2022 Concerts (updated frequently) —-> Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec
Greetings everyone! We are excited to be presenting music again.
COVID UPDATE : As of today starting with the fall 2022 season we no longer require proof of vaccination. Masks are optional when not actively eating and drinking. You are welcome to wear a mask if you need to take extra precautions depending on your personal situation. HOWEVER, things may change. I will keep you updated if they do. We will continue to have doors & windows open for air circulation. If you are feeling under the weather on the day of the show, it’s easy to cancel via a quick email, and we’ll also be live streaming the show as well.
NOTE : We always defer to the artists if they request enhanced precautions. We will notify you on a show by show basis if that is the case.
Thank you for understanding!
To RSVP for a concert, you can use this FORM . For general questions, you can email me directly abbiew@froggie.com. Unless noted, concerts start at 7:30 w/ potluck at 6:30 PM. “Suggested donation” is $20-$25 depending on the show. In general ~ pay what you can. All income levels welcome.
Jan 2022
Jan 18, 2022 (TUES) ~ Rushad Eggleston – Rusharguanox, Proprietor of Igwarfnees — RESERVE SEATS – Rushad Eggleston is a mystical realm-hopping jester of infinite glee, whose unprecedented extremely fast bouncy cello style blows minds of all kinds. A charming entertainer with unbridled passion, his joy is so contagious that many showgoers complain of sore facial muscles afterwards (the name Rushad means “joyful soul”). A whimsically adventurous sense of melody shines through in all shades & styles on any of the many instruments he bejicks “to keep it fresh”. Sometimes he reads mystical poetry in his own language, speaks in tongues, channels aliens, throat-sings, beat-boxes, or does skits as different characters such as Negative Ralph, Country Bob, The Goblin, or Guru Fafa which he has a right to embody because of his half-indian heritage. Somewhat of an acrobat, Rushad can spin on one leg, hang upside down, do the splits, play in plough pose, and catch flying fruits in his mouth while playing fast intricate cello rhythms. A distinguished flatpicker, his innovation and skill are admired by many guitar luminaries. Although some of his music is avant garde and experimental (he has an amazing deathmetal cat-voice) he is an expert at reading crowds and making personal anthems for people, which means he can basically entertain anyone, even old stodgy people. Rushad calls himself The Bat-Prince of Jick, Rushadicus, Rusharguanox, and Ruusta Benuusta Beduusta B’shad, who all have goals. Some of goals are: to spread joy everywhere, to show people music is (at least tied for) the most powerful force on earth, to inspire many vegan transitions for the animals and planet, to climb 10,000 trees, to surprise delight and expand minds, and to play as many hours of music per day as life will allow, including while driving. “Tharnoxx” AKA thankyou for being interested in The Ambassador of Sneth. Gladness will see you soon. Bye. Like, i have some stuff to do okay, i think we’ve said enough. Full Scholarship to Berklee? boring. Carnegie Hall? eww. Won all 3 years of middle school talent show beating all the popular kids? old news. Okay laters.. – [Bandcamp][Facebook]
Jan 25, 2022 (TUES) ~ Dave Curley & Andrew Finn Magill — RESERVE SEATS – Dave Curley, a multi-instrumentalist and singer from Galway, Ireland has collaborated with everyone from Grammy award winners Moya Brennan of Clannad to Ross Holmes of Mumford and Sons. Andrew Finn Magill is a 2019 North Carolina Arts Council Fellow, Ropeadope Recording artist and has been featured on MTV and NPR. Their original acoustic music has an Irish foundation but draws on a myriad of influences. Come hear two of the most exciting young musicians in the U.S. for a night of original music.
Video Samples
- WATCH : Anrdrew Finn Magill ~ 2016 double-disc concept album Roots and Branches.
- WATCH : Dave Curley.
- WATCH : Dave Curley & Andrew Finn Magill
Feb 2022
Feb 12, 2022 (SAT) ~ Kristen Grainger & TRUE NORTH – RESERVE SEATS – Kristen Grainger (vocals), Dan Wetzel (guitar, vocals), Martin Stevens – (mandolin, fiddle, octave mandolin, vocals), and Josh Adkins (bass, vocals)— “True North plays tunes so smooth they bring to mind bluegrass-pop artists like Alison Krauss and Union Station, as well as old country legends like Hank Williams, Sr.” — Kim Ruehl, music reviewer, No Depression/West Coast Performer Americana quartet True North is a powerhouse of intelligent, memorable songs, and lush instrumental and vocal performances, with the crazy-good picking and harmonies of a band deeply rooted in traditional folk and bluegrass genres. Fronted by award-winning singer-songwriters Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel, True North is rounded out with Pacific Northwest bluegrass superstars Martin Stevens and Josh Adkins. (WATCH)
Feb 24, 2022 (THURS) ~ Hubby Jenkins – (Guitar, Banjo, Vocals) – RESERVE SEATS— Hubby Jenkins is a talented multi-instrumentalist who endeavors to share his love and knowledge of old-time American music. Born and raised in Brooklyn he delved into his southern roots, following the thread of African American history that wove itself through America’s traditional music forms. As an integral member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and later Rhiannon Giddens band, Hubby has performed at festivals and venues around the world, earning himself both Grammy and Americana award nominations. Today he spreads his knowledge and love of old-time American music through his dynamic solo performances and engaging workshops. (WATCH)
MARCH 2022
March 14, 2022 (MON) – Douglas Lora & Special Guests – Member of the renowned Trio Brasileiro & Brasil Guitar Duo – RESERVE SEATS – In this rare appearance as a soloist, composer and guitarist Douglas Lora presents a varied repertoire that illustrates his incursions into different musical styles. From classical guitar, to tangos and Brazilian choros, the program features works by Scarlatti, Pixinguinha, Garoto and Jacob do Bandolim. A large section of the recital is dedicated to original music written by Lora, revisiting several compositional periods of his career. Portland mandolinist Tim Connell and Seattle-based Brazilian vocalist Adriana Giordano will join him on a few select tunes.
Three-time Grammy nominee Brazilian guitarist and composer Douglas Lora has established himself as one of the most prominent artists of his generation. A versatile guitarist across many styles, Douglas has collaborated with YoYo Ma, Paquito d’Rivera, Assad Brothers, Anat Cohen, Marco Pereira, Jovino Santos Neto, Ney Rosauro, Marina Piccinini, Paulo Bellinati, and many more.
APRIL 2022
*SOLD OUT – WAITLIST* ~ April 9, 2022 (SAT) – Trio Quartetto ~ Featuring Gideon Freudmann – cello, Ji Tanzer – percussion, Ralph Huntley – keys, Courtney Von Drehle – accordion ~ RESERVE SEATS – Trio Quartetto’s fluid sound is fed from the many tributaries of the great river, Music. Flowing over a vast landscape, spilling over the edges into soundscapes, and songscapes. From blues to jazz, rock to art house, from the humorous to the humoresque – Gideon, Ji (Blue Cranes, Swansea), Ralph (LiveWire, Klezmocracy) and Courtney (Three Leg Torso , Klezmocracy ) ~ embrace musical liquidity, melding from one genre to the next, all the while keeping your drink filled and your toe tapping. Come take the plunge and drink deeply from their well of musical revitalization. ( Gideon Freudmann )
*SOLD OUT – WAITLIST* ~ April 25, 2022 (MON) – Anat Cohen + Trio Brasileiro Suggested $25-30 or what you can. (www.triobrasileiro.com | www.anatcohen.com) ~ RESERVE SEATS – Trio Brasileiro is dedicated to performing the great traditional choro music of Brasil by Jacob do Bandolim, Ernesto Nazareth and others, as well as their own compositions, which are modern reflections of that great traditional musical form. Formed in 2011, Trio Brasileiro quickly made a name for itself as an ensemble worthy of international attention. And, after four recordings and successful tours through Europe and North and South America, they are receiving more than their share of it. Among the many accolades, their 2017 recording with the brilliant Israeli clarinetist Anat Cohen, Rosa Dos Ventos, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album, and was named one of the top twenty jazz recordings of the year in the Downbeat Magazine Readers’ Poll. Anat Cohen (Anat has been declared Clarinetist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association every year since 2007 and has also been named the top clarinetist in both the readers and critics polls in DownBeat for multiple years running. )
MAY 2022
May 20, 2022 (FRI) – Noctambule ~ Marla Fibish & Bruce Victor – French for ‘night-owl,’ Noctambule are Marla Fibish and Bruce Victor from San Francisco. They play a variety of musical forms – musical settings of a broad range of poetry, traditional Irish tunes and songs, their own compositions written in traditional and not-so-traditional forms. Their work is rendered with lush beauty, sensitivity and humour on an unusual array of strings – different guitars in varied tunings, mandola, mandolin, cittern, tenor guitar – and their blended voices. Marla is one of the prominent voices of the mandolin in Irish music. She brings a deep and distinctive sensibility to the music on one of its lesser-heard instruments. Bruce is an eclectic and accomplished guitarist and composer. Referred to by an editor of Acoustic Guitar Magazine as a ‘polystylist’ he brings a spirit of experimentation to the tunings and textures of the guitar.
May 21, 2022 (SAT) – Zé Paulo Becker & Nando Duarte (Brazilian Guitar) – Zé Paulo Becker and his special guest Nando Duarte invite you to join them for an intimate evening of traditional and original Brazilian music. Zé and Nando have been friends through music for many years. In the 90’s they met at the prolific hub of the music scene in Rio, Bar Semente in the Lapa neighborhood. Even though they have never performed or recorded together, their parallel musical paths have crossed in production and support for great Brazilian artists, like Elza Soares and Net Matogrosso. ~ RESERVE SEATS
May 27, 2022 (FRI) – The Faux Paws ~ Featuring Andrew VanNordstrand (Vox, fiddle, guitar) and Noah VanNorstrand (Tenor Guitar, mandolin, Harmony Vox, Foot Percussion) , Chris Miller (Saxophone, banjo) ~ RESERVE SEATS –
From raging fiddle tunes, to saxophone solos and unrequited love songs, the music of The Faux Paws would be hard to pin down with standard genre descriptions. The trio’s contagious groove, and feel-good melting pot folk music has been honed over ten years of playing together, and is the sound of three close friends (two of which happen to be brothers), who feel a musical kinship that transcends any stylistic limitations. Now, after nearly a decade of music making, the bi-coastal trio are releasing their self-titled debut album “The Faux Paws”
Brothers Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand grew up playing contra dance music with their musician mother in the band Great Bear. Chris Miller grew up in Florida, and he was enamoured with bluegrass, and studied jazz before going on to play with GRAMMY nominated Cajun-country band The Revelers. ( thefauxpawsmusic.com )
June 2022
June 5, 2022 (SUN) – BRIDGE CITY 4 ~ Featuring Ling Ling Huang (violin) , Greg Ewer (violin), Kim Mai Nguyen (viola), Avery Waite (cello) ~ RESERVE SEATS –
Join Bridge City 4 for an intimate evening of exquisite Nordic folk music. The program will feature haunting melodies and exciting rhythms from Norway, Denmark and Sweden as well as reimagined ancient traditional and ceremonial songs.
June 8, 2022 (WED) – World Mandolin Concert ~ Featuring Don Stiernberg, Carlo Aonzo, Grant Flick, Brian Oberlin ~ RESERVE SEATS – Four stellar mandolin players; one house, solos, duo, trios, quartets, amazing chicken legs, and a one-of-a-kind experience. Hear the instructors of the 2022 River of the West Mandolin Camp play a concert open to the public! ( mandoberlin.com | Carlo Aonzo | Don Stiernberg | Grant Flick )
June 11, 2022 (SAT) – True Life Trio ~ Leslie Bonnett: voice, fiddle, percussion,
Briget Boyle: voice, guitar, percussion, Juliana Graffagna: voice, accordion, percussion ~ RESERVE SEATS – True Life Trio performs riveting vocal harmonies from Eastern Europe, the Americas and beyond, featuring veteran vocalists from legendary Bay Area groups Kitka and Brass Menazeri. This innovative trio explores the creative possibilities of cross-fertilization of different traditions with unlikely timbres connecting Bulgaria to the Bayou.
True Life Trio’s performances include a mix of a cappella songs and tunes accompanied by fiddle, guitar, accordion and percussion. In any given concert, the trio will sing in more than ten languages, interweaving translations, tales of their travels and background stories that bring this beautiful music to life and demonstrate their passion, joy and humor in singing together.
June 16, 2022 (THURS) – DAVIS ROGAN (from New Orleans & HBO’s TREME) ~ Solo – Keyboard/Vocals ~ Classic New Orleans with originals + fun storytelling about life and music in NOLA) . ~ RESERVE SEATS ~ Davis draws his musical inspiration from Professor Longhair and Fats Domino, as does every New Orleans Rhythm and Blues piano player. What separates Davis is his lyrics. The wit, irony and self-deprecation echo Randy Newman, but the wry observations about life, humanity and New Orleans are uniquely his. This combination of roots music and sharp lyrics, heard in the 2005 release, The Once and Future DJ, drew auteur David
Simon to Davis as David prepared his HBO series about New Orleans, TREME. Davis began working as a consultant and, over six years and four seasons of the show, served as an actor, a scriptwriter, a piano coach, a songwriter and the muse for the character Davis McAlary. By the series’ end, Davis had written or placed more music in the show than any other musician.
Davis is a fifth-generation New Orleanian raised in the neighborhood of Carrollton. He began his broadcast career on WTUL at the age of 10, did his college radio stint at KRRC and was a DJ at WWOZ for 13 years.“Like New Orleans, Davis Rogan is always one bad move away from falling on his ass. And yet, on at least every other occasion, he’s the cat that drops from the tree and lands on his feet. Much as New Orleans somehow manages to do.” David Simon.
Sept 2022
Sept 26, 2022 (MON) – HANNEKE CASSEL BAND ~ Hanneke Cassel (fiddle) featuring Jenna Moynihan (5-string fiddle/vocals) and Keith Murphy (guitar/vocals) — RESERVE SEATS ~ Effervescent and engaging, Boston-based fiddler Hanneke Cassel’s fiddle music fuses influences from the Isle of Skye and Cape Breton with Americana grooves and musical innovations. She has performed and traveled across North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Hanneke’s music is a blend of the contemporary and traditional, described by the Boston Globe as “exuberant and rhythmic, somehow wild and innocent, delivered with captivating melodic clarity and an irresistible playfulness.”
The Hanneke Cassel Band features Jenna Moynihan on 5-string fiddle/vocals and Keith Murphy on guitar/vocals. Jenna Moynihan is regarded as one of the best in the new generation of fiddle players. Versatile and inventive, her fiddling style draws strongly from the Scottish tradition, but is in no way bound by it. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Jenna performs as part of a duo with cutting edge harpist Mairi Chaimbeul and is the regular fiddler for the Seamus Egan Project. Newfoundland-born guitarist Keith Murphy began absorbing his native musical languages – folksongs, ballads and dance music – from an early age. A proficient multi-instrumentalist, he has long applied considerable energy to the rhythmic side of music, becoming a valued band member and highly sought-after sideman on guitar, mandolin and foot percussion. Together, the Hanneke Cassel Band creates a cutting-edge acoustic sound that retains the integrity and spirit of the Scottish tradition.
Oct 2022
Oct 1, 2022 (SAT) – Eric Lugosch & Mary Flower ~ Fingerstyle guitar ~ Solos & Duos ~ RESERVE SEATS ~ Join us for a double bill featuring two renowned guitarists, Eric Lugosch and Mary Flower.
(Note : Time update : 7PM Show / 6PM Potluck)
Eric Lugosch ~ National Fingerpicking Champion Eric Lugosch presents a truly original and inspirational show. There are no gimmicks or gadgets –just a genuinely gifted imagination and a fluency that comes from years of working on his craft. Eric’s arrangements of traditional songs and jazz standards are now considered classics in picking circles, where he is also regarded as one of America’s best original fingerstyle composers, as well as a talented songwriter.
Mary Flower’s immense fingerstyle guitar and lap-slide prowess is soulful and meter-perfect, a deft blend of the inventive, the dexterous and the mesmerizing. Her supple honey-and-whiskey voice provides the perfect melodic accompaniment to each song’s story. An internationally known and award-winning picker, singer/songwriter and teacher, the Midwest native relocated from Denver to the vibrant Portland, Oregon music scene in 2004. She continues to please crowds and critics at folk festivals, teaching seminars and concert stages domestically and abroad, including Merlefest, Kerrville, King Biscuit, Prairie Home Companion and the Vancouver Folk Festival, among many.
Oct 2, 2022 (SUN) – Larry Unger & Audrey Jaber (Knuth) ~ Guitar / Banjo / Fiddle ~ RESERVE SEATS ~ Larry and Audrey are a Boston based traditional duo who play contra dances and concerts.
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 : https://www.audreyknuth.com/larry-and-audrey/ | Watch : Two Rivers
Oct 7, 2022 (FRI) – Rob Flax ~ RESERVE SEATS ~ violin, vocals, looper pedal, other stringed instruments? “BYOS” = Bring Your Own Strings
Multi-instrumentalist Rob Flax describes his music in a concise way: “I play things with strings, I hit stuff, and I sing.” Behind this simple tag line lies a rich depth of genre-bending, from classical and jazz violin to bluegrass fiddle, to blues and rock influences, and beyond. In his “One Man Band” shows, Rob uses a looper pedal and other effects to transform his violin into an entire symphony of sounds. Rob is a graduate of the New England Conservatory, where he received his master’s degree in Contemporary Improvisation, and he currently lives in Boston.
Visit : https://www.robflax.com/ | Watch : Photosynthesis
Oct 11, 2022 (TUES) – John Whelan and Seán Cleland (Irish Button Accordion & Fiddle) ~ RESERVE SEATS ~ John Whelan, one of the world’s best living Irish button accordion players and seven-time All-Ireland champion, and Seán Cleland, an award-winning Irish fiddle player, educator, teacher and executive director of the Irish Music School of Chicago, make a formidable duo.
Watch : John Whelan
Oct 14, 2022 (FRI) – The Go Janes & Auntmama ~ An evening of original songs interwoven with stories. (The Go Janes are Arni Adler, Patrice O’Neill, and Kathleen Tracy performing on Ukulele, guitar, vocal harmonies. Autnmama is storyteller MaryAnne Moorman). RESERVE SEATS ~ The Go Janes have decades of experience as performers, visual and recording artists, community organizers, educators, and inquisitive consumers of life. Arni and Patrice are members of the satirical trio Uncle Bonsai; Kathleen is an accomplished solo artist and community choir director. Patrice also produces the Wintergrass Festival.
The Go Janes share the stage with Seattle “Living Legacy” Auntmama (aka MaryAnne Moorman) and her tales of ancestry/legacy, social justice, and her delightfully idiosyncratic family, relayed with a master’s sense of timing. Vocal harmonies, harp-like ukes and guitar, and textural variety create an evening of insightful beauty and humor.
Visit : https://gojanesmusic.com/
Oct 21, 2022 (FRI) – TANNAHILL WEAVERS ~ (From Scotland) ~ *SOLD OUT* – JOIN THE WAITLIST => RESERVE SEATS ~ Roy Gullane (lead vocals, guitar), Phil Smillie (flute, whistles, bodhran, vocals, Malcolm Bushby (fiddle, vocals, bouzouki), Iain Macgillivray (highland bagpipes, scottish small pipes, fiddle, whistles, vocals)
Notes : Suggested donation $20-$30. Currently No Potluck for this show. Show starts at 7:30. Masks & Vax required)
Now in their 53rd year, the Tannahill Weavers are one of Scotland’s premier traditional bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant and humorous performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can’t get better…yet continue to do just that. “…an especially eloquent mixture of the old and the new…” ~ NEW YORK TIMES
Watch: Gordon’s Jigs | Visit: https://tannahillweavers.com/
Nov 2022
Nov 4, 2022 (FRI) – Luke Bulla Solo ~ (Fiddle / Guitar / Vocals) ~ RESERVE SEATS (Note : Luke will also be teaching a workshop at Artichoke music the next day. Link coming for that soon.)
Luke Bulla has been singing and playing music most of his life. Touring with and singing in his family band from age four, Luke took up the fiddle at seven. Winner of the National Fiddle Contest (in Weiser, Idaho) 7 times in respective categories over the years, at the age of 10, he was the youngest person to have made the top ten. In addition to violin, Luke plays guitar and mandolin, and sings and writes songs.
He spent his early years as a full-time musician in Tennessee playing fiddle in Ricky Skaggs’ band, Kentucky Thunder, which earned him his first Grammy Award.
Following the Skaggs stint, Luke became a member of the John Cowan Band and was a perennial instructor at Mark O’Connor’s fiddle camps. More recently he has performed and/or recorded with Brandi Carlile, Jim Lauderdale, Darrell Scott, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer, Bela Fleck, Bryan Sutton, Kevin Costner & Modern West, Russ Barenberg Trio, Shawn Colvin, Tony Rice, Chris Thile, Peter Rowan, Patty Griffin, Glen Phillips, Rodney Crowell, and Earl Scruggs, to name a few.
With his long-time friend Casey Driessen, Luke founded the band Wisechild, which toured briefly with John Mayer and Counting Crows. He also had a band collaboration, W.P.A. (Works Progress Administration), which included members Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek, Fiction Family), Glen Phillips (Toad The Wet Sprocket), Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek, I’m With Her), Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello and the Imposters, The Attractions, Los Lobos), Greg Leisz (Joni Mitchell, Wilco, Sheryl Crow, Beck), and Davey Faragher (Elvis Costello and the Imposters, Cracker).
In 2009, Luke released a solo EP featuring Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Aoife O’Donovan and more. That same year, Lyle Lovett asked Luke to join his Large Band, and he now tours full time in all of Lyle’s configurations.
Currently Luke is happy to be touring again and is working on a new EP slated for release in 2022. For more info about Luke Bulla’s recording projects and collaborations, please visit : Luke Bulla’s website.
Nov 9, 2022 (WED) – Poor Man’s Gambit. ~ RESERVE SEATS ~ Featuring Corey Purcell (button accordion, cuttern, bodhran, vocals, dance), Deirdre Lockman (fiddle, vocals), and Zac Leger (guitar). Poor Man’s Gambit is a traditional Celtic trio, featuring driving tunes, percussive Irish dance, and three-part vocal harmony. The band members have been noted for their ability to change instrumentation many times over the space of a performance, and to offer several levels of musical depth. Corey’s flashy footwork on the occasional reel adds an extra punch of energy to their shows.
Nov 17, 2022 (THURS) – LOUD WEATHER – (Scottish music) ~ Alasdair White (fiddle) + Elias Alexander (Border Pipes) and featuring Eamon Sefton (guitar) ~ RESERVE SEATS ~
Fiddle and Bagpipes at play, with two of North America’s foremost exponents of Scottish music. Loud Weather is the inventive musical duo of Fiddle player, Alasdair White (Battlefield Band, Dàimh, Alan Kelly Gang) and Piper, Elias Alexander (The Bywater Band, Soulsha, MAC, Fàrsan). They’ll be joined by Eamon Sefton of Boston on guitar. The timeless combination of Bagpipes and Fiddle is at the very heart of Scottish music. Loud Weather delves deep into the essence of traditional tunes within an intricate framework, yielding intertwining melodies, soaring harmonies, and vital rhythms true to Scottish music’s danceable roots.
Watch : White Houses of Shieldaig
Dec 2022
Dec 2, 2022 (FRI) – KATHRYN CLAIRE ~ WINTER SONGS ~ *SOLD OUT – But you can get on the waitlist!* => RESERVE SEATS ~ Kathryn Claire, accompanied by Don Henson (piano + percussion) and Sid Ditson (violin).
With her violin and voice at the center of her music, Kathryn Claire weaves together stories and melodies rooted in her classical and traditional musical background while infusing each song and composition with an energy and electricity that is palpable. Her musicality and joy on stage is infectious. Honest and poetic writing, crystalline vocals, impassioned violin compositions, and an ability to move seamlessly across genres, are the hallmark of Kathryn Claire’s original and diverse sound.
This show, Winter Songs, is inspired by the season with music to honor the shortest days and longest nights. Weaving together songs, instrumentals, traditional and original music and a few covers, Kathryn Claire invites the audience to join together in celebration of the season.
Kathryn Claire 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 improvisation has made her a favorite at venues, festivals and institutions around the world. A consummate collaborator, Kathryn Claire has shared the stage with many musicians, bringing her musicality and charismatic presence to each project she works with. She has toured and performed extensively in the US, Japan, The Netherlands, India, Belgium and France.
Don Henson has toured extensively with Kathryn Claire in the Pacific Northwest and played with Kathryn last year in Port Townsend. Don works frequently with Will West and Skip Vonkuske in Portland, OR. His band, ‘Sneakin Out’ has played various stages with Pink Martini, on The Tonight Show (With Jay Leno) and had the honor of playing Carnegie Hall.
Sid Ditson recently joined Kathryn on a tour in Belgium and the Netherlands and has been an integral part of Kathryn’s music over the past couple years. Sid has been playing violin since childhood. Sid loves to explore the sometimes irreverent blend of fiddle and violin styles, and brings to the stage and studio a versatility with the instrument that is truly unique. Classical, indie, bluegrass, Celtic and improv are all a part of Sid’s pallet, along with an exquisite tone and depth of expression. Sid is often caught grinning while playing, finding it impossible to hide the immense joy that music brings.
Dec 4, 2022 (SUN) – THE FIDDLE BAND ~ *SOLD OUT – But you can get on the waitlist!* => RESERVE SEATS ~ Matthew Hartz, Tashina Clarridge, Luke Price, Tristan Clarridge, Simon Chrisman ~ The Progression of American Fiddling across the US by nationally renowned musicians. The Fiddle Band collectively holds 19 major titles. Hear Irish, Old-time, Bluegrass, Texas-style, Swing, and beyond!
Dec 17, 2022 (SAT) – SPRIG OF THAT W/ Alexis Mahler ~ Isabel Dammann (violin), Krissy Bergmark (tabla) Ilan Blanck (guitar), Alexis Mahler (cello) ~ RESERVE SEATS ~ Sprig of That is a tabla, violin, and acoustic guitar trio playing original music. Since 2018, they’ve toured the country, playing legendary venues from Minneapolis’ Cedar Cultural Center to New York City’s Rockwood Music hall, opening for artists like Charlie Parr, and partnering with organizations like Carnegie Hall Minnesota Public Radio to present dozens of school workshops. In December of 2021, they recorded their debut album of original material (due out early 2023) at Nashville’s legendary Sound Emporium studios with producer Wes Corbett (Sam Bush, Joy Kill Sorrow) and engineer Dave Sinko (Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Punch Brothers). Sprig’s 2021 “Eight Threads” project saw them release an album of commissioned music from eight different Twin Cities-based music makers along with an accompanying podcast series. Hailing from different musical upbringings, the trio distills a wide range of musical interests into a cohesive and joyful sound that is constantly evolving. (WATCH)