The Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series™
Time: 7:30 PM unless otherwise noted. 2nd Fridays are usually Open Stage/audition night. (Check the schedule for rare exceptions.)
Location: Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ, a smoke & alcohol free environment. DIRECTIONS
Admission: On May 31st, Troubadour is changing its admission price from $10 with a heavy emphasis on donations to a set $20 admission price / $15 for Members. Children 12 and under may attend free, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Streaming: All Troubadour concerts may be viewed in person or live-streamed, except as noted.
For More Information: Email [email protected] or call 973-335-9489.
Buy Troubadour tickets online: You may purchase tickets in advance for Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series shows by clicking on the In-person Tickets link in the show listing below. Online sales cease a bit before midnight on the day before the event. Tickets will still be available at the door on the day of the show unless the event is completely sold out, in which case there will be a prominent notice posted on this website. Some events accept admissions payment only at the door, with no advance sales.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Alice Howe & Freebo have undeniable chemistry. Rock bass legend Freebo weaves his fretless stylings into Alice’s soulful, impeccably tuned vocals for a harmony-driven performance showcasing two uniquely compelling songwriters. Their latest album Alice Howe & Freebo Live is their first release as a duo, and it debuted as the #1 Most Played Album on the Folk Radio Chart.
Best known for his ten years playing bass with Bonnie Raitt, Freebo has toured and recorded with some of the greatest artists of his generation, including John Mayall, Ringo Starr, Crosby Stills & Nash, Maria Muldaur, and Dr. John. For the past twenty-five years, he’s been writing and performing his own original music. Alice Howe is a lifelong singer and songwriter beginning to make a name for herself, and recently had the honor of being named Best Female Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards. Freebo and Alice have been working as a duo since 2017, and he produced her latest record Circumstance, recorded at iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
William J. Hall is a songwriter’s songwriter and a poet’s poet. This almost-legendary North Jersey artist and Kerrville New Folk award-winner is emerging from the shadows for a rare and precious performance that will be recorded live for his next album. Bill is a master at his craft, and he inspires standing ovations for his insightful, universal love songs, his luscious musical landscapes, and his fascinating snapshots of life.
When David Bowie calls his music “contemporary folk-rock at its finest,” when Pete Seeger says, “You’ve got to sing these songs wherever you go. They are timeless,”and when Bruce Springsteen tells you “Looking forward to hearing more – soon,” you can be assured that the music is as top notch as top notch gets. But when Stephen Sondheim says, “Wonderful writing. Simply wonderful,” there is no excuse for missing this performance.
Bill has performed with David Amram, Norman and Nancy Blake, Dave Bromberg, Allen Ginsberg, John Hartford, Don McLean, Melanie, Harry Nilsson, Tom Paxton, Pete Seeger, Jackie Tice, Suzanne Vega, Robin Williamson, and Peter Yarrow. Among the creative hats he has worn are producer, engineer, author, architect, and tech guy. Hall is presently working on producing five albums of his songs for ReRed Records and his second book of short stories for young children.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Heather Pierson is a pianist, singer/songwriter, song leader, and performer with a passion for cultivating joy, both onstage and off. Her uplifting live performances with her bassist/partner Shawn Nadeau delve into New Orleans jazz, blues, and folk. Best known for her ease at the piano and her bell-tone vocals, Heather’s songs and the duo’s musicianship embody honesty, playfulness, and a desire to share from the heart.
Heather’s latest studio recording, Back To The Light, was released September, 2024
Michael Mizwinski, known better as Mike Miz, is a soulful guitarist and songwriter from Northeast Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley. Raised in a musical family, he began playing guitar at age 7 and was performing in local venues by 15. His early band, Appalachian Barnhouse Band, and a stint with fusion group Gongzilla helped shape his dynamic style. In 2010, he launched MiZ, blending Americana, jam, and rock. MiZ’s debut, East Hope Avenue, featured legends like Buddy Cage and gained attention from Garth Hudson. Now based in Nashville, Mike has collaborated with artists like Billy Ray Cyrus and performed at the Grand Ole Opry. His recent albums Only Human and Maybe Moonlight earned national acclaim. Averaging over 200 shows a year, Mike is set to release a new album in fall 2025.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Fronted by “Bliss Ambassador” Tara O’Grady, a master vocalist who taught for a decade at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and has recorded five albums of original jazz, blues, and folk music.
Tara’s warm vocals and poetic storytelling are complemented by extraordinary guitarist Vinny Raniolo, a globe-trotting virtuoso seen on PBS, heard on multiple Scorsese soundtracks, and a Troubadour veteran playing with colleague Frank Vignola.
Praised by the New York Times, Juilliard-trained reed player Peter Anderson has performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon, Wynton Marsalis, and Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks.
World-touring bassist Trifon Dimitrov was mentored by jazz legend Ron Carter and has performed at numerous jazz festivals, clubs, TV, Radio and Broadway shows. “
Teddy Parker is a theatrical pop-rock songwriter, performer, and music educator with a flair for emotional storytelling. Whether declaring, “I manipulate people’s emotions!” or helping students access their feelings, Teddy thrives on connecting through music. They found their voice at Buck’s Rock camp, teaching vocals and piano, directing choirs, and sparking inspiration for songs like the infamous “Michael.” A Berklee College of Music graduate, Teddy won Best Performance for their ballad “Rhode Island Roads” and later performed with Livingston Taylor.
Now based in NYC, Teddy teaches with heart, helping students grow musically and personally. Her band, Teddy Hold On, with Vivian, Violet and Nate released the debut EP “Crying in Public” in 2024. They also compose for games like Return to Moria, crafting modular folk tunes sung by solo or co-op adventurers.
Teddy grew up in the Folk Project and was a featured performer in the Project’s Golden Anniversary celebration.
*** Admission: $35/$30 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
David Wilcox is a masterful storyteller whose acoustic-driven sound connects deeply with listeners. His songs blend intricate melodies with lyrics that capture life’s complexities, turning each song into an emotional journey. A celebrated figure in folk music, Wilcox won the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival in 1988, propelling his career forward. His evocative style has earned critical acclaim, including top honors at the USA Songwriting Competition in 2018. Whether you’re hearing him for the first time or the hundredth, Wilcox’s music will speak to your heart, offering a timeless blend of insight, warmth, and storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.
Todd Dennison is a versatile multi-instrumentalist whose music bridges folk, jazz, rock, and American roots traditions. Influenced early on by artists like James Taylor and Kenny Rankin, Todd developed a distinctive guitar style known for its flowing bass lines, melodic chord voicings, and intuitive, expressive feel.
A seasoned performer, Todd has toured nationally as a guitarist, bassist, pedal steel player, accompanist, and arranger. His playing is never showy, but always deeply musical—crafted in service of the song. Audiences and reviewers alike have praised his performances as “magical,” “musically brilliant,” and “a sweet and beautiful journey of truth, love, and friendship.”
For this performance, Todd will be joined by longtime friend and collaborator Craig Limey, a gifted multi-instrumentalist who will bring his talents on upright bass and vocals. Together, they create a warm, dynamic musical conversation that’s both artful and deeply engaging.
In-person Tickets ($35) Live Webcast ($20)
The NJ Guitar Summit Evening Concert is a concert for everyone. Three world class headliners with astounding talent picking guitars and singing songs.
Evening Concert for all – 8 PM to 10:30 PM
|
Beppe Gambetta brings American and European Roots together in a blend of energetic grooves and passionate melodies, giving new life to wide range international and American musical sources. He is songwriter of great depth and maturity, whose original songs seamlessly blend contemporary influences with traditional roots. His flatpicking styles range from Doc Watson to Moravian folk music to everything in between and beyond. and are characterized by flashy licks, intricate cross-picking patterns, open tunings, and fluid slides up and down the neck of the guitar.
1
Born in Genoa, Italy, he is known worldwide as a bluegrass ambassador, having performed with such luminaries as Norman Blake, Mike Marshall, David Grisman, Charles Sawtelle, John Jorgenson, David Grier, Tony Trischka, Dan Crary, Gene Parsons of the Byrds, and more.
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Jefferson Hamer is a Brooklyn-based guitarist, songwriter, and producer known for collaborations with Anaïs Mitchell, Sarah Jarosz, and The Murphy Beds. He blends traditional and original folk on solo albums like Alameda and in projects with artists such as Kristin Andreassen, Reed Foehl, and Session Americana.
1
Perhaps his most enduring collaboration is The Murphy Beds, a harmony-rich folk duo with Irish musician and songwriter Eamon O’Leary.
|
|
Tony McManus is the leading Celtic guitarist worldwide and has just been listed as one of the 50 transcendental guitarists of all time by Guitar Player Magazine. While Tony is known as a soloist his frequent collaborations with diverse musicians have always been a significant part of his work.
1
His Celtic guitar style utilizes embellishments, techniques, and open tunings, in which the guitar reproduces the sounds of traditional instruments.
|
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); Age 12 and under free with adult.***
“The Mammals are folksingers Ruth Ungar, Mike Merenda, and a dynamic quintet of multi-instrumentalists whose sound spans fiddle, banjo, guitar, organ, bass, and drums. Over two decades, this fiercely independent band has built a legacy of genre-defying, politically charged, and emotionally resonant folk-rock praised as “some of the best songwriting of their generation” (LA Times). Their music resonates with urgency and tenderness—amplifying voices of conscience, connection, and the full spectrum of human experience. The forthcoming release, Touch Grass Vol. 1 & 2 (2025), is a double album that rages, reflects, and rejoices—equal parts protest and balm, recorded at their own Humble Abode Music studio. Whether playing international stages or hosting their semi-annual Catskills festival, The Hoot, The Mammals bring warmth, defiance, and harmony to every performance.
“Some of the best songwriting of their generation.” — LA Times
“A party band with a conscience.” — Boston Globe
“A national treasure.” — Anaïs Mitchell”
Dustin Lowman exudes wit, warmth, and wounded wonder through a poet’s eye and a voice that’s pure and true. A soulful folk singer whose songs spring from the quiet sanctum of reflection and the harsh echoes of rebellion, he delivers ballads both tender and absurd, stories shaped by heartbreak, hilarity, and a deep literary streak. With echoes of Dylan and the rawness of lived truth, his performances walk the line between traditional and heretical, inviting audiences into a shared human moment. Dustin finds harmony in the chaos that life brings and knows how to bring it to his audiences.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Sharon “Pipes” Lasher presents a dynamic through-the-decades tribute to musical Icons Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt, both multi–Grammy Award winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, and Kennedy Center Honorees!
You’ll hear 3- & 4-part harmonies on your favorite Raitt classics “Thing Called Love”, “Nick of Time”, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and Ronstadt’s iconic “Blue Bayou”, “Different Drum”, “When Will I Be Loved” and so much more.
“Pipes’” World Class band includes:
Sharon “Pipes” Lasher (Lasher & The Flashers, Bell Bottom Blues) Vocals
PK Lavengood (John Eddie Band, Glen Burtnik) Electric, Slide Guitar & Vocals
Lee Finkelstein (Original Blues Brothers Band, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder) Drums
Paul Avrutin (Dead on Live, Rainbow Full of Sound) Bass & Vocals
Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker, Hall & Oats, John Fogerty) Keys
Gary Oleyar (Loggins & Messina, Bob Seger, Brooks & Dunn) Acoustic Guitar, Fiddle & Vocals
Joe Napolitano (Decades, Sheriff Restless, Electric Rodeo) Pedal Steel
Singer/songwriter James Gedeon has opened shows for America, Livingston Taylor, Jay Leno and others and performed with Billy Joel and Phoebe Snow. James Gedeon celebrates the music of James Taylor with a solo acoustic performance of “The J.T. Experience”
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Buffalo Rose is a singularly sensational six-piece Americana band from Pittsburgh, PA. A Buffalo Rose show is a spectacular celebration of creative joy, a sparkling sonic delight. The band takes the singer-songwriter tradition to a new level by crafting original songs which are deeply emotive, meticulously arranged, and inspired by a world of idiosyncratic influences, sure to captivate the mind and charm the heart.
Ali Tod fuses classical training with percussive fingerstyle guitar, loop-pedal wizardry, and raw, soul-stirring vocals—drawing comparisons to Rodrigo y Gabriela and KT Tunstall. Her dynamic performances have wowed audiences from Mexico to the UK, earning praise from industry legends, including Brandi Carlile, who said: “She’s ten times the musician we are!”
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Emmanuel, John Lewis, the Boston Pops, the New York Pops, and guitar legend Les Paul, who named Vignola to his “Five Most Admired Guitarists List” for the Wall Street Journal. Frank is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His virtuosity is stunning.
Caroline Cotter’s sunlit songs explore connection, longing, gratitude, and the human experience with a honeyed voice and lyrical honesty. A seasoned traveler and touring artist, she’s performed over 1,000 shows across 45 states and 16 countries—everywhere from Parisian living rooms to schooners off the Maine coast. Her music reflects a life shaped by global travel, spiritual practice, and deep introspection. Cotter’s three albums—Dreaming as I Do, Home on the River, and Gently as I Go—offer emotional insight and poetic storytelling. Her songs move from sweeping themes to intimate detail, whether honoring lost loved ones or celebrating human generosity. Festivals like Freshgrass and Rocky Mountain Folk Fest have featured her work, and she’s earned accolades from the Maine Songwriters Association and national competitions. Cotter finds purpose in wandering and songwriting, capturing fleeting truths with warmth and clarity. When not on the road, she lives by the sea in Maine.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
A Stephen Kellogg performance is like watching Ted Lasso live. Whether he’s playing music or doing stand-up, his shows leave people inspired and restored. For more than two decades, this wordsmith, TEDx speaker, stand-up comic, author and troubadour, has delighted audiences around the world. Planet Bluegrass calls him “a first-class songwriter with a poet’s gift for fresh imagery,” and Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz says of Kellogg, “there are few people in rock n’ roll who are just so great.” He has received the Armed Forces Entertainer of the Year award and has had his work nominated for a Grammy. Rolling Stone magazine describes his sound as “John Prine fronting the Heartbreakers.” The recent “Sit Down & Stand Up” Tour was a one man show that opened to rave reviews from fans and critics alike. A mix of music, humor and storytelling, each performance paints a unique canvas that covers the full spectrum of human emotions. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll go home with a full heart.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Alice Howe & Freebo have undeniable chemistry. Rock bass legend Freebo weaves his fretless stylings into Alice’s soulful, impeccably tuned vocals for a harmony-driven performance showcasing two uniquely compelling songwriters. Their latest album Alice Howe & Freebo Live is their first release as a duo, and it debuted as the #1 Most Played Album on the Folk Radio Chart.
Best known for his ten years playing bass with Bonnie Raitt, Freebo has toured and recorded with some of the greatest artists of his generation, including John Mayall, Ringo Starr, Crosby Stills & Nash, Maria Muldaur, and Dr. John. For the past twenty-five years, he’s been writing and performing his own original music. Alice Howe is a lifelong singer and songwriter beginning to make a name for herself, and recently had the honor of being named Best Female Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards. Freebo and Alice have been working as a duo since 2017, and he produced her latest record Circumstance, recorded at iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
William J. Hall is a songwriter’s songwriter and a poet’s poet. This almost-legendary North Jersey artist and Kerrville New Folk award-winner is emerging from the shadows for a rare and precious performance that will be recorded live for his next album. Bill is a master at his craft, and he inspires standing ovations for his insightful, universal love songs, his luscious musical landscapes, and his fascinating snapshots of life.
When David Bowie calls his music “contemporary folk-rock at its finest,” when Pete Seeger says, “You’ve got to sing these songs wherever you go. They are timeless,”and when Bruce Springsteen tells you “Looking forward to hearing more – soon,” you can be assured that the music is as top notch as top notch gets. But when Stephen Sondheim says, “Wonderful writing. Simply wonderful,” there is no excuse for missing this performance.
Bill has performed with David Amram, Norman and Nancy Blake, Dave Bromberg, Allen Ginsberg, John Hartford, Don McLean, Melanie, Harry Nilsson, Tom Paxton, Pete Seeger, Jackie Tice, Suzanne Vega, Robin Williamson, and Peter Yarrow. Among the creative hats he has worn are producer, engineer, author, architect, and tech guy. Hall is presently working on producing five albums of his songs for ReRed Records and his second book of short stories for young children.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Heather Pierson is a pianist, singer/songwriter, song leader, and performer with a passion for cultivating joy, both onstage and off. Her uplifting live performances with her bassist/partner Shawn Nadeau delve into New Orleans jazz, blues, and folk. Best known for her ease at the piano and her bell-tone vocals, Heather’s songs and the duo’s musicianship embody honesty, playfulness, and a desire to share from the heart.
Heather’s latest studio recording, Back To The Light, was released September, 2024
Michael Mizwinski, known better as Mike Miz, is a soulful guitarist and songwriter from Northeast Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley. Raised in a musical family, he began playing guitar at age 7 and was performing in local venues by 15. His early band, Appalachian Barnhouse Band, and a stint with fusion group Gongzilla helped shape his dynamic style. In 2010, he launched MiZ, blending Americana, jam, and rock. MiZ’s debut, East Hope Avenue, featured legends like Buddy Cage and gained attention from Garth Hudson. Now based in Nashville, Mike has collaborated with artists like Billy Ray Cyrus and performed at the Grand Ole Opry. His recent albums Only Human and Maybe Moonlight earned national acclaim. Averaging over 200 shows a year, Mike is set to release a new album in fall 2025.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Fronted by “Bliss Ambassador” Tara O’Grady, a master vocalist who taught for a decade at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and has recorded five albums of original jazz, blues, and folk music.
Tara’s warm vocals and poetic storytelling are complemented by extraordinary guitarist Vinny Raniolo, a globe-trotting virtuoso seen on PBS, heard on multiple Scorsese soundtracks, and a Troubadour veteran playing with colleague Frank Vignola.
Praised by the New York Times, Juilliard-trained reed player Peter Anderson has performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon, Wynton Marsalis, and Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks.
World-touring bassist Trifon Dimitrov was mentored by jazz legend Ron Carter and has performed at numerous jazz festivals, clubs, TV, Radio and Broadway shows. “
Teddy Parker is a theatrical pop-rock songwriter, performer, and music educator with a flair for emotional storytelling. Whether declaring, “I manipulate people’s emotions!” or helping students access their feelings, Teddy thrives on connecting through music. They found their voice at Buck’s Rock camp, teaching vocals and piano, directing choirs, and sparking inspiration for songs like the infamous “Michael.” A Berklee College of Music graduate, Teddy won Best Performance for their ballad “Rhode Island Roads” and later performed with Livingston Taylor.
Now based in NYC, Teddy teaches with heart, helping students grow musically and personally. Her band, Teddy Hold On, with Vivian, Violet and Nate released the debut EP “Crying in Public” in 2024. They also compose for games like Return to Moria, crafting modular folk tunes sung by solo or co-op adventurers.
Teddy grew up in the Folk Project and was a featured performer in the Project’s Golden Anniversary celebration.
*** Admission: $35/$30 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
David Wilcox is a masterful storyteller whose acoustic-driven sound connects deeply with listeners. His songs blend intricate melodies with lyrics that capture life’s complexities, turning each song into an emotional journey. A celebrated figure in folk music, Wilcox won the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival in 1988, propelling his career forward. His evocative style has earned critical acclaim, including top honors at the USA Songwriting Competition in 2018. Whether you’re hearing him for the first time or the hundredth, Wilcox’s music will speak to your heart, offering a timeless blend of insight, warmth, and storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.
Todd Dennison is a versatile multi-instrumentalist whose music bridges folk, jazz, rock, and American roots traditions. Influenced early on by artists like James Taylor and Kenny Rankin, Todd developed a distinctive guitar style known for its flowing bass lines, melodic chord voicings, and intuitive, expressive feel.
A seasoned performer, Todd has toured nationally as a guitarist, bassist, pedal steel player, accompanist, and arranger. His playing is never showy, but always deeply musical—crafted in service of the song. Audiences and reviewers alike have praised his performances as “magical,” “musically brilliant,” and “a sweet and beautiful journey of truth, love, and friendship.”
For this performance, Todd will be joined by longtime friend and collaborator Craig Limey, a gifted multi-instrumentalist who will bring his talents on upright bass and vocals. Together, they create a warm, dynamic musical conversation that’s both artful and deeply engaging.
In-person Tickets ($35) Live Webcast ($20)
The NJ Guitar Summit Evening Concert is a concert for everyone. Three world class headliners with astounding talent picking guitars and singing songs.
Evening Concert for all – 8 PM to 10:30 PM
|
|
Beppe Gambetta brings American and European Roots together in a blend of energetic grooves and passionate melodies, giving new life to wide range international and American musical sources. He is songwriter of great depth and maturity, whose original songs seamlessly blend contemporary influences with traditional roots. His flatpicking styles range from Doc Watson to Moravian folk music to everything in between and beyond. and are characterized by flashy licks, intricate cross-picking patterns, open tunings, and fluid slides up and down the neck of the guitar.
1
Born in Genoa, Italy, he is known worldwide as a bluegrass ambassador, having performed with such luminaries as Norman Blake, Mike Marshall, David Grisman, Charles Sawtelle, John Jorgenson, David Grier, Tony Trischka, Dan Crary, Gene Parsons of the Byrds, and more.
|
|
|
Jefferson Hamer is a Brooklyn-based guitarist, songwriter, and producer known for collaborations with Anaïs Mitchell, Sarah Jarosz, and The Murphy Beds. He blends traditional and original folk on solo albums like Alameda and in projects with artists such as Kristin Andreassen, Reed Foehl, and Session Americana.
1
Perhaps his most enduring collaboration is The Murphy Beds, a harmony-rich folk duo with Irish musician and songwriter Eamon O’Leary.
|
|
|
Tony McManus is the leading Celtic guitarist worldwide and has just been listed as one of the 50 transcendental guitarists of all time by Guitar Player Magazine. While Tony is known as a soloist his frequent collaborations with diverse musicians have always been a significant part of his work.
1
His Celtic guitar style utilizes embellishments, techniques, and open tunings, in which the guitar reproduces the sounds of traditional instruments.
|
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); Age 12 and under free with adult.***
“The Mammals are folksingers Ruth Ungar, Mike Merenda, and a dynamic quintet of multi-instrumentalists whose sound spans fiddle, banjo, guitar, organ, bass, and drums. Over two decades, this fiercely independent band has built a legacy of genre-defying, politically charged, and emotionally resonant folk-rock praised as “some of the best songwriting of their generation” (LA Times). Their music resonates with urgency and tenderness—amplifying voices of conscience, connection, and the full spectrum of human experience. The forthcoming release, Touch Grass Vol. 1 & 2 (2025), is a double album that rages, reflects, and rejoices—equal parts protest and balm, recorded at their own Humble Abode Music studio. Whether playing international stages or hosting their semi-annual Catskills festival, The Hoot, The Mammals bring warmth, defiance, and harmony to every performance.
“Some of the best songwriting of their generation.” — LA Times
“A party band with a conscience.” — Boston Globe
“A national treasure.” — Anaïs Mitchell”
Dustin Lowman exudes wit, warmth, and wounded wonder through a poet’s eye and a voice that’s pure and true. A soulful folk singer whose songs spring from the quiet sanctum of reflection and the harsh echoes of rebellion, he delivers ballads both tender and absurd, stories shaped by heartbreak, hilarity, and a deep literary streak. With echoes of Dylan and the rawness of lived truth, his performances walk the line between traditional and heretical, inviting audiences into a shared human moment. Dustin finds harmony in the chaos that life brings and knows how to bring it to his audiences.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Sharon “Pipes” Lasher presents a dynamic through-the-decades tribute to musical Icons Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt, both multi–Grammy Award winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, and Kennedy Center Honorees!
You’ll hear 3- & 4-part harmonies on your favorite Raitt classics “Thing Called Love”, “Nick of Time”, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and Ronstadt’s iconic “Blue Bayou”, “Different Drum”, “When Will I Be Loved” and so much more.
“Pipes’” World Class band includes:
Sharon “Pipes” Lasher (Lasher & The Flashers, Bell Bottom Blues) Vocals
PK Lavengood (John Eddie Band, Glen Burtnik) Electric, Slide Guitar & Vocals
Lee Finkelstein (Original Blues Brothers Band, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder) Drums
Paul Avrutin (Dead on Live, Rainbow Full of Sound) Bass & Vocals
Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker, Hall & Oats, John Fogerty) Keys
Gary Oleyar (Loggins & Messina, Bob Seger, Brooks & Dunn) Acoustic Guitar, Fiddle & Vocals
Joe Napolitano (Decades, Sheriff Restless, Electric Rodeo) Pedal Steel
Singer/songwriter James Gedeon has opened shows for America, Livingston Taylor, Jay Leno and others and performed with Billy Joel and Phoebe Snow. James Gedeon celebrates the music of James Taylor with a solo acoustic performance of “The J.T. Experience”
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Buffalo Rose is a singularly sensational six-piece Americana band from Pittsburgh, PA. A Buffalo Rose show is a spectacular celebration of creative joy, a sparkling sonic delight. The band takes the singer-songwriter tradition to a new level by crafting original songs which are deeply emotive, meticulously arranged, and inspired by a world of idiosyncratic influences, sure to captivate the mind and charm the heart.
Ali Tod fuses classical training with percussive fingerstyle guitar, loop-pedal wizardry, and raw, soul-stirring vocals—drawing comparisons to Rodrigo y Gabriela and KT Tunstall. Her dynamic performances have wowed audiences from Mexico to the UK, earning praise from industry legends, including Brandi Carlile, who said: “She’s ten times the musician we are!”
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Emmanuel, John Lewis, the Boston Pops, the New York Pops, and guitar legend Les Paul, who named Vignola to his “Five Most Admired Guitarists List” for the Wall Street Journal. Frank is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His virtuosity is stunning.
Caroline Cotter’s sunlit songs explore connection, longing, gratitude, and the human experience with a honeyed voice and lyrical honesty. A seasoned traveler and touring artist, she’s performed over 1,000 shows across 45 states and 16 countries—everywhere from Parisian living rooms to schooners off the Maine coast. Her music reflects a life shaped by global travel, spiritual practice, and deep introspection. Cotter’s three albums—Dreaming as I Do, Home on the River, and Gently as I Go—offer emotional insight and poetic storytelling. Her songs move from sweeping themes to intimate detail, whether honoring lost loved ones or celebrating human generosity. Festivals like Freshgrass and Rocky Mountain Folk Fest have featured her work, and she’s earned accolades from the Maine Songwriters Association and national competitions. Cotter finds purpose in wandering and songwriting, capturing fleeting truths with warmth and clarity. When not on the road, she lives by the sea in Maine.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
A Stephen Kellogg performance is like watching Ted Lasso live. Whether he’s playing music or doing stand-up, his shows leave people inspired and restored. For more than two decades, this wordsmith, TEDx speaker, stand-up comic, author and troubadour, has delighted audiences around the world. Planet Bluegrass calls him “a first-class songwriter with a poet’s gift for fresh imagery,” and Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz says of Kellogg, “there are few people in rock n’ roll who are just so great.” He has received the Armed Forces Entertainer of the Year award and has had his work nominated for a Grammy. Rolling Stone magazine describes his sound as “John Prine fronting the Heartbreakers.” The recent “Sit Down & Stand Up” Tour was a one man show that opened to rave reviews from fans and critics alike. A mix of music, humor and storytelling, each performance paints a unique canvas that covers the full spectrum of human emotions. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll go home with a full heart.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Alice Howe & Freebo have undeniable chemistry. Rock bass legend Freebo weaves his fretless stylings into Alice’s soulful, impeccably tuned vocals for a harmony-driven performance showcasing two uniquely compelling songwriters. Their latest album Alice Howe & Freebo Live is their first release as a duo, and it debuted as the #1 Most Played Album on the Folk Radio Chart.
Best known for his ten years playing bass with Bonnie Raitt, Freebo has toured and recorded with some of the greatest artists of his generation, including John Mayall, Ringo Starr, Crosby Stills & Nash, Maria Muldaur, and Dr. John. For the past twenty-five years, he’s been writing and performing his own original music. Alice Howe is a lifelong singer and songwriter beginning to make a name for herself, and recently had the honor of being named Best Female Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards. Freebo and Alice have been working as a duo since 2017, and he produced her latest record Circumstance, recorded at iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
William J. Hall is a songwriter’s songwriter and a poet’s poet. This almost-legendary North Jersey artist and Kerrville New Folk award-winner is emerging from the shadows for a rare and precious performance that will be recorded live for his next album. Bill is a master at his craft, and he inspires standing ovations for his insightful, universal love songs, his luscious musical landscapes, and his fascinating snapshots of life.
When David Bowie calls his music “contemporary folk-rock at its finest,” when Pete Seeger says, “You’ve got to sing these songs wherever you go. They are timeless,”and when Bruce Springsteen tells you “Looking forward to hearing more – soon,” you can be assured that the music is as top notch as top notch gets. But when Stephen Sondheim says, “Wonderful writing. Simply wonderful,” there is no excuse for missing this performance.
Bill has performed with David Amram, Norman and Nancy Blake, Dave Bromberg, Allen Ginsberg, John Hartford, Don McLean, Melanie, Harry Nilsson, Tom Paxton, Pete Seeger, Jackie Tice, Suzanne Vega, Robin Williamson, and Peter Yarrow. Among the creative hats he has worn are producer, engineer, author, architect, and tech guy. Hall is presently working on producing five albums of his songs for ReRed Records and his second book of short stories for young children.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Heather Pierson is a pianist, singer/songwriter, song leader, and performer with a passion for cultivating joy, both onstage and off. Her uplifting live performances with her bassist/partner Shawn Nadeau delve into New Orleans jazz, blues, and folk. Best known for her ease at the piano and her bell-tone vocals, Heather’s songs and the duo’s musicianship embody honesty, playfulness, and a desire to share from the heart.
Heather’s latest studio recording, Back To The Light, was released September, 2024
Michael Mizwinski, known better as Mike Miz, is a soulful guitarist and songwriter from Northeast Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley. Raised in a musical family, he began playing guitar at age 7 and was performing in local venues by 15. His early band, Appalachian Barnhouse Band, and a stint with fusion group Gongzilla helped shape his dynamic style. In 2010, he launched MiZ, blending Americana, jam, and rock. MiZ’s debut, East Hope Avenue, featured legends like Buddy Cage and gained attention from Garth Hudson. Now based in Nashville, Mike has collaborated with artists like Billy Ray Cyrus and performed at the Grand Ole Opry. His recent albums Only Human and Maybe Moonlight earned national acclaim. Averaging over 200 shows a year, Mike is set to release a new album in fall 2025.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Fronted by “Bliss Ambassador” Tara O’Grady, a master vocalist who taught for a decade at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and has recorded five albums of original jazz, blues, and folk music.
Tara’s warm vocals and poetic storytelling are complemented by extraordinary guitarist Vinny Raniolo, a globe-trotting virtuoso seen on PBS, heard on multiple Scorsese soundtracks, and a Troubadour veteran playing with colleague Frank Vignola.
Praised by the New York Times, Juilliard-trained reed player Peter Anderson has performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon, Wynton Marsalis, and Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks.
World-touring bassist Trifon Dimitrov was mentored by jazz legend Ron Carter and has performed at numerous jazz festivals, clubs, TV, Radio and Broadway shows. “
Teddy Parker is a theatrical pop-rock songwriter, performer, and music educator with a flair for emotional storytelling. Whether declaring, “I manipulate people’s emotions!” or helping students access their feelings, Teddy thrives on connecting through music. They found their voice at Buck’s Rock camp, teaching vocals and piano, directing choirs, and sparking inspiration for songs like the infamous “Michael.” A Berklee College of Music graduate, Teddy won Best Performance for their ballad “Rhode Island Roads” and later performed with Livingston Taylor.
Now based in NYC, Teddy teaches with heart, helping students grow musically and personally. Her band, Teddy Hold On, with Vivian, Violet and Nate released the debut EP “Crying in Public” in 2024. They also compose for games like Return to Moria, crafting modular folk tunes sung by solo or co-op adventurers.
Teddy grew up in the Folk Project and was a featured performer in the Project’s Golden Anniversary celebration.
*** Admission: $35/$30 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
David Wilcox is a masterful storyteller whose acoustic-driven sound connects deeply with listeners. His songs blend intricate melodies with lyrics that capture life’s complexities, turning each song into an emotional journey. A celebrated figure in folk music, Wilcox won the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival in 1988, propelling his career forward. His evocative style has earned critical acclaim, including top honors at the USA Songwriting Competition in 2018. Whether you’re hearing him for the first time or the hundredth, Wilcox’s music will speak to your heart, offering a timeless blend of insight, warmth, and storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.
Todd Dennison is a versatile multi-instrumentalist whose music bridges folk, jazz, rock, and American roots traditions. Influenced early on by artists like James Taylor and Kenny Rankin, Todd developed a distinctive guitar style known for its flowing bass lines, melodic chord voicings, and intuitive, expressive feel.
A seasoned performer, Todd has toured nationally as a guitarist, bassist, pedal steel player, accompanist, and arranger. His playing is never showy, but always deeply musical—crafted in service of the song. Audiences and reviewers alike have praised his performances as “magical,” “musically brilliant,” and “a sweet and beautiful journey of truth, love, and friendship.”
For this performance, Todd will be joined by longtime friend and collaborator Craig Limey, a gifted multi-instrumentalist who will bring his talents on upright bass and vocals. Together, they create a warm, dynamic musical conversation that’s both artful and deeply engaging.
In-person Tickets ($35) Live Webcast ($20)
The NJ Guitar Summit Evening Concert is a concert for everyone. Three world class headliners with astounding talent picking guitars and singing songs.
Evening Concert for all – 8 PM to 10:30 PM
|
|
Beppe Gambetta brings American and European Roots together in a blend of energetic grooves and passionate melodies, giving new life to wide range international and American musical sources. He is songwriter of great depth and maturity, whose original songs seamlessly blend contemporary influences with traditional roots. His flatpicking styles range from Doc Watson to Moravian folk music to everything in between and beyond. and are characterized by flashy licks, intricate cross-picking patterns, open tunings, and fluid slides up and down the neck of the guitar.
1
Born in Genoa, Italy, he is known worldwide as a bluegrass ambassador, having performed with such luminaries as Norman Blake, Mike Marshall, David Grisman, Charles Sawtelle, John Jorgenson, David Grier, Tony Trischka, Dan Crary, Gene Parsons of the Byrds, and more.
|
|
|
Jefferson Hamer is a Brooklyn-based guitarist, songwriter, and producer known for collaborations with Anaïs Mitchell, Sarah Jarosz, and The Murphy Beds. He blends traditional and original folk on solo albums like Alameda and in projects with artists such as Kristin Andreassen, Reed Foehl, and Session Americana.
1
Perhaps his most enduring collaboration is The Murphy Beds, a harmony-rich folk duo with Irish musician and songwriter Eamon O’Leary.
|
|
|
Tony McManus is the leading Celtic guitarist worldwide and has just been listed as one of the 50 transcendental guitarists of all time by Guitar Player Magazine. While Tony is known as a soloist his frequent collaborations with diverse musicians have always been a significant part of his work.
1
His Celtic guitar style utilizes embellishments, techniques, and open tunings, in which the guitar reproduces the sounds of traditional instruments.
|
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); Age 12 and under free with adult.***
“The Mammals are folksingers Ruth Ungar, Mike Merenda, and a dynamic quintet of multi-instrumentalists whose sound spans fiddle, banjo, guitar, organ, bass, and drums. Over two decades, this fiercely independent band has built a legacy of genre-defying, politically charged, and emotionally resonant folk-rock praised as “some of the best songwriting of their generation” (LA Times). Their music resonates with urgency and tenderness—amplifying voices of conscience, connection, and the full spectrum of human experience. The forthcoming release, Touch Grass Vol. 1 & 2 (2025), is a double album that rages, reflects, and rejoices—equal parts protest and balm, recorded at their own Humble Abode Music studio. Whether playing international stages or hosting their semi-annual Catskills festival, The Hoot, The Mammals bring warmth, defiance, and harmony to every performance.
“Some of the best songwriting of their generation.” — LA Times
“A party band with a conscience.” — Boston Globe
“A national treasure.” — Anaïs Mitchell”
Dustin Lowman exudes wit, warmth, and wounded wonder through a poet’s eye and a voice that’s pure and true. A soulful folk singer whose songs spring from the quiet sanctum of reflection and the harsh echoes of rebellion, he delivers ballads both tender and absurd, stories shaped by heartbreak, hilarity, and a deep literary streak. With echoes of Dylan and the rawness of lived truth, his performances walk the line between traditional and heretical, inviting audiences into a shared human moment. Dustin finds harmony in the chaos that life brings and knows how to bring it to his audiences.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Sharon “Pipes” Lasher presents a dynamic through-the-decades tribute to musical Icons Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt, both multi–Grammy Award winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, and Kennedy Center Honorees!
You’ll hear 3- & 4-part harmonies on your favorite Raitt classics “Thing Called Love”, “Nick of Time”, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and Ronstadt’s iconic “Blue Bayou”, “Different Drum”, “When Will I Be Loved” and so much more.
“Pipes’” World Class band includes:
Sharon “Pipes” Lasher (Lasher & The Flashers, Bell Bottom Blues) Vocals
PK Lavengood (John Eddie Band, Glen Burtnik) Electric, Slide Guitar & Vocals
Lee Finkelstein (Original Blues Brothers Band, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder) Drums
Paul Avrutin (Dead on Live, Rainbow Full of Sound) Bass & Vocals
Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker, Hall & Oats, John Fogerty) Keys
Gary Oleyar (Loggins & Messina, Bob Seger, Brooks & Dunn) Acoustic Guitar, Fiddle & Vocals
Joe Napolitano (Decades, Sheriff Restless, Electric Rodeo) Pedal Steel
Singer/songwriter James Gedeon has opened shows for America, Livingston Taylor, Jay Leno and others and performed with Billy Joel and Phoebe Snow. James Gedeon celebrates the music of James Taylor with a solo acoustic performance of “The J.T. Experience”
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Buffalo Rose is a singularly sensational six-piece Americana band from Pittsburgh, PA. A Buffalo Rose show is a spectacular celebration of creative joy, a sparkling sonic delight. The band takes the singer-songwriter tradition to a new level by crafting original songs which are deeply emotive, meticulously arranged, and inspired by a world of idiosyncratic influences, sure to captivate the mind and charm the heart.
Ali Tod fuses classical training with percussive fingerstyle guitar, loop-pedal wizardry, and raw, soul-stirring vocals—drawing comparisons to Rodrigo y Gabriela and KT Tunstall. Her dynamic performances have wowed audiences from Mexico to the UK, earning praise from industry legends, including Brandi Carlile, who said: “She’s ten times the musician we are!”
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Emmanuel, John Lewis, the Boston Pops, the New York Pops, and guitar legend Les Paul, who named Vignola to his “Five Most Admired Guitarists List” for the Wall Street Journal. Frank is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His virtuosity is stunning.
Caroline Cotter’s sunlit songs explore connection, longing, gratitude, and the human experience with a honeyed voice and lyrical honesty. A seasoned traveler and touring artist, she’s performed over 1,000 shows across 45 states and 16 countries—everywhere from Parisian living rooms to schooners off the Maine coast. Her music reflects a life shaped by global travel, spiritual practice, and deep introspection. Cotter’s three albums—Dreaming as I Do, Home on the River, and Gently as I Go—offer emotional insight and poetic storytelling. Her songs move from sweeping themes to intimate detail, whether honoring lost loved ones or celebrating human generosity. Festivals like Freshgrass and Rocky Mountain Folk Fest have featured her work, and she’s earned accolades from the Maine Songwriters Association and national competitions. Cotter finds purpose in wandering and songwriting, capturing fleeting truths with warmth and clarity. When not on the road, she lives by the sea in Maine.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
A Stephen Kellogg performance is like watching Ted Lasso live. Whether he’s playing music or doing stand-up, his shows leave people inspired and restored. For more than two decades, this wordsmith, TEDx speaker, stand-up comic, author and troubadour, has delighted audiences around the world. Planet Bluegrass calls him “a first-class songwriter with a poet’s gift for fresh imagery,” and Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz says of Kellogg, “there are few people in rock n’ roll who are just so great.” He has received the Armed Forces Entertainer of the Year award and has had his work nominated for a Grammy. Rolling Stone magazine describes his sound as “John Prine fronting the Heartbreakers.” The recent “Sit Down & Stand Up” Tour was a one man show that opened to rave reviews from fans and critics alike. A mix of music, humor and storytelling, each performance paints a unique canvas that covers the full spectrum of human emotions. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll go home with a full heart.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Alice Howe & Freebo have undeniable chemistry. Rock bass legend Freebo weaves his fretless stylings into Alice’s soulful, impeccably tuned vocals for a harmony-driven performance showcasing two uniquely compelling songwriters. Their latest album Alice Howe & Freebo Live is their first release as a duo, and it debuted as the #1 Most Played Album on the Folk Radio Chart.
Best known for his ten years playing bass with Bonnie Raitt, Freebo has toured and recorded with some of the greatest artists of his generation, including John Mayall, Ringo Starr, Crosby Stills & Nash, Maria Muldaur, and Dr. John. For the past twenty-five years, he’s been writing and performing his own original music. Alice Howe is a lifelong singer and songwriter beginning to make a name for herself, and recently had the honor of being named Best Female Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards. Freebo and Alice have been working as a duo since 2017, and he produced her latest record Circumstance, recorded at iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
William J. Hall is a songwriter’s songwriter and a poet’s poet. This almost-legendary North Jersey artist and Kerrville New Folk award-winner is emerging from the shadows for a rare and precious performance that will be recorded live for his next album. Bill is a master at his craft, and he inspires standing ovations for his insightful, universal love songs, his luscious musical landscapes, and his fascinating snapshots of life.
When David Bowie calls his music “contemporary folk-rock at its finest,” when Pete Seeger says, “You’ve got to sing these songs wherever you go. They are timeless,”and when Bruce Springsteen tells you “Looking forward to hearing more – soon,” you can be assured that the music is as top notch as top notch gets. But when Stephen Sondheim says, “Wonderful writing. Simply wonderful,” there is no excuse for missing this performance.
Bill has performed with David Amram, Norman and Nancy Blake, Dave Bromberg, Allen Ginsberg, John Hartford, Don McLean, Melanie, Harry Nilsson, Tom Paxton, Pete Seeger, Jackie Tice, Suzanne Vega, Robin Williamson, and Peter Yarrow. Among the creative hats he has worn are producer, engineer, author, architect, and tech guy. Hall is presently working on producing five albums of his songs for ReRed Records and his second book of short stories for young children.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Heather Pierson is a pianist, singer/songwriter, song leader, and performer with a passion for cultivating joy, both onstage and off. Her uplifting live performances with her bassist/partner Shawn Nadeau delve into New Orleans jazz, blues, and folk. Best known for her ease at the piano and her bell-tone vocals, Heather’s songs and the duo’s musicianship embody honesty, playfulness, and a desire to share from the heart.
Heather’s latest studio recording, Back To The Light, was released September, 2024
Michael Mizwinski, known better as Mike Miz, is a soulful guitarist and songwriter from Northeast Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley. Raised in a musical family, he began playing guitar at age 7 and was performing in local venues by 15. His early band, Appalachian Barnhouse Band, and a stint with fusion group Gongzilla helped shape his dynamic style. In 2010, he launched MiZ, blending Americana, jam, and rock. MiZ’s debut, East Hope Avenue, featured legends like Buddy Cage and gained attention from Garth Hudson. Now based in Nashville, Mike has collaborated with artists like Billy Ray Cyrus and performed at the Grand Ole Opry. His recent albums Only Human and Maybe Moonlight earned national acclaim. Averaging over 200 shows a year, Mike is set to release a new album in fall 2025.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Fronted by “Bliss Ambassador” Tara O’Grady, a master vocalist who taught for a decade at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and has recorded five albums of original jazz, blues, and folk music.
Tara’s warm vocals and poetic storytelling are complemented by extraordinary guitarist Vinny Raniolo, a globe-trotting virtuoso seen on PBS, heard on multiple Scorsese soundtracks, and a Troubadour veteran playing with colleague Frank Vignola.
Praised by the New York Times, Juilliard-trained reed player Peter Anderson has performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon, Wynton Marsalis, and Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks.
World-touring bassist Trifon Dimitrov was mentored by jazz legend Ron Carter and has performed at numerous jazz festivals, clubs, TV, Radio and Broadway shows. “
Teddy Parker is a theatrical pop-rock songwriter, performer, and music educator with a flair for emotional storytelling. Whether declaring, “I manipulate people’s emotions!” or helping students access their feelings, Teddy thrives on connecting through music. They found their voice at Buck’s Rock camp, teaching vocals and piano, directing choirs, and sparking inspiration for songs like the infamous “Michael.” A Berklee College of Music graduate, Teddy won Best Performance for their ballad “Rhode Island Roads” and later performed with Livingston Taylor.
Now based in NYC, Teddy teaches with heart, helping students grow musically and personally. Her band, Teddy Hold On, with Vivian, Violet and Nate released the debut EP “Crying in Public” in 2024. They also compose for games like Return to Moria, crafting modular folk tunes sung by solo or co-op adventurers.
Teddy grew up in the Folk Project and was a featured performer in the Project’s Golden Anniversary celebration.
*** Admission: $35/$30 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
David Wilcox is a masterful storyteller whose acoustic-driven sound connects deeply with listeners. His songs blend intricate melodies with lyrics that capture life’s complexities, turning each song into an emotional journey. A celebrated figure in folk music, Wilcox won the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival in 1988, propelling his career forward. His evocative style has earned critical acclaim, including top honors at the USA Songwriting Competition in 2018. Whether you’re hearing him for the first time or the hundredth, Wilcox’s music will speak to your heart, offering a timeless blend of insight, warmth, and storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.
Todd Dennison is a versatile multi-instrumentalist whose music bridges folk, jazz, rock, and American roots traditions. Influenced early on by artists like James Taylor and Kenny Rankin, Todd developed a distinctive guitar style known for its flowing bass lines, melodic chord voicings, and intuitive, expressive feel.
A seasoned performer, Todd has toured nationally as a guitarist, bassist, pedal steel player, accompanist, and arranger. His playing is never showy, but always deeply musical—crafted in service of the song. Audiences and reviewers alike have praised his performances as “magical,” “musically brilliant,” and “a sweet and beautiful journey of truth, love, and friendship.”
For this performance, Todd will be joined by longtime friend and collaborator Craig Limey, a gifted multi-instrumentalist who will bring his talents on upright bass and vocals. Together, they create a warm, dynamic musical conversation that’s both artful and deeply engaging.
In-person Tickets ($35) Live Webcast ($20)
The NJ Guitar Summit Evening Concert is a concert for everyone. Three world class headliners with astounding talent picking guitars and singing songs.
Evening Concert for all – 8 PM to 10:30 PM
|
|
Beppe Gambetta brings American and European Roots together in a blend of energetic grooves and passionate melodies, giving new life to wide range international and American musical sources. He is songwriter of great depth and maturity, whose original songs seamlessly blend contemporary influences with traditional roots. His flatpicking styles range from Doc Watson to Moravian folk music to everything in between and beyond. and are characterized by flashy licks, intricate cross-picking patterns, open tunings, and fluid slides up and down the neck of the guitar.
1
Born in Genoa, Italy, he is known worldwide as a bluegrass ambassador, having performed with such luminaries as Norman Blake, Mike Marshall, David Grisman, Charles Sawtelle, John Jorgenson, David Grier, Tony Trischka, Dan Crary, Gene Parsons of the Byrds, and more.
|
|
|
Jefferson Hamer is a Brooklyn-based guitarist, songwriter, and producer known for collaborations with Anaïs Mitchell, Sarah Jarosz, and The Murphy Beds. He blends traditional and original folk on solo albums like Alameda and in projects with artists such as Kristin Andreassen, Reed Foehl, and Session Americana.
1
Perhaps his most enduring collaboration is The Murphy Beds, a harmony-rich folk duo with Irish musician and songwriter Eamon O’Leary.
|
|
|
Tony McManus is the leading Celtic guitarist worldwide and has just been listed as one of the 50 transcendental guitarists of all time by Guitar Player Magazine. While Tony is known as a soloist his frequent collaborations with diverse musicians have always been a significant part of his work.
1
His Celtic guitar style utilizes embellishments, techniques, and open tunings, in which the guitar reproduces the sounds of traditional instruments.
|
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); Age 12 and under free with adult.***
“The Mammals are folksingers Ruth Ungar, Mike Merenda, and a dynamic quintet of multi-instrumentalists whose sound spans fiddle, banjo, guitar, organ, bass, and drums. Over two decades, this fiercely independent band has built a legacy of genre-defying, politically charged, and emotionally resonant folk-rock praised as “some of the best songwriting of their generation” (LA Times). Their music resonates with urgency and tenderness—amplifying voices of conscience, connection, and the full spectrum of human experience. The forthcoming release, Touch Grass Vol. 1 & 2 (2025), is a double album that rages, reflects, and rejoices—equal parts protest and balm, recorded at their own Humble Abode Music studio. Whether playing international stages or hosting their semi-annual Catskills festival, The Hoot, The Mammals bring warmth, defiance, and harmony to every performance.
“Some of the best songwriting of their generation.” — LA Times
“A party band with a conscience.” — Boston Globe
“A national treasure.” — Anaïs Mitchell”
Dustin Lowman exudes wit, warmth, and wounded wonder through a poet’s eye and a voice that’s pure and true. A soulful folk singer whose songs spring from the quiet sanctum of reflection and the harsh echoes of rebellion, he delivers ballads both tender and absurd, stories shaped by heartbreak, hilarity, and a deep literary streak. With echoes of Dylan and the rawness of lived truth, his performances walk the line between traditional and heretical, inviting audiences into a shared human moment. Dustin finds harmony in the chaos that life brings and knows how to bring it to his audiences.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Sharon “Pipes” Lasher presents a dynamic through-the-decades tribute to musical Icons Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt, both multi–Grammy Award winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, and Kennedy Center Honorees!
You’ll hear 3- & 4-part harmonies on your favorite Raitt classics “Thing Called Love”, “Nick of Time”, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and Ronstadt’s iconic “Blue Bayou”, “Different Drum”, “When Will I Be Loved” and so much more.
“Pipes’” World Class band includes:
Sharon “Pipes” Lasher (Lasher & The Flashers, Bell Bottom Blues) Vocals
PK Lavengood (John Eddie Band, Glen Burtnik) Electric, Slide Guitar & Vocals
Lee Finkelstein (Original Blues Brothers Band, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder) Drums
Paul Avrutin (Dead on Live, Rainbow Full of Sound) Bass & Vocals
Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker, Hall & Oats, John Fogerty) Keys
Gary Oleyar (Loggins & Messina, Bob Seger, Brooks & Dunn) Acoustic Guitar, Fiddle & Vocals
Joe Napolitano (Decades, Sheriff Restless, Electric Rodeo) Pedal Steel
Singer/songwriter James Gedeon has opened shows for America, Livingston Taylor, Jay Leno and others and performed with Billy Joel and Phoebe Snow. James Gedeon celebrates the music of James Taylor with a solo acoustic performance of “The J.T. Experience”
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Buffalo Rose is a singularly sensational six-piece Americana band from Pittsburgh, PA. A Buffalo Rose show is a spectacular celebration of creative joy, a sparkling sonic delight. The band takes the singer-songwriter tradition to a new level by crafting original songs which are deeply emotive, meticulously arranged, and inspired by a world of idiosyncratic influences, sure to captivate the mind and charm the heart.
Ali Tod fuses classical training with percussive fingerstyle guitar, loop-pedal wizardry, and raw, soul-stirring vocals—drawing comparisons to Rodrigo y Gabriela and KT Tunstall. Her dynamic performances have wowed audiences from Mexico to the UK, earning praise from industry legends, including Brandi Carlile, who said: “She’s ten times the musician we are!”
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Emmanuel, John Lewis, the Boston Pops, the New York Pops, and guitar legend Les Paul, who named Vignola to his “Five Most Admired Guitarists List” for the Wall Street Journal. Frank is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His virtuosity is stunning.
Caroline Cotter’s sunlit songs explore connection, longing, gratitude, and the human experience with a honeyed voice and lyrical honesty. A seasoned traveler and touring artist, she’s performed over 1,000 shows across 45 states and 16 countries—everywhere from Parisian living rooms to schooners off the Maine coast. Her music reflects a life shaped by global travel, spiritual practice, and deep introspection. Cotter’s three albums—Dreaming as I Do, Home on the River, and Gently as I Go—offer emotional insight and poetic storytelling. Her songs move from sweeping themes to intimate detail, whether honoring lost loved ones or celebrating human generosity. Festivals like Freshgrass and Rocky Mountain Folk Fest have featured her work, and she’s earned accolades from the Maine Songwriters Association and national competitions. Cotter finds purpose in wandering and songwriting, capturing fleeting truths with warmth and clarity. When not on the road, she lives by the sea in Maine.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
A Stephen Kellogg performance is like watching Ted Lasso live. Whether he’s playing music or doing stand-up, his shows leave people inspired and restored. For more than two decades, this wordsmith, TEDx speaker, stand-up comic, author and troubadour, has delighted audiences around the world. Planet Bluegrass calls him “a first-class songwriter with a poet’s gift for fresh imagery,” and Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz says of Kellogg, “there are few people in rock n’ roll who are just so great.” He has received the Armed Forces Entertainer of the Year award and has had his work nominated for a Grammy. Rolling Stone magazine describes his sound as “John Prine fronting the Heartbreakers.” The recent “Sit Down & Stand Up” Tour was a one man show that opened to rave reviews from fans and critics alike. A mix of music, humor and storytelling, each performance paints a unique canvas that covers the full spectrum of human emotions. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll go home with a full heart.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Alice Howe & Freebo have undeniable chemistry. Rock bass legend Freebo weaves his fretless stylings into Alice’s soulful, impeccably tuned vocals for a harmony-driven performance showcasing two uniquely compelling songwriters. Their latest album Alice Howe & Freebo Live is their first release as a duo, and it debuted as the #1 Most Played Album on the Folk Radio Chart.
Best known for his ten years playing bass with Bonnie Raitt, Freebo has toured and recorded with some of the greatest artists of his generation, including John Mayall, Ringo Starr, Crosby Stills & Nash, Maria Muldaur, and Dr. John. For the past twenty-five years, he’s been writing and performing his own original music. Alice Howe is a lifelong singer and songwriter beginning to make a name for herself, and recently had the honor of being named Best Female Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards. Freebo and Alice have been working as a duo since 2017, and he produced her latest record Circumstance, recorded at iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
William J. Hall is a songwriter’s songwriter and a poet’s poet. This almost-legendary North Jersey artist and Kerrville New Folk award-winner is emerging from the shadows for a rare and precious performance that will be recorded live for his next album. Bill is a master at his craft, and he inspires standing ovations for his insightful, universal love songs, his luscious musical landscapes, and his fascinating snapshots of life.
When David Bowie calls his music “contemporary folk-rock at its finest,” when Pete Seeger says, “You’ve got to sing these songs wherever you go. They are timeless,”and when Bruce Springsteen tells you “Looking forward to hearing more – soon,” you can be assured that the music is as top notch as top notch gets. But when Stephen Sondheim says, “Wonderful writing. Simply wonderful,” there is no excuse for missing this performance.
Bill has performed with David Amram, Norman and Nancy Blake, Dave Bromberg, Allen Ginsberg, John Hartford, Don McLean, Melanie, Harry Nilsson, Tom Paxton, Pete Seeger, Jackie Tice, Suzanne Vega, Robin Williamson, and Peter Yarrow. Among the creative hats he has worn are producer, engineer, author, architect, and tech guy. Hall is presently working on producing five albums of his songs for ReRed Records and his second book of short stories for young children.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Heather Pierson is a pianist, singer/songwriter, song leader, and performer with a passion for cultivating joy, both onstage and off. Her uplifting live performances with her bassist/partner Shawn Nadeau delve into New Orleans jazz, blues, and folk. Best known for her ease at the piano and her bell-tone vocals, Heather’s songs and the duo’s musicianship embody honesty, playfulness, and a desire to share from the heart.
Heather’s latest studio recording, Back To The Light, was released September, 2024
Michael Mizwinski, known better as Mike Miz, is a soulful guitarist and songwriter from Northeast Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley. Raised in a musical family, he began playing guitar at age 7 and was performing in local venues by 15. His early band, Appalachian Barnhouse Band, and a stint with fusion group Gongzilla helped shape his dynamic style. In 2010, he launched MiZ, blending Americana, jam, and rock. MiZ’s debut, East Hope Avenue, featured legends like Buddy Cage and gained attention from Garth Hudson. Now based in Nashville, Mike has collaborated with artists like Billy Ray Cyrus and performed at the Grand Ole Opry. His recent albums Only Human and Maybe Moonlight earned national acclaim. Averaging over 200 shows a year, Mike is set to release a new album in fall 2025.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Fronted by “Bliss Ambassador” Tara O’Grady, a master vocalist who taught for a decade at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and has recorded five albums of original jazz, blues, and folk music.
Tara’s warm vocals and poetic storytelling are complemented by extraordinary guitarist Vinny Raniolo, a globe-trotting virtuoso seen on PBS, heard on multiple Scorsese soundtracks, and a Troubadour veteran playing with colleague Frank Vignola.
Praised by the New York Times, Juilliard-trained reed player Peter Anderson has performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon, Wynton Marsalis, and Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks.
World-touring bassist Trifon Dimitrov was mentored by jazz legend Ron Carter and has performed at numerous jazz festivals, clubs, TV, Radio and Broadway shows. “
Teddy Parker is a theatrical pop-rock songwriter, performer, and music educator with a flair for emotional storytelling. Whether declaring, “I manipulate people’s emotions!” or helping students access their feelings, Teddy thrives on connecting through music. They found their voice at Buck’s Rock camp, teaching vocals and piano, directing choirs, and sparking inspiration for songs like the infamous “Michael.” A Berklee College of Music graduate, Teddy won Best Performance for their ballad “Rhode Island Roads” and later performed with Livingston Taylor.
Now based in NYC, Teddy teaches with heart, helping students grow musically and personally. Her band, Teddy Hold On, with Vivian, Violet and Nate released the debut EP “Crying in Public” in 2024. They also compose for games like Return to Moria, crafting modular folk tunes sung by solo or co-op adventurers.
Teddy grew up in the Folk Project and was a featured performer in the Project’s Golden Anniversary celebration.
*** Admission: $35/$30 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
David Wilcox is a masterful storyteller whose acoustic-driven sound connects deeply with listeners. His songs blend intricate melodies with lyrics that capture life’s complexities, turning each song into an emotional journey. A celebrated figure in folk music, Wilcox won the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival in 1988, propelling his career forward. His evocative style has earned critical acclaim, including top honors at the USA Songwriting Competition in 2018. Whether you’re hearing him for the first time or the hundredth, Wilcox’s music will speak to your heart, offering a timeless blend of insight, warmth, and storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.
Todd Dennison is a versatile multi-instrumentalist whose music bridges folk, jazz, rock, and American roots traditions. Influenced early on by artists like James Taylor and Kenny Rankin, Todd developed a distinctive guitar style known for its flowing bass lines, melodic chord voicings, and intuitive, expressive feel.
A seasoned performer, Todd has toured nationally as a guitarist, bassist, pedal steel player, accompanist, and arranger. His playing is never showy, but always deeply musical—crafted in service of the song. Audiences and reviewers alike have praised his performances as “magical,” “musically brilliant,” and “a sweet and beautiful journey of truth, love, and friendship.”
For this performance, Todd will be joined by longtime friend and collaborator Craig Limey, a gifted multi-instrumentalist who will bring his talents on upright bass and vocals. Together, they create a warm, dynamic musical conversation that’s both artful and deeply engaging.
In-person Tickets ($35) Live Webcast ($20)
The NJ Guitar Summit Evening Concert is a concert for everyone. Three world class headliners with astounding talent picking guitars and singing songs.
Evening Concert for all – 8 PM to 10:30 PM
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Beppe Gambetta brings American and European Roots together in a blend of energetic grooves and passionate melodies, giving new life to wide range international and American musical sources. He is songwriter of great depth and maturity, whose original songs seamlessly blend contemporary influences with traditional roots. His flatpicking styles range from Doc Watson to Moravian folk music to everything in between and beyond. and are characterized by flashy licks, intricate cross-picking patterns, open tunings, and fluid slides up and down the neck of the guitar.
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Born in Genoa, Italy, he is known worldwide as a bluegrass ambassador, having performed with such luminaries as Norman Blake, Mike Marshall, David Grisman, Charles Sawtelle, John Jorgenson, David Grier, Tony Trischka, Dan Crary, Gene Parsons of the Byrds, and more.
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Jefferson Hamer is a Brooklyn-based guitarist, songwriter, and producer known for collaborations with Anaïs Mitchell, Sarah Jarosz, and The Murphy Beds. He blends traditional and original folk on solo albums like Alameda and in projects with artists such as Kristin Andreassen, Reed Foehl, and Session Americana.
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Perhaps his most enduring collaboration is The Murphy Beds, a harmony-rich folk duo with Irish musician and songwriter Eamon O’Leary.
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Tony McManus is the leading Celtic guitarist worldwide and has just been listed as one of the 50 transcendental guitarists of all time by Guitar Player Magazine. While Tony is known as a soloist his frequent collaborations with diverse musicians have always been a significant part of his work.
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His Celtic guitar style utilizes embellishments, techniques, and open tunings, in which the guitar reproduces the sounds of traditional instruments.
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The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); Age 12 and under free with adult.***
“The Mammals are folksingers Ruth Ungar, Mike Merenda, and a dynamic quintet of multi-instrumentalists whose sound spans fiddle, banjo, guitar, organ, bass, and drums. Over two decades, this fiercely independent band has built a legacy of genre-defying, politically charged, and emotionally resonant folk-rock praised as “some of the best songwriting of their generation” (LA Times). Their music resonates with urgency and tenderness—amplifying voices of conscience, connection, and the full spectrum of human experience. The forthcoming release, Touch Grass Vol. 1 & 2 (2025), is a double album that rages, reflects, and rejoices—equal parts protest and balm, recorded at their own Humble Abode Music studio. Whether playing international stages or hosting their semi-annual Catskills festival, The Hoot, The Mammals bring warmth, defiance, and harmony to every performance.
“Some of the best songwriting of their generation.” — LA Times
“A party band with a conscience.” — Boston Globe
“A national treasure.” — Anaïs Mitchell”
Dustin Lowman exudes wit, warmth, and wounded wonder through a poet’s eye and a voice that’s pure and true. A soulful folk singer whose songs spring from the quiet sanctum of reflection and the harsh echoes of rebellion, he delivers ballads both tender and absurd, stories shaped by heartbreak, hilarity, and a deep literary streak. With echoes of Dylan and the rawness of lived truth, his performances walk the line between traditional and heretical, inviting audiences into a shared human moment. Dustin finds harmony in the chaos that life brings and knows how to bring it to his audiences.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Sharon “Pipes” Lasher presents a dynamic through-the-decades tribute to musical Icons Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt, both multi–Grammy Award winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, and Kennedy Center Honorees!
You’ll hear 3- & 4-part harmonies on your favorite Raitt classics “Thing Called Love”, “Nick of Time”, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and Ronstadt’s iconic “Blue Bayou”, “Different Drum”, “When Will I Be Loved” and so much more.
“Pipes’” World Class band includes:
Sharon “Pipes” Lasher (Lasher & The Flashers, Bell Bottom Blues) Vocals
PK Lavengood (John Eddie Band, Glen Burtnik) Electric, Slide Guitar & Vocals
Lee Finkelstein (Original Blues Brothers Band, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder) Drums
Paul Avrutin (Dead on Live, Rainbow Full of Sound) Bass & Vocals
Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker, Hall & Oats, John Fogerty) Keys
Gary Oleyar (Loggins & Messina, Bob Seger, Brooks & Dunn) Acoustic Guitar, Fiddle & Vocals
Joe Napolitano (Decades, Sheriff Restless, Electric Rodeo) Pedal Steel
Singer/songwriter James Gedeon has opened shows for America, Livingston Taylor, Jay Leno and others and performed with Billy Joel and Phoebe Snow. James Gedeon celebrates the music of James Taylor with a solo acoustic performance of “The J.T. Experience”
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Buffalo Rose is a singularly sensational six-piece Americana band from Pittsburgh, PA. A Buffalo Rose show is a spectacular celebration of creative joy, a sparkling sonic delight. The band takes the singer-songwriter tradition to a new level by crafting original songs which are deeply emotive, meticulously arranged, and inspired by a world of idiosyncratic influences, sure to captivate the mind and charm the heart.
Ali Tod fuses classical training with percussive fingerstyle guitar, loop-pedal wizardry, and raw, soul-stirring vocals—drawing comparisons to Rodrigo y Gabriela and KT Tunstall. Her dynamic performances have wowed audiences from Mexico to the UK, earning praise from industry legends, including Brandi Carlile, who said: “She’s ten times the musician we are!”
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Emmanuel, John Lewis, the Boston Pops, the New York Pops, and guitar legend Les Paul, who named Vignola to his “Five Most Admired Guitarists List” for the Wall Street Journal. Frank is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His virtuosity is stunning.
Caroline Cotter’s sunlit songs explore connection, longing, gratitude, and the human experience with a honeyed voice and lyrical honesty. A seasoned traveler and touring artist, she’s performed over 1,000 shows across 45 states and 16 countries—everywhere from Parisian living rooms to schooners off the Maine coast. Her music reflects a life shaped by global travel, spiritual practice, and deep introspection. Cotter’s three albums—Dreaming as I Do, Home on the River, and Gently as I Go—offer emotional insight and poetic storytelling. Her songs move from sweeping themes to intimate detail, whether honoring lost loved ones or celebrating human generosity. Festivals like Freshgrass and Rocky Mountain Folk Fest have featured her work, and she’s earned accolades from the Maine Songwriters Association and national competitions. Cotter finds purpose in wandering and songwriting, capturing fleeting truths with warmth and clarity. When not on the road, she lives by the sea in Maine.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
A Stephen Kellogg performance is like watching Ted Lasso live. Whether he’s playing music or doing stand-up, his shows leave people inspired and restored. For more than two decades, this wordsmith, TEDx speaker, stand-up comic, author and troubadour, has delighted audiences around the world. Planet Bluegrass calls him “a first-class songwriter with a poet’s gift for fresh imagery,” and Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz says of Kellogg, “there are few people in rock n’ roll who are just so great.” He has received the Armed Forces Entertainer of the Year award and has had his work nominated for a Grammy. Rolling Stone magazine describes his sound as “John Prine fronting the Heartbreakers.” The recent “Sit Down & Stand Up” Tour was a one man show that opened to rave reviews from fans and critics alike. A mix of music, humor and storytelling, each performance paints a unique canvas that covers the full spectrum of human emotions. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll go home with a full heart.