Upstate Unplugged Presents: "Strings & Stories"

Upstate Unplugged Presents:"Strings & Stories”

Join four exceptional women singer-songwriters for an intimate evening of music, wild stories, community, and fun. This event offers a rare chance to experience songs in their most personal form — woven with the stories, journeys, and inspirations behind them. More than a performance, Strings & Stories is a celebration of women in music, shining a light on the voices, perspectives, and creative power of female songwriters at a time when so many communities feel marginalized. This event is for music lovers who value connection and authenticity. The night also aims to inspire and encourage the next generation of women writers to share their own songs and stories.

The Performers:

Bernie Barlow

LA-based singer-songwriter Bernie Barlow—has been a voice behind the Moody Blues, Melissa Etheridge, Sarah McLachlan, and countless film, TV, and commercial recordings. Her new album, "Walking Around This Town" Produced by six-time Grammy nominee Dave Darling, explores themes of resilience, identity, and reinvention in midlife, blending rock, soul, and intimate storytelling. Its fiery lead single, “Million Miles an Hour” (featuring guitarist Philip Sayce), showcases Barlow’s signature mix of grit and emotional depth, backed by a stellar cast of musicians.

Margo Macero

Margo Macero is a lifelong musician and a commanding new voice in blues-rock. With a sound that blends the grit of rock, the soul of blues, and the storytelling heart of Country, Margo has earned national attention through years of relentless performance, including appearances on The Voice and American Idol. In 2023, she signed a recording and development deal with Albany-based Bridge Road Entertainment and is co-writing her debut full-length record with label mates Jocelyn & Chris. A video of a recent Margo performance just outside of Boston showcasing her new material went viral, topping 500,000 views in just two weeks.

Mini Diaz (Little Days)

Mini Diaz is a Cuban‑American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and recording engineer based in Los Angeles. She is one half of Little Days, a retro-inspired folk-rock duo she co-founded with bassist Jorgen Carlsson of Gov’t Mule. Since 1998, Little Days has blended 60s–70s pop and rock influences with live instrumentation and analog recording techniques, creating music that feels timeless yet fresh. In addition to her work with the duo, Mini has composed for film and television, contributing to shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show and Dr. Oz.Diaz is also a part of Toshi Yanagi’s fusion/rock band Buzz Wizards (guitarist of Jimmy Kimmel Live!) who frequently perform at the Baked Potato in Los Angeles.

Jocelyn Arndt (Jocelyn & Chris)

Together with her younger brother Chris, Jocelyn has recorded multiple albums featuring an impressive array of special guests. She is known for her jaw-dropping vocal power and deeply meaningful lyrical content. The siblings have charted five commercial radio singles, earned music placements in film and gaming, and toured nationwide, appearing alongside artists such as Brandi Carlile, Foreigner, Alanis Morissette, X Ambassadors, Grand Funk Railroad, and many others. Their media appearances and features include NBC Today Show, Spin, Relix, Parade, HuffPost, Paste, Hollywood Reporter, and numerous others.

Our Host

Simone Stevens

A full-time team member at White Lake Studios, Simone Stevens is a Hudson Valley–based singer-songwriter, voice actor, and educator. She’s served as lead vocalist for the Brooklyn-based project Bonsai and the collaborative project Fiery Blue with Grammy-winning producer Gabriel Rhodes. Returning to the Hudson Valley to embrace its creative community, Simone combines her music, voice work, and teaching, while also creating ceramic art with her mother. Her work blends storytelling, soulful vocals, and a commitment to local arts and culture.

Host or Publisher Upstate Unplugged