The Minstrel Acoustic Concert Series ™

WoodstockJoan & Joni is a musical tribute to Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell, performed by Allison Shapira and Kipyn Martin respectively. Each of these singer-songwriters is possessed of a voice (and hair color) eerily reminiscent of that of their role models, and was heavily influenced by their predecessors' music in their own writing. This show explores the music and history of these two seminal figures in contemporary folk from the 60s to the present. Sprinkled in the program will be occasional samples of Allison's and Kipyn's own writing as well.

Your hearts will skip some beats at the Valentines Day Extravaganza, a wildly popular Folk Project fundraiser event. Folk Project Member performers will sing, dance and/or recite their way into your hearts as they perform their love-themed musical numbers on their own, or backed up by our terrific Lovin' Hearts Big Boogie Band, or our sophisticated Jazz ensemble. You will be treated to special Valentine sweets (or other more cardiac-friendly snacks if that's your desire) included in the $12 admission for this very special folk Project event. Come out and have your hearts throbbed!!

The Minstrel OpenStage is the place where a diverse collection of acoustic musicians perform for a welcoming, supportive, and attentive audience. We’re a listening room, not a noisy bar. We've often seen previews of our regularly scheduled opening acts for the first time at our Open Stage. ( For information on how to sign up to perform at our next Open Stage, visit www.OpenStage.FolkProject.org.

Water MusicThose who saw the 17 year old Quentin Callewaert's opening set for Toby Walker last June were singularly impressed. The young singer-guitarist displayed, a precocious ability to convincingly play and sing the fingerstyle guitar classics of such pioneers as Doc Watson, Merle Travis and Tommy Emmanuel. Driven by the love of these guitar heroes of his parents' generation, he has continued to grow musically, and is now worthy of a night of his own at the Minstrel. And those who catch this show will long remember the night they saw him when...

Planxty FluhartyRuss Rentler is a talented multi-instrumentalist performing original and traditional songs on hammer and Appalachian dulcimers, guitar, banjo, mandolin, bouzouki, autoharp and dobro. His songs have a humorous streak to complement the instrumental virtuosity.

For the past 4 years, Todd Dennison has been the go-to guy when it came to supporting his fellow musicians' performing careers. His prodigious guitar and vocal skills and instinctive musicality made him a valuable musical partner to any number of member performers. But he's also a skilled songwriter, and it's time he had a show of his own at the Minstrel. So he and his various musical collaborators will make this a brilliant evening of music

Rhode Island RhodesThe youngest member of the Folk Project’s vaunted Edelston clan, Julie Parker Edelston, embarks on her songwriting career. She combines the sounds of musical theater and rock on piano, reminiscent of Sara Bareilles and Queen. She wrote her first song in 6th grade, and graduated from Berklee College of Music, majoring in Songwriting and minoring in Musical Theater Writing. She has been working closely with Livingston Taylor to perfect her songwriting and performance skills.

Simple and SoberMike Merenda & Ruthy Ungar are the front couple for the great contemporary stringband, "The Mammals". Mike plays guitar and banjo, and Ruthy guitar and fiddle. Ruthy in particular is an apple that fell real close to the tree of her father, Jay Ungar, with fiddle chops right up there with her legendary dad's. They play mostly original music, but maintain their traditional roots with some spirited fiddle tunes of all genres. The duo features great instrumental virtuosity, wonderful songs and stories, and an over-the-top high-energy performance.

Kis Kece LányomAsaran Earth Trio is comprised of Anne Boccato from Brazil, Artemisz Polonyi from Hungary and Chiara Izzi from Italy. As a group, they came together out of the desire to take choral traditions from around the world in new directions, combining folk elements together with the adventure of group improvisation and each member’s musical ‘history’. With only voice and percussion, they are known to cause groups of strangers to break out in song, dance, laugh, and cry.

The Minstrel OpenStage is the place where a diverse collection of acoustic musicians perform for a welcoming, supportive, and attentive audience. We’re a listening room, not a noisy bar. We've often seen previews of our regularly scheduled opening acts for the first time at our Open Stage. ( For information on how to sign up to perform at our next Open Stage, visit www.OpenStage.FolkProject.org.

When My Love and I PartedThose who attended the Folk Project Fall Getaway last October will fondly remember The Murphy Beds (Jefferson Hamer and Eamon O’Leary). They present traditional and contemporary Irish music in sweet vocal harmony with delightful Irish charm. Their instrumental arrangements on guitar, bouzouki, and mandolin are exquisitely delicate and subtle.

Lay It On MeTal Naccarato plays old style ragtime and blues guitar after the fashion of such greats as Happy Traum and Dave Van Ronk. He delivers the classics of the folks like Reverend Gary Davis and Jorma Kaukonen, plus a few of his own compositions in the same genre.

City of New OrleansTom Chapin's music spans generations from the heady Greenwich Village days when he performed with his brothers Harry, and Steve, and dad Jim, through to today. He serves up a tasty mix of story songs, ballads, comedic and political songs, family music, sing-alongs, old-time folk classics and a favorite song or two of his late brother Harry’s. With an agile fingerstyle guitar, gentle humor, audience inclusiveness, and a concern for the Earth and its resources, Tom puts on a memorable show.

Would You Like to Marry Me?Dan Pelletier's soulful voice can at turns be powerful and gritty, or tender and emotive. He never fails to delight audiences with his wit and tenderness. His shows feature just the right touch of sarcasm tempered by warmth, realistic idealism and a passion for life, love and the pursuit of happiness. If Tom Lehrer, Shel Silverstein, Sting, Joe Cocker and James Taylor all had a kid together, it would be Dan.

When I'm Gone (From the 2012 performance at the Minstrel)An all-star cast consisting of Greg Greenway, Reggie Harris, Tom Prasada-Rao, & Pat Wictor will perform the songs of Phil Ochs. Phil was one of the seminal figures of the 60's Folk movement and penned dozens of classics that live today in the hearts of fans and performers alike. The evening will be hosted by Phil's sister, Sonny Ochs, who is still an active figure in the folk community. The performers will also include some of their own songs, and Sonny will add historical and biographical notes to put these songs in the context of the era and the times.

Lady Gaga's Singing ProgramThere are two Cheryl Wheelers, actually. There's the Good Cheryl Wheeler, who stops you in your tracks with the most beautiful poignant ballad that can bring you to tears. And there's the Evil Cheryl Wheeler whose biting wit and relentless probing of the foibles and foolishness of society reminds you of Jon Stewart or George Carlin and leaves you helplessly rolling on the floor with laughter. And watching those two Cheryl Wheelers vie with each other on stage is what has made her a top drawing talent in the Folk World for over 3 decades.

The Minstrel OpenStage is the place where a diverse collection of acoustic musicians perform for a welcoming, supportive, and attentive audience. We’re a listening room, not a noisy bar. We've often seen previews of our regularly scheduled opening acts for the first time at our Open Stage. ( For information on how to sign up to perform at our next Open Stage, visit www.OpenStage.FolkProject.org.

Livin' in a Great Big WayThose who attended our 2018 Spring Getaway will long remember the bravura performance they saw by Del Rey.She hits the stage like a miniature tornado with blues, ragtime, jug band, and novelty numbers played on steel guitar and ukulele. Her instrumental prowess approaches, but does not quite cross the borderline of being flashy. And it's all delivered with a twinkle in the eye, and a sense of humor that's a cross between Will Rogers and Monty Python. The woman is a pistol!

The Green Planet Band is a family band comprised of siblings Kylee (13), Tyler (10), and Anna (10), along with Mama Lisa. It started with an elementary school talent show, and has grown to be a credible semi-professional folk-rock act with strong vocals by the kids and lead guitar work from Mama. They do music by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Journey, Neil Diamond, Buddy Holly, Linda Ronstadt, Elvis Costello, and others, and have been a big hit at numerous Folk Project and other local events.

RPR SamplerThose who mourn the demise of the great Canadian band Tanglefoot will rejoice at the emergence of RPR, which might justifiably be called "Tanglefoot II". Three of T'foot's members, Rob Ritchie (keyboard), Steve Ritchie (guitar), and Al Parrish (bass) form the core of the band, and are joined by Beaker Granger (percussion & guitar). The full-throated folk sound is still there, along with some of the old band's repertoire. But the focus is broader and the musical palette more varied. The vocal harmonies are powerfully evident as ever, as is the energy, the finely-honed songwriting, the penchant for humour and the twinkling eyes.

The Annie Donahue Trio features Annie Donahue (singer/songwriter), Todd Dennison (guitar/vocals), and Craig Limey (bass/vocals). The trio formed in August of 2018, with their first performance opening for the Folk Project Getaway Concert Series to rave reviews. They combine traditional folk music and gospel with jazz influences to create unique musical arrangements with tight three part vocal harmonies. They strive to make music that touches listeners with songs that are introspective, joyful, meditative, and move them to join in singing.

Midnight GhostWhen not serving as Nanci Griffith's backup band, The Kennedys have been joyfully rocking the folk world with their own unique brand of high-energy performance. It's more than the powerful close-harmony singing. It's more than the hot guitar work. It's more than the driving rhythms and power chords. It's the obvious chemistry between Pete and Maura Kennedy that is so charming and so contagious that the listener can't help but grin and join in their fun.

Jaclyn Fraser is a 18 year old singer we've discovered via our OpenStage. She’s been playing the guitar for four years and singing ever since she could talk. Jaclyn has performed as a soloist at Madison Square Garden, Prudential Center, and has toured with the “Paper Mill Playhouse’s Children All Stars on Tour" Company. She loves all genres of music especially pop and folk, and writes her own original music as well. She will be accompanied on guitar and vocals by her guitar teacher, Jeff Bourlier.

The Minstrel OpenStage is the place where a diverse collection of acoustic musicians perform for a welcoming, supportive, and attentive audience. We’re a listening room, not a noisy bar. We've often seen previews of our regularly scheduled opening acts for the first time at our Open Stage. ( For information on how to sign up to perform at our next Open Stage, visit www.OpenStage.FolkProject.org.

Jonathan Byrd is a preacher’s son, a Gulf War veteran, and an award-winning songwriter from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, known for literary, outsider songs that have become Americana favorites. The Chicago Tribune called Byrd “one of the top 50 songwriters of the past 50 years.” Multi-instrumentalist Johnny Waken and drummer Austin McCall comprise The Pickup Cowboys, a pair of musical gunslingers, vaudevillian hucksters, and old-fashioned tent revivalists. And together, they put on a whirlwind show of great songs and theatrical antics that brought the attendees of last October’s Folk Project Getaway to their feet demanding more.

Tiny MosesThe Rough & Tumble is a close-harmony, folk duo consisting of Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler.  They left Nashville 4 years ago, for life on the road in a 16 foot camper with their two dogs. Heartfelt, intimate, candid, and warm, The Rough & Tumble’s tight-knit songs feature the accompaniment of acoustic guitars, accordion, banjulele, a toy piano, and a box full of noisemakers, and reflect the life of a couple of lovers on a great adventure across America.

You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You GoSilk City is the high powered combination of three of the most accomplished musicians in the East. Danny Weiss' blazing guitar and soaring tenor voice have led bluegrass-oriented bands from Bottle Hill to Skyline. For over a decade, mandolinist Barry Mitterhoff toured with Hot Tuna, and has recorded for countless prominent acts from Peter Rowan to John Gorka to Julius LaRosa. And Larry Cohen's bass playing is sought after by musicians and recording studios around the country.

Hillary-Marie's Sole Music Collective
Details to follow

The Minstrel OpenStage is the place where a diverse collection of acoustic musicians perform for a welcoming, supportive, and attentive audience. We’re a listening room, not a noisy bar. We've often seen previews of our regularly scheduled opening acts for the first time at our Open Stage. ( For information on how to sign up to perform at our next Open Stage, visit www.OpenStage.FolkProject.org.

Practice Makes ProgressIn describing David Roth, Peter Yarrow (Of Peter, Paul, & Mary) writes, "With voices like his still singing, there's a certainty that the candle will remain lit, the hope reasserted, and the dream still sung," David has sung everywhere from headlining the Kerrville Folk Festival to presenting the National Anthem at a Chicago Bulls NBA game. He has great vocal chops, an engaging stage presence, and the ability to inspire a belief in a brighter future with his songs.

Sandie Reilly is a longtime performing member of the Folk Project, and active on its Board of Directors. She plays guitar, and sings in a clear soprano. She is joined by fellow Folk Projectile and utility sideman Todd Dennison on bass and guitar, and Max Cohen on guitar and backup vocals. Together, they perform mostly Sandie's material along with a few well-chosen covers.

The Minstrel OpenStage is the place where a diverse collection of acoustic musicians perform for a welcoming, supportive, and attentive audience. We’re a listening room, not a noisy bar. We've often seen previews of our regularly scheduled opening acts for the first time at our Open Stage. ( For information on how to sign up to perform at our next Open Stage, visit www.OpenStage.FolkProject.org.

The Minstrel OpenStage is the place where a diverse collection of acoustic musicians perform for a welcoming, supportive, and attentive audience. We’re a listening room, not a noisy bar. We've often seen previews of our regularly scheduled opening acts for the first time at our Open Stage. ( For information on how to sign up to perform at our next Open Stage, visit www.OpenStage.FolkProject.org.

More information to come

The Minstrel OpenStage is the place where a diverse collection of acoustic musicians perform for a welcoming, supportive, and attentive audience. We’re a listening room, not a noisy bar. We've often seen previews of our regularly scheduled opening acts for the first time at our Open Stage. ( For information on how to sign up to perform at our next Open Stage, visit www.OpenStage.FolkProject.org.

Sailor's RestWith his smooth, dark baritone, his incredible range, and thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, Garnet Rogers is widely considered by fans and critics alike to be one of the finest singers anywhere. He became a touring musician right out of high school as a member of his brother Stan's band. His music is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful. As memorable as his songs, his over-the-top humor and lightning-quick wit moves his audience from tears to laughter and back again.

Pass It AlongScott Cook has been living out of a van or a backpack for the last eleven years, touring almost incessantly across Canada, the US, Europe, Asia, Australia and elsewhere, and releasing six albums along the way.  All the hard miles notwithstanding, he still believes that songs can change your life, and your life can change the world. "He sings his heart and soul, and in doing so lets light flood into your own... Truly one of Woody Guthrie's children." -RnR Magazine

Irish harper and storyteller Patrick Ball returns to the Minstrel with another of his musical/dramatic 1-man productions. "Come Dance With Me in Ireland" recounts the life and music of the great Irish poet, William Butler Yeats, as seen through the eyes of an elderly Irish-American couple returning to the "Auld Ground". In his enchanting brogue, and accompanying himself on the traditional wire-strung Celtic harp, Patrick spins a heartwarming tale and enchants the listener with his impeccable artistry on this rare instrument.

More details to follow.

Details T.B.D.

The President Sang Amazing GraceThose who saw Zoe Mulford's bravura opening set for Susan Werner in January voted overwhelmingly to give her a feature set of her own. Zoe plants one foot on either shore of the Atlantic, with homes in Pennsylvania and Manchester England. She tackles the big eternal themes - love, death, food, laundry, etc. - with wit and honesty. Backing her clear vocals with guitar or clawhammer banjo, she serves up well-told stories seasoned with everything from old-time picking to Irish ballad, plus a dash of the blues. Her song, "The President Sang Amazing Grace" has been recently recorded by Joan Baez.

The Minstrel OpenStage is the place where a diverse collection of acoustic musicians perform for a welcoming, supportive and attentive audience. We’re a listening room, not a noisy bar. We've often seen previews of our regular scheduled acts for the first time at our Open Stage. Admission is $5.00 at the door, but is free for Folk Project members and anyone under the age of twenty-five. (Free-will donations are encouraged.) For information on how to sign up to perform at our next Open Stage, visit www.OpenStage.FolkProject.org.

Dixie BreakdownJP Cormier is the worst-kept secret of the multi-instrumental virtuoso world. Based in Nova Scotia, he has been a member of the world's top touring bluegrass and string bands since the age of 13. After two decades of that, he stepped out of the bands, and began his solo career. His guitar work, both flatpicking and fingerstyle is lightning fast, and yet smooth as butter. So is his fiddling. His songs are brilliantly written, and delivered in a clear and soulful tenor. And the stories between songs is delightful and often hilarious.

* It's been a long time since we've had an "Agranoff Imperative" at the Minstrel. I will apply that rating once every few years to an artist appearing at the Minstrel for the first time who, though their name may not be familiar, merits my MUST SEE recommendation based on sheer virtuosity, and performance excellence. JP Cormier is one such without doubt. Put this one on your calendar now!

Mike Agranoff
Minstrel Program Chairman

Details to follow