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Growing up in a largely immersed music city in Mexico, Debbie developed a deep connection with music from a very early age. This then translated in to her love for salsa dancing, which she has recently enjoyed nurturing. She has always had a focus on being an advocate for the Latino community and has loved being a part of community organizations such as, Latinos of Tomorrow, the Hispanic Chamber of commerce and KSMODA. Last year, after receiving a terminal cancer prognosis, she turned her focus to mentoring and walking besides newly diagnosed cancer patients through Women2Women mentorship program at the Kansas University hospital. While she still enjoys her profession as a molecular biologist, she has decided to take a step back and place more importance in supporting her passion of the arts. Debbie joined Heartland Song Network ‘s founding board with large dreams to create and cultivate a more nurturing society for all musicians.

Danny Powell is co-founder and President of the Heartland Song Network. He has served on many non-profits and his music past has included co-owner of the artist management company Tom’s Town Media, Past President of the Kansas City Blues Society and manager of the Michael Shannon Musician’s Fund. He is a member of the Folk Alliance International, the Americana Music Association, BMI, Playing for Change and Guild of American Luthiers.

Nick Carswell is a musician, organizer and cultural producer. Nick has been performing professionally for 25 years, in his native Ireland and across the US Midwest, where he has lived since 2011. His main creative output is as songwriter and frontman for the alt-rock 5 piece, Carswell & Hope. Nick has also made award-winning short films, produced radio programs, and created large scale public art projects in Lawrence and Kansas City.

Nick has wide experience with arts & cultural non-profits, community organizing, public art and professional development. He is currently program manager for the Audio-Reader Network, an audio information service for individuals with print-disabilities.

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Beau Bledsoe performs and records classical music, jazz and folkloric music from around the world as he seeks to integrate different musical cultures with diverse audiences. Through his many varied projects and ensembles, Beau has toured extensively throughout Europe, Russia, South America and North America in addition to producing fifteen recordings under his recording label Tzigane. Beau is currently artistic director and founder of Ensemble Ibérica which explores the music of Spain, Portugal, and the colonial Americas while educating the public about Iberian cultural influence.

Julie Bennett Hume is a singer-songwriter from Stilwell, KS. She has been playing and writing music for over 35 years in the Lawrence/Kansas City area. She has played and sung in various ensembles including a blues trio, an Afro-Cuban ensemble, various string bands, a Cajun ensemble and folk/Americana duos and ensembles. She currently performs solo and with the duo “The Stray Grays” (with Leslie Giggler) and “ Lost Cowgirl Revue” . Her newest CD of original songs, ​VInegar​, was released in 2019. Julie also teaches German at a local high school and is the producer and host of the KKFI program “River City Chautauqua."