jeff-talmadge
JA much sought-after live performer, Jeff has a solid following in his home base of Austin, Texas, and his performances outside of the area attract new fans who have heard his music on the radio. Click here for station list. On stage, his astute commentary and amusing asides make him an audience favorite. Bill James, booker of the Belton Acoustic Concert Series, is taken with Jeff’s "dry wit, compelling stage presence, warped sense of humor and terrific songs." A versatile guitarist who often employs a number of alternate tunings, he leaves the audience spellbound.
Jeff Talmadge was born in Ulvade, Texas, and spent his earliest years under the twin spells of rock ’n roll and folk music. He was deeply influenced by Townes Van Zandt and John Stewart-and intrigued by the growing music scene in Austin. At Duke University, he won the prestigious Academy of American Poets Award, seeing publication of several of his pieces. He went on to receive a Master of Fine Arts from the Warren Wilson College MFA Program for Writers in North Carolina.
After years away from actively performing, Jeff struck out on his own in 1998. He now headlines at venues throughout the region, donates his time and talents to numerous causes and charities, and continuously works to perfect his performing and songwriting. This high level of professionalism earned Jeff a slot as a showcase artist or finalist at Falcon Ridge, KRCL Founder’s Title Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Tucson Folk Festival, Sierra Songwriter’s Festival, Lake County Folk Festival and the Wildflower Arts and Music Festival. In 2001, Jeff was a finalist in the New Folk Competition at the Kerrville Folk Festival. Jeff is an active member of the Folk Alliance, as well as a founding member of the Austin Conspiracy of Performing Songwriters.