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].
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.
“If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might be something close to the great Vance Gilbert” (Richmond Magazine)… with “the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram). This consummate songwriter’s influence can be felt all over the folk and Americana realm, with 14 albums to his credit and appearances from the Newport Folk Festival to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to Boston’s Symphony Hall. Vance toured with Shawn Colvin and has been the opener of choice for artists as varied as Arlo Guthrie, Anita Baker, The Milk Carton Kids, Paul Reiser, and George Carlin.
Over six albums, indie folksinger Eliot Bronson has forged a distinctive blend of atmospheric American roots music, earning awards and an international following on both sides of the Atlantic. Bronson is a diverse songwriter, bouncing between poetic turns-of-phrase and direct narratives, and he’s as compelling as a vocalist. Whether leaping into his falsetto or singing in a woozy croon, he wrings every ounce of feeling from his lyrics, bringing those emotions to vivid life.
The Baltimore native began writing songs as a teenager, inspired by his father’s record collection, which included Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and blues pioneers Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry. Raised in a working-class family shaped by both Pentecostal faith and 1960s counterculture, Bronson developed a musical voice all his own.He later moved to Atlanta, where he built an audience as a member of the folk-rock duo The Brilliant Inventions. His solo career took off after he won first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. His swooning, expressive voice and evocative songwriting have drawn widespread acclaim, including early praise from The Baltimore Sun, which called him “a folk singing wunderkind.” His album Talking to Myself, recorded outside Atlanta, is an album that balances mood and melody, intimacy and atmosphere, grounded songwriting and astral, ambient arrangements.
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.
Triple Feature: Allison Strong, Lily DeTaeye, Jillian Matundan
***********************************************************************************
| Allison Strong | https://www.allisonstrong.com |
 |
Hailed as “captivating” by the New York Times, Colombian-American singer-songwriter and actor Allison Strong is releasing her bilingual EP Weightless in 2026. Strong has opened for Grammy Winners LeAnn Rimes and Jesse + Joy, and earned recognition as a NJ State Council on the Arts Music Fellow, ASCAP Latin Beat Songwriting Grantee, Kerville New Folk Finalist, Hudson West Fest Emerging Artist Winner and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist. She starred opposite Adam Sandler in the Netflix comedies The Week Of and Leo, and appeared in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie and Mamma Mia! |
| Video link: Weightless | |
| Lily DeTaeye | https://lilydetaeye.com/ |
 |
Lily DeTaeye is a Des Moines, Iowa native with a foundation in alt rock, pop, and folk, who delivers original songs in honey-smooth vocals. She has lit up venues from Salmonfest in Ninilchik, Alaska, to Americanafest in Nashville, to The Bitter End in New York City. Her third studio album, Even With My Eyes Closed, is a nostalgic and biting entry into the world of dreamy pop. Think Lilith Fair etherealism meets barbed hooks that stick right in the jaw. DeTaeye is based in Brooklyn, NY. |
| Video link: Maybe It’s November | |
| Jillian Matundan | https://jillianmatundan.com/ |
 |
Jillian Matundan is an award-winning, multi-instrumental singer-songwriter, trade unionist, and first-generation Filipina American who has been winning over audiences with her resonant vocals, acute and relatable observations, unique guitar-style, and sharp sense of humor. Ever since returning to the scene in 2019, Jillian has been on a tear, winning multiple songwriting awards (including fifteen Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards), playing numerous shows on the club and festival circuit, and collaborating with musicians in the studio and on stage. She has opened for Susan Werner, Ellis Paul, Laurie MacAllister (of Red Molly), Natalia Zuckerman, and many others. |
| Video link: Frozen |
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
*** Admission: $35/$35 (FP members)***
John McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folk singers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammered dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over twenty albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works. His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers. Expect humor, heart, and musical magic—this is folk music at its most alive.
Contemporary singer / songwriter Michael Arthur’s poignant songs explore the breadth and depth of the human experience. Accompanying himself on solo acoustic guitar, Michael employs lush open guitar tunings as the canvas for his powerful and emotive vocal performances. He was a finalist in the Mid Atlantic Song Contest, winner of the ACT Songwriters Big Shootout, and silver medalist in the Susquehanna Folk Music Society Songwriting Competition. Michael has also had the pleasure of opening for David Wilcox, Tracy Grammer, and (as the designated welcoming opener on The Folk Project’s weekly online song gathering), on Zoom for virtually every touring folk artist currently on the scene!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Halloween Show – LIVING Performers Wanted
The Folk Project’s legendary Halloween Show is back—and spookier than ever. What’s the only thing standing between us and a full-scale ghostly outbreak? Your songs and your costumes!
- Sign Up & Sing: Project members, sign up now to share your scary, silly, or macabre songs at [email protected]. Prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy performances.
- Dress up & Scream: Come in costume and compete for prizes. From ghoulish to glamorous, every disguise adds to the fun. Photo ops abound, and prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy costumes.
- Treats & Tricks: Special Halloween goodies prepared by our own Chef Bob are included with admission, and you’ll be happy to learn that adults can eat all the candy they desire because the calories will just vanish!
Ready to keep the darkness at bay? All are welcome, as even the dead can come back to life on this most spirited night of the year. Costumes are most welcome but not required. Bring your fiends and demons, if you dare!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Dan Bern is a captivating live performer who has enthralled a loyal and ever-growing fan base in the US and Europe since the mid ‘90s. His songs range from deeply moving to wildly imaginative and hilarious, often within the same song.
He has been compared favorably to the great masters of songwriting, such as Guthrie, Dylan, Costello. Though he draws from the great American tradition of songwriting, there is something deeply unique and compelling that make you want to get to know the man behind the songs.
He conjures incredibly specific imagery like in a painting. Though he may turn to cynicism and political satire at times, the beauty of his work is that he is able to imagine better worlds, revealing a deep capacity for empathy and optimism. Bern connects with his audiences skillfully and directly, weaving the topical and local in with the more universal themes. He has written for many films and TV shows and has made more than thirty albums.
In late 2024, Laurie MacAllister embarked on an exciting new chapter, launching a solo career with a sold-out performance at the legendary Club Passim. Two decades earlier, she co-founded the beloved Americana trio Red Molly, which released seven acclaimed albums and toured both the U.S. and internationally, including appearances at MerleFest, Cayamo, Boston Symphony Hall, Australia’s Port Fairy Folk Fest, and Denmark’s Tønder Festival.
Her 2018 self-produced solo album “The Lies the Poets Tell” is a heartfelt tribute to the contemporary folk music scene, celebrating a handful of its best songs and songwriters. SiriusXM praised the album as “Defining. A curated collection packed with emotional vibrancy.” A new album is in the works for a 2027 Release. This year she will grace stages from the legendary Club Passim to the Black Bear Americana Festival to the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference…and now, the Troubadour!
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.***
With the energy of fiddle music, the introspective quality of contemporary folk, the precision of bluegrass, and the drive of Americana, the members of the Vermont-based American Roots band Low Lily (Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, and Natalie Padilla) combine their individual talents into one stunning soundscape. Low Lily has shared their signature sound with enthusiastic audiences throughout North America and the UK, garnering two #1 songs on international folk radio and two Independent Music Award wins. Their original song “Hope Lingers On” has been sung by choirs around the world as an anthem for peace and justice.
Peppino D’Agostino left Sicily more than 30 years ago with a simple dream: to play alongside the world’s greatest guitarists. He has more than fulfilled that ambition, becoming one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary acoustic guitar.
A leading voice in the second wave of fingerstyle guitarists that helped redefine the instrument in the 1990s, D’Agostino is celebrated for his dazzling technique, innovative use of open tunings, percussive effects, melodic compositions, and emotional depth. His broad musical tastes and playful warmth have inspired generations of guitarists and audiences worldwide. Acoustic Guitar magazine named him “the guitarist’s guitarist,” while Guitar Player readers voted him Best Acoustic Guitarist.
D’Agostino has performed in more than 30 countries and shared stages with Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Sergio Assad, Larry Carlton, and Eric Johnson. His recordings include Acoustic Spirit, Close to the Heart, Every Step of the Way, and Penumbra, which bridges classical and acoustic guitar traditions.
Beyond performing, D’Agostino is a dedicated teacher, offering workshops and online instruction. His music has also appeared in video games and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. His concerts are celebrated for virtuosity, spontaneity, humor, and an intimate connection with audiences. Whether composing, teaching, or performing on his signature Seagull guitar, D’Agostino continues to push the boundaries of acoustic music.
** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Where can you hear four amazing acts for the price of one? Why, at the Troubadour’s highly anticipated Spotlight Nights, of course! This edition features incredibly talented and musically diverse duos and trios from all over North Jersey. But wait, there’s more: free food! Arrive at 6:30 and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres while mingling with old friends and meeting new ones.
The TriSonics play original acoustic instrumentals spanning roots, folk, bluegrass, blues and jazz, featured on their three albums to date. The players are Michael William Levine on Dobro, Don Sarlin on guitar and their newest member Michael Aharon on cello and bass. Their respective credits include Van Morrison, Tanya Tucker, Backstreet Boys, Patti LaBelle, Trapezoid, Solas, David Bromberg, Mary Travers, Vasser Clements, Larry Gatlin, Mac Davis, Esther Phillips and others with appearances in the U.S., the UK, Europe and Asia, and on TV (SNL, others).
Video Link: Lee at Williamsport
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.
Fri., Dec. 18, 7:30 pm, In-person and on-line. Caroling (in-person only) starts at 7.
Mark your calendar for the Project’s annual Holiday Concert to benefit our welcoming and supportive host, the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. The evening is an opportunity to bring our two great communities together, and it will be one rip-roaring good show. Plus, all proceeds will be donated to the Fellowship.
After a spirited round of caroling, the evening will showcase some of the finest Project performers, along with a special guest.
==================================================================
And, we’ll feature Allison Strong, a rising star who will enchant you in both English and Spanish.
Video Link: Trial + Error
==================================================================
We’ll present a spread of holiday goodies as only Bob Cole can conjure up.
And the caroling will be led by golden-voiced Marie Trontell.
This will be a great evening for a great cause.
*** Admission $20, Folk Project members $15, Children under 12 with Adult Free, and $15 on-line. ***
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Cold Chocolate is a genre-bending Americana band that fuses folk, funk, and bluegrass to create a unique sound all their own. Featuring Ethan Robbins on guitar and mandolin & Ariel Bernstein on percussion and banjo, this power duo from Boston is impressing audiences throughout New England and beyond. Punctuated by tight harmonies and skillful musicianship, and with a focus on songwriting, Cold Chocolate has quickly gained recognition for their original music and high-energy shows. The band has shared bills with Leftover Salmon and David Grisman, and regularly performs at venues and music festivals across the country.
Meghan Cary delivers award-winning original songs with powerful vocals and unshakable stage presence. Called a “storytelling troubadour” by Billboard Magazine, Cary inspires connection and community with music that’s earned comparisons to Brandi Carlile and Melissa Etheridge. Her anthem “River Rock” and 2025 single “Raise Your Voice” rally audiences to hope and action. A favorite at festivals like Falcon Ridge and Philadelphia Folk Fest, she has shared stages with Joan Osborne, Chris Smither, and more. Whether performing, teaching, or speaking, Cary empowers others to embrace their stories with humor and heart.
“If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might be something close to the great Vance Gilbert” (Richmond Magazine)… with “the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram). This consummate songwriter’s influence can be felt all over the folk and Americana realm, with 14 albums to his credit and appearances from the Newport Folk Festival to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to Boston’s Symphony Hall. Vance toured with Shawn Colvin and has been the opener of choice for artists as varied as Arlo Guthrie, Anita Baker, The Milk Carton Kids, Paul Reiser, and George Carlin.
Over six albums, indie folksinger Eliot Bronson has forged a distinctive blend of atmospheric American roots music, earning awards and an international following on both sides of the Atlantic. Bronson is a diverse songwriter, bouncing between poetic turns-of-phrase and direct narratives, and he’s as compelling as a vocalist. Whether leaping into his falsetto or singing in a woozy croon, he wrings every ounce of feeling from his lyrics, bringing those emotions to vivid life.
The Baltimore native began writing songs as a teenager, inspired by his father’s record collection, which included Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and blues pioneers Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry. Raised in a working-class family shaped by both Pentecostal faith and 1960s counterculture, Bronson developed a musical voice all his own.He later moved to Atlanta, where he built an audience as a member of the folk-rock duo The Brilliant Inventions. His solo career took off after he won first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. His swooning, expressive voice and evocative songwriting have drawn widespread acclaim, including early praise from The Baltimore Sun, which called him “a folk singing wunderkind.” His album Talking to Myself, recorded outside Atlanta, is an album that balances mood and melody, intimacy and atmosphere, grounded songwriting and astral, ambient arrangements.
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.
Triple Feature: Allison Strong, Lily DeTaeye, Jillian Matundan
***********************************************************************************
| Allison Strong | https://www.allisonstrong.com |
|
Hailed as “captivating” by the New York Times, Colombian-American singer-songwriter and actor Allison Strong is releasing her bilingual EP Weightless in 2026. Strong has opened for Grammy Winners LeAnn Rimes and Jesse + Joy, and earned recognition as a NJ State Council on the Arts Music Fellow, ASCAP Latin Beat Songwriting Grantee, Kerville New Folk Finalist, Hudson West Fest Emerging Artist Winner and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist. She starred opposite Adam Sandler in the Netflix comedies The Week Of and Leo, and appeared in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie and Mamma Mia! |
| Video link: Weightless | |
| Lily DeTaeye | https://lilydetaeye.com/ |
|
Lily DeTaeye is a Des Moines, Iowa native with a foundation in alt rock, pop, and folk, who delivers original songs in honey-smooth vocals. She has lit up venues from Salmonfest in Ninilchik, Alaska, to Americanafest in Nashville, to The Bitter End in New York City. Her third studio album, Even With My Eyes Closed, is a nostalgic and biting entry into the world of dreamy pop. Think Lilith Fair etherealism meets barbed hooks that stick right in the jaw. DeTaeye is based in Brooklyn, NY. |
| Video link: Maybe It’s November | |
| Jillian Matundan | https://jillianmatundan.com/ |
|
Jillian Matundan is an award-winning, multi-instrumental singer-songwriter, trade unionist, and first-generation Filipina American who has been winning over audiences with her resonant vocals, acute and relatable observations, unique guitar-style, and sharp sense of humor. Ever since returning to the scene in 2019, Jillian has been on a tear, winning multiple songwriting awards (including fifteen Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards), playing numerous shows on the club and festival circuit, and collaborating with musicians in the studio and on stage. She has opened for Susan Werner, Ellis Paul, Laurie MacAllister (of Red Molly), Natalia Zuckerman, and many others. |
| Video link: Frozen |
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
*** Admission: $35/$35 (FP members)***
John McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folk singers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammered dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over twenty albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works. His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers. Expect humor, heart, and musical magic—this is folk music at its most alive.
Contemporary singer / songwriter Michael Arthur’s poignant songs explore the breadth and depth of the human experience. Accompanying himself on solo acoustic guitar, Michael employs lush open guitar tunings as the canvas for his powerful and emotive vocal performances. He was a finalist in the Mid Atlantic Song Contest, winner of the ACT Songwriters Big Shootout, and silver medalist in the Susquehanna Folk Music Society Songwriting Competition. Michael has also had the pleasure of opening for David Wilcox, Tracy Grammer, and (as the designated welcoming opener on The Folk Project’s weekly online song gathering), on Zoom for virtually every touring folk artist currently on the scene!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Halloween Show – LIVING Performers Wanted
The Folk Project’s legendary Halloween Show is back—and spookier than ever. What’s the only thing standing between us and a full-scale ghostly outbreak? Your songs and your costumes!
- Sign Up & Sing: Project members, sign up now to share your scary, silly, or macabre songs at [email protected]. Prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy performances.
- Dress up & Scream: Come in costume and compete for prizes. From ghoulish to glamorous, every disguise adds to the fun. Photo ops abound, and prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy costumes.
- Treats & Tricks: Special Halloween goodies prepared by our own Chef Bob are included with admission, and you’ll be happy to learn that adults can eat all the candy they desire because the calories will just vanish!
Ready to keep the darkness at bay? All are welcome, as even the dead can come back to life on this most spirited night of the year. Costumes are most welcome but not required. Bring your fiends and demons, if you dare!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Dan Bern is a captivating live performer who has enthralled a loyal and ever-growing fan base in the US and Europe since the mid ‘90s. His songs range from deeply moving to wildly imaginative and hilarious, often within the same song.
He has been compared favorably to the great masters of songwriting, such as Guthrie, Dylan, Costello. Though he draws from the great American tradition of songwriting, there is something deeply unique and compelling that make you want to get to know the man behind the songs.
He conjures incredibly specific imagery like in a painting. Though he may turn to cynicism and political satire at times, the beauty of his work is that he is able to imagine better worlds, revealing a deep capacity for empathy and optimism. Bern connects with his audiences skillfully and directly, weaving the topical and local in with the more universal themes. He has written for many films and TV shows and has made more than thirty albums.
In late 2024, Laurie MacAllister embarked on an exciting new chapter, launching a solo career with a sold-out performance at the legendary Club Passim. Two decades earlier, she co-founded the beloved Americana trio Red Molly, which released seven acclaimed albums and toured both the U.S. and internationally, including appearances at MerleFest, Cayamo, Boston Symphony Hall, Australia’s Port Fairy Folk Fest, and Denmark’s Tønder Festival.
Her 2018 self-produced solo album “The Lies the Poets Tell” is a heartfelt tribute to the contemporary folk music scene, celebrating a handful of its best songs and songwriters. SiriusXM praised the album as “Defining. A curated collection packed with emotional vibrancy.” A new album is in the works for a 2027 Release. This year she will grace stages from the legendary Club Passim to the Black Bear Americana Festival to the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference…and now, the Troubadour!
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.***
With the energy of fiddle music, the introspective quality of contemporary folk, the precision of bluegrass, and the drive of Americana, the members of the Vermont-based American Roots band Low Lily (Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, and Natalie Padilla) combine their individual talents into one stunning soundscape. Low Lily has shared their signature sound with enthusiastic audiences throughout North America and the UK, garnering two #1 songs on international folk radio and two Independent Music Award wins. Their original song “Hope Lingers On” has been sung by choirs around the world as an anthem for peace and justice.
Peppino D’Agostino left Sicily more than 30 years ago with a simple dream: to play alongside the world’s greatest guitarists. He has more than fulfilled that ambition, becoming one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary acoustic guitar.
A leading voice in the second wave of fingerstyle guitarists that helped redefine the instrument in the 1990s, D’Agostino is celebrated for his dazzling technique, innovative use of open tunings, percussive effects, melodic compositions, and emotional depth. His broad musical tastes and playful warmth have inspired generations of guitarists and audiences worldwide. Acoustic Guitar magazine named him “the guitarist’s guitarist,” while Guitar Player readers voted him Best Acoustic Guitarist.
D’Agostino has performed in more than 30 countries and shared stages with Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Sergio Assad, Larry Carlton, and Eric Johnson. His recordings include Acoustic Spirit, Close to the Heart, Every Step of the Way, and Penumbra, which bridges classical and acoustic guitar traditions.
Beyond performing, D’Agostino is a dedicated teacher, offering workshops and online instruction. His music has also appeared in video games and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. His concerts are celebrated for virtuosity, spontaneity, humor, and an intimate connection with audiences. Whether composing, teaching, or performing on his signature Seagull guitar, D’Agostino continues to push the boundaries of acoustic music.
** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Where can you hear four amazing acts for the price of one? Why, at the Troubadour’s highly anticipated Spotlight Nights, of course! This edition features incredibly talented and musically diverse duos and trios from all over North Jersey. But wait, there’s more: free food! Arrive at 6:30 and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres while mingling with old friends and meeting new ones.
The TriSonics play original acoustic instrumentals spanning roots, folk, bluegrass, blues and jazz, featured on their three albums to date. The players are Michael William Levine on Dobro, Don Sarlin on guitar and their newest member Michael Aharon on cello and bass. Their respective credits include Van Morrison, Tanya Tucker, Backstreet Boys, Patti LaBelle, Trapezoid, Solas, David Bromberg, Mary Travers, Vasser Clements, Larry Gatlin, Mac Davis, Esther Phillips and others with appearances in the U.S., the UK, Europe and Asia, and on TV (SNL, others).
Video Link: Lee at Williamsport
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.
Fri., Dec. 18, 7:30 pm, In-person and on-line. Caroling (in-person only) starts at 7.
Mark your calendar for the Project’s annual Holiday Concert to benefit our welcoming and supportive host, the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. The evening is an opportunity to bring our two great communities together, and it will be one rip-roaring good show. Plus, all proceeds will be donated to the Fellowship.
After a spirited round of caroling, the evening will showcase some of the finest Project performers, along with a special guest.
==================================================================
And, we’ll feature Allison Strong, a rising star who will enchant you in both English and Spanish.
Video Link: Trial + Error
==================================================================
We’ll present a spread of holiday goodies as only Bob Cole can conjure up.
And the caroling will be led by golden-voiced Marie Trontell.
This will be a great evening for a great cause.
*** Admission $20, Folk Project members $15, Children under 12 with Adult Free, and $15 on-line. ***
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Cold Chocolate is a genre-bending Americana band that fuses folk, funk, and bluegrass to create a unique sound all their own. Featuring Ethan Robbins on guitar and mandolin & Ariel Bernstein on percussion and banjo, this power duo from Boston is impressing audiences throughout New England and beyond. Punctuated by tight harmonies and skillful musicianship, and with a focus on songwriting, Cold Chocolate has quickly gained recognition for their original music and high-energy shows. The band has shared bills with Leftover Salmon and David Grisman, and regularly performs at venues and music festivals across the country.
Meghan Cary delivers award-winning original songs with powerful vocals and unshakable stage presence. Called a “storytelling troubadour” by Billboard Magazine, Cary inspires connection and community with music that’s earned comparisons to Brandi Carlile and Melissa Etheridge. Her anthem “River Rock” and 2025 single “Raise Your Voice” rally audiences to hope and action. A favorite at festivals like Falcon Ridge and Philadelphia Folk Fest, she has shared stages with Joan Osborne, Chris Smither, and more. Whether performing, teaching, or speaking, Cary empowers others to embrace their stories with humor and heart.
“If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might be something close to the great Vance Gilbert” (Richmond Magazine)… with “the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram). This consummate songwriter’s influence can be felt all over the folk and Americana realm, with 14 albums to his credit and appearances from the Newport Folk Festival to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to Boston’s Symphony Hall. Vance toured with Shawn Colvin and has been the opener of choice for artists as varied as Arlo Guthrie, Anita Baker, The Milk Carton Kids, Paul Reiser, and George Carlin.
Over six albums, indie folksinger Eliot Bronson has forged a distinctive blend of atmospheric American roots music, earning awards and an international following on both sides of the Atlantic. Bronson is a diverse songwriter, bouncing between poetic turns-of-phrase and direct narratives, and he’s as compelling as a vocalist. Whether leaping into his falsetto or singing in a woozy croon, he wrings every ounce of feeling from his lyrics, bringing those emotions to vivid life.
The Baltimore native began writing songs as a teenager, inspired by his father’s record collection, which included Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and blues pioneers Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry. Raised in a working-class family shaped by both Pentecostal faith and 1960s counterculture, Bronson developed a musical voice all his own.He later moved to Atlanta, where he built an audience as a member of the folk-rock duo The Brilliant Inventions. His solo career took off after he won first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. His swooning, expressive voice and evocative songwriting have drawn widespread acclaim, including early praise from The Baltimore Sun, which called him “a folk singing wunderkind.” His album Talking to Myself, recorded outside Atlanta, is an album that balances mood and melody, intimacy and atmosphere, grounded songwriting and astral, ambient arrangements.
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.
Triple Feature: Allison Strong, Lily DeTaeye, Jillian Matundan
***********************************************************************************
| Allison Strong | https://www.allisonstrong.com |
|
Hailed as “captivating” by the New York Times, Colombian-American singer-songwriter and actor Allison Strong is releasing her bilingual EP Weightless in 2026. Strong has opened for Grammy Winners LeAnn Rimes and Jesse + Joy, and earned recognition as a NJ State Council on the Arts Music Fellow, ASCAP Latin Beat Songwriting Grantee, Kerville New Folk Finalist, Hudson West Fest Emerging Artist Winner and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist. She starred opposite Adam Sandler in the Netflix comedies The Week Of and Leo, and appeared in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie and Mamma Mia! |
| Video link: Weightless | |
| Lily DeTaeye | https://lilydetaeye.com/ |
|
Lily DeTaeye is a Des Moines, Iowa native with a foundation in alt rock, pop, and folk, who delivers original songs in honey-smooth vocals. She has lit up venues from Salmonfest in Ninilchik, Alaska, to Americanafest in Nashville, to The Bitter End in New York City. Her third studio album, Even With My Eyes Closed, is a nostalgic and biting entry into the world of dreamy pop. Think Lilith Fair etherealism meets barbed hooks that stick right in the jaw. DeTaeye is based in Brooklyn, NY. |
| Video link: Maybe It’s November | |
| Jillian Matundan | https://jillianmatundan.com/ |
|
Jillian Matundan is an award-winning, multi-instrumental singer-songwriter, trade unionist, and first-generation Filipina American who has been winning over audiences with her resonant vocals, acute and relatable observations, unique guitar-style, and sharp sense of humor. Ever since returning to the scene in 2019, Jillian has been on a tear, winning multiple songwriting awards (including fifteen Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards), playing numerous shows on the club and festival circuit, and collaborating with musicians in the studio and on stage. She has opened for Susan Werner, Ellis Paul, Laurie MacAllister (of Red Molly), Natalia Zuckerman, and many others. |
| Video link: Frozen |
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
*** Admission: $35/$35 (FP members)***
John McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folk singers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammered dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over twenty albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works. His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers. Expect humor, heart, and musical magic—this is folk music at its most alive.
Contemporary singer / songwriter Michael Arthur’s poignant songs explore the breadth and depth of the human experience. Accompanying himself on solo acoustic guitar, Michael employs lush open guitar tunings as the canvas for his powerful and emotive vocal performances. He was a finalist in the Mid Atlantic Song Contest, winner of the ACT Songwriters Big Shootout, and silver medalist in the Susquehanna Folk Music Society Songwriting Competition. Michael has also had the pleasure of opening for David Wilcox, Tracy Grammer, and (as the designated welcoming opener on The Folk Project’s weekly online song gathering), on Zoom for virtually every touring folk artist currently on the scene!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Halloween Show – LIVING Performers Wanted
The Folk Project’s legendary Halloween Show is back—and spookier than ever. What’s the only thing standing between us and a full-scale ghostly outbreak? Your songs and your costumes!
- Sign Up & Sing: Project members, sign up now to share your scary, silly, or macabre songs at [email protected]. Prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy performances.
- Dress up & Scream: Come in costume and compete for prizes. From ghoulish to glamorous, every disguise adds to the fun. Photo ops abound, and prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy costumes.
- Treats & Tricks: Special Halloween goodies prepared by our own Chef Bob are included with admission, and you’ll be happy to learn that adults can eat all the candy they desire because the calories will just vanish!
Ready to keep the darkness at bay? All are welcome, as even the dead can come back to life on this most spirited night of the year. Costumes are most welcome but not required. Bring your fiends and demons, if you dare!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Dan Bern is a captivating live performer who has enthralled a loyal and ever-growing fan base in the US and Europe since the mid ‘90s. His songs range from deeply moving to wildly imaginative and hilarious, often within the same song.
He has been compared favorably to the great masters of songwriting, such as Guthrie, Dylan, Costello. Though he draws from the great American tradition of songwriting, there is something deeply unique and compelling that make you want to get to know the man behind the songs.
He conjures incredibly specific imagery like in a painting. Though he may turn to cynicism and political satire at times, the beauty of his work is that he is able to imagine better worlds, revealing a deep capacity for empathy and optimism. Bern connects with his audiences skillfully and directly, weaving the topical and local in with the more universal themes. He has written for many films and TV shows and has made more than thirty albums.
In late 2024, Laurie MacAllister embarked on an exciting new chapter, launching a solo career with a sold-out performance at the legendary Club Passim. Two decades earlier, she co-founded the beloved Americana trio Red Molly, which released seven acclaimed albums and toured both the U.S. and internationally, including appearances at MerleFest, Cayamo, Boston Symphony Hall, Australia’s Port Fairy Folk Fest, and Denmark’s Tønder Festival.
Her 2018 self-produced solo album “The Lies the Poets Tell” is a heartfelt tribute to the contemporary folk music scene, celebrating a handful of its best songs and songwriters. SiriusXM praised the album as “Defining. A curated collection packed with emotional vibrancy.” A new album is in the works for a 2027 Release. This year she will grace stages from the legendary Club Passim to the Black Bear Americana Festival to the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference…and now, the Troubadour!
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.***
With the energy of fiddle music, the introspective quality of contemporary folk, the precision of bluegrass, and the drive of Americana, the members of the Vermont-based American Roots band Low Lily (Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, and Natalie Padilla) combine their individual talents into one stunning soundscape. Low Lily has shared their signature sound with enthusiastic audiences throughout North America and the UK, garnering two #1 songs on international folk radio and two Independent Music Award wins. Their original song “Hope Lingers On” has been sung by choirs around the world as an anthem for peace and justice.
Peppino D’Agostino left Sicily more than 30 years ago with a simple dream: to play alongside the world’s greatest guitarists. He has more than fulfilled that ambition, becoming one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary acoustic guitar.
A leading voice in the second wave of fingerstyle guitarists that helped redefine the instrument in the 1990s, D’Agostino is celebrated for his dazzling technique, innovative use of open tunings, percussive effects, melodic compositions, and emotional depth. His broad musical tastes and playful warmth have inspired generations of guitarists and audiences worldwide. Acoustic Guitar magazine named him “the guitarist’s guitarist,” while Guitar Player readers voted him Best Acoustic Guitarist.
D’Agostino has performed in more than 30 countries and shared stages with Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Sergio Assad, Larry Carlton, and Eric Johnson. His recordings include Acoustic Spirit, Close to the Heart, Every Step of the Way, and Penumbra, which bridges classical and acoustic guitar traditions.
Beyond performing, D’Agostino is a dedicated teacher, offering workshops and online instruction. His music has also appeared in video games and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. His concerts are celebrated for virtuosity, spontaneity, humor, and an intimate connection with audiences. Whether composing, teaching, or performing on his signature Seagull guitar, D’Agostino continues to push the boundaries of acoustic music.
** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Where can you hear four amazing acts for the price of one? Why, at the Troubadour’s highly anticipated Spotlight Nights, of course! This edition features incredibly talented and musically diverse duos and trios from all over North Jersey. But wait, there’s more: free food! Arrive at 6:30 and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres while mingling with old friends and meeting new ones.
The TriSonics play original acoustic instrumentals spanning roots, folk, bluegrass, blues and jazz, featured on their three albums to date. The players are Michael William Levine on Dobro, Don Sarlin on guitar and their newest member Michael Aharon on cello and bass. Their respective credits include Van Morrison, Tanya Tucker, Backstreet Boys, Patti LaBelle, Trapezoid, Solas, David Bromberg, Mary Travers, Vasser Clements, Larry Gatlin, Mac Davis, Esther Phillips and others with appearances in the U.S., the UK, Europe and Asia, and on TV (SNL, others).
Video Link: Lee at Williamsport
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.
Fri., Dec. 18, 7:30 pm, In-person and on-line. Caroling (in-person only) starts at 7.
Mark your calendar for the Project’s annual Holiday Concert to benefit our welcoming and supportive host, the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. The evening is an opportunity to bring our two great communities together, and it will be one rip-roaring good show. Plus, all proceeds will be donated to the Fellowship.
After a spirited round of caroling, the evening will showcase some of the finest Project performers, along with a special guest.
==================================================================
And, we’ll feature Allison Strong, a rising star who will enchant you in both English and Spanish.
Video Link: Trial + Error
==================================================================
We’ll present a spread of holiday goodies as only Bob Cole can conjure up.
And the caroling will be led by golden-voiced Marie Trontell.
This will be a great evening for a great cause.
*** Admission $20, Folk Project members $15, Children under 12 with Adult Free, and $15 on-line. ***
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Cold Chocolate is a genre-bending Americana band that fuses folk, funk, and bluegrass to create a unique sound all their own. Featuring Ethan Robbins on guitar and mandolin & Ariel Bernstein on percussion and banjo, this power duo from Boston is impressing audiences throughout New England and beyond. Punctuated by tight harmonies and skillful musicianship, and with a focus on songwriting, Cold Chocolate has quickly gained recognition for their original music and high-energy shows. The band has shared bills with Leftover Salmon and David Grisman, and regularly performs at venues and music festivals across the country.
Meghan Cary delivers award-winning original songs with powerful vocals and unshakable stage presence. Called a “storytelling troubadour” by Billboard Magazine, Cary inspires connection and community with music that’s earned comparisons to Brandi Carlile and Melissa Etheridge. Her anthem “River Rock” and 2025 single “Raise Your Voice” rally audiences to hope and action. A favorite at festivals like Falcon Ridge and Philadelphia Folk Fest, she has shared stages with Joan Osborne, Chris Smither, and more. Whether performing, teaching, or speaking, Cary empowers others to embrace their stories with humor and heart.
“If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might be something close to the great Vance Gilbert” (Richmond Magazine)… with “the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram). This consummate songwriter’s influence can be felt all over the folk and Americana realm, with 14 albums to his credit and appearances from the Newport Folk Festival to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to Boston’s Symphony Hall. Vance toured with Shawn Colvin and has been the opener of choice for artists as varied as Arlo Guthrie, Anita Baker, The Milk Carton Kids, Paul Reiser, and George Carlin.
Over six albums, indie folksinger Eliot Bronson has forged a distinctive blend of atmospheric American roots music, earning awards and an international following on both sides of the Atlantic. Bronson is a diverse songwriter, bouncing between poetic turns-of-phrase and direct narratives, and he’s as compelling as a vocalist. Whether leaping into his falsetto or singing in a woozy croon, he wrings every ounce of feeling from his lyrics, bringing those emotions to vivid life.
The Baltimore native began writing songs as a teenager, inspired by his father’s record collection, which included Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and blues pioneers Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry. Raised in a working-class family shaped by both Pentecostal faith and 1960s counterculture, Bronson developed a musical voice all his own.He later moved to Atlanta, where he built an audience as a member of the folk-rock duo The Brilliant Inventions. His solo career took off after he won first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. His swooning, expressive voice and evocative songwriting have drawn widespread acclaim, including early praise from The Baltimore Sun, which called him “a folk singing wunderkind.” His album Talking to Myself, recorded outside Atlanta, is an album that balances mood and melody, intimacy and atmosphere, grounded songwriting and astral, ambient arrangements.
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.
Triple Feature: Allison Strong, Lily DeTaeye, Jillian Matundan
***********************************************************************************
| Allison Strong | https://www.allisonstrong.com |
|
Hailed as “captivating” by the New York Times, Colombian-American singer-songwriter and actor Allison Strong is releasing her bilingual EP Weightless in 2026. Strong has opened for Grammy Winners LeAnn Rimes and Jesse + Joy, and earned recognition as a NJ State Council on the Arts Music Fellow, ASCAP Latin Beat Songwriting Grantee, Kerville New Folk Finalist, Hudson West Fest Emerging Artist Winner and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist. She starred opposite Adam Sandler in the Netflix comedies The Week Of and Leo, and appeared in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie and Mamma Mia! |
| Video link: Weightless | |
| Lily DeTaeye | https://lilydetaeye.com/ |
|
Lily DeTaeye is a Des Moines, Iowa native with a foundation in alt rock, pop, and folk, who delivers original songs in honey-smooth vocals. She has lit up venues from Salmonfest in Ninilchik, Alaska, to Americanafest in Nashville, to The Bitter End in New York City. Her third studio album, Even With My Eyes Closed, is a nostalgic and biting entry into the world of dreamy pop. Think Lilith Fair etherealism meets barbed hooks that stick right in the jaw. DeTaeye is based in Brooklyn, NY. |
| Video link: Maybe It’s November | |
| Jillian Matundan | https://jillianmatundan.com/ |
|
Jillian Matundan is an award-winning, multi-instrumental singer-songwriter, trade unionist, and first-generation Filipina American who has been winning over audiences with her resonant vocals, acute and relatable observations, unique guitar-style, and sharp sense of humor. Ever since returning to the scene in 2019, Jillian has been on a tear, winning multiple songwriting awards (including fifteen Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards), playing numerous shows on the club and festival circuit, and collaborating with musicians in the studio and on stage. She has opened for Susan Werner, Ellis Paul, Laurie MacAllister (of Red Molly), Natalia Zuckerman, and many others. |
| Video link: Frozen |
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
*** Admission: $35/$35 (FP members)***
John McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folk singers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammered dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over twenty albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works. His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers. Expect humor, heart, and musical magic—this is folk music at its most alive.
Contemporary singer / songwriter Michael Arthur’s poignant songs explore the breadth and depth of the human experience. Accompanying himself on solo acoustic guitar, Michael employs lush open guitar tunings as the canvas for his powerful and emotive vocal performances. He was a finalist in the Mid Atlantic Song Contest, winner of the ACT Songwriters Big Shootout, and silver medalist in the Susquehanna Folk Music Society Songwriting Competition. Michael has also had the pleasure of opening for David Wilcox, Tracy Grammer, and (as the designated welcoming opener on The Folk Project’s weekly online song gathering), on Zoom for virtually every touring folk artist currently on the scene!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Halloween Show – LIVING Performers Wanted
The Folk Project’s legendary Halloween Show is back—and spookier than ever. What’s the only thing standing between us and a full-scale ghostly outbreak? Your songs and your costumes!
- Sign Up & Sing: Project members, sign up now to share your scary, silly, or macabre songs at [email protected]. Prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy performances.
- Dress up & Scream: Come in costume and compete for prizes. From ghoulish to glamorous, every disguise adds to the fun. Photo ops abound, and prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy costumes.
- Treats & Tricks: Special Halloween goodies prepared by our own Chef Bob are included with admission, and you’ll be happy to learn that adults can eat all the candy they desire because the calories will just vanish!
Ready to keep the darkness at bay? All are welcome, as even the dead can come back to life on this most spirited night of the year. Costumes are most welcome but not required. Bring your fiends and demons, if you dare!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Dan Bern is a captivating live performer who has enthralled a loyal and ever-growing fan base in the US and Europe since the mid ‘90s. His songs range from deeply moving to wildly imaginative and hilarious, often within the same song.
He has been compared favorably to the great masters of songwriting, such as Guthrie, Dylan, Costello. Though he draws from the great American tradition of songwriting, there is something deeply unique and compelling that make you want to get to know the man behind the songs.
He conjures incredibly specific imagery like in a painting. Though he may turn to cynicism and political satire at times, the beauty of his work is that he is able to imagine better worlds, revealing a deep capacity for empathy and optimism. Bern connects with his audiences skillfully and directly, weaving the topical and local in with the more universal themes. He has written for many films and TV shows and has made more than thirty albums.
In late 2024, Laurie MacAllister embarked on an exciting new chapter, launching a solo career with a sold-out performance at the legendary Club Passim. Two decades earlier, she co-founded the beloved Americana trio Red Molly, which released seven acclaimed albums and toured both the U.S. and internationally, including appearances at MerleFest, Cayamo, Boston Symphony Hall, Australia’s Port Fairy Folk Fest, and Denmark’s Tønder Festival.
Her 2018 self-produced solo album “The Lies the Poets Tell” is a heartfelt tribute to the contemporary folk music scene, celebrating a handful of its best songs and songwriters. SiriusXM praised the album as “Defining. A curated collection packed with emotional vibrancy.” A new album is in the works for a 2027 Release. This year she will grace stages from the legendary Club Passim to the Black Bear Americana Festival to the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference…and now, the Troubadour!
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.***
With the energy of fiddle music, the introspective quality of contemporary folk, the precision of bluegrass, and the drive of Americana, the members of the Vermont-based American Roots band Low Lily (Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, and Natalie Padilla) combine their individual talents into one stunning soundscape. Low Lily has shared their signature sound with enthusiastic audiences throughout North America and the UK, garnering two #1 songs on international folk radio and two Independent Music Award wins. Their original song “Hope Lingers On” has been sung by choirs around the world as an anthem for peace and justice.
Peppino D’Agostino left Sicily more than 30 years ago with a simple dream: to play alongside the world’s greatest guitarists. He has more than fulfilled that ambition, becoming one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary acoustic guitar.
A leading voice in the second wave of fingerstyle guitarists that helped redefine the instrument in the 1990s, D’Agostino is celebrated for his dazzling technique, innovative use of open tunings, percussive effects, melodic compositions, and emotional depth. His broad musical tastes and playful warmth have inspired generations of guitarists and audiences worldwide. Acoustic Guitar magazine named him “the guitarist’s guitarist,” while Guitar Player readers voted him Best Acoustic Guitarist.
D’Agostino has performed in more than 30 countries and shared stages with Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Sergio Assad, Larry Carlton, and Eric Johnson. His recordings include Acoustic Spirit, Close to the Heart, Every Step of the Way, and Penumbra, which bridges classical and acoustic guitar traditions.
Beyond performing, D’Agostino is a dedicated teacher, offering workshops and online instruction. His music has also appeared in video games and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. His concerts are celebrated for virtuosity, spontaneity, humor, and an intimate connection with audiences. Whether composing, teaching, or performing on his signature Seagull guitar, D’Agostino continues to push the boundaries of acoustic music.
** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Where can you hear four amazing acts for the price of one? Why, at the Troubadour’s highly anticipated Spotlight Nights, of course! This edition features incredibly talented and musically diverse duos and trios from all over North Jersey. But wait, there’s more: free food! Arrive at 6:30 and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres while mingling with old friends and meeting new ones.
The TriSonics play original acoustic instrumentals spanning roots, folk, bluegrass, blues and jazz, featured on their three albums to date. The players are Michael William Levine on Dobro, Don Sarlin on guitar and their newest member Michael Aharon on cello and bass. Their respective credits include Van Morrison, Tanya Tucker, Backstreet Boys, Patti LaBelle, Trapezoid, Solas, David Bromberg, Mary Travers, Vasser Clements, Larry Gatlin, Mac Davis, Esther Phillips and others with appearances in the U.S., the UK, Europe and Asia, and on TV (SNL, others).
Video Link: Lee at Williamsport
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.
Fri., Dec. 18, 7:30 pm, In-person and on-line. Caroling (in-person only) starts at 7.
Mark your calendar for the Project’s annual Holiday Concert to benefit our welcoming and supportive host, the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. The evening is an opportunity to bring our two great communities together, and it will be one rip-roaring good show. Plus, all proceeds will be donated to the Fellowship.
After a spirited round of caroling, the evening will showcase some of the finest Project performers, along with a special guest.
==================================================================
And, we’ll feature Allison Strong, a rising star who will enchant you in both English and Spanish.
Video Link: Trial + Error
==================================================================
We’ll present a spread of holiday goodies as only Bob Cole can conjure up.
And the caroling will be led by golden-voiced Marie Trontell.
This will be a great evening for a great cause.
*** Admission $20, Folk Project members $15, Children under 12 with Adult Free, and $15 on-line. ***
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Cold Chocolate is a genre-bending Americana band that fuses folk, funk, and bluegrass to create a unique sound all their own. Featuring Ethan Robbins on guitar and mandolin & Ariel Bernstein on percussion and banjo, this power duo from Boston is impressing audiences throughout New England and beyond. Punctuated by tight harmonies and skillful musicianship, and with a focus on songwriting, Cold Chocolate has quickly gained recognition for their original music and high-energy shows. The band has shared bills with Leftover Salmon and David Grisman, and regularly performs at venues and music festivals across the country.
Meghan Cary delivers award-winning original songs with powerful vocals and unshakable stage presence. Called a “storytelling troubadour” by Billboard Magazine, Cary inspires connection and community with music that’s earned comparisons to Brandi Carlile and Melissa Etheridge. Her anthem “River Rock” and 2025 single “Raise Your Voice” rally audiences to hope and action. A favorite at festivals like Falcon Ridge and Philadelphia Folk Fest, she has shared stages with Joan Osborne, Chris Smither, and more. Whether performing, teaching, or speaking, Cary empowers others to embrace their stories with humor and heart.
“If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might be something close to the great Vance Gilbert” (Richmond Magazine)… with “the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram). This consummate songwriter’s influence can be felt all over the folk and Americana realm, with 14 albums to his credit and appearances from the Newport Folk Festival to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to Boston’s Symphony Hall. Vance toured with Shawn Colvin and has been the opener of choice for artists as varied as Arlo Guthrie, Anita Baker, The Milk Carton Kids, Paul Reiser, and George Carlin.
Over six albums, indie folksinger Eliot Bronson has forged a distinctive blend of atmospheric American roots music, earning awards and an international following on both sides of the Atlantic. Bronson is a diverse songwriter, bouncing between poetic turns-of-phrase and direct narratives, and he’s as compelling as a vocalist. Whether leaping into his falsetto or singing in a woozy croon, he wrings every ounce of feeling from his lyrics, bringing those emotions to vivid life.
The Baltimore native began writing songs as a teenager, inspired by his father’s record collection, which included Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and blues pioneers Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry. Raised in a working-class family shaped by both Pentecostal faith and 1960s counterculture, Bronson developed a musical voice all his own.He later moved to Atlanta, where he built an audience as a member of the folk-rock duo The Brilliant Inventions. His solo career took off after he won first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. His swooning, expressive voice and evocative songwriting have drawn widespread acclaim, including early praise from The Baltimore Sun, which called him “a folk singing wunderkind.” His album Talking to Myself, recorded outside Atlanta, is an album that balances mood and melody, intimacy and atmosphere, grounded songwriting and astral, ambient arrangements.
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.
Triple Feature: Allison Strong, Lily DeTaeye, Jillian Matundan
***********************************************************************************
| Allison Strong | https://www.allisonstrong.com |
|
Hailed as “captivating” by the New York Times, Colombian-American singer-songwriter and actor Allison Strong is releasing her bilingual EP Weightless in 2026. Strong has opened for Grammy Winners LeAnn Rimes and Jesse + Joy, and earned recognition as a NJ State Council on the Arts Music Fellow, ASCAP Latin Beat Songwriting Grantee, Kerville New Folk Finalist, Hudson West Fest Emerging Artist Winner and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist. She starred opposite Adam Sandler in the Netflix comedies The Week Of and Leo, and appeared in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie and Mamma Mia! |
| Video link: Weightless | |
| Lily DeTaeye | https://lilydetaeye.com/ |
|
Lily DeTaeye is a Des Moines, Iowa native with a foundation in alt rock, pop, and folk, who delivers original songs in honey-smooth vocals. She has lit up venues from Salmonfest in Ninilchik, Alaska, to Americanafest in Nashville, to The Bitter End in New York City. Her third studio album, Even With My Eyes Closed, is a nostalgic and biting entry into the world of dreamy pop. Think Lilith Fair etherealism meets barbed hooks that stick right in the jaw. DeTaeye is based in Brooklyn, NY. |
| Video link: Maybe It’s November | |
| Jillian Matundan | https://jillianmatundan.com/ |
|
Jillian Matundan is an award-winning, multi-instrumental singer-songwriter, trade unionist, and first-generation Filipina American who has been winning over audiences with her resonant vocals, acute and relatable observations, unique guitar-style, and sharp sense of humor. Ever since returning to the scene in 2019, Jillian has been on a tear, winning multiple songwriting awards (including fifteen Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards), playing numerous shows on the club and festival circuit, and collaborating with musicians in the studio and on stage. She has opened for Susan Werner, Ellis Paul, Laurie MacAllister (of Red Molly), Natalia Zuckerman, and many others. |
| Video link: Frozen |
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
*** Admission: $35/$35 (FP members)***
John McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folk singers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammered dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over twenty albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works. His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers. Expect humor, heart, and musical magic—this is folk music at its most alive.
Contemporary singer / songwriter Michael Arthur’s poignant songs explore the breadth and depth of the human experience. Accompanying himself on solo acoustic guitar, Michael employs lush open guitar tunings as the canvas for his powerful and emotive vocal performances. He was a finalist in the Mid Atlantic Song Contest, winner of the ACT Songwriters Big Shootout, and silver medalist in the Susquehanna Folk Music Society Songwriting Competition. Michael has also had the pleasure of opening for David Wilcox, Tracy Grammer, and (as the designated welcoming opener on The Folk Project’s weekly online song gathering), on Zoom for virtually every touring folk artist currently on the scene!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Halloween Show – LIVING Performers Wanted
The Folk Project’s legendary Halloween Show is back—and spookier than ever. What’s the only thing standing between us and a full-scale ghostly outbreak? Your songs and your costumes!
- Sign Up & Sing: Project members, sign up now to share your scary, silly, or macabre songs at [email protected]. Prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy performances.
- Dress up & Scream: Come in costume and compete for prizes. From ghoulish to glamorous, every disguise adds to the fun. Photo ops abound, and prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy costumes.
- Treats & Tricks: Special Halloween goodies prepared by our own Chef Bob are included with admission, and you’ll be happy to learn that adults can eat all the candy they desire because the calories will just vanish!
Ready to keep the darkness at bay? All are welcome, as even the dead can come back to life on this most spirited night of the year. Costumes are most welcome but not required. Bring your fiends and demons, if you dare!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Dan Bern is a captivating live performer who has enthralled a loyal and ever-growing fan base in the US and Europe since the mid ‘90s. His songs range from deeply moving to wildly imaginative and hilarious, often within the same song.
He has been compared favorably to the great masters of songwriting, such as Guthrie, Dylan, Costello. Though he draws from the great American tradition of songwriting, there is something deeply unique and compelling that make you want to get to know the man behind the songs.
He conjures incredibly specific imagery like in a painting. Though he may turn to cynicism and political satire at times, the beauty of his work is that he is able to imagine better worlds, revealing a deep capacity for empathy and optimism. Bern connects with his audiences skillfully and directly, weaving the topical and local in with the more universal themes. He has written for many films and TV shows and has made more than thirty albums.
In late 2024, Laurie MacAllister embarked on an exciting new chapter, launching a solo career with a sold-out performance at the legendary Club Passim. Two decades earlier, she co-founded the beloved Americana trio Red Molly, which released seven acclaimed albums and toured both the U.S. and internationally, including appearances at MerleFest, Cayamo, Boston Symphony Hall, Australia’s Port Fairy Folk Fest, and Denmark’s Tønder Festival.
Her 2018 self-produced solo album “The Lies the Poets Tell” is a heartfelt tribute to the contemporary folk music scene, celebrating a handful of its best songs and songwriters. SiriusXM praised the album as “Defining. A curated collection packed with emotional vibrancy.” A new album is in the works for a 2027 Release. This year she will grace stages from the legendary Club Passim to the Black Bear Americana Festival to the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference…and now, the Troubadour!
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.***
With the energy of fiddle music, the introspective quality of contemporary folk, the precision of bluegrass, and the drive of Americana, the members of the Vermont-based American Roots band Low Lily (Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, and Natalie Padilla) combine their individual talents into one stunning soundscape. Low Lily has shared their signature sound with enthusiastic audiences throughout North America and the UK, garnering two #1 songs on international folk radio and two Independent Music Award wins. Their original song “Hope Lingers On” has been sung by choirs around the world as an anthem for peace and justice.
Peppino D’Agostino left Sicily more than 30 years ago with a simple dream: to play alongside the world’s greatest guitarists. He has more than fulfilled that ambition, becoming one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary acoustic guitar.
A leading voice in the second wave of fingerstyle guitarists that helped redefine the instrument in the 1990s, D’Agostino is celebrated for his dazzling technique, innovative use of open tunings, percussive effects, melodic compositions, and emotional depth. His broad musical tastes and playful warmth have inspired generations of guitarists and audiences worldwide. Acoustic Guitar magazine named him “the guitarist’s guitarist,” while Guitar Player readers voted him Best Acoustic Guitarist.
D’Agostino has performed in more than 30 countries and shared stages with Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Sergio Assad, Larry Carlton, and Eric Johnson. His recordings include Acoustic Spirit, Close to the Heart, Every Step of the Way, and Penumbra, which bridges classical and acoustic guitar traditions.
Beyond performing, D’Agostino is a dedicated teacher, offering workshops and online instruction. His music has also appeared in video games and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. His concerts are celebrated for virtuosity, spontaneity, humor, and an intimate connection with audiences. Whether composing, teaching, or performing on his signature Seagull guitar, D’Agostino continues to push the boundaries of acoustic music.
** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Where can you hear four amazing acts for the price of one? Why, at the Troubadour’s highly anticipated Spotlight Nights, of course! This edition features incredibly talented and musically diverse duos and trios from all over North Jersey. But wait, there’s more: free food! Arrive at 6:30 and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres while mingling with old friends and meeting new ones.
The TriSonics play original acoustic instrumentals spanning roots, folk, bluegrass, blues and jazz, featured on their three albums to date. The players are Michael William Levine on Dobro, Don Sarlin on guitar and their newest member Michael Aharon on cello and bass. Their respective credits include Van Morrison, Tanya Tucker, Backstreet Boys, Patti LaBelle, Trapezoid, Solas, David Bromberg, Mary Travers, Vasser Clements, Larry Gatlin, Mac Davis, Esther Phillips and others with appearances in the U.S., the UK, Europe and Asia, and on TV (SNL, others).
Video Link: Lee at Williamsport
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.
Fri., Dec. 18, 7:30 pm, In-person and on-line. Caroling (in-person only) starts at 7.
Mark your calendar for the Project’s annual Holiday Concert to benefit our welcoming and supportive host, the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. The evening is an opportunity to bring our two great communities together, and it will be one rip-roaring good show. Plus, all proceeds will be donated to the Fellowship.
After a spirited round of caroling, the evening will showcase some of the finest Project performers, along with a special guest.
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And, we’ll feature Allison Strong, a rising star who will enchant you in both English and Spanish.
Video Link: Trial + Error
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We’ll present a spread of holiday goodies as only Bob Cole can conjure up.
And the caroling will be led by golden-voiced Marie Trontell.
This will be a great evening for a great cause.
*** Admission $20, Folk Project members $15, Children under 12 with Adult Free, and $15 on-line. ***
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Cold Chocolate is a genre-bending Americana band that fuses folk, funk, and bluegrass to create a unique sound all their own. Featuring Ethan Robbins on guitar and mandolin & Ariel Bernstein on percussion and banjo, this power duo from Boston is impressing audiences throughout New England and beyond. Punctuated by tight harmonies and skillful musicianship, and with a focus on songwriting, Cold Chocolate has quickly gained recognition for their original music and high-energy shows. The band has shared bills with Leftover Salmon and David Grisman, and regularly performs at venues and music festivals across the country.
Meghan Cary delivers award-winning original songs with powerful vocals and unshakable stage presence. Called a “storytelling troubadour” by Billboard Magazine, Cary inspires connection and community with music that’s earned comparisons to Brandi Carlile and Melissa Etheridge. Her anthem “River Rock” and 2025 single “Raise Your Voice” rally audiences to hope and action. A favorite at festivals like Falcon Ridge and Philadelphia Folk Fest, she has shared stages with Joan Osborne, Chris Smither, and more. Whether performing, teaching, or speaking, Cary empowers others to embrace their stories with humor and heart.