-Atlantic Song Contest 2004 "This is the perfect disc for a fan of great lyrics and sweet melodies. Everything about this album is worth taking the time to hear. He's got that magic happening and knows how to write songs" Susie Mudd, Music Monthly "With well crafted lyrics and melodies, this CD is full of numerous gems, speaks of hope, truth to self, and the power of friends and communities. It bears eloquent witness to the values Paul has upheld in Baltimore for more than a decade." Bob Steele, Baltimore Outloud