PROJECTS
CUYAMA MAMA & THE HOT FLASHES
Cuyama Mama & The Hot Flashes is an original 4 piece Americana dance band with its roots in the Cuyama Valley of southern California. The band lineup is Jan Smith (AKA Cuyama Mama) on vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica and aprons; Tristan Cole-Falek on upright bass; Jody Eulitz on vocals and cardboard box with steel brushes; and Josh Jenkins on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and dobro. The band is known for its musicianship, evocative writing, danceable songs and awesome fans. Betty Arlene, is the band's full length debut album.
MUDDY DAUGHTERS
Muddy Daughters is an original folk music choir led by Jan Smith. The choir’s combination of striking a cappella arrangements and simple instrumentation (banjo, guitar, harmonica, percussion), feature Smith’s original songs as well as showcasing local songwriters that have been on the Muddy Daughters roster of singers. The choir performs with 3 to 20 people and often coordinates their shows with the band, Cuyama Mama & The Hot Flashes. A Muddy Daughters songbook is currently in the works.
THE PEDDLER'S THEATER
The Peddler’s Theater is a two-woman music/art collaboration by Jan Smith & Betty Seaman. Betty Seaman is an artist, craftsperson, writer, and natural builder. Jan Smith is an artist, writer and musician. Betty and Jan make one-of-a-kind art concerts that combine original story, song, and art with a variety of stage sets and props. Banjo, guitar, harmonica, typewriter, wooden frogs, concertina, light scroll and other instruments are played. Subjects of their art concerts spring from the lands where they live (Figueroa Mountain, and the Cuyama Valley), their relationships, and the things they’re learning as they grow and continually learn. They peddle their handmade arts, music, and crafts at their shows and enjoy the connections and the community that art inspires.