In the southeastern corner of Virginia, the quiet whisper about the music of Ron Fetner is becoming a loud roar.  Either through live performances or his nationally released CD's, people everywhere are becoming fans of this performing songwriter.  Incorporating elements of Folk, southern Appalachian, Roots and Jazz, Ron has found a voice in our Americana music. 

In 1997 Ron released “This Box I’m Looking Through”.  The CD got immediate attention and soon found the radio airways when Public Radio's Mike Flynn heard the title cut and requested a copy of the CD for his syndicated "The Folk Sampler.  Then in 2001, Ron was named one of the winners of the prestigious Kerrville NewFolk competition.  This coincided with a finalist award at Doc Watson's/Merlefest Chris Austin Song Contest and the release of "Turning for Home".  With songs like "Road to Chestertown", "Old Friends" and "Old Army Blanket" tugging at the hearts of listeners, the awards continued.  In 2003, he was selected to perform at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist Showcase and is a past winner in the Austin Songwriter Group and Winfield, Kansas' Walnut Valley Song Showcase.  

Ron released “Defying Gravity” in the winter of 2004/2005.  Included on this CD is the ever growing holiday favorite “My Name Is Justin”, about a visit to a Christmas Angel Tree.  "Justin" received a Gold award from the Songwriters Association of Washington of Washington's Mid-Atlantic Song Contest in 2006.  Released on January 1, 2008 is the newest offering, "Sunday Morning Blue".  Ron gathered a few good friends to join him around the kitchen table/home studio to record some of his favorite songs.  "Sunday Morning" includes many songs that he performs live, like audience favorites "Don't Burn the Zion Church", "Route 66" and "Paint".

Ron has opened/ shared stages with Trisha Yearwood, David Wilcox, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kate Campbell, and Dire Straits just to name a few.  Recent performances include visits to Kerrville Folk Festival, Gamble Rogers, Merlefest, Falcon Ridge, and Nashville’s Bluebird Café.   Ron's spiritually uplifting shows offer attendees an intimate glimpse into the world we live in.  Catching one of his shows has almost become a requirement.

I

Quotes

“Not only can Fetner write a lyric, his melodies are contagious and his voice rich. With clear-sighted lyrics, he paints powerful but unassuming images on canvas, images that remind us of the simple pleasures in life. I strongly suggest to everyone that you hear Ron Fetner.” – Tidewater Friends of Folk Music

“…really great music. Listeners love Ron’s songs.” – Mike Flynn, NPR’s “The Folk Sampler”

“(Defying Gravity) a collection of thoughtful, melodic songs full of true stories and intellectually satisfying lyrical journeys…he obviously has his spiritual side, one that’s especially evident in “We Have Come” and the hit-in-waiting, “My Name is Justin… You could say he’s our David Mallett, as he reminds me of Maine’s favorite-son folk songwriter.” – Jim Newsom, PortFolio Weekly, Virginia Beach, VA  (Full interview)

“His gifts for writing/performing are remarkable...and moving.” – Joe Henry, Acoustic Sounds Café, Little Rock, AR

“If you are ever given an opportunity to see this songwriter and performer ….you will certainly be moved, both emotionally and physically.” – The Virginia Gazette

“…pours a lot of real life into his original tunes, .emotional honesty.” – Daily Press, Newport News, VA

“There is a lot of reflection in the lyrics.  Ron chases memories in “Chevy Blue”, covers cowboys and baseball of youth in “Fields” and displays solid writing on the title tune.” – Autograph Magazine

“I could play this all night.” – Mike Montgomery, WCMS, Virginia Beach, VA