Rock Tavern Chapter: Don and Maureen Black
2024-01-13 19:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Unitarian Fellowship, Rock Tavern, 9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern, NY, 12575, United States
The Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild is pleased to be featuring Don and Maureen Black.
~~~~~

Don and Maureen Black began taking guitar lessons with Helen Avakian in September of 2008. They first played together in public in January 2013 under the name “Never Too Late”. Since then they have played together in a variety of local venues, most notably in the “Teachers”-themed John Street Jam, and in a Lou Reed tribute in Nyack. They play regularly at the Hudson Valley Folk Guild, the Hyde Park Library, the High Falls Café, and at Richard’s Rhinecliff Acoustic Show at Morton Library. They enjoy playing humorous songs and, most especially, songs written by local artists.

~~~~~

Open mic performances will be available to all. Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors). Signup begins at 7 and open mic begins at 7:30. The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern is located in the Town of New Windsor at 9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern, NY, off Route 207, 3.4 miles west of Rte 300; or take I-84 to Exit 5A, Rte 747 south to Rte 207, make a right and take the second left.
For more information contact the President of the Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at HVFGRockTavern@hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org.

Poughkeepsie Chapter: Michael Falco
2024-01-20 19:30 - 22:00 | Unitarian Fellowship, Poughkeepsie, 67 S. Randolph Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12603, United States
The Poughkeepsie Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild
will host our monthly coffeehouse on
Saturday, January 20, 2024
at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
This month we are proud to be featuring Michael Falco.

Michael Angelo Falco is a photographer, author and songwriter residing in Rock Tavern, New York.
Falco was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, and pick up his first guitar at age 10 years. He joined his first band at age 11 years and went on to play in bands in high school and college where he discovered photography.
In Falco’s thirty plus years as a professional photographer his work has appeared in publications like the National Geographic and The New York Times. His work can be found in numerous museum collections and in the National Archive at the Library of Congress. Falco is also a New York City Commissioned Public Artist where in 2007 he installed a 30 foot glass mural that graces the entrance to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. Falco has also published three books, the latest of which, “Echoes of the Civil War: Capturing Battlefields Through a Pinhole Camera” was published by WW Norton in 2016.
In 2018 Falco moved from Manhattan to the Hudson Valley to pursue a photographic project inspired by the Hudson River School painters. That move, to a quiet farm in Rock Tavern, led to a deep spiritual awakening. This spiritual awakening inspired music and during the pandemic period Falco began to revisit his love for songwriting and recording.
Michaelfalco.bandcamp.com.

OPEN MIC

Open mic performances will be available for all.
Signup begins at 7 and open mic begins at 7:30.
The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors)
Questions? Contact the President of the Poughkeepsie Chapter, John Hamilton, at birdman566@aol.com.

Open Mic via Zoom: Mike Berman
2024-01-27 19:30 - 22:00 | Zoom
Mike Berman writes and performs original songs rooted in the Folk and California Folk Rock traditions. Mike’s first album, Where I’m From, released in January 2023, received excellent reviews and was featured on dozens of Folk radio programs across the USA and beyond.
Mike has performed concerts and showcases at venues across Southern California, such as The Coffee Gallery, The Lost Chord, Jeweled Universe, Universal Bar & Grill, Mission Tile Music, Stardust Concerts, and many other venues, both solo and with his three-piece combo TIMBR. He has appeared at legendary venues McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Los Angeles, the Towne Crier in New York, and Club Passim in Boston.
Mike has also been a regular performer at on-line showcases including Bruce Swan’s Music My Mother Wouldn’t Like, Jan Seides “Any Sunday Songwriters” series, and his own Social Distance Café. He recently was awarded “Best Performance” at the Songwriters at Play competition in Solvang, California.
Contact: mikebermanmusic@gmail.com
Website: www.mikebermanmusic.com

Connect via Zoom:
Topic: HVFG 4th Saturday Open Mic via Zoom

For the Zoom link, please signup for our email newsletters, or contact Ethan Campbell at ethan.1247@gmail.com.

OPEN MIC
Music starts at 7:30, but if you arrive at 7:00 you can spend some time catching up with friends, helping each other sound check, and just generally enjoying the mellow Folk Guild vibe.
Ethan Campbell will be the Zoom maestro, so if you’re a musician and you’re planning to perform, let Ethan know as soon as you come in from the Waiting Room. He’ll get you into the next available slot. Everybody gets two songs or eight (8) minutes, whichever comes first.

Kingston Chapter: Piedmont Blūz
2024-02-03 19:30 - 22:00 | Unitarian Fellowship, Kingston, 320 Sawkill Road, Kingston, NY, 12401, United States
The Kingston Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild welcomes you to our
2023-2024 Coffeehouse Series
on Saturday, February 3, 2024
at the Unitarian Fellowship, 320 Sawkill Rd., Kingston.

Our featured performer is Piedmont Blūz.

The Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo, comprised of Valerie and Benedict Turner, are ambassadors of Country Blues music, the Piedmont style of fingerpicking, and roots percussion. Their mission is to help bring awareness to these unique aspects of African-American culture, and to the contributions of early blues artists, through performing and teaching. The husband-and-wife duo are much loved wherever they go. They feel that “there are stories to tell, people to remember, and things that must be said” so, in addition to tickling your ears with delightful music, they weave a bit of history into the presentation of each song.
Inducted into the NY Blues Hall of Fame in 2018, these tradition bearers have been featured in numerous festivals including the Newport Folk Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Tel Aviv Blues Festival, Clearwater Revival, and Brooklyn Folk Festival to name a few. In addition to performing at a variety of domestic venues, Piedmont Blūz has traveled as far as Europe and the Middle East to share their music.
“The most wonderful thing about Piedmont Blūz is they share the history of the music as well as playing the songs. They’re able to do that in a way that doesn’t take away from the musical performance, but rather add an educational aspect that blues fans truly love.” – JD Nash, Writer: American Blues Scene

OPEN MIC

Open mic performances will be available for all.
Signup begins at 7pm and open mic begins at 7:30pm.
The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors)

Rock Tavern Chapter: The Agricola Family Band
2024-02-10 19:30 - 22:30 | Unitarian Fellowship, Rock Tavern, 9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern, NY, 12575, United States
The Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild is pleased to be featuring The Agricola Family Band.
~~~~~

Catherine and Mike Agricola connected over their love and interest in music during their courtship. They wed in 2012 and welcomed their first child Maria in 2016 and their son Charles in 2023. Whether it was in their studio apartment or in their family home, music has filled the airwaves.
Catherine and Mike have played together at holiday parties, memorial services, weddings, family events, and many open mics at one of their favorite spots at High Falls Café. Maria debuted her performing at age 3 when she toddled on stage at open mic and has been joining her parents ever since. She enjoys singing and drumming. Charles joined the family band at age 3 months kicking his feet on stage in his carrier.
Catherine, originally from Connecticut, began studying violin at age 4 with the Suzuki method. She has performed in many orchestras and chamber ensembles having traveled to various parts of the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Catherine currently works as a primary care doctor in her own practice with offices in Newburgh and Kingston.
Mike began noodling on his guitar during his teenage years in his bedroom on Long Island and the obsession has never ended. He is self-taught in both guitar and keyboards. He has played in several rock and blues bands in New York and is an avid conversationalist about all things music. Mike is a master of home and child care, works for the family medical practice, and also has pursuits in personal training and fitness.

~~~~~

Open mic performances will be available to all. Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors). Signup begins at 7 and open mic begins at 7:30. The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern is located in the Town of New Windsor at 9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern, NY, off Route 207, 3.4 miles west of Rte 300; or take I-84 to Exit 5A, Rte 747 south to Rte 207, make a right and take the second left.
For more information contact the President of the Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at HVFGRockTavern@hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org.

Poughkeepsie Chapter: Mitch Katz
2024-02-17 19:30 - 22:00 | Unitarian Fellowship, 67 S. Randolph Ave., Poughkeepsie, 67 S. Randolph Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12603, United States
The Poughkeepsie Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild
will host our monthly coffeehouse on
Saturday, February 17, 2024
at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
This month we are proud to be featuring Mitch Katz.

Mitch Katz is a contemporary songwriter with a penetrating vision of life. His crafty lyrics and compelling melodies bring sensitivity and humor to a mix of ballads and blues, with some political observation thrown in for good measure. His strong guitar playing is a perfect compliment for his voice, which has just enough grit to lend a flavor of hard won life experiences. Mitch’s warm and engaging stage presence makes his audience feel right at home as he gives voice to their dreams and desires.
“Mitch Katz writes songs about today’s confusing world that make the listener feel less confused. His songs appeal to the intellect and are fun at the same time.” – David Amram, Composer

OPEN MIC

Open mic performances will be available for all.
Signup begins at 7 and open mic begins at 7:30.
The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors)
Questions? Contact the President of the Poughkeepsie Chapter, John Hamilton, at birdman566@aol.com.

Open Mic via Zoom: Mara Levine
2024-02-24 19:30 - 22:00 | Zoom
Called “one of the best singers of her generation” by Christine Lavin, international touring artist Mara Levine selects songs with inherent beauty, then crafts them to a glittering brilliance. According to folksinger Si Kahn, “Layering harmony line on top of harmony line, Levine creates rich tapestries of sound and emotion.”
Mara joined Bell Buckle Records in 2020. Her critically acclaimed albums Facets of Folk (2013) and Jewels and Harmony (2019) were each #1 on the Folk Alliance International Folk DJ Chart upon release, and reached #3 for the year. Mara has appeared on radio programs and at venues and festivals in the US, Canada, and Europe. Mara’s performances are known for thoughtful and inspiring interpretations of traditional songs, worthy modern classics, protest music, and some of the sweetest vocalizing you’ll find this side of the golden sounds of the ‘60s, with songs that stir the emotions, and encourage singing along!
Contact: marablevine@gmail.com
Website: https://maralevine.com/

Connect via Zoom:
Topic: HVFG 4th Saturday Open Mic via Zoom

For the Zoom link, please signup for our email newsletters, or contact Ethan Campbell at ethan.1247@gmail.com.

OPEN MIC
Music starts at 7:30, but if you arrive at 7:00 you can spend some time catching up with friends, helping each other sound check, and just generally enjoying the mellow Folk Guild vibe.
Ethan Campbell will be the Zoom maestro, so if you’re a musician and you’re planning to perform, let Ethan know as soon as you come in from the Waiting Room. He’ll get you into the next available slot. Everybody gets two songs or eight (8) minutes, whichever comes first.

Kingston Chapter: Geoff Kauffman
2024-03-02 19:30 - 22:00 | Unitarian Fellowship, Kingston, 320 Sawkill Road, Kingston, NY, 12401, United States
The Kingston Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild welcomes you to our
2023-2024 Coffeehouse Series
on Saturday, March 2, 2024
at the Unitarian Fellowship, 320 Sawkill Rd., Kingston.

Our featured performer is Geoff Kauffman.

Although Geoff is best known to a lot of people for his 35 years of singing and organizing maritime music at Mystic Seaport Museum in CT he has always maintained an active touring schedule featuring music from such formative influences as singers and songwriters from the “folk scare” of the 60s (Tom Paxton, Joan Baez, Steve Gillette…), songs collected in the Catskill Mountains where he grew up and his time as a Sloopsinger with the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater and Pete Seeger. Since his retirement from Mystic in June of ’19, Geoff has turned greater attention to music that speaks to issues of social justice, the climate crisis and our need to find common ground, but also wants to keep singing songs that caught his ear over the years for their pure grace and beauty. Mostly, Geoff just loves to sing whether a cappella or accompanied by guitar, concertina or bones.
Geoff has eight albums available on his website at www.geoffkaufman.com, seven of his music and one he produced with a wonderful cast of performers including Pete Seeger, Ronnie Gilbert, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason and Eric Weissberg of folk songs collected at Camp Woodland in the Catskills.

OPEN MIC

Open mic performances will be available for all.
Signup begins at 7pm and open mic begins at 7:30pm.
The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors)

Rock Tavern Chapter: Us! with Judy Kass, Amy Soucy, & Glen Roethel
2024-03-09 19:00 - 22:30 | NY
The Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild is pleased to be featuring the group Us! (Judy Kass, Amy Soucy, and Glen Roethel)
~~~~~

Three award-winning singer-songwriters, Judy Kass, Glen Roethel, and Amy Soucy combine their eclectic talents and musical influences to encourage positive change, unity, and dialogue. The trio spices their message-driven songs with luscious harmonies, robust melodies, and unexpected twists and turns. The Us! co-write, “Too Much Crying” garnered a Gold Award in the Open Category of the 36th Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. Us! is currently at work recording their first album with an anticipated release in 2024.
Judy Kass draws in her audience with soulful vocals, no-nonsense lyrical storytelling and genre-bending exploration of guitar and piano. Her 2014 debut album, “Better Things” and her 2016 CD, “Beyond the Ash and Steel” both received notable airplay and appeared on the Folk DJ List of Top Albums. An award winning songwriter, Judy’s single “Saving You”, written as part of Caffe Lena’s TrueSongs – Lyrics of Life program, was named first place winner in the Great American Song Contest’s 2019 Singer Songwriter Category.
https://www.judykass.com/

Amy Soucy – Reared on earnest 70’s songs, showtunes, MTV, and 90’s folk-rock, Amy Soucy ultimately found her voice and honed her songwriting chops in the folk scene. She writes evocative songs exploring the kaleidoscope of human experience, and sings them in a voice that’s been called “powerful,” and “angelic.” Her first album, This River, won her a coveted Emerging Artist spot at Falcon Ridge Folk Fest and 1st place in CT Folk’s Song Competition. . www.amysoucymusic.com
Glen Roethel‘s baritone-tenor voice and melodic acoustic guitar stylings light up stages solo and in ensemble with vocal marvels such as Sloan Wainwright, Gathering Time (harmony trio [formerly]), and new trio, Us!. An award-winning songwriter, Glen has electrified juried showcases for Folk Alliance, S.M.A.F., Falcon Ridge Folk, Cape May Singer-Songwriter, and emPower Music & Arts PosiFest with songs that are memoirs, anecdotes, tender love songs, Earth tributes, and anthemic calls for unity and empowerment. www.glenroethel.com
WEBSITE: https://ustriomusic.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/aJ8c40iPc0Y
Instagram: us.triomusic

~~~~~

Open mic performances will be available to all. Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors). Signup begins at 7 and open mic begins at 7:30. The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern is located in the Town of New Windsor at 9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern, NY, off Route 207, 3.4 miles west of Rte 300; or take I-84 to Exit 5A, Rte 747 south to Rte 207, make a right and take the second left.
For more information contact the President of the Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at HVFGRockTavern@hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org.

Poughkeepsie Chapter: Steve Kirkman
2024-03-16 19:30 - 22:00 | Unitarian Fellowship, 67 S. Randolph Ave., Poughkeepsie, 67 S. Randolph Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12603, United States
The Poughkeepsie Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild
will host our monthly coffeehouse on
Saturday, March 16, 2024
at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
This month we are proud to be featuring Steve Kirkman.

Steve Kirkman is a North Carolina native who began his songwriting journey by moving to Nashville for 10 years. There he was able to learn first hand the craft and due diligence of great songwriting. From there he moved to New York City for another 10 years where he continued to explore a life in music. In 2000 he moved out of the city and up to the Hudson Valley where he plans to stay. Meeting the wealth of creative people in this area has proved the most rewarding so far.
As well as his own songs, Steve plays and collaborates with many other local musicians in and around the area. Steve has his own recording studio, The Octagon, and also works at Masterdisk Studio in Peekskill. He is the Host of the long running Open Mic Series at the Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon, and co-founder of the bands, Hope Machine, Guthries Ghost, and Alectro.

OPEN MIC

Open mic performances will be available for all.
Signup begins at 7 and open mic begins at 7:30.
The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors)
Questions? Contact the President of the Poughkeepsie Chapter, John Hamilton, at birdman566@aol.com.

Open Mic via Zoom: David Temple
2024-03-23 19:30 - 22:00 | Zoom
“La Vie Ensemble,” a duo of David Temple and Hélène Nicole Richard, embraces life’s contradictions with humor and song. Hélène Nicole brings her folk-style songwriting with a comedic twist, and David’s classical background adds a special depth, creating a dynamic partnership that is both entertaining and meditative. Their mission is to bring joy, laughter, and a fresh perspective to the shared human experience through music — that blends classical and folk guitar with a French lyrical style.
Hélène’s performing career has spanned east coast to west coast in both Canada and U.S., for audiences in schools as well as performing arts centers, and presenting original work in French and in English. In addition to song-writing, she has published four books, the most recent title being 7 Days to a More Generous, Creative, and Sensual Life, available at Barnes & Noble.
David has performed nationwide as a classical guitar soloist and chamber musician, and has now turned his focus with this partnership to songwriting and composing, utilizing his classical, jazz, and folk backgrounds. He is available for online lessons as a teacher of guitar, music theory, and composition.
We can be contacted at:
lavieensemble.com or lavieensembleduet@gmail.com

Connect via Zoom:
Topic: HVFG 4th Saturday Open Mic via Zoom

For the Zoom link, please signup for our email newsletters, or contact Ethan Campbell at ethan.1247@gmail.com.

OPEN MIC
Music starts at 7:30, but if you arrive at 7:00 you can spend some time catching up with friends, helping each other sound check, and just generally enjoying the mellow Folk Guild vibe.
Ethan Campbell will be the Zoom maestro, so if you’re a musician and you’re planning to perform, let Ethan know as soon as you come in from the Waiting Room. He’ll get you into the next available slot. Everybody gets two songs or eight (8) minutes, whichever comes first.

Kingston Chapter: Carole White
2024-04-06 19:30 - 22:00 | Unitarian Fellowship, Kingston, 320 Sawkill Road, Kingston, NY, 12401, United States
The Kingston Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild welcomes you to our
2023-2024 Coffeehouse Series
on Saturday, April 6, 2024
at the Unitarian Fellowship, 320 Sawkill Rd., Kingston.

Our featured performer is Carole White.

Carole White plays rhythmically driven guitar and sings uplifting, empowering songs with a message to move your body, use your voice, use your power, and use your life for something good.
Born and raised in the Catskills of Woodstock, NY, Carole’s music grows out of the lush, peaceful beauty of those mountains. The ever present surge upwards towards hope, perseverance, and freedom is colored by Woodstock folk and rock roots, civil rights music, swing, blues, and textured by percussive language learned at the hands of a drum. Her rich, resonant voice is sometimes clear and clean, sometimes peppered with rust and gusto, sometimes telling stories of life on the road as a gypsy stone dealer, sometimes inviting you to get up and dance, but always aiming to make you feel better than before you heard her music.

OPEN MIC

Open mic performances will be available for all.
Signup begins at 7pm and open mic begins at 7:30pm.
The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors)

Rock Tavern Chapter: Bruce T. Carroll
2024-04-13 19:30 - 22:00 | Unitarian Fellowship, Rock Tavern, 9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern, NY, 12575, United States
The Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild is pleased to be featuring Bruce T. Carroll.

~~~~~

Over the span of six years, three albums, two singles, widespread airplay, and knockout reviews, Bruce T Carroll has established himself as an Americana artist with a social conscience and a deft lyrical touch. Using irony and imagery as tools in trade, Bruce’s work has been described by No Depression magazine as “devilishly brilliant”, “intensely beautiful”, and “a fine commentary on America’s past”. His signature songs When Two Worlds Collide, Fox in the Henhouse, and Lift Your Head Up continue to get good airplay worldwide, spotlighting the refugee crisis and political upheaval at home and abroad. His latest release, “First Bird To Sing” is an exploration of love and loss and “a brilliant album that attacks the dark side with a tac flashlight and hope”, solidifying Bruce’s reputation as a “singular talent that deserves admiration” (Midwest Record)

~~~~~

Open mic performances will be available to all.Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors). Signup begins at 7 and open mic begins at 7:30. The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern is located in the Town of New Windsor at 9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern, NY, off Route 207, 3.4 miles west of Rte 300; or take I-84 to Exit 5A, Rte 747 south to Rte 207, make a right and take the second left.
For more information contact the President of the Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at HVFGRockTavern@hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org.

Poughkeepsie Chapter: Mike Burns
2024-04-20 19:30 - 22:00 | Unitarian Fellowship, 67 S. Randolph Ave., Poughkeepsie, 67 S. Randolph Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12603, United States
The Poughkeepsie Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild
will host our monthly coffeehouse on
Saturday, April 20, 2024
at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
This month we are proud to be featuring Mike Burns.

The Buzz has been building for some time about Mike Burns, with a delightfully smooth voice and a big talent to match. Mike is a singer/songwriter and acoustic flat-picking guitarist from Purdys, New York. A veteran of the Hudson Valley music scene, he has been playing and singing for more than 25 years – hardly a newcomer. When listening to Mike Burns, the almost universal response of the audience is great surprise at the startlingly clear, soft and beautiful tenor/baritone voice of this singer.
Mike plays locally and also runs the Westchester Bluegrass Club in Purdys, N.Y.

OPEN MIC

Open mic performances will be available for all.
Signup begins at 7 and open mic begins at 7:30.
The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors)
Questions? Contact the President of the Poughkeepsie Chapter, John Hamilton, at birdman566@aol.com.

Open Mic via Zoom: Dennis Douglas
2024-04-27 19:30 - 22:00 | Zoom
Dennis Douglas is known for his clear and warm tenor vocals and nylon-acoustic arrangements on his vintage ’65 classical guitar (Swedish made/sold by Fender). His sets mix originals with covers by familiar folk artists and some undiscovered gems.
Dennis moved to NYC in 1974 and sang in Greenwich Village clubs in the fading days of the Folk scene there. During about 15 years as a freelance musician, he did studio vocals, sang in early music ensembles and choral groups, and even a 12-voice vocal jazz group.
After a second career as a technical writer in the software industry, Dennis returned to solo performing and songwriting. In the Hudson Valley since 2002, he loves being part of the local music community.
In 2022, he released Ferris Wheel, an album of his favorite originals. You can hear all of the tracks for free at dennisdouglasmusic.com (with lyrics) or on popular streaming services.

Connect via Zoom:
Topic: HVFG 4th Saturday Open Mic via Zoom

For the Zoom link, please signup for our email newsletters, or contact Ethan Campbell at ethan.1247@gmail.com.

OPEN MIC
Music starts at 7:30, but if you arrive at 7:00 you can spend some time catching up with friends, helping each other sound check, and just generally enjoying the mellow Folk Guild vibe.
Ethan Campbell will be the Zoom maestro, so if you’re a musician and you’re planning to perform, let Ethan know as soon as you come in from the Waiting Room. He’ll get you into the next available slot. Everybody gets two songs or eight (8) minutes, whichever comes first.

Kingston Chapter: Anne Marie Menta
2024-05-04 19:30 - 22:00 | Unitarian Fellowship, Kingston, 320 Sawkill Road, Kingston, NY, 12401, United States
The Kingston Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild welcomes you to our
2023-2024 Coffeehouse Series
on Saturday, May 4, 2024
at the Unitarian Fellowship, 320 Sawkill Rd., Kingston.

Our featured performer is Anne Marie Menta.

ANNE MARIE MENTA
Anne Marie Menta hails from Hamden, CT, USA, where she has been writing songs since she was a
teenager. As a long-time favorite singer/songwriter, she has released four albums, including her most
recent recording Sky Tonight in 2020.
Anne Marie has been a featured performer at the CT Folk Festival in New Haven, CT, coffeehouses and
clubs, as well as opening for major artists. She was a finalist in the 2004 South Florida Folk Festival
Singer/Songwriter competition, and a showcase artist at NERFA (Northeast Regional Folk Alliance.)
Her tunes are moving song memoirs where autobiography meets storytelling, the personal meets the
universal, childhood haunts adulthood, love meets loneliness, and friends and family embrace love.
Anne Marie performs solo, or as part of an acoustic duo or trio. Her tunes range stylistically from
contemporary folk to Americana, country, and acoustic pop.
“Sky Tonight…. Anne Marie crafts these exquisite songs directly from the heart, with truthful lyrics and
unforgettable melodies that reach out and wrap their loving arms around you. A must listen! “– Sloan
Wainwright
“There’s something about music that entwines it with our memories. And in Anne Marie Menta’s most
recent release, “Sky Tonight,” memories pervade the music. This memory-music nexus is made all the
more powerful when the songs are as crisp, catchy, and well-produced as the ones on “Sky Tonight.”
Anne Marie Menta has a natural facility with melody and a clean, engaging voice. ” – Hank Hoffman
www.annemariementa.com
https://youtu.be/vNHyilfZkrc Compilation live video of Sky Tonight tunes
https://www.facebook.com/ammenta
Contact:
annemariementa@gmail.com
203-764-0052

OPEN MIC

Open mic performances will be available for all.
Signup begins at 7pm and open mic begins at 7:30pm.
The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors)

Rock Tavern Chapter: The Whispering Tree
2024-05-11 19:30 - 22:30 | NY
The Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild is pleased to be featuring The Whispering Tree on May 11, 2024.

~~~~~

Called “one of the most talented duos to take stage in NYC” by Deli Magazine, The Whispering Tree are singer/songwriter El Kleiner and multi-instrumentalist Elie Brangbour. Together, they craft richly immersive folk-rock brimming with evocative lyrics and a panoramic musicality.
Invisible Forces, the fourth recording by the fiercely independent twosome, debuted at #1 on the International Folk DJ charts, with four songs in the top 20. The album was self-produced, fan-funded and recorded at El and Elie’s home studio in Beacon, NY and at Old Soul Studio in Catskill, NY and explores a deeply personal and political landscape, with themes of hope, despair and social consciousness.
Since its 2007 inception, The Whispering Tree has issued two albums and two EPs, and toured nationally and internationally. The duo has also earned prime critical acclaim from The Big Takeover Magazine and Keyboard Magazine, among others. Other marquee career moments include being Kerrville New Folk finalists; Philadelphia Songwriter’s Project winners; and El and Elie having the honor to lend their voices to Pete Seeger and Lorre Wyatt’s album, A More Perfect Union.
El and Elie are currently working on their next album, slated for release in 2024

~~~~~

Open mic performances will be available to all. Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors). Signup begins at 7 and open mic begins at 7:30. The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern is located in the Town of New Windsor at 9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern, NY, off Route 207, 3.4 miles west of Rte 300; or take I-84 to Exit 5A, Rte 747 south to Rte 207, make a right and take the second left.
For more information contact the President of the Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at HVFGRockTavern@hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org.

Poughkeepsie Chapter: David Ray
2024-05-18 19:30 - 22:00 | Unitarian Fellowship, 67 S. Randolph Ave., Poughkeepsie, 67 S. Randolph Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12603, United States
The Poughkeepsie Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild
will host our monthly coffeehouse on
Saturday, May 18, 2024
at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
This month we are proud to be featuring David Ray.

A former New York City cab driver, bartender, bouncer, and actor, David Ray’s award-winning songs have been described as “cinematic.” They’ve been sung by artists as varied as Grammy-winner Shawn Colvin and Dove Award winner Kathy Troccoli, and recorded by producers from Arif Mardin (Aretha Franklin) to Ric Wake (Whitney Houston). Along with Lyle Lovett, Richie Havens, Julie Gold (From a Distance) and others, his early Fast Folk recordings are now part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
As a performer, he’s shared the stage with Roger McGuinn, Shawn Colvin, John Leventhal, Dave Alvin, Lucy Kaplanski, Marshall Crenshaw, Joan Osborne, Paula Poundstone, Cliff Eberhardt, Maia Sharp, Mark Ford, KJ Denhert, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, and many more.
His latest album, and the title song, “So I Run,” produced by Andy Stack (Yola, Girl from the North Country), featuring CMHOF inductee Cindy Cashdollar and an all-star ensemble, has already received multiple awards (2022 HOFA International Song Contest, 2022 International Song Contest (ISC), and the 2023 Shiner/VEVA Collect Song Contest).

OPEN MIC

Open mic performances will be available for all.
Signup begins at 7 and open mic begins at 7:30.
The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors)
Questions? Contact the President of the Poughkeepsie Chapter, John Hamilton, at birdman566@aol.com.

Open Mic via Zoom: Rich Newman
2024-05-25 19:30 - 22:00 | Zoom
Rich Newman is a songwriter and award-winning journalist from Ulster County, New York. He describes his musical style as “the Country side of Folk,” and his songs reveal a spiritual curiosity, a keen sensitivity to the joys and frustrations of human relationships, and a sly sense of humor. Rich’s influences include John Prine, Jerry Jeff Walker and John Gorka.
Rich may be reached at rnew11@yahoo.com.

Connect via Zoom:
Topic: HVFG 4th Saturday Open Mic via Zoom

For the Zoom link, please signup for our email newsletters, or contact Ethan Campbell at ethan.1247@gmail.com.

OPEN MIC
Music starts at 7:30, but if you arrive at 7:00 you can spend some time catching up with friends, helping each other sound check, and just generally enjoying the mellow Folk Guild vibe.
Ethan Campbell will be the Zoom maestro, so if you’re a musician and you’re planning to perform, let Ethan know as soon as you come in from the Waiting Room. He’ll get you into the next available slot. Everybody gets two songs or eight (8) minutes, whichever comes first.

Twilight Music in the Parks 2024: Elly Wininger
2024-05-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland, 87 Haviland Road, Highland, New York, 12528
Inducted into the NY Blues Hall of Fame in 2014, Elly Wininger is a 2023 International Blues Challenge Semifinalist. A veteran of the Greenwich Village folk scene, she played the opening night at CBGB. Elly’s deep involvement with the country blues as well as her award-winning original songs have earned her a reputation for highly entertaining performances. Her most recent album, “The Blues Never End,” (Earwig Music 2021) spent 12 weeks as the #1 Acoustic Blues Album on the Roots Music Report.
Elly is also a producer, educator, and host of the popular radio show Catskill Cabaradio. Her public radio series “Rockin’ the Boat” exploring the role of music in political and social change was honored with an award from the United Nations Department of Information.

About Twilight Music in the Parks
Come enjoy free live music from the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at the Walkway Over the Hudson this summer!

Once again, The Hudson Valley Folk Guild will be providing the New York State Office of Parks with outdoor music on Thursday evenings for “Twilight Music in the Parks”. Performances are mostly on Thursday evenings from 6pm – 7pm at the Walkway Ulster Visitor Center (Highland).
Concerts are free and open to the public. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and stay awhile.
Concerts are weather permitting. For updates see parks.ny.gov.
Hope to see you there!
https://hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org/twilight-music-in-the-parks/

Kingston Chapter: Marc Von Em
2024-06-01 19:30 - 22:00 | Unitarian Fellowship, Kingston, 320 Sawkill Road, Kingston, NY, 12401, United States
The Kingston Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild welcomes you to our
2023-2024 Coffeehouse Series
on Saturday, June 1, 2024
at the Unitarian Fellowship, 320 Sawkill Rd., Kingston.

Our featured performer is Marc Von Em.

Marc Von Em’s soulful sound is driven by skilled acoustic guitar playing and a rich, dynamic voice. His original music is a mix of bluesy rock, folk & funk, and more recently early jazz & swing. Von Em is an accomplished performer whose live shows never fail to entertain. He appears mostly solo, showcasing his original music on acoustic guitar with a bit of harmonica and other instrumentation sown in. Occasionally he invites other talents to join him and has lately been incorporating piano, saxophone and upright bass into his live shows to elevate his sound.
In 2022 Marc released his fifth original recording, “Goodbye, Cloudy Sky”. This album pays homage to The Great American Songbook and is filled with lyrically strong, melodic tunes influenced by early jazz, swing and a little of funk. Goodbye, Cloudy Sky is currently being spun on folk radio stations across the U.S. and has ranked in the top 50 on the FAI Folk Chart “Top Albums of the Month”.
In addition to writing and performing as an indy artist, Von Em is currently signed to Pure Pop Music Publishing Inc. as a songwriter for current and up and coming musical acts, VAMNation Entertainment Management as a vocalist on globally broadcast commercials, and HAUS Music NYC, collaborating with musicians, composers, producers, bands & publishers scoring soundtracks for movie and commercial use.
Marc is proud to have shared the stage with Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20) as a backing vocalist and guitarist for 10 years and three world tours. He has also shared the stage with or opened for: Michael McDonald, Richie Havens, Martin Sexton, Rusted Root, Psychedelic Furs, Kansas, Blue Oyster Cult, Lucy Kaplansky, Glen Tillbrook, Charlie Musselwhite, Herman’s Hermits and many more.
https://marcvonem.com
.

OPEN MIC

Open mic performances will be available for all.
Signup begins at 7pm and open mic begins at 7:30pm.
The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors)

Rock Tavern Chapter: Bennett Harris
2024-06-08 19:30 - 22:30 | Unitarian Fellowship, Rock Tavern, 9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern, NY, 12575, United States
The Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild is pleased to be featuring Bennett Harris.
~~~~~
Bennett Harris is an excellent fingerpicking blues guitarist/singer, located in Woodstock, NY. His extensive repertoire features both traditional and original songs, including tunes from the songbooks of Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson, Blind Blake, Ry Cooder, Hot Tuna, and more.

Bennett has decades of performance experience including lots of slide guitar playing on a vintage National steel guitar, and rack harmonica.

Samples of his music are available on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/49zder6Plt0xjoJeQOCHVK
~~~~~

Open mic performances will be available to all. Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors). Signup begins at 7 and open mic begins at 7:30. The featured performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern is located in the Town of New Windsor at 9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern, NY, off Route 207, 3.4 miles west of Rte 300; or take I-84 to Exit 5A, Rte 747 south to Rte 207, make a right and take the second left.
For more information contact the President of the Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at HVFGRockTavern@hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org.

Twilight Music in the Parks 2024: Storm King Skyline
2024-06-13 18:00 - 19:00 | Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland, 87 Haviland Road, Highland, New York, 12528
Storm King Skyline:
Kevin & Carol Becker, Rich Keyes, Ken & Linda Sheehan
Start with deep roots in traditional folk music, add musical versatility, mix in both historical and contemporary themes, all seasoned with a healthy dose of good-natured humor, then enjoy a performance by Storm King Skyline.
A newly formed musical group, Storm King Skyline has developed a unique sound that combines breathtaking vocals, instrumental dexterity, and a synergy that comes only from an intimate knowledge of each other’s talents. That sound starts with Kevin’s intricate finger picked guitar, augmented by his impeccable harmonica playing. Carol’s soaring vocals – clear, bright, and pure, stand out when singing solo and form compelling harmonies with Kevin and Ken’s baritone voices. Ken adds the skillful touch of a virtuoso on guitar and the sound is all anchored by Rich’s solid rhythms on upright bass and his driving bluegrass-influenced banjo. They feature Linda on tambourine and light percussion. Carol adds other instruments as well, notably mountain dulcimer, recorder, bodhran, and Appalachian limber horse. Their repertoire ranges from historical ballads to songs of social significance and from traditional folk songs to the original songs of the band members. Storm King Skyline has an easy manner and relaxed stage presence which encourages audience participation and contributes to their entertaining performances.

About Twilight Music in the Parks
Come enjoy free live music from the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at the Walkway Over the Hudson this summer!

Once again, The Hudson Valley Folk Guild will be providing the New York State Office of Parks with outdoor music on Thursday evenings for “Twilight Music in the Parks”. Performances are mostly on Thursday evenings from 6pm – 7pm at the Walkway Ulster Visitor Center (Highland).
Concerts are free and open to the public. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and stay awhile.
Concerts are weather permitting. For updates see parks.ny.gov.
Hope to see you there!
https://hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org/twilight-music-in-the-parks/

Twilight Music in the Parks 2024: Jim Pospisil
2024-06-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland, 87 Haviland Road, Highland, New York, 12528
Jim Pospisil is a singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the Hudson Valley whose songs are marked by well crafted, sometimes quirky lyrics and themes from the personal to the profound. A mix of folk, blues, rock and more, his performances on guitar, mandolin, flute and harmonica can be soft and subtle, or wild and energetic. He blends it all with a wry sense of humor, his goal is to make you laugh, cry, or think. Sometimes all at once. He performs cover songs as well, featuring fresh and creative arrangements.
Jim has just released his fourth album “Sleight Of Hand”, his most varied and ambitious release to date. The songs examine the trials of love, life and loss, and the challenge to rise above it all.

About Twilight Music in the Parks
Come enjoy free live music from the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at the Walkway Over the Hudson this summer!

Once again, The Hudson Valley Folk Guild will be providing the New York State Office of Parks with outdoor music on Thursday evenings for “Twilight Music in the Parks”. Performances are mostly on Thursday evenings from 6pm – 7pm at the Walkway Ulster Visitor Center (Highland).
Concerts are free and open to the public. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and stay awhile.
Concerts are weather permitting. For updates see parks.ny.gov.
Hope to see you there!
https://hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org/twilight-music-in-the-parks/

Open Mic via Zoom: Ann Vidrine
2024-06-22 19:30 - 22:00 | NY
Ann Vidrine is a songwriter-guitarist from Louisiana. She describes her originals as “performances in perspective”, where her lyric and melody serve as reflections on her life experiences.
Prior to the pandemic, Ann made her living as a traditional Cajun fiddler. After releasing her first album, Cajun Classics in 1990, she received a nomination for Best Female Vocalist in the Cajun French Music Awards. Notable appearances include performing at France’s 34th International Juan-les-Pins Jazz Festival, a cameo role on A&E’s City Confidential: “Scandal on the Bayou,” and Good Morning America.
In 2016, Ann received the state’s Folklife Heritage Award for her efforts in promoting, presenting and preserving Louisiana’s multi-cultural heritage.
Ann may be reached at: annevidrine@gmail.com

Connect via Zoom:
Topic: HVFG 4th Saturday Open Mic via Zoom

For the Zoom link, please signup for our email newsletters, or contact Ethan Campbell at ethan.1247@gmail.com.

OPEN MIC
Music starts at 7:30, but if you arrive at 7:00 you can spend some time catching up with friends, helping each other sound check, and just generally enjoying the mellow Folk Guild vibe.
Ethan Campbell will be the Zoom maestro, so if you’re a musician and you’re planning to perform, let Ethan know as soon as you come in from the Waiting Room. He’ll get you into the next available slot. Everybody gets two songs or eight (8) minutes, whichever comes first.

Twilight Music in the Parks 2024: Betty and the Baby Boomers
2024-06-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland, 87 Haviland Road, Highland, New York, 12528
The Hudson Valley acoustic group Betty and the Baby Boomers (Betty Boomer, Jean Valla McAvoy, Paul Rubeo, Robert Bard, and Steve Stanne) have been recognized regionally – they “sing and play old-school folk like it was brand spanking new” (Kingston’s Daily Freeman); nationally – “a refreshing reminder of the halcyon days of American folk music” (Sing Out!); and internationally, with many bookings over the years for Clifden Arts Week, a well-known festival in Ireland.
As Clearwater staff and board members, the Boomers worked with Pete Seeger, who regularly performed one of McAvoy’s original songs, “Down by the River,” included on his Grammy-winning album Tomorrow’s Children with the Rivertown Kids. They wrap distinctive harmonies around songs from Seeger, Phil Ochs, and others who inspired their generation, plus contemporary and original material in that tradition.

About Twilight Music in the Parks
Come enjoy free live music from the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at the Walkway Over the Hudson this summer!

Once again, The Hudson Valley Folk Guild will be providing the New York State Office of Parks with outdoor music on Thursday evenings for “Twilight Music in the Parks”. Performances are mostly on Thursday evenings from 6pm – 7pm at the Walkway Ulster Visitor Center (Highland).
Concerts are free and open to the public. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and stay awhile.
Concerts are weather permitting. For updates see parks.ny.gov.
Hope to see you there!
https://hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org/twilight-music-in-the-parks/

Twilight Music in the Parks 2024: Grampa Joe’s Washboard Band
2024-07-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland, 87 Haviland Road, Highland, New York, 12528
Grampa Joe’s Washboard Band was formed in 2017. The band is made up of Grampa Joe Cardella on vocals and washboard, Vince Sauter on vocals and stand-up fretless bass, and Wayne Chadwell on vocals and 6-string high-strung banjo. All three members have played in bands and as individuals since they were teenagers and all three play other instruments and have other musical interests as well.
The style of music is difficult to describe so they simply call it “New Orleans style jazz, blues, string band, jug band, washboard band music”. The music choices are intended to offer something interestingly different from mainstream and are intended to offer surprises and humor.

About Twilight Music in the Parks
Come enjoy free live music from the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at the Walkway Over the Hudson this summer!

Once again, The Hudson Valley Folk Guild will be providing the New York State Office of Parks with outdoor music on Thursday evenings for “Twilight Music in the Parks”. Performances are mostly on Thursday evenings from 6pm – 7pm at the Walkway Ulster Visitor Center (Highland).
Concerts are free and open to the public. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and stay awhile.
Concerts are weather permitting. For updates see parks.ny.gov.
Hope to see you there!
https://hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org/twilight-music-in-the-parks/

Twilight Music in the Parks 2024: Lark
2024-07-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland, 87 Haviland Road, Highland, New York, 12528
Lark formed among friends at an annual backyard party, coalescing around singer-guitarist Charles Wellcome whose angelic tenor is as comfortable expressing joy or sorrow, softness or grit, sweetness or sarcasm. Percussionist David Budd’s background and musical influences are diverse and extensive. At home playing jazz, rock, folk, and blues, David’s sensitivity to the music keeps him busy with a variety of local bands. Terri Massardo has elevated several groups throughout the Hudson Valley. Starting with Yankee Rose, Terri has brought her rich, soulful vocals to The Cover Girls, The Broad Band, and Trio Mio.
Bob Bottjer has never met a musical genre that he can’t play, and his virtuosity on guitar and steel have got him in high demand around the region. His tasteful, unobtrusive licks make everything sound better.
Bassist Steve Massardo is solid and steady and his harmonies round out the Lark sound. The band plays a variety of familiar, mostly-acoustic music in three-part harmony.

About Twilight Music in the Parks
Come enjoy free live music from the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at the Walkway Over the Hudson this summer!

Once again, The Hudson Valley Folk Guild will be providing the New York State Office of Parks with outdoor music on Thursday evenings for “Twilight Music in the Parks”. Performances are mostly on Thursday evenings from 6pm – 7pm at the Walkway Ulster Visitor Center (Highland).
Concerts are free and open to the public. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and stay awhile.
Concerts are weather permitting. For updates see parks.ny.gov.
Hope to see you there!
https://hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org/twilight-music-in-the-parks/

Twilight Music in the Parks 2024: Phil Miller
2024-07-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland, 87 Haviland Road, Highland, New York, 12528
Phil is substituting for our original performer, Bob Stanhope.
Phil Miller, singer/songwriter likes the phrase “Song Smith,” forging catchy, toe-tapping melodies paired with vivid imagery. His style is a healthy blend of contemporary acoustic, folk, country, a hint of jazz, a dash of the blues and a simmered slowly with the influence from pop and rock of the 70’s and 80’s. Like a travel agent for the ears and soul, his songs try to bring you into familiar places or safely travel to destinations of the heart.
Phil often plays in a duo with Betty Altman, but today’s show is a special solo appearance.

About Twilight Music in the Parks
Come enjoy free live music from the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at the Walkway Over the Hudson this summer!

Once again, The Hudson Valley Folk Guild will be providing the New York State Office of Parks with outdoor music on Thursday evenings for “Twilight Music in the Parks”. Performances are mostly on Thursday evenings from 6pm – 7pm at the Walkway Ulster Visitor Center (Highland).
Concerts are free and open to the public. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and stay awhile.
Concerts are weather permitting. For updates see parks.ny.gov.
Hope to see you there!
https://hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org/twilight-music-in-the-parks/

“Beyond A Simple Folk Song” Concert 2024
2024-07-28 | The Stissing Center, 2950 Church Street, Pine Plains, NY, 12567
“Beyond a Simple Folk Song” was conceived in 2009 to be an annual concert of music that challenges acoustic singer/songwriters and musicians to venture out of their comfort zones and stretch their craft beyond the constructs and scope of a song.
For this year’s concert, join us for our headline act with the Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo, comprised of the Country Blues duo Valerie and Benedict Turner. Our opening act features Kurt Henry & Cheryl Lambert, followed by a chamber piece composed by Kevin Becker and performed by Melissa Holland and Linda Bresnahan. Our MC for the afternoon is Steve Allen.
The Stissing Center,
July 28, 2024, 2pm-4pm
2950 Church St, Pine Plains, NY 12567
General admission tickets are available on line at the website – www.thestissingcenter.org
$20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo
The Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo, comprised of Valerie and Benedict Turner, are ambassadors of Country Blues music and the Piedmont style of fingerpicking. Their mission is to help bring awareness to this unique aspect of African-American culture, and to the contributions of early blues artists, through performing and teaching.
They have been entertaining audiences both domestically and abroad and are much loved wherever they go. As 2018 inductees into the New York Blues Hall of Fame, this husband-and-wife duo feel that “there are stories to tell, people to remember, and things that must be said” so, in addition to tickling your ears with delightful music, they weave a bit of history into the presentation of each song.
A Piedmont Blūz concert isn’t just music – it’s an experience as they transport you back to the 1920s and 1930s, the hey-day of acoustic Country Blues music. In addition to performing songs from that time-frame, they introduce each piece with an interesting anecdote about either the composer, the time period, or the song itself.

HVFG Opening Acts:
Kurt Henry and Cheryl Lambert
Kurt Henry and Cheryl Lambert, a dynamic guitar/harmonica duo, always surprise and delight people with the diversity of their repertoire, both covers and originals. Kurt’s popularity as a guitarist is due in part to the range of styles he displays, while the duet taken as a whole–guitar, harmonica, percussion and harmony vocals–seems like more than two busy musicians, making for a compelling performance.
Planned set list:
“Driving Wheel” by David Wiffen: In 1967 I bought my first high end flattop guitar and met Stephen J. Altman, called “Pete,” who managed Israel G. Young’s The Folklore Center, which was New York City’s Mecca for folk music and expert repair by Ed Diehl. Pete taught me fingerpicking and different tunings.
“Shadowbride”: Pete also introduced me to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. He wrote the melody to Tolkien’s poem of the same name. He taught me travis picking and gave me fingerpicks that I mostly lost or stepped on. This has been a real aid to me in getting a softer finger pick style. All that follow “Shadowbride” are original.
“The Hammer and the Cross”: In 1971 I discovered William Morris, considered by many to be a 19th C. renaissance man. I became a life member of the William Morris Society and began amassing a library devoted to that great man. Morris, among other things, created the fantasy novel. “The Hammer and the Cross” is a song about medieval genocide. It uses the symbols of oak and pine to represent the suffering of old (oak) and young (pine).
“The Grain in the Whiskey”: Here is a simple folksong about love and loss—just because. (Maybe I’ll dedicate it to Ian and Sylvia, who exemplified urban folk music.)
“On a Summertide” is an homage for the Byrds for whom I opened for the first time in 1969 or 1970. This was the roster that featured country-rock guitarist, Clarence White, who swept me away! Clarence exemplified using guitar amps to bring modern, grittier guitar tones to country music. Wow! It’s also an homage to the sixties, a time I am glad to have experienced with its unique music.
The Julia songs: The Julia songs (“Julia in Running Shoes” “Julia the Compleat Angler” (sic.)) are beyond a simple song in their playfulness around the subject of—dare I say it—S-E-X!, all well enough disguised.
“Over the Mountain” is a short suite that shows many of the techniques both Cheryl and I have worked on separately and together. Cheryl has grown immensely as a harmonica player. We both play harmonicas and enjoy working out harmonica parts (and vocal harmonies) together. During the covid epidemic we—together—used Facebook to bring live music to people’s living rooms in safety. We donated CD sales to our local food pantry. We still perform our Nine Mile Swamp shows to people all over the country and around the globe.
————————————————
“Folk Themes and Variations”
Composed by Kevin F. Becker
Kevin Becker has composed a chamber piece entitled, “Folk Themes and Variations”, which is a unique blending of folk and classical music. Playing the piece will be two very fine musicians: Melissa Holland on flute, accompanied by Linda Bresnahan on piano.
A three movement piece for flute and piano that is based on the folk songs “Yankee Doodle” and “Shenandoah.” There is also a modern technique, an atonal tone row, that gets integrated in each of the movements periodically throughout the piece.

1st movement – classic theme & variations with snippets of “Yankee Doodle” and instances of the 12-tone row integrated within a tonal base.
2nd Movement – a theme and variations based on the folk song, “Shenandoah”

Variation 1 – Counterpoint melody to “Shenandoah”
Variation 2 – Melodic & harmonic changes
Variation 3 – Minor, representing the difficulties inherent in a mixed marriage of the day (w a brief appearance of the tone row to prepare for the final variation)
Variation 4 – “Grande”

3rd movement – Rondo

A – Main theme is the first 8 notes of the 12-tone row but completed as a tonal tune
B – “Yankee Doodle” in Minor mode
A – Main theme
C – “Shenandoah” tune in the flute with a ragtime piano accompaniment
A – Main theme, that ends with material from the 1st movement.

The Stissing Center
This year marks the second year the venue for our concert is The Stissing Center. In rural and historic Pine Plains, it is easily reachable via main routes (Taconic State Parkway, 44, 82, 199), making it an ideal destination for a scenic Sunday afternoon drive. Located in a brick building dating back to 1915, The Stissing Center features a main concert hall that is a beautiful, rustic-chic performance space with a glass entryway. The Center is air conditioned and ADA-accessible.
Please note that the parking lot is closed this year, but on the street parking is free, plentiful, and convenient. In addition, there will be a “drop off” area directly in front of the entrance to the theater for those who need it. There will also be two volunteers to assist with parking and pointing people to the municipal parking area directly behind the Millbrook Bank at the corner of Rte 199 and Rte 82..
https://www.thestissingcenter.org/
