Sept. 15

Michael Troy/Mark Purcell ~ First, the engaging, blues-oriented Mark Purcell, who captivates us with his expressive guitar and harmonica playing, full-bodied songs, and warm, easy interaction with the audience. Mark is followed by Fall River’s Michael Troy, who continues to gain recognition for his gruff but gentle ballads. His wisdom and his experiences as a mill worker, fisherman, laborer, and carpenter, as well as a husband and father, echo through his music. A magical storyteller with a gift for melody, a deep, rich voice, and great finger-pickin’ skills, he lets the emotion drive the music.
www.folkmichaeltroy.com ; www.myspace.com/mwpurcell

Oct. 20

Eric Cornetta and friends ~ This Hingham singer-songwriter is an open microphone legend from Harvard Square to Greenwich Village and back again. His imaginative and sensitive songs are presented with irrepressible spirit and joie de vie. Eric goes on to reveal a new side of an old folk song while getting everyone to join in on the chorus. To add to the liveliness of the evening, he’s asking Jane Gilmartin, some Old Shippers, and a few flexible folk friends to join him in a song or two.

Nov. 17

Susie Burke and David Surette ~ Susie’s beautiful, complex voice and David’s graceful, nimble-fingered string playing combine with extraordinary results. She has “one of the finest, purest ballad sopranos heard . . . today [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 material.
www.burkesurette.com

Dec. 16 (Sunday, 4 p.m.)

Aine Minogue Christmas Concert ~ Aine’s renowned harp playing, her beautiful, nearly ethereal voice, and her oft-times enchanting guests have made this sell-out event the high point of four recent seasons. From her time as a harpist in residence at Ireland’s Bunratty Castle to her playing and teaching here, Aine only gets better.
www.minogue.com

2008 Performances

Jan. 19

Kevin Connolly ~ Marshfield native Kevin Connolly has carved out his own way of writing “real life” American songs, including ones reflecting his childhood on the South Shore, and has earned a reputation as a passionate performer. His songs have appeared on network television in episodes of NBC’s “First Watch” and in films like Danny Aiello’s “Mojave Moon.” Early influences like John Prine, Tom Waits, and Bob Dylan remain inspirations and guiding forces.
www.kevinconnolly.com

Feb. 16

Jake Armerding ~ After growing up with Vivaldi and bluegrass, Jake was playing in his father, Taylor’s, cutting-edge bluegrass band, Northern Lights, by the 7th grade. He has gone on to develop his own “seamless blend of folk and bluegrass.” The Boston Globe’s Scott Alarik finds 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.
http://www.jakearmerding.com/

March 15

Aoife Clancy ~ This marvelous mezzo just keeps growing, as shown on her triumphant CD “Silvery Moon.” Though one of the celebrated Clancys, Aoife has a distinct repertoire and artistry, and her music is all her own. She goes from a traditional ballad to a classic cabaret song to a beautiful lament in Irish. Aoife’s voice, guitar, and bodhran fill a room.
www.aoifeclancy.com

April 19

Skip Gorman ~ Skip’s music is not that of the Hollywood cowboy, but rather the simple, yet beautifully poignant music that was performed around campfires by cowboys and westward settlers in the 19th century. He has performed on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” and at bluegrass festivals and cowboy gatherings. He frequently presents programs and concerts at schools and museums dressed in authentic cowboy garb while playing period instruments.
www.skipgorman.com

May 17

Geoff Muldaur ~ One of the great voices and musical forces to emerge from the Cambridge folk, blues, and folk-rock scene, Geoff has composed scores for film and television, even garnering an Emmy. He was a founding member of the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, which performed during the 1960s and 70s. He also collaborated with then-wife Maria Muldaur and other notables (Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Garcia, Eric Von Schmidt . . .) The New York Times noted that Geoff succeeds “not because he copies the timbre and inflections of a down-home African-American but because his voice - reedy, quavering, otherworldly - is so unusual that [his music] becomes little more than a context, a jumping-off point.” British songwriter Richard Thompson says: “ There are only three white blues singers, and Geoff Muldaur is at least two of them.”
www.geoffmuldaur.com