Gregg Hill (NOLA) and Hattie Craven

Gregg Hill began writing songs in seventh grade, but he never really thought of himself as a performer — until he moved to New Orleans. Inspired by the Big Easy and other artists who call it home, Hill embarked on yet another new chapter in a life that has contained many, honing his live-audience entertaining skills — while forging relationships with those artists. The singer, guitarist and pianist then recruited two of the city’s finest — bassist/vocalist Roland Guerin and drummer Doug Belotte — as the rhythm section for his latest album, Bayou St. John, released in September 2023.

Named for the region that connects Lake Pontchartrain to the Mississippi River, Bayou St. John is also the place where Hill wrote most of the album’s eight tracks. Each conveys the easygoing nature (and accomplished picking) of this folk-tinged Americana artist; but they’re also something more: masterfully painted tableaux capturing moments in time with charm and emotional resonance.

“Gregg Hill’s songs are an echo of James Taylor‘s style of folksong: humble, mellow and true.” — MELISSA CLARKE, AMERICANA HIGHWAYS

Hattie Craven has built a fine reputation as a breathtaking performer going back to her early years. It began as a 4 year old fiddler on stage with Laura Love at the Kate Wolf Music Festival. Musical theater from age 6 to her teens, created confidence and a dynamic stage presence that serves her well today.

In addition to the stage, Craven is also at home in recording studios as a seasoned and sought after session vocalist since age 11. As a singer-songwriter, she has 3 CD’s to her credit. Her touring career began at a young age with her father, Joe Craven. Together they have entertained audiences ranging from river boat cruises in Europe, to concert halls and music festivals across the U.S. Hattie is a multidimensional artist whose fan base transcends age and genre.