2016 Concerts —-> Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec
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To RSVP for a concert or to ask questions, you can use this FORM or you can also email me directly abbiew@froggie.com. Unless noted, concerts start at 7:30 w/ potluck at 6:30 PM. “Suggested donation” is $15-$25 depending on the show. Students generally $10-12. In general ~ pay what you can. All income levels welcome.
Jan 2, 2016 (Sat) Tashina Clarridge + Simon Chrisman & featuring Leo Shannon, Amy Anders, & Lela Miatke – An evening of Irish & Old-Time music ~
Tashina Clarridge and Simon Chrisman of The Bee Eaters bring together a five piece collaboration featuring talented young musicians Leo Shannon (The Onlies), Amy Anders, and Lela Miatke, for an evening of traditional Appalachian and Irish tunes, and traditional and folk songs, with fiddles,banjos, guitar & tenor guitar, mandolin, hammered dulcimer, and bass. (www.beeeaters.com | www.theonlies.com)
Jan 9, 2016 (Sat) SPRIG – Folk Music From All Over — Dan Compton (fiddle, guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, lead vocal), Fran Slefer (button accordion), Bryan Owens (guitar, octave mandolin, mandolin, backing vocals), Nina Lane (lead vocal, guitar). Balkan, Irish, & Breton dance tunes, Yiddish cabaret songs, murder ballads, love songs – Visit : https://www.facebook.com/sprig.band/
Jan 10, 2016 (Sun) Wes Corbett (banjo) & Simon Chrisman (hammer dulcimer) – Wes was hired as the professor/manager of the banjo program at Berklee College of Music in 2011 and has toured internationally with the critically acclaimed acoustic string band Joy Kills Sorrow until 2014. Simon Chrisman brings a whole new approach to the hammer dulcimer with an inventive virtuosic touch and sophisticated rhythmic sensibilities, redefining the instrument and earning the attention of musicians from all over the world. He currently performs with The Bee Eaters and The Jeremy Kittel Band.
Jan 15, 2016 (Fri) – John Reischman & John Miller – Original tunes in a variety of Latin styles – One of the finest acoustic instrumental duos working today, mandolinist John Reischman and guitarist John Miller have been performing together for over 20 years. John Reischman’s beautiful tone and fluid phrasing mesh seamlessly with John Miller’s groove and richly textured chord voicings. Their three CDs, The Singing Moon,The Bumpy Road and 2014’s Road Trip have met with critical acclaim.
John Reischman has been described by David Grisman as “one of the unsung heroes of the mandolin”. John began his career with the Tony Rice Unit, followed by a long tenure with the Bay Area Bluegrass band, The Good Old Persons. For the past fifteen years, he has fronted his own band, John Reischman and the Jaybirds, with the band achieving recognition as one of the strongest traditional Bluegrass bands on the scene. John is in much demand for session work, too, since his distinctive sound enhances any project for which he’s used.
(Visit : http://www.johnreischman.com/ | http://www.johnmillerguitar.com )
Jan 17, 2016 (Sun) – Danny Barnes – (Banjo) – As a Texas native and one of bluegrass music’s most distinctive and innovative performers, Barnes is known for blending together different sounds in order to defy labeling. Barnes is also recognized for the raw and unpolished musical breadth of his compositions. Recently he won the 6th Annual Steve Martin prize for excellence in banjo and bluegrass. (Visit : www.dannybarnes.com )
Jan 20, 2016 (Wed) – Hoot & Holler+Squirrel Butter+Jack Dwyer (Old-time music)
Squirrel Butter, husband and wife duo of Charlie Beck & Charmaine Slaven share a deep love of traditional music, they explore the genres of old-time, early bluegrass, blues, country, & cajun. Multi-instrumentalists, they play banjo, guitar, fiddle, steel guitar, step-dance, and sing harmonies. They are also both members of the venerable stringband, The Tallboys, as well as honky tonk project, The Tallboys Country Band. They are anchors of the old-time music & square dance communities in the Pacific NW and beyond. (WATCH : Reuben’s Train)
Hoot and Holler are Amy Alvey (fiddle, vocals) and Mark Kilianski (guitar, vocals). Based out of Boston share a love for traditional mountain music and have entertained audiences with that passion from Europe to California. (WATCH : Boozy Suzie)
Jack Dwyer is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, and teacher based in Portland, OR. He performs and teaches around the country with various musical projects and works on the Adjunct Music Faculty of Lewis and Clark College.
Visit : http://www.hootandhollermusic.com/ | www.squirrelbutter.com | http://www.jackdwyer.com )
Jan 25, 2016 (Mon) (Note date change!) – Lydom, Bugge & Høirup – (Denmark) – Sonnich Lydom (Accordion, harmonica), Kristian Bugge (Violin) & Morten Alfred Høirup (Guitar, vocals). Lydom, Bugge & Høirup will take you on a journey through the traditions of Danish folk music, from wild polkas and jigs to lyrical waltzes, fiery reels and happy hopsas, plus the exotic “Sønderhoning” dance tunes from the famous Island of Fanø, and long forgotten songs from all over the country. From rural islands like Læsø to Copenhagen, including a few of their own compositions. This performance will be spiced up with humor and stories from their many years on the road. (Visit : http://www.trad.dk )
Jan 26, 2016 (Tues) – Jim Hurst – (Guitar) – Steeped in bluegrass and country music, Jim Hurst embraces these genres but goes beyond their musical boundaries to create music both complex and sublime. Jim Hurst combines savvy guitar picking, broad vocal range and a musical eclecticism culminating in jaw-dropping performances. (Visit : www.jimhurst.com )
Jan 30, 2016 (Sat) 8PM Show / 7PM Potluck – Courtney Von Drehle & Gideon Freudmann, with special guest Mark Orton – (Cello, Accordion, other instruments) – Gideon Freudmann (cello) and Courtney Von Drehle (accordion) are both performers and composers who draw from a wide range of influences; they tour extensively and create music for theatre, film and dance. Haunting Eastern European melodies are unmistakably present, but southwestern European and Central Eastern plains music creeps in at times (and sits quietly in the corner, listening, nodding, but never nodding off). They have individually performed in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Taiwan. Someday they hope to play in Arkansas.
Their good friend and multi-instrumentalist Mark Orton, a fine composer and co-founder of the internationally acclaimed ensemble Tin Hat, will join them for the occasional number. Mark composes scores for many major pictures, one of our favorites is Nebraska, the 2013 Alexander Payne film starring Bruce Dern.
(Visit : www.cellobop.com | http://www.3legtorso.com/courtney.html | http://markortonmusic.com )
Feb 5, 2016 (Fri) – Evans & Spurgin – RESERVE SEATS – An evening of solo and duet performances from award-winning Americana songwriter Steve Spurgin (known for his work in the bluegrass band California) and Northwest banjo favorite Bill Evans. Expect an evening featuring Steve’s bluegrass and country classics to Bill’s amazing solo banjo explorations. (Visit : www.billevensbanjo.com | www.spurginmusic.com/)
Feb 6, 2016 (Sat) – Ryan McKasson, Elias Alexander, Colin Cotter – RESERVE SEATS Ryan McKasson (fiddle), Elias Alexander (uilleann pipes, harmonium and vocals), & Colin Cotter (guitar, vocals). A mix of new and old Scottish music as well as new and old songs. (www.ryanmckasson.com | http://www.eliasalexander.com/ | http://www.colincotter.com/ ) WATCH :: KVMR Celtic Fest
Feb 11, 2016 (Thurs) – Mike Block – Cello (http://www.mikeblockmusic.com/) – RESERVE SEATS – HAILED BY YO-YO MA as the “ideal musician of the 21st Century”, Mike Block is a pioneering multi-style cellist, composer, and educator living in Boston, acclaimed by the NY Times for his “vital rich-hued solo playing”. While still studying at the Juilliard School, Mike joined Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, and shortly thereafter also joined Mark O’Connor’s Appalachia Waltz Trio, which he played in for over three years. Mike has also toured extensively with Darol Anger’s Republic of Strings and The Knights orchestra. After becoming one of the first wave of cellists to adopt a strap in order to stand while playing, Mike was the first standing cellist to perform at Carnegie Hall, which the NY Times called “Breathless … Half dance, half dare.”
Feb 13, 2016 (Sat) – True North (www.truenorthband.com) –
(Kristen Grainger, vocals, ukulele, Dan Wetzel, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, vocals, Dale Adkins, guitar, banjo, ukulele, vocals, Suzanne Pearce, upright bass, vocals) Hailing from Oregon’s beautiful Willamette valley, Americana-bluegrass quartet True North combines traditional bluegrass instrumentation with fat harmonies and folk-edged songwriting for a distinctive sound that is fresh, warm and memorable. Fronted by vocalist and award-winning singer-songwriters Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel, True North is rounded out with two well-known Northwest bluegrass superstars Dale Adkins and Suzanne Pearce Adkins.
Feb 15, 2016 (Mon) – Greg Ewer & Adam Lamotte ~ Leclair Sonatas for two violins ~ Greg Ewer is well known to audiences for his regular appearances in the Oregon Symphony and 45th || Performances, and beyond. Adam Lamotte has appeared as soloist, concertmaster, and conductor of numerous orchestras throughout the country. Leclair’s innovation as a composer revolutionized the French school of violin playing and his playing helped to raise the standard of playing in France. By weaving together elements of Italian and French music, he created an entirely new compositional style. His duos influenced later composers such as Mozart, de Beriot, Viotti, and closer to our own time, Bartok and Berio. Both artists will be playing period violins ~ Greg’s, a Cremonese violin from 1738, attributed to Lorenzo Guadagnini; Adam’s, Genoese violin from 1730s by Bernardo Calcagni. http://adamlamotte.com/bio.html, https://www.orsymphony.org/bios/musicians/bio_ewer.aspx
Feb 18, 2016 (Thurs) – Stumptown Swing – Tim Connell (mandolin) and Mike Burdette (guitar), Keith Brush (upright bass) [Stolen Sweets, Pete Krebs Trio, Blue Cranes], Ben Blechman (violin).
Stumptown Swing takes audiences back to 1920’s Paris, when gypsies with guitars, violins and upright basses made the leap from French musette to American “hot jazz” and kept Parisians floating on their feet to this evocative new sound.
Tim Connell (mandolin) and Mike Burdette (guitar) of Rio Con Brio formed the group after nearly a decade of playing pick-up swing gigs with Portland’s best acoustic musicians. They snapped up the hottest upright player in town, Keith Brush (Stolen Sweets, Pete Krebs Trio, Blue Cranes) and are proud to feature their long-time friend and collaborator, the absolutely pyrotechnic violinist, Ben Blechman. Stumptown Swing performs a set of hot, cool and sultry classics, all resting on a bed of pure swinging groove, featuring gorgeous acoustic instruments played with intelligence and passion by four masters of the craft.(www.rioconbrio.net)
Feb 20, 2016 (Sat) – Eric Skye & Mark Goldenberg Duo (Guitars)-– Jazz inspired originals. (www.ericskye.com | www.markgoldenberg.com ) Pacific Northwest acoustic guitarist Eric Skye occupies a unique niche. Most often billed as a jazz guitarist, Skye actually plays in an eclectic and original style, with a range of influences from bluegrass, to blues, to vintage funk, even a little classical guitar… all threaded together with a healthy respect for the groove.
Mark Goldenberg is a guitarist who has played on records for a myriad of artists including Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Eels, Natalie Imbruglia,Chris Isaak, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Peter Frampton and yes, William Shatner. He played lead guitar for Jackson Browne from 1994 – 2010. He’s Just finished a two year tour with acclaimed pianist and actor Hugh Laurie. Mark’s is creating music that’s both evocative and reflective, that will appeal to both guitarists and non guitarists alike.
Feb 21, 2016 (SUN) – ANDY STATMAN DUO featuring LARRY EAGLE –– Hot and introspective, traditional and improvisational music ~ klezmer, blues, bluegrass, jazz. (www.andystatman.com) Andy Statman (mandolin, clarinet) + Larry Eagle (percussion).
“Statman is the real thing – a musician’s musician” ~ The New Yorker
“Modern American music with ancient mysteries at the core…” ~ The New York Times
Feb 26, 2016 (FRI) – Pete Kartsounes – RESERVE SEATS – An award winning singer-songwriter and a cutting-edge musician’s musician, Pete Kartsounes is fulfilling a vision of writing music in the key of truth. This heavily seasoned performer/songwriter has spent most of his life traveling the globe and creating original music that entertains and enlightens any room. Pete is on a quest to enrapture you with his soul filled music, to be celebrated by music lovers, and to make a difference one note, one word and one show at a time.
Originality is a cornerstone as Pete continues to write a plethora of great songs and music in many different genres. Already with a handful of highly acclaimed CD’s under his belt, and enough songs to record several others; Pete continues to push the envelope of his craft. Having recorded and performed for years with his own bands, along with members of the Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Band, Pearl Jam, Blues Traveler, String Cheese Incident, Leftover Salmon, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Infamous Stringdusters, Greensky Bluegrass and many more, Pete is on a lifelong quest to share his muse with the world. Pete Kartsounes is one of those musicians where if you havent heard him already you may just ask yourself, “why in the world have I never heard of this amazing artist before?” Come see for yourself and please visit the “concerts” page for info on his incredible live performances.(www.petekmusic.com)
Feb 29, 2016 (Mon) – The Bombadils (www.thebombadils.com) – vocals/fiddle/guitar/mandolin/cello/bass/banjo – Canadian maritimer Luke Fraser and prairie-girl Sarah Frank share a love of folk songs and fiddle tunes. Drawing from the Canadian, American, and Celtic traditions, the two pour the spirit of story-telling and kitchen parties into their own writing. Luke brings guitar, mandolin and home-grown east coast vocals in harmony with Sarah’s singing, lyrical fiddle playing and claw-hammer banjo. Joining them will be Kaitlyn Raitz (cello), and another guest artist on upright bass.
Mar 2, 2016 (Wed) – Jovino Santos Neto & Paul Taub (Piano / Flute) – Jazz – Including works by Jovino Santos-Neto, Hermeto Pascoal and other Brazilian composers. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Seattle–based pianist, flutist, and composer Jovino Santos Neto continues to blur the boundaries between classical music, jazz, and indigenous Brazilian music. A member of Hermeto Pascoal’s legendary band from 1977 to 1992, Santos Neto built a solid reputation as a creative and inspired musician, producer, and arranger.
New York-born Paul Taub plays an active role in the Seattle contemporary music scene as a soloist and flutist of the Seattle Chamber Players. With a background in classical music, his interest and repertoire encompasses styles from the baroque to the avant-garde. (www.jovisan.net) | (http://www.cornish.edu/music/#/faculty/music/paul_taub)
Mar 4, 2016 (Fri) – Megan Lynch Chowning & Adam Hurt Duo (fiddle / banjo) – RESERVE SEATS – Megan and Adam entertaining you with fiddle, clawhammer banjo, songs and stories. Megan Lynch is a seven time national fiddle champion, touring musician, recording artist, teacher, singer, and flatfooter. She recently finished a four year touring stint with legendary country music artists Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan, and has played with bluegrass stars Dale Ann Bradley, Roland White, Larry Cordle, Jim Hurst, Chris Jones, 3 Fox Drive, Due West, Chris Stuart, and BEML (the duo of Bill Evans and Megan). Deemed a “BANJO VIRTUOSO” by the Washington Post, Adam Hurt has fused several traditional old-time idioms to create his own elegantly innovative clawhammer banjo style, having been introduced to the banjo at age eleven in his native Minnesota. (Visit : www.fiddlestar.com | www.adamhurt.com
Mar 6, 2016 (Sun) – CRAVER, HICKS, WATSON and NEWBERRY – RESERVE SEATS – Old time music, new and vintage, with early Red Clay Ramblers favorites ~ Bill Hicks and Jim Watson, along with Tommy Thompson founded the Red Clay Ramblers in 1972. Mike Craver joined in 1973. For the next decade these talented musicians toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Scandinavia and Africa; acted and played in two Off-Broadway shows (DIAMOND STUDS, & Sam Shepard’s A LIE OF THE MIND)– and released 8 albums on the Flying Fish and Sugar Hill labels. In the early 80s, Watson, Craver and Thompson released a highly acclaimed album of Carter Family songs titled MEETING IN THE AIR. Co-founder and banjo player Tommy Thompson passed away in early 2003, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Bill and Jim and Mike had all left the band by 1986, but they still get together and play music, these days joined by Joe Newberry on banjo and vocals. In 2012, Craver, Hicks, Watson & Newberry released an album of their current repertoire entitled YOU’VE BEEN A FRIEND TO ME. (http://www.craverhickswatsonnewberry.com/)
Mar 9, 2016 (Wed) – SWEDISH & American Acoustic Adventures w/ Lena Jonsson (fiddle), Dominick Leslie (Mandolin), Tristan Clarridge (Cello) – RESERVE SEATS – Masterful Swedish fiddler Lena Jonsson unites with mandolin wizard Dominick Leslie and National Fiddle Champion & rhythmic cellist Tristan Clarridge, bridging the Atlantic with strong roots of Swedish and American traditional music. Collectively, these three have studied with many of acoustic music’s greatest legends; Lena from members of the Swedish folk supergroup Väsen and a host of Sweden’s most revered traditional masters, Tristan from Darol Anger, Alasdair Fraser & Mark O’Connor, and Dominick from mandolin gods David Grisman, Mike Marshall and Chris Thile, to name a few.
All three grew up in a musical household, learning and absorbing music since just about the day they were born. Lena was raised in Hälsingland, Sweden, in a family where everyone plays the fiddle. Tristan grew up in a tipi, in the mountains of northern California, attending fiddle camps all over the country and playing in his first fiddle contest at age 3. A native of Colorado, Dominick attended his first bluegrass festival at the age of 5 months, and has immersed himself in music ever since. (www.lenajonsson.com | www.beeeaters.com)
Mar 11, 2016 (Fri) – Le Bruit Cours Dans La Ville (Lisa Ornstein, André Marchand, Normand Miron) – RESERVE SEATS – Lisa Ornstein, Normand Miron, and André Marchand are legends of Quebec’s traditional music scene. Fiddler Lisa and guitarist/singer André first met as bandmates in La Bottine Souriante, the iconic trad super group which kickstarted Quebec’s folk music revival. Normand is a marvelous singer and accordionist who grew up surrounded by family musicians in Lanaudière, the epicenter of Quebec’s folk scene. As a trio, Le Bruit Court Dans La Ville’s music is deeply-rooted, innovative, nuanced, and spontaneous. André’s meticulous accompaniment and gorgeous vocals complement Normand’s pulsing accordion, grit-and-polish vocals and irrepressible spirit, while Lisa’s fiddle combines soaring harmonies with fiery tunes until dawn learned over years of kitchen visits with old masters. (http://lebruitcourtdanslaville.com/)
Mar 13, 2016 (Sun) 7PM – Chameleon Winds ~ Wind Quintet featuring : Abby Mages (Flute), Alan Juza (Oboe), Sean Kelleher (clarinet), Nicole Buetti (bassoon), & Daniel Partridge (French Horn) – (RESERVE SEATS ) Experience the gorgeous and magnificent sound of this ensemble in our living room. Chameleon Winds is delighted to return and present you with this lovely program!
Program —-
– Old Hungarian Dances by Farkas,
– La Cheminée du Roi René by Darius Milhaud
– Three Shanties by Malcolm Arnold
– Libertango by Piazzola (An arrangement for quintet)
– A fun duet for flute and oboe by Ginastera
– Reflections of Assisi – A wonderful quintet by our very own Bassoon player Nicole Buetti
& more !
March 16, 2016 (Wed) – 9 Horses – ( RESERVE SEATS) – (http://www.josephbrent.com/9horses) – 9 Horses is comprised of Joe Brent (mandolin), Sara Caswell (violin), & Jonathan Green (bass), leading lights on their instruments who create a unique and gorgeous blend of instrumental virtuosity. All three hail from a classical background, but Brent’s indie-pop sensibility, combined with Caswell’s jazz-inspired lyricism and Green’s extraordinary jazz chops, taken together are at once a breathtaking display of color, melody, and rhythmic drive.
Mar 18, 2016 (Fri) – Christopher Corbell: original art-song (vocals, guitar) + Samantha Kushnick (cello, vocals) – RESERVE SEATS –
Christopher Corbell is a Portland composer, songwriter, and producer. His Sonnets project fuses art-song composition with singer-songwriter work; with classical guitar accompaniment, Corbell performs through-composed settings of original sonnets that draw from a diverse and expressive musical palette. Corbell’s first opera, Viva’s Holiday, recently premiered in a sold-out three-night run at the Star Theater. (Visit www.cultoforpheus.org )
Based in Portland, Samantha Kushnick is a cellist, singer and songwriter in the folk tradition. She often performs original works as part of a string trio with Kate O’Brien-Clarke (violin) and Galen Cohen (cello). Blending folk songs with elements of chamber music, they call their unique style “chamber folk”. (Visit : samanthakushnick.com)
Mar 30, 2016 (Wed) – Kim Mai Nguyen (viola) & Avery Waite, (cello) ~ Performing original arrangements of Central Asian folk music and Indo-Afghan traditional melodies – RESERVE SEATS – Kim Mai and Avery will perform a range of original arrangements of folk melodies from Badahkshan province (northeastern Afghanistan and southeastern Tajikistan), Indo-Afghan classical pieces, covers of classic songs by Afghan pop icon Ahmad Zahir, and much more. They will also speak about their experiences living in Afghanistan and share stories about the powerful role of music in Afghan society.
Drifting East is inspired by the fascinating musical traditions of Afghanistan. Kim Mai Nguyen and Avery Waite founded the ensemble while teaching and performing at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music in Kabul, the first and only music school to be founded after the fall of the Taliban. It was there that they were first introduced to, and fell in love with, the haunting melodies and driving rhythms of Afghan folk music. Situated at crossroads of Central Asia and Persia, Afghanistan is home to one of the most extraordinary and compelling musical cultures in the world. Drawing on sounds and styles from around the region, the music is rich with dynamic influences. Drifting East has performed their original arrangements of this powerful music for audiences across Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.
WATCH ~ Drifting East performs Hamaja Dokani Rang Ast arranged by cellist, Avery Waite.
Violist Kim Mai was born and raised in Paris, France. Ethnically Vietnamese, her parents fled the war in Vietnam and ended up in France. After graduating from conservatory in Paris, She moved to New York to pursue her studies at the Juilliard School. An enthusiastic advocate for arts education and social change through music, she has led projects abroad including workshops and cultural diplomacy visits to Asia, the Middle East, Central America and the Caribbean. After graduating from Juilliard in 2012, Cellist Avery moved to Afghanistan in search of deeper truths about music. Excited by the transformative impact of music education and cultural exchange, he is involved in a wide range of education programs, social justice initiatives, and cultural exchange projects. Avery’s recent travels have included musical diplomacy trips to Lebanon, Iraq, Turkmenistan and El Salvador. (Visit http://www.driftingeastmusic.com/)
April 1, 2016 (Fri) – STEPHANIE SCHNEIDERMAN w/ Special Guests Johnny Connolly (SOLAS) Accordion & vocalist Bre Paletta (The Sale) – RESERVE SEATS – A rare, intimate, acoustic concert featuring Stephanie Schneiderman & special guests!
(stephanieschneiderman.com) – > Trying to pin down Stephanie Schneiderman to any one genre, talent or discipline is next to impossible. One thing is clear however- whether pursuing her prolific work as a solo artist, playing drums for all star roots pop act Swan Sovereign (formerly Dirty Martini), stepping on the stage in the musical The Full Monty, producing a wildly successful humanitarian concert series for refugees in Uganda (raising over $70k), Stephanie is hands down one of the most diversely talented artists the Northwest has to offer.
Since her solo career began with a coveted spot in the Lilith Fair, Stephanie has earned extensive NW radio play, a devout following and multiple appearances with some of the nations top touring acts- including Aimee Mann, Hall & Oates, Heart, Train, Pat Benatar, Chicago, Madeleine Peyroux, Andy Summers and many more. In addition to eight solo recordings under her belt, Schneiderman has seen her music placed in numerous films and Primetime FV shows as well as toured throughout the world.
“- an absolutely beautiful voice and natural talent…Stunning Stephanie sent chills down my spine.” — Mike Cohen, Jewish Telegraph UK
“Schneiderman’s exceptional songwriting talent and radiating charm are a winning combination. Her honest, earthy presence and rich, serene vocals separate Stephanie from the hordes of “girls with guitars.” She shows all the potential of becoming a world class, world renowned artist.” — Adam Zacks, Talent Buyer, House of Blues
April 3, 2016 (SUN – 7PM) – Mary Flower & the BBQ Orchestra – RESERVE SEATS – (www.maryflower.com) – Flower’s award-winning fingerpicking guitar and lap-slide prowess is soulful and meter-perfect. When she joins with the BBQ Boys, a joyous and upbeat blend of blues, jugband and swing is born. The BBQ Boys are a subset of the BBQ Orchestra started in the early 90’s by the late Fritz Richmond, jug player with the Jim Kweskin Jug Band. The BBQ Boys are Stew Dodge on Fiddle, Doc Stein on dobro, Spud Siegel on mandolin and Mark Vehrencamp on tuba.
April 6, 2016 (Wed) – LARHONDA STEELE & special guests ~ vocalists Arietta Ward, Mary Tucker, MaryEtta Callier + Mark Steele (piano) – A musical journey of black gospel music from Negro spirituals to contemporary gospel, including some call and response, solo’s and group songs. – RESERVE SEATS – (www.larhondasteele.com) – Originally from Jones, Oklahoma and now residing in Portland, Oregon LaRhonda has enjoyed working with local, national and international artists: Curtis Salgado, Norman Sylvester, Linda Hornbuckle, Janice Scroggins, Paul Delay, Obo Addy and Thara Memory and has had the pleasure of recoding with Obo Addy, Janice Scroggins, Norman Sylvester and Ken DaRouchiea musical journey of black gospel music from Negro spirituals to Contemporary gospel. We will include some call and response, solo’s and group songs.
LaRhonda currently enjoys working with her own band The LaRhonda Steele Band, directing the Portland Interfaith Gospel and Unity West Linn, and performing with “The Group” founded by Janice Marie Scroggins.
April 13, 2016 (Wed) – DANCING STRINGS & MUSICAL FEET ~ Tim Connell /Kieran Jordan/Marla Fibish & Bruce Victor (Noctambule) – RESERVE SEATS – (www.timconnellmusic.com | marlafibish.com | Kieran Jordan) ~ An evening of musical dance and dancing music
A creative collaboration of sonic interplay between musicians of disparate backgrounds with consanguineous souls. The evening will be a multicolored, musical tapestry, woven of traditional Irish tunes and songs, Brazilian choro pieces, and poetry set to genre-defying music. Luscious string textures punctuated by percussive dance — mandolins, mandola, guitars in many sizes, shapes and tunings, cittern, bouzouki amidst sean-nòs dancing , the improvised old style dancing of Ireland. Come prepared for an journey through scenic but irregular musical terrain , with unexpected twists and turns.
April 15, 2016 (Fri) – RUN BOY RUN – RESERVE SEATS – Existing in the tension between tradition and frontier, Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Contest winner and Prairie Home Companion guest, Run Boy Run, truly exceeds the sum of its parts as touches of classical, jazz, and folk express themselves through the old-time core of the band’s unique sound. The band is brother and sister Matt Rolland (fiddle, guitar) and Grace Rolland (cello, vocals), sisters Bekah Sandoval Rolland (fiddle, vocals) and Jen Sandoval (mandolin, vocals) and bass player Jesse Allen. With three strong female voices, singing separately or in harmony, and deeply rooted familial connection to traditional American music, Run Boy Run didn’t come lately to their sound; it’s in their collective blood. (VISIT : http://www.runboyrunband.com/)
(#300) – April 20, 2016 (Wed) – Rushad Eggleston – Cello Bandit (WATCH – Who is this guy?) – RESERVE SEATS – Rushad Eggleston (“Rushadicus”) is a revolutionary cellist, composer, poet-philosopher, and entertainer whose unforgettable performances captivate and inspire all generations and types. With an intimate knowledge of classical music, jazz, and bluegrass under his fingers, coupled with an infamously infectious sense of rhythm, Rushad is a whole futuristic wonder-band expressed through just one person. Using his cello (and occasionally a guitar) as the steering wheel, Rushadicus will take you on a rocket-fueled melodic journey through space and time, and from the ridiculous to the sublime. (http://www.rushad.net/)
April 21, 2016 (Thurs) – BRIAN OBERLIN + The WIESENEKKERS (Amsterdams Gitaar & Mandoline Duo) – RESERVE SEATS – Brian Oberlin + Michiel & Marjike Wiesenekker (Amsterdams Gitaar & Mandoline Duo) — Brian Oberlin is an internationally acclaimed mandolin player and educator who plays swing, bluegrass, and Italian classical as a solo mandolinist and vocalist. Along with the myriad of award-winning bands and ensembles he has collaborated with throughout the United States and Europe, Brian is also the founder and director of the River of the West Mandolin Camp and the Oregon Mandolin Orchestra.
Since 1999, Marijke Wiesenekker (Mandolin/Vocal) and her brother Michiel Wiesenekker (Guitar/Vocal) have been performing as the Amsterdams Gitaar en Mandoline Duo. Their varied repertory provides great insight into the appealing world of mandolin and guitar music, both for acoustic and electric instruments. (VISIT : www.mandoberlin.com | www.wiesenekker.com)
April 23, 2016 (Sat) – THE LASSES (Sophie ter Schure & Margot Limburg) + Kathryn Claire – RESERVE SEATS – Kathryn Claire will join her friends from Amsterdam, THE LASSES (Sophie ter Schure and Margot Limburg) ~ for an evening of songs and instrumental music. Sophie & Margot love to sing songs with a good story, regardless of whether the story began in the Appalachian mountains, on Scottish plains or in Irish hills. Their voices, although very different in timbre, complement each other perfectly. You can still hear The Lasses singing at the open singing session in Mulligans in Amsterdam (almost) every Wednesday. (Visit : (https://thelasses.wordpress.com/ | www.kathrynclairemusic.com)
April 24, 2016(Sun) – TED FALCON & EDUARDO SOUZA — An Evening of Brazilian Choro and Gypsy Jazz – (Ted Falcon – violin and mandolin & Eduardo Souza – 7 string guitar) – RESERVE SEATS – (www.tedfalcon.com)
For this special concert, Ted and Eduardo bring the upbeat sounds of choro directly from Brazil and mix it together with gyspy jazz from Eastern and Western Europe. It’s what a jam session would have been like with Jacob do Bandolim, Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli.
US born Violinist, mandolinist, teacher and composer Ted Falcon grew up listening to jazz and the Brazilian music of Villa-Lobos, Tom Jobim and Luiz Bonfá. He has lived and worked as a professional musician in New York City, Los Angeles and São Paulo, and for the past 7 years, he has lived in Brasília, the capital of Brazil.
Ted has written several books about Brazilian choro music for the Escola de Choro Raphael Rabello, (Clube do Choro) the nation’s most respected choro school. He performs regularly throughout Brazil with various music projects including Jambrosia, Trio Oblivion, Gypsy Jazz Club, Kervansarai, and the duo Ted and Pablo, with harmonica player Pablo Fagundes. He has performed with Hermeto Pascoal, Dominguinhos, Armandinho Macêdo, Thiago Espirito Santo, Hamilton de Holanda and many other incredible Brazilian musicians. In the U.S., he has performed along side of David Grisman and Mike Marshall and has recorded with Suzanne Vega and Ben E. King. Ted is one of the few innovators on the violin, an instrument rarely used in Brazilian popular music.
In 2014, Ted released his 7th CD called Retratos Abstratos, with virtuoso guitarist Felix Junior. that featured many of his original songs and abstract paintings. This year, Ted will teach at the Centrum Choro Workshop in Port Townsend, WA with the choro group Trio Brasilieiro and Anat Cohen.
Eduardo Souza, Brazil, performs with the choro group Folha Seca as well as with Tiago Tunes, Sérgio Morais and Ted Falcon. He leads his own samba trio where he sings original compositions and plays guitar. His musical influences include great Brazilian artists such as Chico Buarque, Villa-Lobos, Dilermando Reis, Adoniran Barbosa as well as artists from other styles and nationalities ~ Manu Chao, Piazzolla, Bach, Flaming Lips, Camarón de la Isla. Eduardo is the guitarist in the group Gypsy Jazz Club, in Brasilia.
April 26, 2016 (Tues) – William Coulter & Edwin Huizinga + Special Guest Annie Staninec – RESERVE SEATS – (www.williamcoulter.com | edwinhuizinga.com | www.anniestaninec.com ) – William Coulter ~ Grammy Award winning Celtic & Classical, finger-style steel-string and nylon solo performance guitarist is joined by Canadian-born violinist Edwin Huizinga. Huizinga is known as one of North America’s most versatile violinists and has recently started a new chamber music series with Keith Hamm called Stereo Live, featuring an eclectic blend of classical and indie rock music, and will be recording his fourth album with New York City-based baroque band Acronym. Annie Staninec‘s fiery playing and unassuming charm have been captivating audiences around the world for years, whether she is on the festival stage with a bluegrass band, playing an intimate club with a gypsy jazz combo, or just playing for the local Cajun dance.
April 30, 2016 (SAT) – THE WESTERLIES – (Brass quartet – 2 trumpets/2 trombones) – RESERVE SEATS – (www.westerliesmusic.com) – The Westerlies (“prevailing winds from the West to the East”) are a New York based brass quartet comprised of four friends from Seattle, Washington: Riley Mulherkar and Zubin Hensler on trumpet, and Andy Clausen and Willem de Koch on trombone. Avid explorers of cross-genre territory, they are dedicated to the cultivation of a new brass quartet repertoire that exists in the ever-narrowing gap between American folk music, jazz, classical, and indie rock. Since their inception in 2011, The Westerlies have premiered over 40 original works for brass quartet, and crafted an approach that trumpeter Dave Douglas has described as “Swinging, grooving, clean and tricky playing. This is the group that, once you’ve heard them, you’ll realize they always needed to exist. Unique, original, exciting. And simply killing in the best sense.” Their music exudes the warmth of their longstanding friendships, and reflects the broad interests of its members.
May 2, 2016 (MON) – TRIO BRASILEIRO + ANAT COHEN – (Brazilian Choro) ~ SOLD OUT / WAITLIST (www.triobrasileiro.com | www.anatcohen.com) ~ Trio Brasileiro includes the celebrated guitarist and full time member of the award-winning Brasil Guitar Duo, Douglas Lora; one of Brazil’s finest mandolin virtuosos, Dudu Maia, and the amazing percussionist and brother of Douglas, Alexandre Lora. They will be joined by celebrated jazz Clarinetist Anat Cohen (The Jazz Journalists Association has voted Anat as Clarinetist of the Year eight years in a row, and she has topped both the Critics and Readers Polls in the clarinet category in DownBeat magazine every year since 2011.) ~ RESERVE SEATS
May 7, 2016 (Sat) – HIGHWATER String Band Reunion Tour – RESERVE SEATS – More details soon – Active in Corvallis in the late ’70s and playing a mix of bluegrass, old-time songs, western swing, and blues–not to mention fiddle tunes of all stripes ~ HIGHWATER is staging a reunion tour! The band: Cyd Smith, guitar; Paul Kotapish, mandolin; Jeff Hino, banjo and Dobro; DeLynn Anderson, bass; and Clyde Curley, on fiddle.
May 11, 2016 (Wed) – LUCY WISE (Australia) + Kate Power & Steve Einhorn Opening – RESERVE SEATS – (Lucy Wise (Uke, vocals, songwriting) ~Hailing from the far South Western corner of Australia, singer-songwriter Lucy Wise has delighted audiences across Australia, New Zealand and the UK with her unique blend of folk, chamber and pop music combined with masterful storytelling and a soulful voice. She tours the US for the first time in May 2016. Kate Power & Steve Einhorn will open with new songs from their upcoming recording and a few favorite originals on ukes, double guitars and banjo. (Visit : www.lucywise.com.au | www.facebook.com/lucywisemusic | www.qualityfolk.com)
May 13, 2016 (Fri) – Dan Frechette & Laurel Thomsen – RESERVE SEATS – Lyrically refreshing and musically diverse Roots-Folk. Meeting via a chance YouTube sighting, and fueled by rare musical chemistry, eclectic Roots-Folk songwriters Dan Frechette, guitar/vocals, and Laurel Thomsen, violin/vocals, prove that musical magic is not only possible, but as described by the Monterey Herald, “a match made in heaven”. Lyrically refreshing and musically diverse, over the past three years this Canadian-American duo has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada, releasing two albums of their diverse and uplifting original material. Dan & Laurel take to the stage with exuberance, and as a concert reviewer in Tappen, British Columbia wrote, with “their energy, winsome personalities, and toe tapping rhythms, keep audiences engaged with every song.” (Visit : http://www.danandlaurel.ca )
May 14, 2016 (Sat) – DAROL ANGER & EMY PHELPS – RESERVE SEATS – Legendary fiddler and multi-string master, Darol Anger with singer-songwriter Emy Phelps.
Fiddler, composer, producer and educator, Darol Anger is at home in a number of musical genres, some of which he helped to invent. Exceptional among modern fiddlers for his versatility and depth, Anger has helped drive the evolution of the contemporary string band through his 40-year involvement with numerous pathbreaking ensembles such as his Republic Of Strings, the Turtle Island String Quartet, the David Grisman Quintet, Montreux, his Duo with Mike Marshall, and others.
Emy Phelps does not remember a time when she has not sung. Trained in theater arts, at Ashland, Oregon’s world-renowned theatre program, she was a founding member of Brian Ransom’s Ceramic Ensemble, touring internationally from 1980–1987. Since then she focused on obtaining degrees in Theatre Arts and Special Education, teaching at elementary and middle schools and successfully raising four children — and now she continues her public work as a recording artist, a member of the Furies, and as a duet with Darol Anger.
Darol & Emy are grounded in a shared community of music The Republic of Strings , a nation of string musicians and listeners that extends through all cultural, geographic or imaginary boundaries — bonded by mutual respect and the love of music, reveling in variety and seeking to deeply understand. Material chosen is music we love, and can range from Scandinavia to Africa & Brazil w/ stops from Appalachia to the far-off isle of Manhattan, our backyards, garages, and kitchens, and even our own bodies.
May 16, 2016 (Mon) – Big Little Lions – RESERVE SEATS – “Ensemble of the Year – Canadian Folk Music Awards 2015” – Big Little Lions is the ferocious songwriting duo of Helen Austin and Paul Otten. Both successful singer/songwriters in their own right, they met while both on a conference songwriting member success panel and then a couple of years later started the band from afar, with Helen based on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada and Paul in Cincinnati, OH.
Helen’s accolades include a JUNO win, a Canadian Folk Music Award, an ISC win and a John Lennon Songwriting Competition Grand Prize while Paul was recently awarded the John Braheny Songwriting Award, was a Song of the Year Contest finalist and produced several of the tracks on Helen’s most recent JUNO award winning album. Together they have won first place in the International Songwriting Contest and the top prize of Song of the Year in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition.
“The duo’s sound mixes the new school folk of Mumford and Sons with a dance rhythm that keeps the music sounding light and upbeat. It also doesn’t hurt that their songs are very catchy and aided by how well Austin and Otten’s voices complement each other.” – Examiner.com (Visit : http://www.biglittlelions.com/about.html)
May 17, 2016 (Tues) – LARRY UNGER & AUDREY KNUTH – RESERVE SEATS – Guitar and banjo player Larry Unger and fiddler Audrey Knuth are a Boston based traditional duo who play exhilarating tunes with driving rhythms. Their concerts feature American and Celtic tunes with elements of other traditions including swing and blues. They also draw from Larry’s catalog of original fiddle tunes, which have been featured in several of Ken Burns’ documentaries. Declared a “guitar genius” by Sing Out Magazine, Larry Unger joins fiddler Audrey Knuth for an unforgettable evening full of stirring musical experiences.
(Visit : http://www.audreyknuth.com/larry-and-audrey/ | www.larryunger.net)
May 19, 2016 (Thurs) – HANZ ARAKI BAND – IRISH – RESERVE SEATS – Award-winning traditional Irish flutist Hanz Araki faithfully showcases the inherent beauty of traditional Irish music with performances that are inspired, detailed, and authentic. Hanz, whose full name is Hanzaburo after his grandfather’s grandfather, is the 6th generation of his family to earn the title of Kodo Araki, a grand master of the shakuhachi. While he honed his musical ability perfecting the traditions of his father’s family, his love of the music of his Irish mother’s family lead to a career in Irish music that spans twenty-five years and has produced multiple award-winning albums and international accolades. (Visit : http://www.hanzaraki.com)
May 20, 2016 (Fri) – SARAH POTENZA – bluesy, R&B, funk, & southern soul-singing rock & roller ~ WATCH | READ | – After spending seven years with her band Sarah & The Tall Boys, Sarah Potenza relocated to Nashville Tennessee with not much more than her husband and her monster vocals. That coupled with her honest reflective songwriting she quickly garnered the attention of the city’s thriving music scene and she became a staple at the world renowned Bluebird Café and the globally broadcast Music City Roots program
One of her performances on Music City Roots resulted in a phone call from the NBC television show, “The Voice”. Potenza took the challenge in stride and managed to land a four chair turn and out of 50,000 contestants, she made it to the top twenty!
Her passion for performing and undeniable voice resonated with America and made her a fan favorite across the country. Nashville welcomed her home with pride and celebrated her authentic, heart-felt songwriting with a sold out show at the Bluebird Cafe and her debut on the Grand Old Opry.
May 22, 2016 (SUN) – JESSICA FICHOT QUARTET – Tim Connell Opens – 1940’s Shanghai & French Chanson, Swing – Michael Papillo (upright bass), Adrien Prévost (guitar), Sylvain Carton (clarinet/sax), Jessica Fichot (vocals, accordion, toy piano) ~ Los Angeles-based chanteuse/songwriter Jessica Fichot is a lot like her hometown of Paris: French at heart, but with a soul that’s truly international. Drawing from her multi-ethnic French / Chinese / American upbringing, her music takes the listener on a twisting journey out of the French chanson tradition, into the lands of gypsy swing, 1940’s Shanghai jazz, folk, and into the wilderness of her imagination. Fichot has performed in France, China, Spain, Mexico, Canada and across the US, backed by fiery band (clarinet/sax, upright bass, guitar) and armed with her accordion, toy piano and multilingual vocals.
While her first albums Le Chemin and Le Secret offer a beguiling musical tour of French chanson, gypsy jazz and folk, her latest musical adventure, Dear Shanghai, is an ambitious and intoxicating celebration of the swing-era sounds of her mother’s hometown. Sung entirely in Mandarin Chinese, Fichot’s winning covers of 1940s Shanghai jazz gems turn listeners on to the musical terrain of a bygone era half a world away.
“Delightful (…) Tunes that evoke the feel of a bygone time and place, where the cultures of east and west collide in unexpected ways.” – LA Weekly
“a delicious mix of acoustic styles” – San Francisco Chronicle
May 25, 2016 (Wed) – THE STOMPTOWNERS – Smoking hot Irish and Scottish tunes; choreographed Irish dance; vocals with foot percussion; arranged songs and evocative a cappella pieces. Andrea Wild (vocals), Preston Howard (Uilleann Pipes), Richie Rosencrans (Irish Bouzouki) & Kelsey Wilson (dance). The Stomptowners blend traditional Irish music with voice and dynamic Irish dance. Their repertoire is fresh, alive and relevant to the season. – (Visit : http://www.thestomptowners.com/)
May 27, 2016 (Fri) – MATT MUNISTERI – Early Jazz – (Guitar / Vocals) ~“Wicked. Jazz musicians aren’t supposed to write lyrics that good…Bands like this are why you move to New York.”- The Village Voice (Visit : mattmunisteri.com)
It’s a daunting task, this business of encapsulating Matt Munisteri’s musical self. As the sparkling guitarist on several chart-topping jazz CDs; a critically lauded songwriter and nimble lyricist; an urban banjo-warrior and a sometime session musician; a selfless and devoted sideman; a wry-yet-honest singer; an engaging and winning front-man; and an arranger whose ear-pulling re-inventions of well-traveled songs have contributed to Grammy winning CDs for artists such as Loudon Wainwright and Catherine Russell, Matt’s various dueling career paths might at first seem difficult to reconcile.
Additionally you’d be hard-pressed to find another Brooklyn native who grew up playing bluegrass banjo since he was in the single digits; who has recorded with artists as divergent as consummate jazz balladeer “Little” Jimmy Scott and 1980’s avante-noise godfather Glenn Branca; who is regarded as a contemporary master of 1920’s and ’30’s jazz styles, and is an ardent student of American folk traditions, but counts among his regular creative cohorts several musicians associated with the New York Downtown music world.
“A present day ironist with a prewar (first world war that is) heart” – THE NEW YORKER
“recalls a time when instrumental virtuosity, harmonic sophistication, bucolic storysongs, and a straightforward emotional delivery were not mutually exclusive” – ACOUSTIC GUITAR
June 4, 2016 (Sat) – LUCA CIARLA – Fiddler in the Loop – (Visit : http://www.violipiano.it) ~ Fiddle & Toy Instruments + Loop Pedal ~ A string band of just one! Italian born violin wizard Luca Ciarla owns the stage with his fiddle and a few toy instruments. With a loop pedal he plays live all the parts, creating an astonishing orchestral texture. Step by step Luca unfolds new virtuoso passages and unique sounds, playing the violin like a guitar, a cello or a percussive instrument. In this imaginative landscape Luca sings, whistles, plays other little instruments; music is continuously evolving into a dazzling solo string band. “…a magical acoustic seduction where everybody can find familiar influences…from genuine folk to sophisticated jazz.” Vera Lisi, Il Fatto Quotidiano (Italy)
A creative and surprising violinist, Luca Ciarla easily transcends the boundaries among genres to trace an innovative musical path, a magical acoustic seduction in perfect balance between written compositions and improvisation, traditional and contemporary sounds. A native of Termoli, Italy, Luca began playing violin and piano at the age of eight. By twelve he was studying at the conservatory and few years later began exploring also jazz and improvisation. He received his violin degree in 1993 and then studied at the Fiesole School of Music and the Scuola di Alto perfezionamento of Saluzzo. In 1996 Luca pursued his masters degree at Indiana University and studied jazz with David Baker.
June 9, 2016 (Thurs) – CHORO DAS TRES – 3 sisters – Corina (flute), Lia (7 string guitar) and Elisa (mandolin), and their father Eduardo (pandeiro) – Choro das 3 plays, “. . . some of the most inspired and inspiring music . . . the highest level of musicianship and presentation . . . the highest quality of Brazilian Choro music that can be heard any place today.” – Mike Marshall
Jazz guitarist and recording engineer George Petit, says, “(…) I was shocked and amazed to hear their expertise; they are far beyond their years . . . they have honed their music and their craft to perfection. Added to this, the musicians in the group are generous, respectful professionals that exemplify what is ‘good’ about art, culture and music (…)” (www.chorodas3.com.br (Watch)
June 15, 2016 (Wed) – KARUNA – Finnish folk music trio with Esko Järvelä (nyckelharpa & fiddle), Teija Niku (accordion), & Juha Kujanpää (piano).
Karuna plays their own compositions as well as traditional Nordic folk music. In their own compositions the Nordic folk tradition is merging with influences from baroque music, national romanticism and jazz.
Esko Järvelä and Teija Niku represent the new generation of Finnish professional folk musicians. Their skills are matched by Kujanpää’s rhythmic playing and jazz background, resulting in original music with many influences and harmonic twists. (VISIT : (www.karunatrio.net)
June 22, 2016 (Wed) – IRA WOLF & MOOREA MASA – ( irawolfmusic.com | mooreamasa.com ) – Hailing from the mountains of Montana, IRA WOLF’s captivating voice, honest lyrics, and authentic new-folk melodies are hard to ignore in Nashville, TN where she’s quickly made a name for herself in the folk community. A lover of life on the road, Ira has performed on stages across the U.S., parts of Europe, and Southeast Asia since she began touring in 2014. With roots in Irish/Celtic folk, opera, country-western and bluegrass genres, Ira has found a unique sound that resonates well with any crowd.
MOOREA MASA – Moorea Masa has been singing since she could talk. Her voice has the power to move mountains, or to move grown men to tears. Influenced by soulful folk music across generations and geography, including Etta James, Feist, and Iron and Wine. In her former project, The Ruby Pines, she performed at venues like The Blue Note in New York City and The Wonder Ballroom in their home of Portland, Oregon. Currently, she sings with Ural Thomas and The Pain (Willamette Week’s Best New Artist in 2014), a throwback soul band fronted by a former collaborator of James Brown and Otis Redding. She has also sang back up and has been a featured vocalist for bands such as El Vy, The Decemberists, Nu Shooz, Allen Stone, and John Craigie. Moorea just released her debut EP “Oh Mother” this past May.
June 30, 2016 (Thurs) – THE GOODTIME TRAVELERS – ( thegoodtimetravelers.com ) – A high voice, smoky and soulful; a low voice, rich with bravado. Pete Kartsounes and Michael Kirkpatrick come together as The Good Time Travelers. United by a passion for performing, this songwriting and pickin’ duo presents original songs about ‘the journey.’ It’s a simple endeavor: a guitar, a mandolin and two microphones-traveling light, this band fills up your heart, but barely fills a Subaru. Both gentlemen have been leading bands around the west for some time and found each other at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado. At their first campground session, it became clear to all who witnessed the magic of these two troubadours that this was more than just another Town Park jam. In fact, Michael won the prestigious Telluride Troubadour Competition in 2014 and Pete had taken an honorable first runner up in 2011 and 2013.
July 2, 2016 (Sat) – BEN HUNTER & JOE SEAMONS – – Ben Hunter (fiddle/vocals), Joe Seamons (banjo/guitar/vocals) – Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons make American music. They make music that hews to the rough-and-tumble collisions of musical inspirations from the early 20th century; music that paved the way for everything we enjoy today. (Visit : www.benjoemusic.com Read : No Depression interview )
July 5, 2016 (Tues) – RAGPICKER STRING BAND featuring Mary Flower, Rich DelGrosso and Martin Grosswendt – – Rich DelGrosso, Guitarist Mary Flower and multi-instrumentalist Martin Grosswendt have earned steady streams of praise for their outstanding string skills. Combined, these three have earned nine Blues Music Award nominations and enjoyed rave press reviews and top festival slots all over the world. And they do strum, pick and bow up a storm on their debut album together as the Ragpicker String Band — but it’s their tight trio harmonies that especially dazzle. The acoustic dream team summons the spirits of everyone from the Mississippi Sheiks and Blind Boy Fuller to Jim Kweskin and R. Crumb as their voices and fingers fly through the mists back to the golden prewar age of folk-blues.(Visit : www.maryflower.com | http://yellowdogrecords.com/news/2015/06/ragpicker-string-band.html )
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Sept 2016
Sept 8 (Thurs) – MOLLY TUTTLE BAND – Molly Tuttle (vocals/guitar) , Annie Staninec (fiddle), Wes Corbett (banjo), Shelby Means (bass) – A virtuoso multi-instrumentalist and award winning songwriter with a distinctive voice, Molly has turned the heads of even the most seasoned industry professionals. She began performing on stage when she was 11, and recorded her first album, The Old Apple Tree, at age 13. Since then, she’s appeared on A Prairie Home Companion and at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, was featured on the cover of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, won first place in the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Competition at Merlefest, and, last May, graduated from the Berklee College of Music, which she attended on a Hazel Dickens Memorial Scholarship. Her lovely voice, impeccable guitar playing, and sensitive song writing make her a star on the rise. She has already received more than two million YouTube views and has recently released two EP’s with The Goodbye Girls and as a duo with John Mailander. She now makes her home in Nashville and spends time touring, writing and recording. (Visit : www.mollytuttle.net)
Sept 10 (Sat) – Nell Robinson & Jim Nunally Band– Nell Robinson (vocals), Jim Nunally (guitar, vocals), Pete Grant (pedal steel), Jim Kerwin (upright bass) & Jon Arkin (percussion) — The Nell Robinson & Jim Nunally Band brings five genre-busting artists together to bring joyful music infused with folk, bluegrass, americana, roots, swing, jazz, and the blues. (Visit : http://nellrobinsonmusic.com/projects/nell-robinson-jim-nunally-band/)
Sept 17 (Sat) – True Life Trio (Riveting Vocal Harmonies of Eastern Europe) – Leslie Bonnett: voice, fiddle, percussion, Briget Boyle: voice, guitar, percussion, Juliana Graffagna: voice, accordion, percussion — True Life Trio performs riveting vocal harmonies from Eastern Europe, the Americas & beyond. This innovative trio explores the creative possibilities of cross-fertilization of different traditions with unlikely timbres connecting Bulgaria to the Bayou. TLT’s improvisation-laced repertoire includes original songs and folk tunes from far-flung lands such as Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Macedonia, Mexico, Poland, Ukraine and the American South. Featuring the powerful vocal talents of three dynamic performers whose musical collaboration was forged in Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble, this Bay Area based trio delves deep into a vast array of folk music that lends itself to three-part vocal harmony, massaging and expanding the boundaries of these traditional styles. The result is a sweet, sonic explosion that melts in the listener’s ear and that is uniquely True Life Trio. (Visit: http://www.truelifetrio.com)
Sept 19 (Mon) – Big Little Lions – “Ensemble of the Year – Canadian Folk Music Awards 2015” – Big Little Lions is the ferocious songwriting duo of Helen Austin and Paul Otten. Both successful singer/songwriters in their own right, they met while both on a conference songwriting member success panel and then a couple of years later started the band from afar, with Helen based on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada and Paul in Cincinnati, OH.
Helen’s accolades include a JUNO win, a Canadian Folk Music Award, an ISC win and a John Lennon Songwriting Competition Grand Prize while Paul was recently awarded the John Braheny Songwriting Award, was a Song of the Year Contest finalist and produced several of the tracks on Helen’s most recent JUNO award winning album. Together they have won first place in the International Songwriting Contest and the top prize of Song of the Year in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition.
“The duo’s sound mixes the new school folk of Mumford and Sons with a dance rhythm that keeps the music sounding light and upbeat. It also doesn’t hurt that their songs are very catchy and aided by how well Austin and Otten’s voices complement each other.” – Examiner.com (Visit : http://www.biglittlelions.com/about.html)
Sept 23 (Fri) – West My Friend – Canadian indie-roots/chamber folk featuring instrumentals & 4-part harmonies –– Eden Oliver: Voice, Guitar; Alex Rempel: Mandolin, Voice; Jeff Poynter: Accordion, Voice; Nick Mintenko: Bass, Voice — The band features pure and thrillingly elastic vocals with catchy arrangements of bass, guitar, mandolin, and accordion that draw from jazz, classical, folk, and pop influences. Inspired by artists such as Owen Pallett, Joanna Newsom, Bright Eyes, The Decemberists, and the Punch Brothers, and forged from a sonically adventurous acoustic music scene on Canada’s west coast, West My Friend is proving to be a key part of a new generation of grassroots folk music. (Visit : www.westmyfriend.com)
Sept 29 (Thurs) – *Tantalizing last minute addition!* —> Jenny Scheinman (violin), Mark Orton (assorted stringed instruments), Todd Sickafoose (double bass) + ? ~ More Details soon
(VISIT : www.jennyscheinman.com | http://www.markortonmusic.com| http://www.toddsickafoose.com/ )
Sept 30 (Fri) – Rhythm Future Quartet (Gypsy Jazz) — Jason Anick (violin), Olli Soikkeli (guitar), Max O’Rourke (guitar) & Greg Loughman (bass) ~ CD Release show for TRAVELS ~ The acoustic jazz ensemble, Rhythm Future Quartet has a straightforward agenda: to keep the spirit of Gypsy jazz alive and expanding in today’s musical universe. The virtuosic foursome, named for a Django Reinhardt tune, offers up a newly minted sound, influenced by the classic Hot Club of France, yet wholly contemporary. Led by violinist Jason Anick and guitarist Olli Soikkeli, the quartet performs dynamic and lyrical arrangements of both Gypsy jazz standards and original compositions that draw upon diverse international rhythms and musical idioms. With Max O’Rourke on second guitar and Greg Loughman on bass, Rhythm Future is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of a vital musical genre. “[Rhythm Future Quartet] have rocketed the music into the future by incorporating multiple influences…teaming it with their own virtuosity and playing it all with a joyful abandon that is downright infectious” – Huffington Post
“Olli Soikkeli is a riveting Finnish guitarist who combines astonishing dexterity and speed with pure soul in a way that places him among the worthiest current day successors to the legacy of the great Django” -The Wall Street Journal
(VISIT : http://rhythmfuturequartet.com/ | WATCH : Iberian Sunrise )
Oct 5 (Wed) – BRUCE MOLSKY – BRUCE MOLSKY (fiddle, banjo, vocals/guitar) – Bruce Molsky is “one of America’s premier fiddling talents” (Mother Jones) and a twice-Grammy-nominated artist on fiddle, banjo, guitar and song. He has dug into the deepest reaches of mountain music, while growing his own unique voice. Bruce holds a stage as few other musicians can. His skill at performing a deep and varied repertoire and a reverence for the past, combined with a relaxed, conversational wit, draws listeners in as if they were sitting on the front porch of Carnegie Hall. (Visit : http://www.brucemolsky.com/)
Oct 7 (Fri) – DADDY SQUEEZE aka Dan Newton (Accordion/vocals) & Special Guest JAMES MASON (Fiddle) ~ A tour of Western Swing, French Gypsy Swing, and French Louisiana music – Dan’s fresh approach to the much-maligned squeeze-box and his mind-boggling repertoire of both original and traditional material will change the mind of the most hardened accordion skeptic, and delight the fan of the instrument. He draws influences for songs and tunes from such sources as French Musette, Gypsy Swing, Cajun, Jug band, Tex-Mex and Cumbia. Dan calls this global gumbo “ethnoclectic” music. “Daddy Squeeze” happily crosses musical borders with ease, often mixing styles with results like the “Yohnny B Goode Polka” (a hilarious look at what Chuck Berry’s music might sound like had he grown up in Minnesota)or a French language waltz version of the rock and roll chestnut “Wild Thing”. Dan’s original songs about thrift store shopping, coffee, hi-top sneakers, heartbreak, and joy are delivered with a voice that is captivating, expressive and encourages harmonizing. He mines gems from the repertoires of icons such as Gus Viseur, Gus Cannon, Bo Carter, Jo Privat, Clifton Chenier, Bob Wills as well as a few nuggets written by his friends and fellow musicians of today. (Visit : http://www.daddysqueeze.com )
James Mason entered his first fiddle contest at age 11 a year later began learning Texas Style fiddling from the legendary Benny Thomasson. Keeping within earshot of Swing and Jazz, James has always been always inspired by Bob Wills, Stephane Grappelli, and Joe Venuti among others. Throughout his career James has played and recorded Bluegrass, Country, Swing and Jazz and has taught at a number of camps and workshops including the Ashokan Fiddle and Dance in New York. James currently resides in the Portland area and performs regularly with Pete Krebs and his Portland Playboys, and Everything’s Jake. Featuring the music and styles of Bob Wills and Django Reinhardt respectively. In 2014 James won 1st Place at the National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest Swing division, and 1st Place in the Bob Wills division at the Bob Wills Festival in Greenville Texas.
“James is one of the most natural and musical of Jazz fiddle players” ~ Matt Glaser (Director of Berklee College of Music) ~ Visit : www.everythingsjakeband.com/everythingsjakeband.com/James_Mason.html
Oct 9 (Sun) – PAULA SANTORO & IAN FAQUINI (CD Release ~ Metal na Madeira) – Brazilian Jazz – Paula Santoro (vocals) + Ian Fraquini (guitar) —
Metal na Madeira features all original compositions by Faquini and presents a fresh take on traditional Northeastern Brazilian rhythms such as Maracatu, Frevo, Baião, Xote, & Toada. The lyrics reflect both the exuberance and poverty the people of that region who are accustomed to both extremes.
PAULA SANTORO ~ It’s not often that a new star emerges on the international music scene with a fully formed and very personal vision expressed through contemporary rhythms and musical eloquence, but such is the case with Paula Santoro. A star of the concert stage, musical theater, and Brazilian television, Santoro’s grasp of the modern Brazilian musical vernacular is nearly as complete as her deeper understanding of artistic expression employed to express a full range of human emotions. Paula’s sincere vocals are fluid and heavenly. Fans of female, Brazilian singers, jazz music, and South American pop will love Paula’s mature and distinctive voice of sound. It’s magical to say the least. ~ Matthew Forss ( http://www.paulasantoro.com.br )
IAN FAQUINI is a 20 year old Brazilian guitar player and singer who resides near Berkeley, California, where he has become one of the most unique and respected guitar players in the San Francisco Bay Area, demonstrating rare chordal technique and a special delicate touch on very difficult pieces. His last few summers have been spent in Brazil, where he has performed and studied with some of that country’s highest level guitar players, including Marcus Tardelli, Guinga, and others. Ian recently joined the faculty at California Brazil Camp, is currently is completing a degree at the Jazz School in Berkeley, and performs concerts in both a solo format as well as a jazz duo with saxophonist Doug Pet. Ian plays and sings originals, as well as a large reportoire of sambas, choros, bossa novas, and Brazilian classical guitar pieces.
Oct 14 (Fri) – Jeremy Kittel Trio – Award-winning fiddler and violinist Jeremy Kittel (violin/fiddle), Joshua Pinkham (mandolin), Quinn Bachand (guitar) leads an exceptional band with musical roots spanning the globe. With the drive of Celtic fiddling, spontaneity of jazz, soul of the blues and intricacies of chamber music, the Jeremy Kittel Trio captivates and energizes audiences. (VISIT : http://jeremykittel.com/2015/10/jeremy-kittel-trio/ | WATCH : Big Fiddle on Prairie Home Companion )
Oct 19 (wed) – MOLLY’S REVENGE – David Brewer: Highland bagpipes, border pipes, uillean pipes, whistles, bodhran. John Weed: Fiddle. Stuart Mason: Guitar, mandola. Molly’s Revenge is a dynamic, acoustic Celtic band known for its unique and infectious enthusiasm. The classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, and fiddle, with a backdrop of guitar, mandola, and bodhran guarantees an enjoyable experience for all fans of Scottish and Irish music. Molly’s Revenge has performed at many of the top folk festivals and performing arts events in the USA, and prestigious events in Scotland, Australia and China. Their arrangements of traditional Celtic jigs and reels bring these dance tunes up to date with a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more. – Please visit -> (http://www.mollysrevenge.com)
Oct 23 (Sun) – VOX Academy Faculty Concert & Fundraiser — VOX Academy supports all levels of singers to sing and speak with freedom and confidence by giving them access to healthy vocal development in a safe and nurturing environment — where every voice matters, all styles of speech and singing are honored, and where the idea that growing in awareness of one’s voice leads to greater self-awareness. (Visit : http://voxacademy.org/)
Oct 29 (Sat) – DANNY O’KEEFE — Singer / Songwriter – “Look in the dictionary under “singer songwriter” and you’ll see a picture of Danny O’Keefe. His is the complete package: a strong performer with a batch of amazing songs. His guitar and voice lead you beyond ditty world, deep into the land of poetry.” – Tim O’Brien ( Visit : http://www.dannyokeefe.com/ )
Nov 2 (Wed) – CAITLÍN & CIARÁN (IRISH ~ fiddle – concertina – dance) — Caitlín and Ciarán’s spirited music and dance is rooted in the tradition; brimming with soul and life. Through fiddle, concertina and dance, Caitlín and Ciarán breathe fire intomusical pieces, combining their arts with chemistry and energy. This duo has a connection as deep as the Irish folk traditions they come out of. Their music is a joyful unleashing of talents learnt at the hearths of their parents, family and friends. “Caitlín Nic Gabhann and Ciarán Ó Maonaigh are two of the finest instrumentalists on the Irish traditional scene. Individually they are stunning but together they bring a freshness and excitement to the music that is uniquely their own.” Robbie O’Connell (The Clancy Brothers) ~ ( Visit : http://caitlin.ie/)
Nov 3 (Thurs) – JAMIE STILLWAY & BEN BONHAM (Acoustic, slide, lap steel, swing, jazz guitar ~ In support of their new CD) – “Stillway and Bonham cut through the clatter of pop music with a package that’s part Django Reinhardt and part Rev. Gary Davis, tied up with a ragtime bow…. Jamie Stillway not only comps big, fat, swinging and expensive jazz chords but picks with a ferocity that would make Django proud……. her technique is commanding and artful…..Ben Bonham devilishly evokes front-porch picking sessions and Hawaiian luaus with his liquid strokes but can cop a nasty swing on demand…..both guitarists are supremely accomplished” –Don Campbell, The Oregonian ~ ( Visit : https://jamiestillway.bandcamp.com/ | www.benbonham.com)
Nov 5 (Sat) – Courtney Von Drehle & Gideon Freudmann, with special guest Mark Orton – (Cello, Accordion, other instruments) – Gideon Freudmann (cello) and Courtney Von Drehle (accordion) are both performers and composers who draw from a wide range of influences; they tour extensively and create music for theatre, film and dance. Haunting Eastern European melodies are unmistakably present, but southwestern European and Central Eastern plains music creeps in at times (and sits quietly in the corner, listening, nodding, but never nodding off). They have individually performed in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Taiwan. Someday they hope to play in Arkansas.
Their good friend and multi-instrumentalist Mark Orton, a fine composer and co-founder of the internationally acclaimed ensemble Tin Hat, will join them for the occasional number. Mark composes scores for many major pictures, one of our favorites is Nebraska, the 2013 Alexander Payne film starring Bruce Dern.
(Visit : www.cellobop.com | http://www.3legtorso.com/courtney.html | http://markortonmusic.com )
Nov 6 (Sun) – John Reischman & the Pine Siskins – (John Reischman – Mandolin, Eli West – guitar, vocals, Trent Freeman – fiddle, Patrick Metzger – bass –
The Pine Siskins is a new group John Reischman assembled to perform the music from his recent solo CD, “Walk Along John”. The all-instrumental recording includes nine new John Reischman originals, a few hand-picked traditional tunes, and a remake of the very first tune John wrote. “Expect to find Walk Along John on a whack of 2013 top 10 lists, including mine.” — Alex Varty, The Georgia Straight
Nov 11 (Fri) – FRONT COUNTRY – Progressive Bluegrass (Visit :http://www.frontcountryband.com ) – Formed in 2011 as a collective of the Bay Area’s finest young acoustic talent, Adam Roszkiewicz, Jacob Groopman, Jordan Klein, Leif Karlstrom, Melody Walker and Zach Sharpe joined forces to play a monthly gig with friends in San Francisco’s Mission District. They quickly found a musical rapport that was open to challenging arrangements, unique covers and original songwriting. Since then they have continued to expand their repertoire and push the boundaries of bluegrass on the national scene. In 2012 they won the Rockygrass band competition in Colorado and followed up in 2013 with a win at Telluride becoming the third band in history to win both contests. Also in 2013 lead singer Melody Walker won the Chris Austin Songwriting competition at Merlefest and mandolinist Adam Roszkiewicz was nominated for Grammy for his work with the Modern Mandolin Quartet on their album “Americana”.
“They somehow strike that perfect blend of soaring vocals, impressive bluegrass playing and interesting song choices” – Fretboard Journal
“Front Country is the best new bluegrass band out there… period. But to call them just bluegrass misses the mark by a wide margin. They’re progressive yet organic with a sound that’s brand new but familiar at the same time. Their upcoming album ‘Sake Of The Sound’ is a great listen front to back.” – TIM CARBONE, Railroad Earth
Nov 12 (Sat) – SPENCER & RAINS – Old-Time Music – (Tricia Spencer – fiddle, Howard Rains – fiddle) – Visit (www.spencerandrains.com) ~ Spencer & Rains have performed and taught nationally and internationally, playing old time fiddle tunes and singing old songs in the style of their home states while also exploring other American regional styles. Both multi-instrumentalists and known for their twin fiddling, they are steeped in traditional music. Their releases “The Old Texas Fiddle Vols. I & II” reintroduce listeners to the pre-contest styles of Texas fiddling while “The Old Man and the Old Woman” shows off their vocal chops. In their unique and powerful style, Howard and Tricia are dedicated to the preservation, performance, and teaching of old time music.
Tricia Spencer is a Kansas fiddler who grew up learning the tradition of old time music from her Grandparents. At an early age, she was perched up on some stage tapping her foot to the beat of fiddles, banjos, mandolins and guitars. While growing up, her free time was spent traveling to festivals and fiddling contest throughout the Midwest where she learned from the likes of Pete McMahan, Cyril Stinnet, Lymon Enloe, Dwight Lamb, Amos Chase, and Lucy Pierce. Tricia is multi-instrumentalist who has studied with some of the great masters in old time and is highly sought after as a performer, dance fiddler, and instructor.
Howard Rains is a native Texas artist and fiddler from a musical and artistic family whose two obsessions are painting and playing traditional American fiddle music. Howard plays rare, old tunes learned from friends, family, mentors, and old recordings. As much known for his painting as his fiddling, Howard has painted many of great old time musicians, both living and gone.
Nov 16 (Wed) Radim Zenkl ~ (solo mandolin, mandola, ukulele, ethnic flutes, didgeridoo & vocal) RESERVE SEATS ~
A US Mandolin champion, Radim Zenkl redefines the mandolin and its role in music. His style features progressive original and eastern European traditional music flavored with string jazz, new age, bluegrass, flamenco, Celtic, classical and other styles. He has developed a technique where one mandolin sounds like two. He also plays a variety of ethnic flutes from different countries around the world and sings traditional European songs.
“Radim Zenkl has reinvented the mandolin in several different ways!”- David Grisman
“Imaginative and great.” – Jerry Garcia (www.zenkl.com )
Nov 18 (Fri) Gerry O’Beirne – IRISH – (guitar/vocals) RESERVE SEATS – (www.gerryobeirne.com)
Irish singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist blending the passion of traditional music with his own compositions. “The instrumentals are out of this world. A self taught master of the 6 and 12 string guitar, the playing of O’Beirne is superlative and subtle beyond words.” – The Sunday Times
Nov 20 (Sun) – Annalisa Tornfelt & The Tornfelt Sisters – a beautiful evening of solo and harmony singing featuring Annalisa Tornfelt + The Tornfelt Sisters. Best known as singer and fiddle player of Portland’s Black Prairie, Annalisa Tornfelt has released two new solo albums in 2015 and brings her sisters from Alaska to sing harmony vocals.
RESERVE SEATS (www.annalisatornfelt.com)
Nov 21 (Mon) – RESERVE SEATS – Natalie Cressman + Mike Bono ~ Jazz (Suggested donation $10-$20)
CD Release Tour for Etchings in Amber ~ “…an atmospheric suite of impressionistic musings… Cressman (and Bono) continue to surprise and delight.” ~ all about jazz
A collaborative duo since 2014, Natalie Cressman (vocals / trombone) and Mike Bono (guitar) have developed a repertoire of vibrant and intricate originals which incorporate a combination of genres, including indie rock and contemporary jazz. They are touring in support of their duo album “Etchings in Amber” featuring original jazz songs and arrangements. Cressman’s voice has an alluring smoky quality with roots in vocal jazz. Bono is an accomplished arranger and improviser. He cites Julian Lage and Ben Monder, two popular guitarists who play with a contemporary edge, as current influences. (Visit : www.nataliecressman.com | www.mikebonomusic.com | FB: www.facebook.com/cressmanbono — WATCH : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2uU-awZdu0
Nov 29 (Tues) – GOSPEL CHRISTMAS w/ LARHONDA STEELE & special guests – More details soon – RESERVE SEATS – (www.larhondasteele.com) – Originally from Jones, Oklahoma and now residing in Portland, Oregon LaRhonda has enjoyed working with local, national and international artists: Curtis Salgado, Norman Sylvester, Linda Hornbuckle, Janice Scroggins, Paul Delay, Obo Addy and Thara Memory and has had the pleasure of recoding with Obo Addy, Janice Scroggins, Norman Sylvester and Ken DaRouchie.
Dec 8 (Thurs) – Nic Gareiss & Simon Chrisman – RESERVE SEATS — Nic Gareiss (percussive dance, bouzouki, vocals) & Simon Chrisman (hammer dulcimer) met in 2007 at a fiddle festival in the Californian redwoods, and have been exploring sound and movement together ever since. Both innovators on their instruments, Nic and Simon bring their unique approaches together for traditional song, percussive dance, instrumental tunes, improvisation and new composition, engaging interlocking rhythms and dynamic textures. Well-known for his work with the groundbreaking new acoustic string band The Bee Eaters, Simon’s music combines “chamber music’s finely calibrated arrangements with bluegrass’s playful virtuosity and pop music’s melodic resourcefulness.” (The Boston Herald) Described as “the human epitome of the unbearable lightness of being” (The Irish Times) and “the most inventive and expressive step dancer on the scene” (The Boston Herald), Nic has performed with many of the luminaries of contemporary traditional music and dance, including The Chieftains, The Gloaming, Darol Anger, Liz Carroll, Bruce Molsky, Alasdair Fraser, and Martin Hayes. Together, Nic and Simon adventure into the world of time and timbre to create a breathtaking evening of song, instrumental music, and percussive dance. (Visit : www.nicgareiss.com)
Simon Chrisman & Nic Gareiss: The Champaign Jig Goes To Columbia/Pat And Al’s
Dec 9 (Fri) – Richie Stearns & Rosie Newton – RESERVE SEATS — Hailing from Ithaca, NY, banjo player Richie Stearns (The Horse Flies, Donna the Buffalo) and fiddler Rosie Newton (The Duhks) are a mesmirizing duo performing a unique combination of original and traditional music, highlighted by their distinct rhythmic style and warm harmonies. Playing together across the country and beyond since 2012, Richie Stearns and Rosie Newton take the fiddle, banjo combination to new levels as they continue to expand the boundaries of the American roots tradition. (Visit : www.richieandrosie.com )
Dec 15 (Thurs) – PSOY KORELENKO (Russia/US) [avant-bard & wandering scholar] presents “WHAT DOES IT MEAN?” – a multilingual folk-funk-punk cabaret in English, Yiddish, Russian, French – RESERVE SEATS —
The “avant-bard” and ”wandering scholar” Psoy Korolenko presents his unique multilingual one-person folk-funk-punk cabaret. Recent and early, translated and original, old and modern, serious and funny songs in English, Yiddish, Russian, and some French.
Psoy Korolenko’s one-person cabaret-esque show balances folk, chanson and klezmer, free style poetry and intellectual comedy. On stage singce 2000, he has released two books (one more in print) and more than 15 CD’s, solo or in collaboration with other musicians. He is a member of the organizing committee for the music festival JetLAG in NY area, a guest of many klezmer music festivals, an ex-artist in residence at the Trinity College (Hartford), University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA). An author of insightful and sophisticated Russian sung poetry, he is also known for his keen and explorative vision of the art of translation, ”tradaptation”, and what he calls Spell-Art (i.e. playing with foreignness, emphasizing linguistic distances, switching languanges etc).
(Visit : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoy_Korolenko )
Dec 18 (Sun) – Alex Hargreaves & Jacob Jolliff – RESERVE SEATS — Alex Hargeaves newest member of the world renowned, Grammy award-winning, Turtle Island Quartet, is an innovative, cross-genre violinist described as “one of the greatest improvising violinists in America today” by virtuoso mandolinist/composer Mike Marshall, and “the best young jazz violinist in America” by Matt Glaser, artistic director of Berklee College of Music. He will join mandolinist Jacob Jolliff (mandolin) for an evening of extraordinary improvisational acoustic music. Jacob has performed with Ronnie McCoury, Chris Thile, Darol Anger, Sam Bush, Bryan Bowers, Tony Trischka, and the Irish super-group, Solas. He has also played sessions for countless recording projects and been featured on multiple national radio and television programs (Visit : www.alexhargreaves.net | www.jacobjolliff.com )