Austinist Previews Austin City Limits Music Festival: Sylvia St. James, Jeffrey Steele, and Amy Cook

Sylvia St. James leads the masses at the House Of Blues’ Gospel Brunch in California. The Sunday menu there features cornbread muffins, hickory smoked bacon and sausage links, and an omelet station, along with inspirational hymns, motivational music, and Miss Sylvia’s vocal prowess (and official title of “Chief Mistress of Ceremonies for House of Blues Entertainment.”) Us lucky Austinites get our chance to witness her magic on Saturday afternoon during the 2007 Austin City Limits Music Festival. Take advantage of the close proximity of the WaMu Stage to the lunch vendors to round off your experience!

Sylvia St. James
Beverly Hills, CA
Latest Release -- Due in October 2007
Saturday the 15th, 12:45 p.m., WaMu Stage

Image courtesy of Sylvia St. James’ website, Author Unknown.

Jeffrey Steele’s versatility has been visible ever since he won the BMI Songwriter of the Year award in 2003. Part producer, part musician, but definitely 100% songwriter, Steele has written ditties for Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, and LeAnn Rimes. He does also record his own material, having released a number of solo albums, while his production skills have been employed recently by the likes of Keith Anderson and Trick Pony. Well before any of this, Steele fronted the country act Boy Howdy in the 1990’s.

Jeffrey Steele
Burbank, California
Latest Release: Gold, Platinum, No Chrome, And More Steele - Greatest Hits Vol. II, 2007
Saturday the 15th, 6:40 p.m., BMI Stage

Amy Cook landed in Texas via California and has released two solid full-lengths during her time in the Lone Star State. The prolific singer-songwriter wrote her latest album, The Sky Observer’s Guide in a month, citing the “humble” town of Marfa as a big influence. Cook’s music has been featured on shows such as Veronica Mars and Laguna Beach. Catch Cook’s melancholy compositions at noon on Sunday at the 2007 Austin City Limits Music Festival

Amy Cook
Marfa, TX
Latest Release: The Sky Observer’s Guide, 2007
Sunday the 16th, Noon, Austin Ventures Stage