September 15
Session Americana ($12)
These high energy multi-instrumentalists are an eclectic and unpredictable mix of Boston’s best folk and bluegrass musicians loving and sharing some classic material, in a very new and original style. Their lively take on roots music is guaranteed to bring joy to your heart, a tear to your eye, and a smile to your face whether in response to a footstomping dance tune, a tragic ballad or a weepy, weary love song. They were a big hit last time and will be a lively beginning to this season - not to be missed.
October 20
Guy Van Duser and Billy Novick ($12)
Guy Van Duser and Billy Novick - These perennial favorites are back by popular demand. For a spirited evening nothing can beat the "two-man big band" (Garrison Keillor). Guy’s strong playful jazz guitar and Billy’s sweet/spicy clarinet and unique vocals cover an improbable range of classic jazz and American songbag pop music. They are great on records and movie soundtracks, but this inimitable duo is even more fun in person you. Now is your chance.
November 17
Debra Cowan and John Roberts ($12)
A great night for traditional and contemporary music. If you know any Scots, Irish, British or Appalachian ballad Debra, John or both will know it. They will play and sing and happily discuss it during the break.
With concertina and banjo John sings the traditional songs of his native Britain in a manner both authoritative and authentic, and highly entertaining with an engaging quiet charm. A 2007 CD of sea songs "Sea Fever" has gotten critical acclaim.
Debra Cowan, the American partner, has comparable depth of traditional and modern songs sung in a captivating warm alto, with clear vocals that call forth ghosts of the past and the modern urban landscape. These show in her more contemporary recent release "Fond Desire Farewell". Whether a capella or with guitar; solo, or with John, she fills the room. Together they promise a memorable evening.
December 16, (Sunday 4PM)
Aine’ Minogue’s Celtic Christmas ($15)
Aine’s renowned harp playing, her beautiful, nearly ethereal voice, and her oft-time enchanting guests have made this sellout event the high point of many recent seasons. She plays, sings, and discretely explains the Celtic mythology and tradition behind some of the music. From her time as harpist in residence at Ireland’s Bunratty Castle to her playing, singing and teaching here, at Hingham’s Aisling Gallery, and elsewhere, Aine’ only gets better. Come early as we welcome her back. Failte!
January 19
Memphis Rockabillies ($12)
The name almost says it all. Are they southern, rock and roll, hillbillies or more? Yes, all of those and more. Their repertoire includes originals and standards drawn from rockabillly, surf instrumentals, blues, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues, and they make it all their own. They tragically lost one of their moving spirits, with the death of Hingham’s Jeff Spencer just before their first time here, but they went on to do a glorious tribute concert and have continued since. They are also a great dance band. We will leave some open floor for you.
February 16
Jay Psaros / RickAndyJudy
A lively, evocative double bill ($12)
Jay Psaros’ honest songwriting and strong guitar playing led WERS-FM to find him an "Artist on the Verge" while the Patriot Ledger called his CD "Tripping and Running" one of the "Top Ten Local Albums of 2010". Others find his recent CD "On Up the Road" to be "eclectic, sometimes poppy and downright danceable." If you missed him at the Snug, this is your chance to catch up with him.
RickAndyJudy (Rick Fetters, Andy Daigle and Judy Neveu) perform as soloists, duos and a trio, gaining renown for their Peter, Paul and Mary tribute shows. These draw on Rick’s long association with the classic trio, on Judy’s breath-taking voice, and on Andy’s easy-going style. The event will draw on their diverse talents and repertories, balancing some PPM material with traditional songs and originals. They often do a few songs at the Old Ship’s monthly Ceilidh, but this will be a rare and rewarding full evening.
March 23
Aoife Clancy and Robbie O’Connell ($15)
How better to celebrate the night before Saint Patrick’s Day than with the talented Celtic Cousins.
Aoife (pronounced "Eefa"), a marvelous mezzo, just keeps growing as shown by her work with Cherish the Ladies and her triumphant CD, Silvery Moon. Though one of the celebrated Clancys, she has a distinct artistry and her music is all her own (except when she shares it with Robbie). She goes from a traditional ballad, to a classic cabaret song, to a lament in Irish. And each can fill a room.
Robbie O’Connell - A delightful, playful presence, the mellow but provocative singer/songwriter offers songs of humor, drama, conscience, romance and hope. Though often heard with his uncles, the Clancy Brothers, and his group Aengus, his talents and perspectives on Ireland, America and the world can more than fill an evening.
The combination of Aoife and Robbie is a sum that is greater than its parts. Don’t miss them.
April 20
Jake Armerding ($12)
After growing up with Vivaldi and Bluegrass, Jake played in his father, Taylor Armerding’s cutting edge bluegrass band, Northern Lights by the 7th grade. He went on to develop his "seamless blend of folk and bluegrass" leading the Boston Globe’s Scott Alarik to find him "the most gifted and promising songwriter to emerge from the Boston folk scene in years (with) a timeless folk-pop melodicism." He is also a first-rate fiddler and mandolinist though often joined by his dad and others.
May 18
David Mallet ($15)
Is it garden time yet? Even if it weren’t, it would be time to hear Maine based David Mallet, author of the Garden Song ("Inch by inch, row by row, Gonna’ make this garden grow") and many other memorable songs. His music reflects his upbringing and life in Maine, and his sense of its people including "the people who shouldn’t have stayed but did". But it goes far since "music is one of the few things that is timeless" and "human emotion is one continual chain." He was named one of the most memorable "Mainers" of the 20th Century along with Marshall Dodge, Andew Wyeth, E.B.White and Stephen King, but his reach goes far beyond, and we are lucky to have him to end one season and begin an other.
