Elaine Mahon

Singer & Songwriter

     “To say that Elaine Mahon is inspired would be an understatement,” said Orlando’s Jam Magazine, which in 1996 nominated this Gainesville singer-songwriter for Best Single Performer just two months after the release of her debut CD, Seamless. 

     A Gainesville, Florida native, nominated for a Hogtown music award in 1998, Mahon anchors her folk-pop acoustic act with evocative guitar work and a voice dynamic enough to convey urgency and tenderness with equal credibility.  Her original songs suggest influences by some of pop’s most durable antecedents: Neil Young, and particularly Joni Mitchell will have found their legacies nicely contemporized.  The effect on an audience is immediate and personal. Songs like the reflective “Clear Autumn Day” and the resolute “Some Kind of Good Feeling” not only express warmth and honesty, but belie a regard for nature and folk spiritualism in keeping with the rich tradition of Gainesville-area music.

    During its recording, Seamless received instrumental support from some of the region’s most prominent musicians including Ryan Newell (Sister Hazel); Avi Bortnick (John Scofield Band, What it Is) ; Josh Greenbaum (Aleka’s Attic, Big White Undies, Vince Esquire Band); Ali Che’ree (Gosia & Ali); Tim Hankins (Emperor Moth, Aleka’s Attic);  Pat Koch & Eric Steinberg (Big White Undies); and Bob McPeek (The Psychelic Relics.) A total of seven cuts have received airplay on three Gainesville radio stations, and Mahon was a featured guest on Tampa’s WMNF-FM. 

     Mahon also performed at the 1996 South Florida Folk Festival, and at the 1995, 1996 and 1997 Alachua Music Harvests, 1999 Suwannee Springfest and the 2001 Suwannee Springfest. Mahon has toured solo throughout Florida, Georgia and Alabama.  In addition, she has participated in numerous benefit concerts to support local radio, environmental and children’s causes.