2015 Concerts : Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
To RSVP for a concert or to ask questions, email 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 2015
Jan 9 (Fri) Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms – duo show RESERVE SEATS
“Caleb & Reeb deliver a pure and classic sound that make you want to cry out in joy and tears both at the same time.”(http://calebklauder.com/)
Jan 24 (Sat) Bill Evans & Alan Munde – (BANJOS) – duo show RESERVE SEATS
Bill Evans is an internationally recognized five-string banjo life force. As a performer, teacher, writer and composer, he brings a deep knowledge, intense virtuosity and contagious passion to all things banjo, with thousands of music fans and banjo students from all over the world in a music career that now spans over thirty-five years. (www.billevansbanjo.com)
Alan Munde needs no introduction to long-time Bluegrass fans. From his early creative work with Sam Bush in Poor Richard’s Almanac to his traditional bluegrass apprenticeship with Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys to his 21-year stint anchoring the landmark Country Gazette, Alan has blazed a trail as one of the most innovative and influential banjo players of all time. Along the way, Alan also recorded and contributed to numerous instrumental recordings, including the 2001 IBMA Instrumental Album of the Year – Knee Deep in Bluegrass. Alan has supplemented his recorded work with several instructional publications for the banjo, and, since 1986, Alan has taught Bluegrass and Country Music at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas, a program which has produced many professional musicians nationwide. In recent years, Alan has performed and recorded as a duo with his South Plains faculty colleague (and former Gazette-mate) Joe Carr. Alan’s extensive body of recorded work, his instructional materials, and his work at South Plains (including the annual Camp Bluegrass) has solidified his status as one of the true ‘gurus’ of the 5-string. Alan currently serves on the Board of Directors of the International Bluegrass Music Association. He was profiled in the June 2005 issue of Bluegrass Now magazine. (www.almundesbanjocollege.com)
Feb 3 (Tues) – Foghorn Stringband (www.foghornstringband.com) – RESERVE SEATS Stephen ‘Sammy’ Lind (fiddle, banjo, accordion, vocals), Caleb Klauder (mandolin, fiddle, vocals), Reeb Willms(guitar, triangle, vocals), and Nadine Landry (bass, vocals) “… the shining gold standard for American stringband music …”
Feb 4 (Wed) – Matt Haimovitz (cello) with Christopher O’Riley (piano/fortepiano) – (Suggested $20 donation.) – Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonatas and Variations, played on a cello of the early 19th century, and as no fortepianos currently exist in Portland, we are tuning our Ebersole upright (ca. 1900) down to A430 tuning. (http://www.matthaimovitz.com | http://christopheroriley.com/) – RESERVE SEATS In support of their new album, “BEETHOVEN, Period,” on the brand new Pentatone/Oxingale series imprint, cellist Matt Haimovitz and pianist Christopher O’Riley bring the Sonatas of Beethoven to Portland. Following their close collaboration on Shuffle.Play.Listen, a celebration of the evolving musical experience post-ipod, Haimovitz and O’Riley go back to the birth of the cello/piano genre with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonatas and Variations. Hand in hand with their wide-ranging musical appetites, Haimovitz and O’Riley have long been immersed in the compositional process and there is no more fascinating, influential, and documented figure than Beethoven. And, long before Haimovitz and O’Riley blurred the lines between Radiohead and Stravinsky, Beethoven’s use of popular themes of the day, by Mozart and Handel, in his Variations, had already embraced vernaculars within his music.
Returning to the cello and piano over three important periods in his career – early, middle, and late – Beethoven not only puts the combination on the map, but reveals his innermost struggles and triumphs as he marries the two disparate instruments. One of the peaks of Enlightenment expression, Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 69, is at the heart of this experience, composed in the midst of completing his monumental and beloved 5th Symphony.
Matt Haimovitz will perform on a Venetian Matteo Gofriller cello of 1710 set up with gut strings and early 19th century tailpiece. In lieu of and an early-19th century fortepiano which is currently not to be found in Portland, O’Riley will play our Ebersole piano (ca 1900) tuned down to A430. Haimovitz and O’Riley explore the imagination and world view of one of the most important minds to shape the modern era. This is a rare opportunity to hear two musicians who have bonded over common musical passions of wide range and scope continue to illuminate a path forward for the classical genre in 21st century culture.
WATCH :: Vertigo Suite | Radio Head – Pyramid song
Feb 7 (Sat) – True North Bluegrass (www.truenorthbluegrass.com) – RESERVE SEATS
(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.
The band’s latest release, “Elsebound” (April 2014) has received very favorable reviews* from music critics here and abroad and has been very successful on the Roots Music Report’s top ten (national folk charts), rubbing elbows with big names like Nickel Creek, Ray Lamontagne and Sarah Jarosz.
Feb 10 (Tues) – The Fretless (www.thefretless.com) – RESERVE SEATS
Karrnnel Sawitsky (Fiddle), Ivonne Hernandez (Fiddle), Eric Wright (Cello) and Trent Freeman (Fiddle) – The Fretless is a string quartet featuring 3 fiddles & a cello that transforms fiddle tunes and folk melodies into intricate, beautiful, high-energy arrangements. WATCH !
Feb 12 (Thurs) – Charmaine Neville, Amasa Miller, Reggie Houston — CAR ! – RESERVE SEATS (Suggested $20)
Spicy mix of the best of New Orleans music, from the nastiest of blues to some V-8-driven R & B, funky rhythm, & jazzy ballads.
Charmaine Neville (vocals), Amasa Miller (piano, accordion), Reggie Houston (Saxophone)
Charmaine Neville As the daughter of one of the highly acclaimed Neville Brothers, Charmaine is heir to a rich New Orleans musical legacy but is busy putting her own stamp on this musical heritage. “Charmaine Neville is beginning to rival her father and uncles in terms of popularity in New Orleans.” She started out backing up The Neville Brothers and went on to perform with The Survivors, a band whose alumni list includes Harry Connick Jr. and Bobby McFerrin. Today, Charmaine and keyboardist Amasa Miller co-lead the now five piece band, The Charmaine Neville Band. Fans flock to catch them at their regular gig, Snug Harbor, as well as to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, where the band has become a well-known attraction. www.charmainenevilleband.com
Amasa Miller has been hailed as “one of the most sought after pianists in the city, and one of the freshest contributors to the New Orleans tradition.” Born in New York City, he grew up in New Jersey and started playing piano at 7 years old and studied classical piano through high school. He also picked up ukulele in second grade and soon graduated to guitar imitating the styles of such folk artists as Pete Seeger, Joseph Spence, and Mississippi John Hurt. All through high school and college he was a veteran of a number of Jug bands on guitar and later banjo and fiddle. Meanwhile on piano he was learning the music of Tin Pan Alley from his Uncle who use play piano for the silent movies. Later piano influences included the blues of Jimmy Yancy, and Otis Spann the jazz of Jelly Roll Morton, Thelonius Monk, and South African pianist Abdulla Ibrahim. After College he spent 3 years in Europe, mostly in Belgium listening heavily to the indigenous gypsy swing, followed by six years in Massachusetts playing country swing. In 1981 he moved to New Orleans after getting hooked on the piano playing of Professor Longhair and James Booker. Since that time he has become a founding member of the Charmaine Neville Band and the Pfister Sisters and has played with a number of other bands and singers including Aaron Neville, Linda Ronstadt, Steven Stills, Maria Muldaur, Lil’ Queenie and Ingrid Lucia spanning styles that include Traditional Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Brazilian, Caribbean, Klezmer, and Tango music.
Reggie Houston — One need only witness a Reggie Houston performance to understand why his talent has been courted by legends like Fats Domino, Dr. John, Charmaine Neville, The Neville Brothers, and Peter Gabriel. Though Reggie’s roots are in New Orleans, his knowledge and appreciation of musical styles spans the globe. Reggie had his first professional gig at age 12 when he joined the Batiste family band, The Gladiators, one of the preeminent and pioneering bands of funk. After traveling the world, as a permanent member of Fats Domino’s band for 22 years, he joined The Charmaine Neville Band as it rose to world prominence. The list of musicians Reggie has played with includes: Irma Thomas, Etta James, Mahalia Jackson, Maria Muldaur, Professor Longhair, Buff Sainte-Marie, The Neville Family, Bo Diddley … and on and on. www.reggiehouston.com
Feb 13 (Fri) – Rio Con Brio (www.rioconbrio.net) – RESERVE SEATS
Tim Connell (Mandolin), Mike Burdette (Guitar)
Rio Con Brio captivates audiences around the country with their intimate performance of the beautiful and esoteric Brazilian repertoire known as choro, the early 20th Century street music of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Influenced by equal parts Afro-Brazilian rhythms and the contemporary cafe music of Italy, France, Spain and Portugal, choro is both exotic and familiar, evoking in turn the carnival of Rio and the cafes of Paris.
Guitarist Mike Burdette and mandolinist Tim Connell exhibit finesse and passion in their playing, while displaying a sincere love of the choro repertoire and connection to their audience. An evening with Rio Con Brio is a delightful tour of European and New World music as experienced by the mandolin and guitar and as told by two soulful, intelligent, modern musicians – a beautiful intersection of Brazilian rhythm, classical technique and jazz improvisation.
(#200) – Feb 15 (Sun) (7PM) – Evie Ladin & Keith Terry DUO –RESERVE SEATS – Energetic and electrifying clawhammer banjo, bass, percussive dance, storytelling songs both old and new, with nuanced, emotive vocals. An intimate yet robust evening of old-time and blues inspired folk music, hilarious anecdotes, and virtuosic dance performances anchored by Keith’s Body Music and Evie’s step dancing. “(An) arrestingly fun show…clearly bursting with talent…The crowd clearly loved the energy from the performance, as every song, dance solo, and mid-number banjo breakdown was following by vigorous clapping and hollers.” – Smile Politely
Visit –> www.evieladin.com , www.keithterry.com
Feb 18 (Wed) – Frank Fairfield & Meredith Axelrod Duo Show (frankfairfield.bandcamp.com | www.meredithaxelrod.com) – RESERVE SEATS
Frank Fairfield (banjo, guitar, fiddle, vocals) Frank Fairfield is a young man and old time folk musician who plays fiddle, guitar and banjo while singing and hollering. An unbelievable word of mouth sensation who channels the spirit of another era in his spellbinding live shows.
Meredith Axelrod (vocals, guitar, uke) is a singer and multi instrumentalist who specializes in American roots music. As a solo artist, she has headlined her own shows at the Steve Allen Theater in Hollywood, CA, opened for the Cheap Suit Serenaders at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, and toured as far as Australia and New Zealand. Because of her distinctive voice and style of singing, Meredith was featured on the weekly public radio series Voice Box with Chloe Veltman. Last year, Meredith was on staff and performed at Centrum Voice Works in Port Townsend. Also, she was on staff at California Coast Music Camp.
Feb 21 (Sat) – The Bee Eaters (www.beeeaters.com) – RESERVE SEATS
– Tashina Clarridge (fiddle), Tristan Clarridge (cello), Simon Chrisman (hammer dulcimer)
Feb 25 (Wed) – Kai Welch (Vocals/guitar/piano) (www.kaiwelch.com) – RESERVE SEATS
Conceived in a tipi in Oregon and raised by parents he describes as “semi-nomadic, back to the land hippy homesteaders,” Kai Welch is a Nashville-based songwriter and musician best known for his work with Abigail Washburn, Bobby Bare, Jr., and on the Grammy-nominated Greencards album Sweetheart of the Sun. Setting out on his own, Kai plans to release the Perpetually Out Of Fashion EP, which he wrote, recorded and arranged himself, later this year. EP stand-outs like the slow burning title track, and haunting “Sweet Abandon” will no doubt reinforce friend and collaborator Bela Fleck’s assertion that Kai is “a powerful musical force.” His love for music and nature also led him to start Music for Wild Places, a non-profit concert series that takes participants on multi-day, musical adventures through some of America’s most beautiful scenery.
Mar 1 (Sun) – Mollie O’Brien & Rich Moore –RESERVE SEATS – Grammy winner Mollie O’Brien, is a singer at the very top of her game who is not afraid to take risks both vocally and in the material she chooses. Her husband and music partner, Rich Moore, delivers the funniest onstage running commentary and is also a powerhouse guitar player who can keep up with O’Brien’s twists and turns from blues to traditional folk to jazz to rock and roll. Mollie O’Brien and Rich Moore are proof that age is no obstacle to making timeless, original and inventive music. (http://www.mollieobrien.com)
Mar 4 (Wed) – DEAN + Margaret Glaspy – (Suggested $10) RESERVE SEATS – “DEAN!” is a husband and wife duo of all-original Old Soul Pop. Rachael Price’s stunning vocals and pointed lyrics, along with Luke Price’s raw harmonies and soul-influenced guitar, culminate in undeniable chemistry. With just two voices and an old electric hollow-body, they create music that is honest, timeless, yet uniquely new. (http://www.wearedean.com)
Raised in Northern California, Margaret Glaspy has brought her indescribable voice to the east coast and New York City couldn’t be happier. She is a committed student to the music around her and has been writing some of the most innovative and heartfelt material of her generation. With a list of influences including Oumou Sangare, Feist, Jeff Buckley, and Nina Simone, she has created a sound and writing style that is undeniable, honest, and a tribute to the beautiful music that she has discovered throughout her 25 years. (http://www.mglaspy.com)
Mar 7 (Sat) – Billy Strings & Don Julin now with Kevin Gills on upright Bass! – RESERVE SEATS Billy Strings & Don Julin play traditional American string band music with energy levels usually associated with extreme sports. A typical set includes haunting Appalachian songs, righteous gospel standards, and blazing bluegrass instrumentals. Honoring the musical traditions of Doc Watson, Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, and Jimmy Martin, these boys will take you back to that high lonesome sound of yesterday’s bluegrass. No super-slick Nash-pop here. This is your grandaddy’s bluegrass delivered with a pedal to the metal intensity of a moonshine runner.http://www.billystrings.com
Mar 13 (Fri) – Blackberry Bushes Stringband (Jes Raymond – guitar/vocals, Jakob Breitbach – fiddle, Daniel Ullom – mandolin, Forrest Marowitz – upright bass) –RESERVE SEATS – The Appalachian Mountains are the oldest mountains in the world, and the Mississippi River is the most musical river ever known. Jes Raymond and Jakob Breitbach may have met in the rainy bottom of the Puget Sound, but their music is vibrantly infused with the essence of the homes they wandered west from. The Blackberry Bushes draw from these deep roots of American traditional music to create a playful and resonant sound with both twang and sophistication. Joyful singing and enchanting songwriting are supported by carefully constructed soundscapes that feature virtuosic fiddle. Joined by Daniel Ullom on mandolin and Forrest Marowitz on the upright bass, they are a fresh exclamation of new Bluegrass and Americana.
The Blackberry Bushes Stringband has that rare magic that allows them to artfully fuse sounds from many genres into a string instrumentation that retains distinct threads of sonic color. This is a daredevil sound that is delicate, bold, and like their thorny namesake, rooted and growing, growing, growing. (www.theblackberrybushes.com)
Mar 14 (Sat) – Kyle Vincent – “Detour Tour 2015” – Chill Pop – RESERVE SEATS – Kyle Vincent, contemporary singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist who Goldmine calls “The Crown Prince of soft pop.” He is particularly known for his engaging performances & beautiful voice and will be performing with amplified vocals, guitar, & keys. “One of the best singer-songwriters to come along since the heyday of Tin Pan Alley” – Barry Manilow
“A voice as clear and beautiful an instrument as you’ll hear in today’s pop music” – Amplifier Magazine
Kyle’s influences are rooted in 60’s & 70’s pop, rock & soul. Born and raised in Berkeley, California and growing up on a steady diet of ’70s-era radio faves like Elton John, the Bee Gees, the Raspberries and Seals & Crofts, Kyle picked up the saxophone at age eight, and as a teen played bass in a local punk band. During the mid-1980s, Vincent relocated to LA and formed the pop group Candy, debuting in 1985 with the album Whatever Happened to Fun. He then launched a solo career that has seen the release of 10 solo albums. Kyle is especially noted for his exquisite voice, charming stage presence, and lush arrangements. He opened Barry Manilow’s entire “Greatest Hits” tour. Kyle’s debut single “Wake Me Up (When the World’s Worth Waking Up For)” was a Billboard Top 20 Hot AC hit. He is recently based in Amherst, MA. (www.kylevincent.com)
Mar 16 (Mon) – Pre-St. Patrick’s Fiddle Extravaganza featuring Aarun Carter & Karrnel Sawitsky presented in collaboration with 67Music. RESERVE SEATS – “Pre-St. Patrick Fiddle Extravaganza!” featuring two world-class and award winning fiddlers Aarun Carter and Karrnnel Sawitsky ~ each embodied with the richness of music bound in tradition.
Karrnnel and Aarun come together with an extraordinary evening of world fiddle culture to our very own back porch. Backed on banjo by Daniel Koulak and guitarist Jonathan Trawick,
You are in for a treat with a show for fiddle enthusiasts; kids, adults of all ages. It is not everyday that such a wealth of music and culture can be found in the same room. Join us for this truly terrific multi-cultural fiddle extravaganza! (www.aaruncarter.com | www.karrnel.com)
Mar 19 (Thurs) –McKenzie, Mason, & Kelso – A night of Western swing, hot jazz, and vintage country (CANCELLED) – Contact me (abbiew@froggie.com) if you want to be on the list for when they reschedule. –
(www.twinfiddleproductions.com)
Mar 31 (Tues) – Casey Neill – (Solo acoustic guitar / vocals) – RESERVE SEATS – Singer Casey Neill’s bona fides range from indie-rock to Celtic music: He’s collaborated in various ways with Solas, The Minus 5, Black Prairie and The Decemberists, among others. In the late ’90s, Neill was featured on a Pete Seeger tribute album alongside Bruce Springsteen, Billy Bragg and Bonnie Raitt. Neill’s full-time band, the Portland, Oregon-based Norway Rats, features some of the city’s most sought-after and respected musicians. His latest album is titled All You Pretty Vandals. (www.caseyneill.org)
April 3 (Fri) – Mary Flower & Arthur Migliazza – Blues & Boogie Woogie RESERVE SEATS
Award-winning artists Mary Flower & Arthur Migliazza present an evening of Mary’s fingerstyle blues & slide guitar w/vocals and Arthur’s Blues and Boogie Woogie piano w/ vocals. They plan on splitting the first half of the show with two solo sets. The second half they will be performing together.(www.maryflower.com)
| (www.arthurmigliazza.com)
April 4 (Sat) – Kate Power & Steve Einhorn + The Quiet American (SOLD OUT) RESERVE SEATS
Kate Power & Steve Einhorn — Quality Folk – Double guitars, man & wife, banjo and ukuleles; two sublime voices and hot strings. (www.qualityfolk.com)
The Quiet American — Old time folk music for modern times (www.quietamericanmusic.com)
April 8 (Wed) – Leonard Barry (Uilleann pipes) + Johnny Connolly (Irish button accordion) RESERVE SEATS (www.leonardbarry.ie)
Leonard Barry, from North Kerry, one of Ireland’s finest uilleann pipers joins Irish button accordion player, Johnny Connolly, for a duo set steeped in the Irish tradition.
April 10 (Fri) – Little Black Train – A fun, refreshing fusion of vintage fiddle tunes, blazing mandolin, and songs of old-time Americana.RESERVE SEATS
(Kenny Blackwell-mandolin and guitar, John Weed -fiddle, and Stuart Mason – guitar, banjo, and mandola )
What do you get when you mash up a virtuosic bluegrass mandolinist, a traditional Irish fiddler, and an old-timey songster? Kenny Blackwell (mandolin and guitar), John Weed (fiddle), and Stuart Mason (guitar, banjo, and mandola) are the bluegrass-roots trio Little Black Train. From Depression-era gospel and blues to Appalachian and Celtic dance tunes, they dig up the roots of bluegrass that traveled to America from Ireland and Scotland in the 19th century. Avid practitioners of the time-honored folk process, they combine new words and melodies with traditional songs from sources such as the Carter Family, Dock Boggs, and Charlie Poole. On the instrumental side, they mine fiddle tunes from archival sources in West Virginia, Ireland, and Scotland. Please visit -> (www.littleblacktrain.com)
April 14 (Tues) 8PM – Tony Furtado + Sam Howard + Eli West – (More details soon …) (SOLD OUT WAITLIST / STANDING – We do get cancellations!) RESERVE SEATS ~ A pre-tour Kick off for Tony Furtado’s CD Release of his new full-length album THE BELL ~ Featuring Tony Furtado (vocals/banjo/guitar), master acoustic bassman, Sam Howard (Ruth Moody Band, ScottPemberton Trio) rootsy multi-instrumentalist Eli West, of the “new old-time” duo “Cahalen Morrison andEli West” – more details coming soon.
April 16 (Thurs) – The Crow Quill Night Owls ( WATCH ) (More details soon …) RESERVE SEATS Early blues, jazz, pop songs, ragtime, jug band, and hillbilly music from the 1920’s and 30’s.
April 24 (Fri) – Québécois Band – (SOLD OUT WAITLIST / STANDING – We do get cancellations!) RESERVE SEATS One of my favorite bands from Québéc. Please email me abbiew@froggie.com for exact details.
April 29 (Wed) – Trio Brasileiro – (SOLD OUT WAITLIST / STANDING – We do get cancellations!) Brazilian Choro RESERVE SEATS (Suggested $20-25 / $15 students) – close to sold out
Brazilian Choro – Dudu Maia (mandolin), Douglas Lora (guitar), Alexandre Lora (pandeiro) – Formed in 2011, Trio Brasileiro has already made a name for itself as an ensemble worthy of international attention. Their stunning virtuosity is matched with remarkable musicianship and a deep devotion to the language of music, allowing them to achieve a one-of-a-kind sound that shares equal parts understated subtlety and irresistible groove. But it is their love of the traditional music of Brazil and the connection between brothers – by birth and by bonds of friendship – that create a very rare and profound beauty. Half of the highly regarded Brazilian Choro ensemble, Caraivana, 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 Alexandre Lora. Please visit -> (www.triobrasileiro.com)
May 3 (Sun) – Del Rey & Suzy Thompson
Del Rey (resonator guitar, uke & vocals), Suzy Thompson (blues fiddle, vocals) (Suggested $15-$20) RESERVE SEATS Resonator guitar and ukulele goddess Del Rey and blues fiddler Suzy Thompson explore the upbeat, positive side of the blues in a show that is wise, womanly, witty and well-played!
Suzy and Del have been playing together as a duet since the mid-1980s, always stirring things up with their masterful playing, show-stopping vocals, and humorous repartee. A vital member of the Bay Area acoustic music landscape for 30 years, Suzy’s exuberant bluesy fiddling and vocals have made her the accompanist of choice for acclaimed roots musicians like Jim Kweskin, Geoff Muldaur and Mary Flower. Del’s virtuosic resonator parlor guitar and ukulele playing embraces a host of old-time genres, including country blues, stride piano, classic jazz, and hillbilly boogie. Their repertoire includes vintage and original numbers from blues icons like Memphis Minnie and the Mississippi Sheiks mixed in with flapper-era instrumentals from Kentucky to Trinidad.
Visit :: delreyplays.com | ericandsuzy.com
May 7 (Thurs) – Hanneke Cassel (fiddle) with Mike Block (cello) and Christopher Lewis (guitar) (Suggested $20) RESERVE SEATS – Hanneke Cassel’s fiddle playing is …”exuberant and rhythmic, somehow both wild and innocent, delivered with captivating melodic clarity and an irresistible playfulness” — The Boston Globe
Such charismatic fiddling has brought the native Oregonian many honors and awards. She is the 1997 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion, she holds a Bachelors of Music in Violin Performance from Berklee College of Music, and she has performed and taught across North America, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, China, and Africa.
Hanneke’s latest release, Dot the Dragon’s Eyes (December 2013) features an all-star cast of musicians, including Mike Block, Rushad Eggleston, Jeremy Kittel, Keith Murphy, and Christopher Lewis. Influences from Scotland to China, along with grooves and musical innovations from the hip Boston bluegrass/Americana scene, fuse together to create a uniquely American approach to Scottish music.
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. A graduate of the Juilliard School, Mike is an Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music and performs with many groups, including Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble.
Canadian-native Christopher Lewis provides the driving guitar sound in the group. In addition to his work with Hanneke, he has been involved with album production and performance in the Boston indie rock scene. These three musicians create a sound on the cutting edge of the acoustic tradition, while retaining the integrity and soul of traditional Scottish music.
WATCH :: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6dyKFi6r_g
May 9 (Sat) – Lisa Ornstein (fiddle), Dan Compton (guitar), Johnny B. Connolly (button accordion) RESERVE SEATS – Music of Ireland, Quebec, Appalachia, and beyond – (www.ornsteincompton.com) (www.myspace.com/thejohnnyconnollyband/)
May 14 (Thurs) – The Lowest Pair – Kendl Winter (banjo / vocals) Palmer T. Lee (banjo / vocals) RESERVE SEATS – The Lowest Pair is a quirky, old-time roots influenced duet, featuring the high lonesome harmonies of banjo pickin’ songsters Kendl Winter and Palmer T. Lee. They perform both traditional and original music, often nestling-in somewhere between. With their city folk front and back porch sentiment, this new, sweet, and powerful duo are turning heads across the country.
(www.lowestpair.com)
May 22 (Fri) – Rio Con Brio Presents: Stumptown Swing – RESERVE SEATS – 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)
May 28 (Thurs) – Jamie Laval (Fiddle) + Dan Compton (Guitar) – $20 general / $12 students & low income – RESERVE SEATS http://www.jamielaval.com
May 30 (SAT) – LILY HENLEY & DUNCAN WICKEL – RESERVE SEATS World Roots & Americana ~ Drawing on multiple influences mastered organically during a childhood spent traveling across the US and abroad, Lily Henley is a soulful singer, driving fiddler, and innovative songwriter breaking out of the box with influences ranging from homegrown Americana to the haunting melodies of the Mediterranean and the Middle-East. Performing as a duo with multi-instrumental phenom Duncan Wickel, who has captivated critics and fellow musicians alike with his creativity, authenticity and the chameleon-like ease with which he blends and changes styles on fiddle, cello, and bozouki. With a repertoire combining ear-catching vocal melodies, grooving fiddle tunes, and raw lyrics drawn from Ladino, Hebrew, Celtic and American folk songs, Lily & Duncan have delighted audiences across the US, and have performed alongside many great musicians including John Doyle, Tim O’Brien, Rushad Eggleston and the Foghorn Stringband. Together they offer music lovers a tantalizing palate of familiar and refreshingly new sounds. http://www.lilyhenley.com Watch : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_bXzLpFss4
June 3 (Wed) – Double Bill : Tattletale Saints & Caroline Spence RESERVE SEATS –
Summer 2015 sees the coming together of Nashville based singer/songwriter Caroline Spence, and songwriter/instrumentalists Cy Winstanley and Vanessa McGowan of New Zealand born band Tattletale Saints.
The summer tour will be a showcase of world class songwriting, with concerts on the tour beginning with a set by duo Tattletale Saints, described as “sensitively understated folk… songs as memorable, lyrically considered and melodically engaging as many of Paul Simon’s“ (elsewhere.co.nz)
The second half will feature acclaimed songwriter Caroline Spence, with Cy and Vanessa of Tattletale Saints taking a support role on guitar, upright bass and harmony vocals alongside Caroline, winner of multiple national songwriter awards and honors.
This co-bill concert series is a chance to enjoy captivating vocals, accomplished instrumentalists and experience the talent’s of up and coming young Nashville based songwriters.
Caroline Spence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_UVB1vVJh8
Tattletale Saints http://youtu.be/G5lYpeoiJzQ?t=1m15s http://youtu.be/erUhDoddIAM
June 6 (Sat) – David Brewer & Rebecca Lomnicky RESERVE SEATS – David Brewer (bag pipes) + Rebecca Lomnicky (fiddle) Duo performers David Brewer of Molly’s Revenge, & Glenfiddich Fiddle Champion, Rebecca Lomnicky will be performing an evening of captivating Scottish music which bridges the gap between the fiddle & bagpipe music of Scotland, two worlds united.
Please visit -> ( www.davidbrewermusic.com ) | ( www.rebeccalomnicky.com)|
June 8 (Mon) – Choro das 3 – Brazilian Instrumental Music – RESERVE SEATS 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 19 (Fri) – Steph Geremia (flute) + ? – RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> (stephgeremia.com)
June 22 (Mon) – Emma Beaton/Blair McMillan/David Moss – More details soon – RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> (www.emmabeaton.com)
June 24 (Wed) – Colleen Raney Band featuring Hanz Araki (flutes/whistles) & Ryan Davidson-bouzouki – RESERVE SEATS
As a member of the thriving Irish music community in the Pacific Northwest, Colleen has been fortunate to appear alongside Johnny B. Connolly, Hanz Araki, Cary Novotny, Magical Strings, Tom Creegan, Dale Russ, and Colm MacCárthaigh in addition to her touring work with the West Coast Celtic band Story Road with John Weed and Stuart Mason. (Visit : http://www.colleenraney.com)
June 29 (Mon) – The Westerlies – NEW YORK BASED BRASS QUARTET – RESERVE SEATS The Westerlies are a New York based brass quartet comprised of four friends from Seattle, WA. 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.
“One of the more remarkable albums to cross my path this spring… an impressive feat from almost any angle… Take note of these players. You’ll be hearing more from them soon.” —Nate Chinen, Jazz Times
(http://www.westerliesmusic.com/ WATCH : Edomala (Composed by Andy Clausen) | Home (Composed by Wayne Horvitz)
July 1 (Wed) – (SOLD OUT / WAITLIST!) Charmaine Neville, Amasa Miller, Reggie Houston — CAR ! – RESERVE SEATS (Suggested $20)
Spicy mix of the best of New Orleans music, from the nastiest of blues to some V-8-driven R & B, funky rhythm, & jazzy ballads.
Charmaine Neville (vocals), Amasa Miller (piano, accordion), Reggie Houston (Saxophone)
July 6 (Mon) – Rio Con Brio present Michiel (guitar) & Marjike (mandolin) + Special guest – RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> (http://www.wiesenekker.com/)
July 9 (Thurs) – The Tuttles w/ John Mailander – More details soon – RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> (http://www.thetuttleswithajlee.com | http://www.johnmailander.com)
July 14 (Tues) – Kai Welch (multi instruments vocals), Heather Robb (vocals guitar, and other instruments), Phoebe Hunt (fiddle/vocals), Dominick Leslie (mandolin) – More details soon – RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> (www.kaiwelch.com | www.phoebehuntmusic.com )
Aug 16 (Sun) – Crary, Evans, & Spurgin w/ Martin Stevens –*SOLD OUT!* (Get on waitlist –>) RESERVE SEATS New songs and old stories, blazing instrumental virtuosity, and deep-down, powerfully felt musical moments. Please visit -> (http://dancrary.com/crary-evans-spurgin/ )
SEPT 2015 –
Sept 18 (Fri) – FRONT COUNTRY – SOLD OUT (WAITLIST/STANDING ROOM ONLY) RESERVE SEATS 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
Sept 28 (Mon) – JOHNNY GANDELSMAN – The Complete Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin by JS Bach. RESERVE SEATS Violinist Johnny Gandelsman – core member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble will perform the complete Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin by JS Bach. Gandelsman – known to audiences worldwide through his work with Brooklyn Rider, Bela Fleck, Kayhan Kalhor, and Mark Morris – brings his stunning virtuosity and musical intelligence to this pinnacle of solo repertoire. “Johnny Gandelsman plays with a balletic lightness of touch and a sense of whimsy and imagination” -Boston Globe Visit :http://johnnygandelsman.com/
Sept 29 (Tues) – Marc Atkinson Trio – Gypsy Jazz – (Marc Atkinson – acoustic lead guitar, Brett Martens – acoustic rhythm guitar, Joey Smith – stand up bass). RESERVE SEATS Marc Atkinson is one of Canada’s finest JUNO-nominated, Western Canadian award-winning musicians. He is the leader and composer of the internationally renowned Marc Atkinson Trio (and co-founder, composer and performer in the acclaimed, The Bills). The music of this virtuosic group is melodically captivating, sensually charged and ferociously, technically awe-inspiring. Embracing a lifetime of musical influences, Marc and the Trio have just released their fourth CD, The Marc Atkinson Trio IV, praised as the finest yet. The compositions on this CD are punchy, driving and rhythmically inventive. The Trio, formed in 2000, has toured North America, England and Europe and has received standing ovations everywhere they perform from the Montreal Jazz Festival to the Vancouver International Folk Festival to DjangoFest Northwest . (Please visit -> www.marcatkinson.com) Watch
Oct 3 (Sat) – Marie Schumacher Band – Marie Schumacher is a songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, pianist and vocal arranger based in Portland, Oregon, who has released four CDs of original acoustic rock music. In addition she is also founder & artistic director of PDX VOX. Her influences include Everything but the Girl, the Pretenders, Aimee Mann and the Cowboy Junkies. – RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> http://www.marieschumacher.com
Oct 8 (Thurs) JENSEN & BUGGE – traditional music from Denmark RESERVE SEATS –
Mette Kathrine Jensen & Kristian Bugge play beautiful traditional music from Denmark on fiddle and accordion. They learned their craft from the old masters, and their tightly intertwined and dynamic harmonies energize both dances and concerts. Please visit -> (http://www.jensen-bugge.dk)
Oct 9 (Fri) – MR. SUN – (Darol Anger – fiddle, Joe Walsh – mandolin (Gibson Brothers, himself), Grant Gordy – guitar (David Grisman, Jake Schepps) & Ethan Jodziewicz – (acoustic bass) – Spearheaded by legendary fiddler Darol Anger, Mr Sun is a revolutionary collaboration of 4 American string-band virtuosos from 3 different generations & diverse musical backgrounds. Moving through soaring melodies, titillating solos, groovy rhythms, & fluid time changes with both personality and unimaginable finesse, Mr. Sun offers a kaleidoscopic fusion of Jazz, Bluegrass & Classical themes. – RESERVE SEATS Please – Visit : Website
Oct 11 (SUN) – JEFF SCROGGINS & COLORADO – Jeff Scroggins – Banjo, Greg Blake – Guitar/lead vocals, Tristan Scroggins – Mandolin – Jeff Scroggins and Colorado is a high energy, high mountain “bluegrass explosion,” that features the amazing banjo playing of Jeff Scroggins. Jeff’s fiery style and lightning fast licks have earned him many fans worldwide, and have left many a first time listener in stunned disbelief! It also features the award winning mandolin playing of Jeff’s son Tristan Scroggins. Tristan is also an accomplished songwriter, and his and Jeff’s original instrumentals play a large role in the band’s unique and energetic sound. The band also features incredible bluegrass vocals, led by the powerful voice of front man Greg Blake. Greg has twice been nominated for SPBGMA’s “Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year” award and his phenomenal bluegrass guitar playing has earned him 9 nominations and an amazing 5 consecutive wins as SPBGMA’s Guitarist of the Year! – RESERVE SEATS Please – Visit : www.jeffscrogginsandcolorado.com
Oct 14 (Wed) – Yann Falquet & Pascal Gemme (Quebecois) –Yann and Pascal, respectively on guitar and violin, are two masters of Quebec’s traditional songs and music. Over the last 15 years they have entertained thousands of people all over the world and their music has been saluted by critics many times in North America and Europe. After 14 years as a trio, they return to the duo format which gives them even more space to express themselves while putting an emphasis on Pascal’s tune interpretations and Yann’s folk song repertoire. – RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> (http://pascalgemme.com/english-1/toolkits/yann-falquet-pascal-gemme/)
Oct 20 (Tues) – 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. – RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> (http://www.mollysrevenge.com)
OCT 24 (SAT) – BAREFOOT MOVEMENT – (Noah Wall – vocals/fiddle, Tommy Norris – Mandolin, Hasee Ciaccio – Upright Bass, Alex Conerly – guitar/vocals) – Heartfelt, energetic, and down home. Heralded by CMT Edge as “one of the most promising bands on the bluegrass scene,” the music of the Nashville based group The Barefoot Movement is as down to earth as their intention for members of their audience: sit back, relax, take your shoes off, and stay a while. All the worries and frustrations of the world melt away as the charming four-piece acoustic band takes listeners back to a simpler place and time. Whether you’re seeking emotional ballads or rip-roaring barn-burners, you can expect a collection of music that offers something for everyone. With two full length albums, several cross-country tours, and appearances at some of the top bluegrass festivals in the United States already under their belt, the possibilities are endless. The group has enjoyed almost non-stop touring including a trip to Burkina Faso, Africa where they were guests of the American Embassy. Debuting in September, 2014, their third release, “The High Road EP” showcases traditional material that has consistently been among the crowd favorites at their live performances – RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> (http://barefoot-movement.com)
Oct 26 (Mon) – Jerron Blind Boy Paxton – Acoustic blues, appalachian folk, + music of the 20’s and 30’s – (SOLD OUT / Waitlist – You can also watch this show streamed live on my Concert Window Channel! — http://blindboypaxton.com/ ,
“He is the whole package. He’s witty, fast rhyming, poetic, fun, exciting, wonderfully skilled as a musician and a fine singer, he is the continuation of a proud tradition, literally and figuratively.” – Oregon Food Bank’s Waterfront Blues Festival.
Although only in his 20s, Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton has earned a reputation for transporting audiences back to the 1920’s and making them wish they could stay there for good. This young musician sings and plays banjo, guitar, piano, fiddle, harmonica, Cajun accordion, and the bones (percussion) and has an eerie ability to transform traditional jazz, blues, folk, and country into the here and now, and make it real.
He’s a world class talent and a uniquely colorful character who has been on the cover of Living Blues Magazine and the Village Voice, and has been interviewed on FOX News. Paxton’s sound is influenced by the likes of Fats Waller and “Blind” Lemon Jefferson. According to Will Friedwald in the Wall Street Journal, Paxton is “virtually the only music-maker of his generation—playing guitar, banjo, piano and violin, among other implements—to fully assimilate the blues idiom of the 1920s and ‘30s. – RESERVE SEATS
OCT 30 (Fri) – John Reischman, Scott Nygaard, and Sharon Gilchrist Trio -(SOLD OUT / Waitlist – You can also watch this show streamed live on my Concert Window Channel! The acoustic power trio of mandolinist John Reischman, guitarist Scott Nygaard, and bassist/mandolinist Sharon Gilchrist blends traditional bluegrass and folk styles with their own personalized visions of contemporary acoustic music, reshaping old melodies and composing new music based on traditional forms with an improvisatory flair and melodic richness. Reischman and Nygaard, both Grammy winners revered in the acoustic world for their melodic virtuosity and impeccable tone, have been performing together off and on since the early ‘90s, when they played on each others’ solo recording debuts for Rounder Records. They are joined by Gilchrist, whose mandolin and bass playing have been in high demand for years, gracing the bands of acoustic and bluegrass icons Darol Anger, Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, Laurie Lewis, and others. Reischman’s most recent album, Walk Along John, was described by Bluegrass Today as combining “blazing bluegrass, stately old time melodies, and even reckless, seat-of-the-pants improvgrass,” a fitting description of what you can expect to hear from these three empathetic musicians.”
– RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> (www.johnreischman.com | www.scottnygaard.com | www.sharongilchristmusic.com)
NOV 2015[Past Shows in 2015]
Nov 2 (Mon) – WILHELMINA CD Release – featuring Wilhelmina (violin/vocals /guitar), Tristan Clarridge (cello), Simon Chrisman (upright bass) – New acoustic artist, accomplished violinist/fiddler, mesmerizing vocalist, and composer Wilhelmina FrankZerda’s work reflects Irish, Scottish, Old-Time, Bluegrass, Country, and Pop music as well as music from India, Turkey, Sweden, and Bulgaria.
A native Oregonian from Summit Oregon who has played classical violin since she was 4 years old ~ Wilhelmina’s musical journey led her to be the Oregon State Fiddle Contest Junior Champion, and the National Twin Fiddle Champion at age 15. She’s had the pleasure of performing with a number of musicians she admires such as Aoife O’donovan, Laurie Lewis, Tim O’Brien, Darol Anger, Pink Martini, Mike Marshall, Kai Welch, John Reishman, Rushad Eggleston, and many more. She has also been selected twice to be a participant in the Acoustic Music Seminar in Savanna, Georgia.
She recently released her first album of all original music titled FLIGHT featuring The Bee Eaters and a collection of other musicians. Two of the Bee Eaters Tristan & Simon will be performing with her at this show!
– RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> http://www.wilhelminamusic.com
Nov 5 (Thurs) – TODALO SHAKERS – Eric & Suzy Thompson (fiddle/guitar/vocals), Frannie Leopold (guitar), Bruce “W.B.” Reid (guitar, fiddle, banjo, banjo-guitar, mandolin), Matt Weiner (bass) – The Todalo Shakers play vintage jug band party blues and old time rags & stomps which sound like they are lifted right out of 1928 in Memphis, Tennessee or Dallas, Texas. The band features lots of harmony singing, making for a rich palette of vocal blends and a great feeling of camaraderie; the exuberance and fondness that the musicians feel for their material and for each other is unmistakable.
– RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> (http://www.ericandsuzy.com/todalo-shakers.html)
Nov 7 (Sat) – Anna Tivel & David Berkeley DUO – RESERVE SEATS
Anna Tivel – Raised among the ferns and the farmland of Northern Washington, lyric-driven songwriter Anna Tivel loved words long before they became the backbone of her music. After moving to Oregon in 2007, she slowly discovered the friendly music scene as a fiddle player, and soon after picked up the guitar and began to write. Her latest album was released in June 2014 on Portland’s well-loved Fluff and Gravy Records. Anna is based in Portland, OR and spends her time reading and writing and touring and fiddling and watching her dog try to catch flies by the window. “These are organic songs that freely reveal the poetry of the mind, heart, and soul, the sharp imagery of the world translated into sound.” – No Depression
David Berkeley – Itinerant songsmith and author David Berkeley went out into the sagebrush and cactus of New Mexico and found his head was similarly ablaze. Indeed Berkeley’s head has been ablaze for some time now, writing songs capable of both breaking and mending the heart. Berkeley is a New Jersey native, but in the past decade, he’s lived in Brooklyn, Atlanta, Berkeley and Corsica. Berkeley’s doleful baritone and vulnerable falsetto, called “lustrous and melancholy” by the New York Times, is up front in the mix, showcasing his profoundly elegiac lyrics. Indeed, Berkeley cites Yeats and Melville among his greatest influences. For his unique way with words, the San Francisco Chronicle dubbed Berkeley “a musical poet.” He seems even more reflective and more mature than usual in this collection, though, confronting themes of aging, mortality, and the enduring and redemptive power of love.“The best of the young American songwriters, a voice full of feeling and a big, big heart. And the balls to say what he thinks.” – Boston Phoenix
– RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> (www.annativel.com | www.davidberkeley.com )
Nov 8 (Sun) – Gary Innes & Ewen Henderson – (Scottish) – RESERVE SEATS – Ewen Henderson (fiddle / highland pipes), Gary Innes (accordion) – Both sing in english and gaelic & regularly tour with the Scottish rock band Manran –
Gary Innes and Ewen Henderson have been performing together for over ten years and in that time have developed the kind of intimate musical understanding and telepathy that only comes with many years spent sharing tunes and ideas. Growing up in Lochaber, one of the most musically rich areas of the Scottish Highlands, both Gary and Ewen were immersed in traditional culture from an early age and have long been recognised as leading exponents of Highland music. More recently, the pair have toured extensively as founding-members of Scots supergroup ‘Mànran’, becoming well-known to festival audiences throughout Europe and North America for their exhilarating live performances and powerhouse trad-rock sound. As a duo, Innes and Henderson’s performances are characterized not only by their obvious fire, dexterity and flair for the lively, upbeat side of Scottish music but also by some of the most tender, heartfelt treatment of slow-airs to be heard anywhere today. Audiences can expect a show packed with accordion, fiddle and bagpipe music as well as Scottish songs in both English and Gaelic, tied together with stories, tall-tales and a healthy dose of true Highland “craic”. Please visit -> (http://manran.co.uk/ | www.garyinnes.com)
Nov 12 (Thurs) – Winifred Horan (fiddle – Original member Cherish the Ladies, Currently – SOLAS ), Johnny Connolly (Irish Button Accordion), Cary Novotny (Guitar) – Irish Music – RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> (http://www.winifredhoran.com/ )
Nov 14 (Sat) – The Small Glories – Cara Luft & JD Edwards –RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> (http://www.thesmallglories.com) | WATCH – Folk powerhouse pair The Small Glories are Cara Luft & JD Edwards, a dynamic new duo planted on the Canadian Prairies. They are a study in contrasts. Cara, all earth mother on her 21-speed bike, helmet and backpack, environmentally friendly and wholesome, ebullient and engaging; and burly JD, looking like a cross between a biker and long-haul trucker in scruffy beard, ball cap, t-shirt and jean jacket, slightly intimidating (until you meet him). At first glance few would peg them for a highly creative musical partnership. Yet these two veteran singer/songwriters have teamed up and are already building a buzz around their tight harmonies, authenticity and visceral performances.
Luft is a Juno award winner, co-founder of folk trio The Wailin’ Jennys, and a touring road warrior. She has earned a solid reputation as an exciting live performer, accomplished guitarist, clawhammer banjo player and insightfully honest songwriter. Cara’s the real deal, there’s nothing pretentious about her.
Edwards has a voice that defies categorization, one that easily ranges from gentle and melodic to fierce and powerful, leaving listeners begging for more. He is truly one of the finest singers of his time. Mix that with honest, passionate songwriting and it’s easy to see why he’s an enchanting musical powerhouse.
Together as The Small Glories, Luft and Edwards are a tour de force, a case of 1 + 1 = 3.
Nov 16 (Mon) – 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.
The format for the evening will be ~
First set – Annalisa Tornfelt solo, playing songs from her album ‘The Number 8’
Second set – Annalisa & The Tornfelt Sisters singing from her album ‘Search Zero’ – RESERVE SEATS (www.annalisatornfelt.com) – The show is not listed on her website, but it is definitely on!
Nov 18 (Wed) – Rushad Eggleston – Cello Bandit – 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/)
Nov 21 (SAT) – JOHN WHELAN ( Button Accordion ) – RESERVE SEATS – Although John grew up near London in Dunstable, England, he was raised on the fiddle and pipe music of Ireland. Dunstable has a large Irish community, and his father, Denis, was from Ireland’s County Wexford. “Ours was a very traditional household,” John says. “My father didn’t have any major vices – his only addiction was to Irish music.” Denis Whelan carried a reel-to-reel tape recorder to many shows, collecting hours of live music. Songs of home elicited sentimental tears, even when the words were not in English. “It was not the words but the emotion of the music that moved me”.
At the age of 14, already a seasoned winner of numerous accordion championships, John recorded his first album, PRIDE OF WEXFORD. Named in honor of his father, PRIDE OF WEXFORD was no passing fancy – the album is still in print and selling steadily.
John’s artistry blossomed in America. He moved to the United States in 1980 and soon was performing with Riverdance fiddler Eileen Ivers in one of the most celebrated Irish duos of the decade as well as performing on serveral recordings – CELTIC ODYSSEY, CELTIC LEGACY, and CELTIC REFLECTIONS. The album CELTIC CROSSROADS, featuring Kathy Mattea, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas, Mary McLaughlin, Seamus Egan and Johnny Cunningham spent more than two months in the top 10 of Billboard’s World Music chart. – Read more about John’s story here -> (http://www.johnwhelanmusic.com ) – RESERVE SEATS
Nov 25 (WED) – THE SECRET SEA – – RESERVE SEATS – (Guitar/Vocals) is the stage name of acclaimed Israeli artist Amit Erez, one of the most substantial songwriting talents to emerge in the Tel Aviv indie scene this past decade. His incredible guitar finger-picking abilities and emotional delivery have earned him a cult status in Israel, often being referred to as the Israeli Elliott Smith. He has released four albums under his own name and performed countless shows around the world with albums distributed in Germany and supported by European tours and festivals. Renaming himself The Secret Sea he recorded and performed with a six piece ensemble throughout the years 2010-2015, releasing the “Not About Us” EP in 2012 and a self titled LP in 2013 followed by a show at Barcelona’s Primavera Sound Festival in 2014. Now newly relocated in Portland he returns to his highly praised acoustic solo format that he is most admired for. (Read more -> (http://www.secretseamusic.com ) – RESERVE SEATS
NOV 30 (Mon) (Note date change!) – MAIVISH – (RESERVE SEATS) featuring Jaige Trudel: Fiddle, Voice & Adam Broome: Guitar, Jaw Harp, Voice –
Maivish explores the landscape of time-honoured melodies and songs, and comes home along new pathways, making music with vibrant energy and delight. Gathering traditions from the British Isles, Ireland and America with a mix of original compositions, their performance is infused with lush vocal harmonies, inspired interplay, and captivating spirit. Some of you may remember Jaige and Adam when they were here playing with another one of their projects CROWFOOT a few years ago.
– RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> http://www.maivish.com
Dec 3 (Thurs) – KATHRYN CLAIRE – fiddle/vocals/guitar (RESERVE SEATS)– Kathryn Claire exhibits a charisma and grace on stage which is matched only by her truly unique voice and rare ability to move seamlessly across genres. She has spent years cultivating her own style and approach to music as a violinist, guitar player, singer, and songwriter. Strong fundamentals from her classical and traditional music background combined with an innate ability to improvise has made her a favorite at venues, festivals and institutions around the world. She has toured and performed extensively in the US, Japan, India, Holland, Belgium and France. – RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> http://www.kathrynclairemusic.com
Dec 11 (Fri) – CARL SONNY LEYLAND (RESERVE SEATS) – (Piano / Vocals) w/ special guests Mary Flower (Guitar / Vocals) & Rebecca Kilgore (Vocals)
Boogie woogie, blues, ragtime & early jazz styles – Born and raised on the South Coast of England, Carl Sonny Leyland was drawn as a child to the American music he heard on LP records his father played.
Initially influenced by boogie woogie greats Albert Ammons, Pete Johnson & Meade ‘Lux’ Lewis, Leyland went on to fully explore the piano blues genre, becoming an authority on early & obscure styles such as those played by Cow Cow Davenport, Little Brother Montgomery, Montana Taylor & Speckled Red to name a few. In 2010 Leyland was inducted into the Boogie Woogie Piano Hall of Fame. He has the necessary vocabulary to pay tribute to the greats of old, but prefers to let each performance be an opportunity to say something new.
Suggested $20 – RESERVE SEATS – Please visit -> www.carlsonnyleyland.com | www.maryflower.com www.rebeccakilgore.com
Dec 12 (Sat) – Betsy Branch, Kevin Carr, Maldon Meehan, Dan Compton – (7PM Show / 6PM Potluck) – RESERVE SEATS – Betsy Branch, Associate Music Director for Portland’s Christmas Revels show, hired Kevin Carr, Dan Compton & Maldon Meehan to play with her in this year’s Revels show, set aboard a ship bound from Ireland to America. They have enjoyed playing together so much that they decided to do a house concert. Betsy (fiddle, vocals), Kevin (uillean pipes, fiddle, whistle, vocals), Dan (guitar, fiddle, accordion, vocals) & Maldon (percussive dance) will present an evening of traditional music and songs, and Kevin will also share his wonderful story-telling. Come enjoy these 4 musicians in an intimate setting, and then come check them out on stage the next week for the Revels show. Visit- www.kevincarr.org | maldonmeehan.blogspot.com
Dec 16 (Wed) – Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms DUO – “Caleb & Reeb deliver a pure and classic sound that make you want to cry out in joy and tears both at the same time.” – Marc Savoy – RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> http://www.calebklauder.com
Dec 19 (Sat) – CAHALEN MORRISON – (guitar / lap slide / banjo / vocals) – www.cahalen.com — Cahalen Morrison writes songs that sound like a Cormac McCarthy novel: simple, beautifully crafted, and seemingly formed from raw natural elements.
“It’s both mysteriously poetic and true to life, as when Cahalen sings…” – Tim O’Brien – RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> www.cahalen.com
Dec 29 (TUES) – TILLAMOOK BURN – (Lauren Sheehan & Zoë Carpenter) – Mother and daughter — Together they weave two powerful and distinct voices into subtle, instinctual harmonies, backed up on guitar, banjo, and mandolin.“These ladies project soul, style, and skill with every note.” — Huffington Post
– RESERVE SEATS Please visit -> http://www.laurensheehanmusic.com