Though Miranda Stone describes her music as "gentle folk punk", gentle is not the right word... especially not for her live performances. If there is one thing that stands out about Miranda it's her intense enthusiasm. Her concerts are marathons, sometimes for the audience as well as the musicians. Part and parcel of Miranda's music are abrupt rhythm and beat changes, violin or accordion leads, and uncommon chords. Whether violently destroying her guitar strings, spontaneously improvising, or bringing audience members along to jam onstage, the atmosphere is fondly memorable. Her energetic songs and overall intensity stand in stark contrast to interludes when band members may casually toss out sarcastic remarks, talk about Ontario, or read from childrens' books. After her overtime 1999 acoustic Cornerstone show she garnered a 10-minute standing ovation for an encore. With the raw energy of a Miranda Stone show it's clear why she has a loyal following that grows after every concert.

GreenChoby is the deeply acoustic urban duo of Carolyn Green and Mike Choby.  The young songwriter and self-taught guitarist Carolyn Green was living out her days as a solo artist while Mike Choby, a bassist and guitarist from Pittsburgh, thought he had left his days of playing professional music behind. As Providence had it, Mike saw Carolyn perform one evening at a local Chicago coffeehouse.  A new hope stirred in him, discovering songs in which his instruments could find new life and purpose! Carolyn and Mike combined forces and began performing in area coffeehouses, colleges, and bookstores. With melodic basslines, tasteful guitar leads and meaningful lyrics, they developed a musical vision that really made sense. Mike and Carolyn work with the poor, homeless, and drug-addicted in their Chicago neighborhood, writing stories about those who found hope in the midst of despair. GreenChoby gave an inspiring, energetic performance at Cornerstone this year to an appreciative and enthusuastic audience.