Tift Merritt
The New Yorker has called Merritt “the bearer of a proud tradition of distaff country soul that reaches back to artists like Dusty Springfield and Bobbie Gentry,” a standard upholding that got underway in earnest with Bramble Rose, the 2002 solo debut that put her on the Americana map forever. As her sophomore album, Tambourine, was followed by Another Country and See You on the Moon, Merritt found acclaim coming not just from critics and awards orgs but her own heroes, like Emmylou Harris, who marveled that Merritt “stood out like a diamond in a coal patch.” Now a leading lady in her own right, Merritt is hardly one to hog the spotlight. She engages in dialogue with fellow artists of all disciplines on her public radio broadcast and podcast “The Spark With Tift Merritt,” bringing in fellow sojourners ranging from Patty Griffin and Rosanne Cash to Rick Moody and Nick Hornby (who devoted a chapter to Merritt in his 31 Songs book).
Like Adele meets Diana Krall meets Bette Midler - sassy, smooth, intoxicating - and funny!
The Boston Globe says she's "Wicked exciting!"
The New York Times says she puts on "A spectacular evening of song and style."
Photo: Brad Fowler
And Steppin' Out Arts, NY says she has "A great voice, even better enthusiasm and an almost giddy delight at entertaining audiences."
But Bea Arthur really took the cake and honestly stunned Suede when she shouted from the crowd "Thank you for the greatest night of my life in an audience! You are #*!#ing incredible!!"
Need we say more? Come see why. You'll be glad you did.
Spyro Gyra
Spyro Gyra has spent more than three decades pushing the boundaries and definitions of jazz beyond the commonly accepted parameters. In so doing, they continue to forge an edgy, enduring sound that incorporates some of the best elements of jazz and merges them with R&B, pop, Latin and various other styles. .
Liebert’s incredible global success on a musical level often seems like a simple outgrowth of his cultural background and powerful wanderlust in his formative years.
Liebert has since become one of the most successful instrumental artists of the past decade, thrilling audiences throughout the world and releasing a catalog of classic recordings.
In the early ‘60s, Buffy Sainte-Marie hit the ground running after the beatniks and before the hippies. All alone she toured North America's colleges, reservations and concert halls, meeting both significant acclaim and huge misperception from audiences and record companies who expected Pocahontas in fringes, and instead were both entertained and educated with their initial dose of Native American reality in the first person. Since her first concert tours, Buffy Sainte-Marie has continued to grow her music in parallel with a remarkably diverse life of esteemed awards, political blacklisting, education, and fun. As one of the most singular artists of our time, she has created 17 albums of her music, three of her own television specials, spent five years on Sesame Street, scored movies, raised a son, earned a Ph.D. in Fine Arts, taught Digital Music as adjunct professor at several colleges and won both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award Oscar for the song, “Up Where We Belong.”
If you haven’t yet seen or heard Ben Taylor perform live, you’re in for a real treat. Not only is Ben an accomplished singer/songwriter and recording/touring artist in his own right, but he is indeed the son of James Taylor and Carly Simon.
Say you’re a gifted young artist--someone like Ben Taylor for instance. You’ve written a pile of great songs. You’ve got a way with melody and a mastery of the understated lyric. You’ve got a voice that lingers in the air--tuneful, expressive, the kind of voice that makes its impact with the smallest turn of a whispered phrase.
“Marley’s brand of high energy and off beat observation of everyday life things has captured the minds of fans of all ages including teenagers to grandparents in their 80’s. Making his first television appearance on Comedy Central, he is now one of the few comics to do the complete late night circuit including The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien.”
The Black Lillies
Cruz Contreras and his bandmates – harmony vocalist Trisha Gene Brady, multi-instrumentalist Tom Pryor, bass player Robert Richards and drummer Jamie Cook – have grown from a few friends sitting around campfires and living rooms to a band that shows up in far-flung cities where folks to whom they've never played before already know the words to the songs. This Knoxville, TN based group had over 200 shows in 2012 and has been invited to play at the Grand Ole Opry a dozen times – a record for an indie act. Their newest album, Runaway Freeway Blues was released in March 2013.
“From her albums you can tell that she is a gifted songwriter with a beautiful voice. From other people's comments about her you can learn that she is a natural story teller with a fantastic sense of humor. But until you see her in person, you never really believe what you've been told about her. Besides, almost half of the songs she does during her shows haven't been recorded! Cheryl's songs are often emotional portraits of people, leaving you with the impression that you know the characters. You find yourself being dragged into the song rather than standing outside and observing. Other songs by Cheryl are hilarious situation comedies”
The Nutopians, a unique and compelling ensemble whose name was given to them by Yoko Ono herself, celebrates John Lennon’s genius and artistry with remarkably fresh treatments of his song compositions from his Beatles and solo years, often inspiring a whole new appreciation for the iconic music.
Created and led by Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step and Tom Dean of Devonsquare, the ensemble’s riveting live show features poignant song narratives, and like their 2010 Independent Award-winning CD “Imagined” as well as their 2013 release "Lennon Re-Imagined," compelling lead singing and 3-part harmonies. Known for their impeccable musicianship and original arrangements, the band members play an array of instruments that includes acoustic 6 & 12-string, electric and bass guitars, cello, violin, mandola, accordion, piano, chromatic harmonica and light percussion.
Jorma Kaukonen
In a career that has already spanned nearly a half century, Jorma Kaukonen has been the leading practitioner and teacher of fingerstyle guitar, one of the most highly re- spected interpreters of American roots music, blues, and Americana, and at the forefront of popular rock-and-roll.
He was a founding member of two legendary bands, The Jefferson Airplane and the still-touring Hot Tuna, a Grammy nominee for his highly acclaimed “Blue Country Heart,” and the most in-demand instructor in the galaxy of stars who teach at the guitar camp that he and his wife operate in picturesque Southeastern Ohio. With Stars In My Crown, Jorma proves that he is continuing to explore and grow, and that he is at home in numerous musical genres.
Livingston Taylor’s career as a professional musician has rattled along for over thirty years. He has toured—some might say, perpetually—with such major artists as Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffett, Fleetwood Mac, and Jethro Tull. He has recorded thirteen albums, and there are with three retrospectives as well.
Vienna Teng Fun Fact: Her early influences were Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, Mozart and Beethoven, 60s Mandarin pop. "That's what I started with and it'll never leave me. Later on, pianist-songwriters: Elton John, Billy Joel, Tori Amos." Why She’s Worth Watching: She thinks that she is "getting better as (she) go(es)..." – so if you have seen her before, it isn’t as good as she will be this time… For Fans Of: Paula Cole, Jewel, Vanessa Carlton, Jane Siberry
Alex Wong Opening!
Leon Russell
Leon Russell is a legendary musician and songwriter from Tulsa, Oklahoma who has been performing his gospel-infused southern boogie piano rock, blues, and country music for over 50 years. Leon led the famous Joe Cocker's ‘Mad Dogs & Englishmen’ tour and performed with George Harrison and Friends at the Concert For Bangladesh. Leon has toured with Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, Edgar Winter, The New Grass Revival, Willie Nelson, and Sir Elton John. His songwriting credits include 'A Song For You', ‘Delta Lady’, ‘Hummingbird’, ‘Lady Blue’, ‘Back To The Island’, ‘Tight Rope’, and ‘This Masquerade’.
Leon and Sir Elton John recorded a duet album produced by TBone Burnett, The Union, which was released October 19, 2010. The single, "If It Wasn't For Bad" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
Capitol/EMI released a 16-track compilation CD, The Best Of Leon Russell, on April 5, 2011.
Leon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and given the Award for Recording Excellence in March 2011.
He was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in June 2011.
EVERY SHOW IS UNIQUE! Known for her honesty, and an off-kilter view of the world, PAULA POUNDSTONE'S ability to create humor on the spot is legendary. Whether she's talking about politics or being a single working mom with 3 kids, her quirky observations and spot on timing have earned her the reputation of being one of the best comics working today. Paula is so quick and unassuming that audience members often leave complaining that their cheeks hurt from laughter and debating whether the random people she talked to were “plants.”
Don't miss this opportunity to see PAULA POUNDSTONE live and in person. Come be part of the fun.
James Montgomery Band
When blues legend James Montgomery plays the harmonica, he "brings it on home". Whether it's recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his hot band of thirty years, Montgomery plays with authority.
After years in the making the James Montgomery Band’s first CD in ten years is finally here. The CD is entitled FROM DETROIT TO THE DELTA and features some of the best names in blues, rock and hip hop including JOHNNY WINTER, JOEY KRAMER AND BRAD WHITFORD FROM AEROSMITH, BLUES LEGEND JAMES COTTON, THE UPTOWN HORNS ( J. GEILS, ROLLING STONES ), CHARISE WHITE, AND DMC FROM RUNDMC!
The word "legend" is often used to describe veteran folk/rocker Jonathan Edwards, whose 1971 million-selling song "Sunshine" ("go away today...") brought him instant fame. He has recorded 15 albums, collaborated with artists like Emmylou Harris and Jimmy Buffett, and done theater, commercials, movie soundtracks, TV series narration, and record production. Back for another encore performance, Jonathan Edwards will charm your summer evening…
Sarah Jarosz
Sarah Jarosz’s music — from her own original material to her exquisite interpretations of songs by others — seems to exist outside any frame of reference, managing to weave time-honored tradition with a bold, adventurous spirit of discovery and independence.
Sarah recorded and released her first two album (Song Up in Her Head in 2009 and Follow Me Down in 2011).
Now, as she closes her academic chapter at New England Conservatory with a Bachelor of Music degree in Contemporary Improvisation, Sarah has attracted fans of folk, rock, country and old time music with her voice and multi-instrumental abilities, not only through her records, but also an aggressive touring schedule, sandwiched between academics.
With her first two records each earning Grammy and Americana Music Association nominations, the bar is set high for Sarah’s next album, a project project that she’s currently recording, and one that is certain to measure up to the standards she sets for herself. In the meantime, Sarah’s April 20, 2013 Record Store Day Exclusive EP, Live At The Troubadour, gives fans her debut live recording. Accompanying herself on mandolin, guitar, and banjo with Alex Hargreaves on fiddle and Nathaniel Smith on cello, Jarosz’s live performances feature a mix of her new old-timey ballads and innovative covers.
Peter Yarrow
American singer whose found fame came with the 1960s folk music trio Peter, Paul and Mary. Yarrow co-wrote (with Leonard Lipton) one of the group's most famous songs, "Puff, the Magic Dragon".
Ryan Montbleau Band
They make catchy folk-pop with lyrics made for singing along. But what really sets the Ryan Montbleau Band apart is instrumental artistry that adds deeper jazz and funk layers to their sound.
With Ryan’s finger-picking style that has been compared to Leo Kottke and Ani DiFranco, soul-folk songwriting skills in the tradition of Martin Sexton, and a singing voice constantly compared to Stevie Wonder, there is clearly an abundance of talent here.
And this may be a Northeastern band, but there’s a zydeco layer in their music too. Ryan has been writing up a storm, and you can be among the first to hear the band’s new material.
“He’s a cross between Elton John (in that he sings and plays the piano) and Robin Williams (in that his comedy is off-the-wall). His show is packed with comedy, visual musical impressions and favorite Broadway songs, wrapped around some of the most exciting piano playing and audience participation that you will ever witness.”
Tuck and Patti
After 20 years of making music together as husband-and-wife jazz duo Tuck & Patti, Tuck Andress's guitar and Patti Cathcart's vocals blend smoothly into a honed sound all their own. They perform both their own compositions, such as "High Heel Blues," and standards like "One Hand, One Heart" from West Side Story and Stevie Wonder's "I Wish." Each concert ends with their signature closer, "You Take My Breath Away."
J. Geils.Jeff Pitchell , Gerry Beaudoin & Texas Flood
J. Geils and some of his friends were invited in June by the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh to perform at the Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael CA to perform their new show which has sold out 29 straight times in 7 different states. Yes, this is THE J. Geils – the legendary Rock Hall of Fame nominee, off his tour with the J. Geils Band. He’s a producer, writer and sports car restoration expert, but is best known as a rockin’ master of the blues and classic hits that reflect his soulful approach to the music.
One of Geils' special friends is singer, guitarist, actor, and International Songwriting Contest winner Jeff Pitchell, whose EMI album "Heavy Hitter" spent 12 weeks on the Billboard Blues Charts, peaking at #7. First recognized as the “Best Guitarist in Connecticut” at the tender age of 15, Jeff Pitchell has since shared the stage with B.B. King, Bo Didley, Buddy Guy, Joe Cocker, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Dicky Betts, Rick Derringer….and now with J Geils…
Together, they have collaborated on a newly released CD “American Girl” featuring songs written by Jeff Pitchell for James Woods’ upcoming movie of the same name (rumored to be starring Kristen Stewart of Twilight Series fame).
To this mix, Gerry Beaudoin, three-time Grammy nominee, will add his sassy guitar. The nine person show, with J Geils’ rock energy and Pitchell’s deep blues wisdom, will make for one huge memorable night.
Lori McKenna is also an acclaimed singer-songwriter who was thrust into the limelight last year when superstar Faith Hill included three of McKenna's songs on her Number One album Fireflies, including Hill's poignant single Stealing Kisses. Hill (herself a wife and mother of three) heard in McKenna's work what a steadily growing audience has been hearing since her 1998 debut, Paper Wings & Halo: an intimate understanding and honest expression of the realities of domestic life.
If you've seen a Buckwheat show, you know what to expect: rocking, stomping, good time Creole party music. If you haven't seen Buckwheat Zydeco live, you're missing one of the music world's most exciting and fun performers. Don't just take our word for it!!
We don't know his birthday. We'd only be guessing at an alma mater. And nobody ever told us, for sure, if he went by any other name. But for the last three decades and counting, nobody could mistake him for any other performer, nor singer, nor guitarist, nor character. While the careers of performers who reside in the limelight are usually short-lived and over-overexposed, it's refreshing to encounter Leon Redbone, who remains so musically resonant and personally elusive.
Born in Portsmouth, NH, this local yet now internationally known folk singer legend will be back once again to Jonathan’s Ogunquit. Here is what the Boston Herald had to say about one of his performances, “ A softly glowing, welcoming event. Fluid…gorgeous…ravising…ditsy…inventive…gritty…elegant.”
David Wilcox
Considered a 'songwriter's songwriter', his songs have been covered by artists such as k.d. lang and many others. In addition to his writing prowess, his skills as a performer and storyteller are unmatched. He holds audiences rapt with nothing more than a single guitar, thoroughly written songs, a fearless ability to mine the depths of human emotions of joy, sorrow and everything in between, and all tempered by a quick and wry wit.
Few singers have the staying power of folk icon, Judy Collins. For nearly 45 illustrious years, her dulcet tones have graced our ears, and her poetic lyrics have galvanized a generation. She has released more than 40 albums, has had numerous Top 10 hits, Grammy nominations and gold and platinum selling albums.
When you think one of the most prolific character actors, who’s also an outrageous openly gay stand-up comedian, one name comes to mind…. Jason Stuart. Stuart has been making people laugh out loud with his hysterical performances all over the country since coming out in 1993. He has accomplished what few other gay comics have ever achieved: brutal honesty with humor in a world that’s not always kind. Not only is Stuart an all-out crowd pleaser, but he transcends the boundaries of race, gender and sexual orientation with his edgy comedic style. Stuart’s material about his experiences as a single Jewish gay man living in Hollywood is original, cutting edge and just plain funny.
"Curtis' style is rootsy and folky but with the rhythmic undercurrent of pop/rock music. Curtis is known for her compelling melodies, relaxed grooves, and subject matter ranging from philosophical to political, romantic to maternal"
Ari Hest
Music is Hest's unparalleled passion, one that's seen him create at an astounding pace since he began writing songs in his late teens. Aside from the hundreds of melody snippets swimming around in his iPhone recorder, Ari has hundreds more on his home computer. And then there's the six albums, three EPs, and "52" in 2008, an innovative project whereby he wrote, recorded and released a new song every Monday for a full year. There's also educational music he's written for kids and as he puts it, "songs I write with others in mind to sing them."
Hest's music has been featured on numerous television shows including Private Practice, Army Wives, and One Tree Hill. He's also scored a film called Dreamriders, which won several independent film awards. And throughout his career, he has toured worldwide relentlessly to support his records, most recently in Israel as well as several European countries, and built the kind of loyal fan base any musician would envy.
