Jan. 21
Mark Erelli
The intense, prolific Erelli "embodies many of the best qualities of the folk-populist lineage that began with Woody Guthrie, and is carried today by Bruce Springsteen." According to one commentator, his voice, a beautiful blend of wine and whiskey is as intimately conversational as a fireside chat... By exploring some of the big themes of America life and describing how they affect a single life, he makes topical songs personal." Someone not to miss.
Feb. 18
Tripping Lily
A distinct experience, described as either "a string band with pop sensibilities or a cutting edge vocal quartet with acoustic instruments," they are featured on the hit TV series "The Big C" and were number one on WUMB for several weeks leading the Boston Globe to call the band "a genre unto itself." The group consists of brothers Demetrius and Alex Becrelis, Monica Rizzio, and Laird Boles on a variety of stringed instruments and vocals. This Cape Codbased band draws on many influences to create its own "fresh, energetic and alive" sound. They reflect traditional music while being fully contemporary. Another one-of-a-kind evening.
March 17
Katie McDonnell's Irish Cross County Band ($15)
Galway-born and raised, Kate is an accomplished singer-songwriter- guitarist with her song "Lines" featured in the documentary film "Crossing Arizona." Her new band features the popular Bodhran player/singer, Tipperary's Martin Butler, and Matt Leavenworth on fiddle. Martin has been heard at Hingham's Snug and in concert at the high school, and as part of the Celtic group Cunla Dear. Filling out the group is fiddler Matt Leavenworth. One reviewer said the "ever witty bodhran player Martin Butler will quench your winter blues (while) the lilting vocals of Katie McDonnell and the flaming fiddle tunes of Matt Leavenworth while away the evening as you stomp out the beat."
April 21
Peter Mayer ($15)
This former seminarian found his calling in music and has lived up to it, most notably with his iconic song in praise of the earth, "Blue Boat Home." One writer notes that he writes songs for a small planet- songs about interconnectedness and the human journey; about the beauty and the mystery of the world. "Whimsical, humorous, and profound, his music breaks the boundaries of 'folk' to a place of wonder at the very fact of life itself." WUMB's Marilyn Rae-Beyer finds "his guitar work breath-taking, his lyrics mind-spinning, his singing soul-soothing and his feet-on-the ground optimism nothing short of healing."
May 19
David Surette & Susie Burke
"Susie's beautiful, complex voice and David's graceful, nimble-fingered string playing combine with extraordinary results. She has one of today's finest, purest ballad sopranos (with) phrasing unerringly devoted to the lyric (and a) gift for pulling honest emotional chords" according to the Boston Globe's Scott Alarik. Folk Roots magazine finds David's playing "exemplary". They use their talents to interpret their own songs and some of the finest contemporary and traditional materials. Perennial favorites.
