Tunesmith Night

The Wallowa Valley Music Alliance continues the 20th season of Tunesmith Night, a showcase of original music. The concert features three songwriters sharing their original work in a round-robin format, at the historic Enterprise Odd Fellows Hall. The unique listening space provides an up-close and intimate experience for both audience and performers.
The Saturday, April 11 concert features songwriters Tyler John Kraehling, Elwood, and Travis Ward. Doors open at 6:30pm with music starting at 7pm. Admission is $10. Beverage service available.
Hailing from the northeastern states, Tyler John Kraehling has been traveling through the country with eyes open, taking stock of the lives of the people who inhabit it. Drenched in the tradition of American troubadours, he tells stories that speak to the novelties and banalities of what it means to walk this earth. Living everywhere from Los Angeles, New York City, Idaho, Vermont, Texas and most recently Montana, he boasts a claim that he is in a unique company of travelers who are qualified to tell the stories they do, with the universe of detail they do. His fingerpicking styles range from the folk staples of John Prine and Townes van Zandt to the country-blues of legends Furry Lewis, Taj Mahal and Chris Smither. Armed with songs that will make you feel the full spectrum of emotion, and with clothes and guitars that are mostly second-hand; his songs are anything but.
From the ancient lands of the Blue Mountains and entering this world on the bathroom floor of his trailer house in Union, Oregon, Elwood’s  music is a heartfelt blend of rich, acoustic melodies and stirring vocals that resonate deep within. Inspired by the rugged beauty of his surroundings and hardships of a hillbilly, hippie, mountain life. Elwood’s sound carries a rare authenticity—he calls it “Folk ‘n’ Soul… music for the folks, from the soul. Elwood’s performances are as raw and honest as the landscapes he calls home. His lyrics weave tales of love, longing, and the shared human experience, while his soulful delivery ensures every note lingers long after the song has ended. For Elwood, music isn’t just a craft; it’s a calling—a way to connect people to the earth, to each other, and to themselves. His songs are more than tunes; they’re invitations to feel, to reflect, to find solace in the beauty of simplicity, and create a moment of peace amongst the chaos.
Travis Ward is a bare-knuckled folk singer, a broke down blues man, a DIY archivalist, producer, retired basketball player, fly fisher, poodle walker, but most importantly, a family man. Residing in Boise, Idaho, Travis has toured the US, UK, and Europe. He's played countless dive bars, festivals, and theaters from near and far, created film, soundtrack and live theater work. He's been busted, disgusted and mistrusted, yet he continues to make meaning of the world through his favorite medium, the well-crafted and timeless song. With numerous recordings to his credit with his band Hillfolk Noir, he is also the founder of Hermit Music Festival, Junkerdash Records, and the bands Floating Witch’s Head, 9+1, Finn Riggins, Hokum Hiflyers. He also produces records for other folks.