June 13 | 6:30–9:30PM | SMITH FAMILY CHAPEL
Riverbend Centre for the Arts Unplugged @ the Chapel is an acoustic concert series featuring some of the most talented artists in Austin. Proceeds will support Art at the Bend and our community.
6:30PM – Doors open with courtyard mixer and music with Zach Blew. Brews and wine will be provided by local vendors! Hors d'oeuvres provided by Bakewell.
7:30PM – Opening - Erica Longoria
8:15PM - Concert by Suzanna Choffel
Cost: Balcony Seating - $25 and General Admission - Floor Seating - $35
Proceeds will support a local organization.
SUZANNA CHOFFEL
Known for her distinct voice and reggae-inspired guitar technique, Austin native Suzanna Choffel's music has been described as "a unique sound equal parts Beat poetry, smoky soul grooves and indie-pop eccentricity." (Jim Derogatis). Having made appearances at ACL Music Fest, SXSW, Voodoo Fest, as well as on screen in movies like "Catfish" and NBC's The Voice (earning singular praise from Rolling Stone as "the only artist you'd want to listen to a complete album from"), Choffel feels equally at home singing in a dimly lit club as she does front and center in front of (literally) millions.
Over the course of her two decade career Choffel has shared the stage with a diverse array of artists like Buena Vista Social Club, Suzanne Vega, Crystal Gayle, Solange, Davíd Garza and many others. As a songwriter she has won multiple awards in both the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the International Songwriting Contest and her albums have appeared on top 10 lists across Texas.
Choffel was born and raised in Austin and cut her teeth as a teenager singing in beloved hometown haunts like Saxon Pub and Broken Spoke. She moved away to Santa Fe to study music at a small “hippie college” as she likes to call it, improving her guitar & songwriting chops, moved back to Austin & recorded her first album Shudders & Rings and hit the clubs hard, developing a following at places like Momo’s, Antones, Strange Brew, and Cactus Cafe.
Since that time life has had huge changes for her; she did a short stint on reality tv (NBC’s The Voice), moved to New York, toured in France, had children, recorded more albums and became a radio personality/DJ on Austin’s Sun Radio (100.1FM). Her unique “radio” voice landed her a gig as the voice of Whataburger in 2023 and she is now set to release her fourth studio album which she recorded in Los Angeles with longtime friend & collaborator Davíd Garza.
Erica Longoria
Born and raised in South Austin, truthtelling, soul-punching vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Erica Longoria captivates audiences with her new sound, a modern twist on soul Americana & the blues. Her alto-rich voice with smokey, smooth undertones leaves listeners in their best state-of-mind and with all the feels. “Authentic, the real deal” as Texas Blues artist Ian Moore describes her. Erica will be releasing a new EP in August 2024 produced by multi-instrumentalist/ producer/ Grammy winner Mike Meadows.
zach blew
Zach Blew hails from the heart of Austin, TX. With a tender baritone that melts like butter, Zach weaves heartfelt tales of life's journey through folk-pop melodies.
His album, "Away at Sea," is a poignant odyssey and soundscape penned over the span of 10 years. Zach invites you on a multi-genre voyage, navigating themes of grief, loss, addiction, and healing from the nuances of spiritual violence. Zach’s 2024 album "Away at Sea" is a musical re-birth, inviting listeners to embark on a meaningful exploration of the human experience.
Art by Dee Ann Lambert
Austin-based contemporary mixed media artist, Dee Ann Lambert, works in a variety of mediums such as acrylic, collage and ink on canvas and wood canvas panels. Collections of angels and spiritual paintings, serene abstracts, and mixed media collage are some of the styles that make up her diverse portfolio. A California native, Dee Ann discovered her passion for painting after moving to Austin in 2014. Drawing inspiration from artists from around the world, her artistic style is constantly changing and evolving.