Barry Cloyd Productions

Description

Barry Cloyd is a Midwest based full time touring singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/historian performing an average of 125+ shows of all types per year. In addition to a Concert schedule, he was a resident musician on The Spirit of Peoria Riverboat for 22 years until its' sale & departure this year and took John Hartford's place on the river following his passing. Barry has also created and toured over 20 original Edu-taiment programs focusing on our Midwestern history with traditional & original music. He has shared the stage & recorded with many stars of the Blues & Americana worlds including members of Buddy Guy's Band, The Byrds, Stephen Stills', Emmylou Harris's, The Oak Ridge Boys', John Denvers' & Dan Fogelberg's Band. He tours, writes & records regularly in Mexico & elsewhere with David Raitt, brother of multi-Grammy winner Bonnie Raitt. Barry is also a recording artist with 10 cds, the last of which "Southland" (all original), won an award for Best Americana album in 2016. International radio play for a number of tracks came as a result.

Work Sample

The samples of my work presented show some of the variety of work at which I make my living. 1. Edu-tainment, combining educational, history based story with music, both traditional & original to bring the importance of multiple facets of our history to audiences of all ages. 2. Songwriting as tool of not only joy but of education...in the examples' case, for educating children (or adults) about the importance of clean, fresh water for our survival. 3. A brief look at my "concert" style performance.

This original performance as an Illinois icon, Carl Sandburg, was given at the Bishop Hill Illinois Chautauqua in Summer, 2021. I have written, produced & performed more than 20 original edu-tainment programs, focusing on many varied facets of Illinois & Mid-Western history, which feature original & traditional music & story. Running time approximately 50 minutes. Title: "Carl Sandburg, Poet of the People"

I also present Songwriting workshops for many ages. This piece was recorded in Summer 2021 as a part of Clean Water Champions, the Sun Foundations virtual Clean Water Celebration which brings to thousands of Illinois children the importance & value of keeping our water safe for our own survival. In addition I provide the "creative" part of Bradley University's Internet certificate songwriting virtual classroom which is now being marketed internationally. 9:20 in length.

Recorded @ The Ceative Commons, Bishop Hill, Illinois in early 2020, this performance was part the Heartland Connections program called "Play It Forward". Featuring several original pieces in my "concert" performance style. Approximately 90 minutes long.

History

I have been a full time touring multi-instrumentalist/vocal performance artist and historian for 22 years. Averaging more than 150 performances per year, I have performed in nearly every type of venue imaginable to include: riverboats, concert halls, theatres, colleges, libraries, universities, wineries, elementary schools, churches, castles & songwriting workshops. In addition, have recorded 10 cds of
mostly original music and shared the stage with many legendary artists. I am also an award winning songwriter & took the place of John Hartford following his passing, playing guitar, banjo, dobro, etc., as a resident musician on a Riverboat that sailed the Illinois & Mississippi Rivers. My award winning cd is titled "Southland" and was awarded Best Americana album by The Academia, based out of Los Angeles in 2016. I have also been a member the ArtsTour Roster in the past & would love to continue working with the IAC.

Artistic Vision

To continue to write, produce & perform all types of music & story to varied audiences. In addition, to continue that portion of my work related to our amazing Mid-Western/Illinois history & our interdependence on the natural world to ensure our future.

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

Yes, my Edu-tainment programs are perfect for Colleges, Libraries, Classrooms, Historical Societies, etc. And the Songwriting workshops have helped bring the joy of the mysterious process of songwriting to all ages of individuals who never even knew how to begin that wonderful process.

Traditional Folk/Ethnic Artform Statement

I am considered a Folk/Americana artist. My heritage is "American Mutt", having come from a mixed European, Celtic background. I fall back on the words of one of my Illinois/Midwestern heroes, Mr. Lincoln, who said, (paraphrased) "A people will never know where they are going until they learn and honor where they have come from". Everything in history is connected and I endeavor to make that obvious in my "Edu-tainment presentations particularly.