Small Potatoes

Don't miss a charming performance by these "eclecto-maniacs!"

KAFM and the Radio Room present Chicago duo Small Potatoes at 8 pm March 10 in the Radio Room. 

"These folks are wonderful; fun, energetic, and great musicians.  They're two of my favorite performers."  -- Bill Staines, Singer/songwriter

"100% of your recommended daily allowance of infectious musicality and non-stop energy. I love the Smalls." -- Susan Werner, Singer/songwriter

Small Potatoes is Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso.  This Chicago-based duo has been touring on the folk circuit since 1993.  They’ve traveled a million miles, becoming sought-after regulars at many clubs, coffeehouses and house concerts across the U.S.  They have made repeat appearances at major folk festivals, including the Kerrville Folk Festival, the Walnut Valley Folk Festival and Philadelphia Folk Festival. They were one of the “most requested” acts at the 1999 Falcon Ridge New Artist Showcase.  Jacquie is also a winner of the 1998 Kerrville New Folk songwriting contest.

They call themselves "eclecto-maniacs."  They describe their music as “Celtic to Cowboy” and say it has taken them “years of careful indecision” to come up with a mix of music that ranges from country, blues, and swing to Irish, with songwriting that touches on all of those styles and more.  Their four recordings, ALIVE!, WALTZ OF THE WALLFLOWERS,TIME FLIES, and RAW cover all these styles.  They both sing, they both play guitars and an array of other instruments.  They even yodel.  DIRTY LINEN called them “one of the most polished, inventive, and entertaining shows on the circuit.”  SING OUT called them “wonderfully eclectic” and said, “Small Potatoes might well be leading mainstays on the folk scene for years to come.”

Small Potatoes motto is, "Make “em laugh. Make ‘em cry.  Make ‘em think."

“Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso combine cleverly witty with powerfully poignant songs, along with well chosen covers to present an unusually entertaining and involving repertoire engagingly delivered. Prezioso's song "1000 Candles, 1000 Cranes" is one of the most outstanding songs of the past 50 years." -- Rich Warren, The Midnight Special - WFMT Radio, Chicago, IL 

When you see Small Potatoes perform, you hear two great voices, some fine guitar playing, and a touch of tin whistle, flute, mandolin, bodhran and other percussion toys.  Together, they present a truly rare blend of vocal and instrumental abilities, award-winning songwriting and arranging talents.  They have the unique ability to adapt to the style of music they happen to be playing.  They seem comfortably at home whether playing an upbeat cowboy swing tune or a tender, traditional ballad -- though there are no rules here either; sometimes the traditional sounds contemporary, sometimes the contemporary sounds traditional.  And they also pay attention to the little things, the warmth, the humor and a rapport with the audience that makes for a memorable performance. Their new live CD, ALIVE!, showcases both their story-telling abilities and their easy manner with an audience. You will find yourself laughing one minute, and crying the next. 

“They don’t sound like anybody else.  I like that.  They lay out a blanket and every song is a picnic.” -- Warren Nelson, Big Top Chautauqua/Tent Show Radio--Wisconsin Public Radio, Bayfield, WI

“[WALTZ OF THE WALLFLOWERS] is smart, funny, wistful, hip -- crosses many musical boundaries (traditional, Celtic, jazz, even American theater) -- is beautifully and simply produced.  The first song on this album is so amazing... you won't find anything better than this -- it's up there with the best Rodgers and Hammerstein songs you've ever heard.” -- Christine Lavin, singer/songwriter

“They’ll never open for me again!” -- Cliff Eberhardt, singer/songwriter

“Small Potatoes did one of the best shows we have ever had at the Rouse House Concerts. Many of our regulars believe it was the best show they have seen -- bar none! They are great.” -- Bruce Rouse, Rouse House Concerts, Austin, TX

“Spuds rule!” -- Meredith Carson, Swallow Hill Music Association, Denver, CO

Be sure to see Small Potatoes, at the Radio Room, March 10 at 8 pm.

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