Repeat after me...Sean McConnell, Sean McConnell, Sean McConnell. Credit where credit is due. Last year at the start of SXSW, hooking up with Mattson Rainer from KNBT, he was playing McConnell's EP on the radio, and he was blown away by the guy. Then I was driving a couple of days later with Eddy Levy from East End Ink, and he popped the same EP into his player, and said, "Have you heard this guy Sean McConnell yet?"

Mattson had him play the Americana Jam in May. And I reached out to Mr. Rainer to get in touch with Sean at MusicFest so he could come to our condo. He played, he stayed, he hung, and ate, and we got to know him. It was a treat.

This is a powerful vocal. There is artistry and emotion, and it lights the dark. Say it with me again...Sean McConnell, Sean McConnell. Don't forget that name.

-Jessie