Please see our new website:dustyandpearl.com
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Both Dusty and Pearl began playing as teens in folk venues and coffee houses where they honed their instrumental skills and the art of crafting tight vocal harmonies. Each possesses in-depth knowledge of the music they perform in their repertoire. The styles are varied and include traditional folk, roots, singer-songwriter, classic country, blues, Americana, original songs and surprises. They invite the audience into the scene by conveying the joy that goes with performing tunes that hold special significance for them. The duo was named top finalists in the 2021 Great American Song Contest for the lyrics to “Here You See Me Standing” and were named top finalists again in the 2023 contest for the lyrics and melody to the same song. For the 2025 contest, a new song, "Mia(Run for the Border)" became a Top Finalist in the lyric division. The Great American Song Contest is one of the biggest song writing competitions in the USA, with 1900 songs entered from 42 countries. "Here You See Me Standing" was also a finalist in the international Talent Is Timeless contest. Please visit their Facebook page to see current posts, events, videos and announcements: http://www.facebook.com/dustyjamesandabalonepearl/?fref=ts
Dusty James (guitar, mandolin, harmonica, vocals) started playing and singing when he was very young. His influences included Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Doc Watson, Mississippi John Hurt and Merle Travis. Over the years, he has appeared in numerous settings, both locally and nationally, including A Prairie Home Companion and CBS Radio and he has had the privilege of performing on stage with the likes of Roland White and Doc Watson, among others. Dusty was a winner in the guitar competition at the famed Walnut Valley Festival (Winfield, KS) in 1981 and a finalist in 1977 and 1994.
Abalone Pearl (guitar, banjo, autoharp, dulcimer, kazoo, washboard, vocals) started playing guitar at age 12 when she was inspired by Bob Dylan, Jean Ritchie, Mike Seeger, Memphis Minnie, The Carter Family, Robert Johnson and the folk movement of the 1960s. She became a professional musician at age 15, playing in coffee houses and other venues. Pearl has had a long and abiding interest in music history and owned a popular record/CD store for many years.
