Concerts Archive - Page 9 of 29 - Blackstone River Theatre

Lúnasa with special guest Daoirí Farrell

TICKETS STILL REMAIN! … but we have had to take our credit card processor offline. Please call in your reservations for our March 12, 7:00 p.m. concert with Lúnasa to 401-725-9272.

We are thrilled to bring back our friends Lúnasa so close to St. Patrick’s Day for a two concerts featuring special guest singer/bouzouki player Daoirí Farrell. Named for a Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, patron of the arts, Lúnasa is indeed a gathering of some of the top musical talents in Ireland. For 25 years its members have formed the backbone of some of the greatest Irish groups of the decade. Bassist Trevor Hutchinson was a key member of The Waterboys. Kevin Crawford, considered to be among the finest flutists in Ireland, played with Moving Cloud and piper Cillian Vallely comes from the same talented musical family as brother Niall, of the Karan Casey Band. Dynamic guitarist Ed Boyd made a name for himself with bands such as Flook, Kate Rusby, and Cara Dillon and is joined by award-winning fiddler Sean Smyth, who performed with Donal Lunny’s legendary Coolﬁn and accordionist Alan Kelly. Inspired by the legendary Irish group The Bothy Band, Lúnasa uses melodic interweaving of wind and string instruments pairing flutes, fiddle, whistle and pipes in breathtaking arrangements. They are universally acclaimed as one of the best Irish bands in the world and will be joined by Dublin-born traditional singer and bouzouki player Daoirí (pronounced ‘Derry’) Farrell who has been described by some of the biggest names in Irish folk music as one of most important singers to come out of Ireland in recent years.

GUY DAVIS

Or call in your reservations for our March 5, 7:00 p.m. concert with Guy Davis to 401-725-9272.

One of the most gifted acoustic musicians on the planet, Guy Davis mixes light and airy melodies with profound observations about life in a troubled world on his latest album, a tour de force follow-up to “Sonny & Brownie’s Last Train,” which earned him and his partner, Fabrizio Poggi, his second Grammy nomination in 2017. The son of Ozzie Davis and Ruby Dee — two of the brightest lights in the Civil Rights movement and foremost actors of their generation – Guy carries forward the songster tradition here, weaving together tunes that invoke images of prejudice, separation, tragedy and discord in a manner that’s both subtle and moving in its simplicity without being overbearing, something a lesser artist would find impossible to achieve. A mix of blues and Americana, Davis penned 12 of the 13 tracks on “Be Ready When I Call You” – a rarity in a career that spans 27 years and 14 albums. A gifted storyteller, his pleasant mid-range voice is more road-worn than ever while his talents on acoustic guitar, banjo and harmonica remain first-class. Don’t miss his Blackstone River Theatre debut!

BILL HARLEY and THE COMMENTS

Or call in your reservations for our March 4, 3:00 p.m. concert with Bill Harley and the Comments to 401-725-9272.

Bill Harley is well‐traveled, well‐read, well‐educated, well‐spoken and well‐loved. Accompanied by his guitar, his songs and stories, both original and traditional, are a celebration of our common humanity. A two‐time Grammy winner and an inductee of the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame, Bill is outrageous, unpredictable and genuine with songs and stories about growing up, schooling and what it is to be human — our connections with one another and with the planet we share. Recognized by audiences and peers as one of the finest performing storytellers in the country, his work has influenced a generation of children, parents, performing artists and educators. Bill tours internationally as a performing artist, author and keynote speaker from his home in Seekonk, Mass. He’ll be joined for this adult concert by Marty Ballou on bass, fiddler Rachel Panitch and Dick Reed on accordion. He’ll do a wide collection of his songs including some from his recently released recording “Walking Each Other Home” in addition to songs from some of his favorite songwriters, and a few stories underscored by these great musicians. From coyotes to trespassing through the suburbs to environmental disasters the size of the biggest little state, there will be something for everyone!

Cathy Clasper-Torch and Shelley Katsh / Torrin Ryan and Amy Law

Or call in your reservations for our February 26, 3:00 p.m. concert with Cathy Clasper-Torch & Shelley Katsh and Torrin Ryan & Amy Law to 401-725-9272.

Multi-instrumentalists Cathy Clasper-Torch and Shelley Katsh bring years of music making as well as friendship to a virtuoso collaboration of musicianship and spirit. Their repertoire, as heard on their CD, “From the Inside Out” is infused with both the sublime and lively – melodies ancient and contemporary – played “straight from the heart.” Clasper-Torch performs violin, cello, erhu and piano with a diverse range of RI-based bands and musicians, and has recorded on over 3 dozen albums. Cathy has also been the fiddle instructor at Blackstone River Theatre since 2006. Shelley Katsh, on piano and accordion, performed klezmer and Hassidic music with Fishel Bresler and a range of Boston-based klezmer musicians for 20 years. She accompanies and sings with several Rhode Island musical groups and is the Music Director of The Miracle Project-New England.

Torrin Ryan, of Attleboro, Mass., has grown up at Blackstone River Theatre having performed solo and with many groups over the past 12 years. Ryan specializes in the uilleann pipes and has gone on to win five All-Ireland medals in Ireland competition including being named the 2013 All-Ireland champion for slow airs on uilleann pipes. The Irish bagpipes, with air pumped from a bag squeezed by the elbow rather than blowing into it like Scottish bagpipes, is recognized as one of the most difficult traditional instruments to master. Torrin also performs on tin whistle and flute. He is joined today by fiddler Amy Law and they will join Cathy and Shelley at the end of the concert for a set of tunes together! Amy Law is an Irish fiddler, step dancer, and Sean-nós dancer who has been playing music since the age of 3 and performing for almost as long. A San Diego native now living in Southeast Mass., she is a student of renowned Seattle-based Irish fiddler Dale Russ. Amy has been inspired by Dale’s unique style as well as many of the great Sliabh Luachra-style fiddle and accordion players throughout the decades.

STEFAN COUTURE and the MOONDOG / COLD CHOCOLATE

Or call in your reservations for our February 17, 8:00 p.m. concert with Stefan Couture and the Moondog and Cold Chocolate to 401-725-9272.

Stefan Couture and the Moondog will redefine your idea of an acoustic duo with a sound so big it feels more like a band than it does a duo. A melting pot of Stefan’s soulful modern folk and great songwriting fused with the dynamic 12 string guitar of Matt Nolan. Stefan’s songs are written with heart and uses lyrics that are personal, yet completely relatable to all at the same time. True poetry of the human condition, Stefan’s music is like an old friend that captures the same type of spirit as troubadours like Tom Petty and more modern songwriters such as Ray Lamontagne and Ryan Montbleau. Nolan’s virtuosity on the 12 string can be heard in the first few notes. He doesn’t play these songs, but explores them with emotional, spacey textures touching on elements of blues and psychedelia. Their chemistry together is evident, making audiences wonder if they’re telepathically communicating with each other while they touch both your heart and mind. They are currently performing throughout the northeast and are currently working on an EP titled, “A Brief and Binding Light.”

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 Ariel Bernstein on percussion, this 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 up and down the East Coast.

KITTEL & CO.

Or call in your reservations for our February 11, 7:00 p.m. concert with Kittel & Co. to 401-725-9272.

Led by acclaimed violinist Jeremy Kittel (formerly of the Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet), Kittel & Co. (“Kid-dle and Koh”) inhabits the space between classical and acoustic roots, Celtic and bluegrass aesthetics, and folk and jazz sensibilities. Some of the greatest musicians in the incredible acoustic scene, the members of Kittel & Co. have collaborated with Béla Fleck, Sarah Jarosz, Chris Thile, and Yo-Yo Ma. Together, Jeremy Kittel and mandolin phenom Josh Pinkham, transcendent guitarist Quinn Bachand, bassist Jacob Warren, and hammer-dulcimer wizard Simon Chrisman coalesce into a singular voice that’s thrilled audiences from the Telluride Bluegrass Festival to A Prairie Home Companion. “[Kittel & Co.] takes the string band tradition to marvelously rarefied levels of collective virtuosity…. thrillingly spontaneous” –Times UK. Grammy-nominated Kittel & Co. will get your toes tapping and lift you out of your seat. Don’t miss this incredible evening of music!

J.P. CORMIER

Or call in your reservations for our February 4, 3:00 p.m. matinee concert with J.P. Cormier to 401-725-9272.

John Paul “J.P.” Cormier is a Canadian bluegrass/folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. At the age of 5, JP began teaching himself to play the guitar. At 9, he won his first guitar competition against 30 other players 4 times his age. By his mid teens, he was playing a variety of stringed instruments, including the fiddle, mandolin and banjo. He recorded his first album of bluegrass instrumentals at 16, which led to 10 years of living and performing in the US. His time there included many memorable nights at the Grand Ole Opry with artists such as Waylon Jennings, Earl Scruggs, Bill Monroe, and Vince Gill. Since returning to Canada, J.P. has released over a dozen award-winning albums. His impressive body of work has earned him a loyal fan base, 13 East Coast Music Awards, and one Canadian Folk Music Award. This will be the Blackstone River Theatre debut for this amazingly talented musician – prepare to be blown away!

FELLSWATER

Or call in your reservations for our January 28, 7:00 p.m. matinee concert with Fellswater to 401-725-9272.

Fellswater is a dynamic 7-piece Celtic music ensemble based out of Boston playing a wide range of music from traditional to modern compositions, drawing from the music of Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, Canada and beyond. Fellswater has delighted audiences at the New Hampshire Highland Games, Blackstone River Theatre, Boston Celtic Music Fest, The Burren Backroom Series, Club Passim and Colonial Williamsburg. Overseas events have included performing at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. The band features Kyle Forsthoff on bodhran and percussion, Elizabeth Ketudat on fiddle, Sarah MacConduibh on Irish flute, whistles and fife, Andrew McIntosh on Scottish smallpipes and border pipes, Chris Myers on vocals, guitar, and octave mandolin, Diane Myers on vocals, and David Cabral on cello. Always a great time!

TOBY WALKER

Or call in your reservations for our January 22, 3:00 p.m. matinee concert with Toby Walker to 401-725-9272.

Internationally and nationally acclaimed Toby Walker has been hailed as a roots music fingerstyle guitar virtuoso and songwriter who has toured the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada and Europe. Blending the styles of blues, ragtime, country, bluegrass, old-time jazz and rock, Walker has developed his own style and as such received numerous awards, including being the 1st-place recipient of the International Blues Challenge Award in Memphis and the NY Music Award for best instrumental CD. Walker has also been inducted into the NY Blues Hall Of Fame. Walker is also a nationally recognized guitar instructor, having taught at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch, The Swanannoa Gathering, and the Guitar Intensive in Maine. Walker also has eight instructional DVDs on Happy Traum’s Homespun Music Instruction. Toby’s passion for blues, rags, folk, and other traditional American music drove him to leave an apartment crammed full of recordings, books and instruments for the Mississippi Delta, Virginia and the Carolinas where he tracked down some of the more obscure – but immensely talented – music makers of an earlier era. He learned directly from Eugene Powell, James “Son” Thomas, Etta Baker, and R.L Burnside, among others.

With best wishes for a safe, healthy, and happy new year!

Our biggest wish for everyone is the gift of peace and spending time with family and friends. There’s no place like home for the holidays … and Blackstone River Theatre sincerely thanks you for visiting our home throughout the entire year! From our family to yours, warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season and a very happy and peaceful New Year!

We look forward to bringing you the best in all forms of traditional music to you in the new year! Here is what is booked so far, with more to be added … Credit card purchase links will be added in early January!

Sun., Jan. 15, 3 PM, $20 adv / $24 day of – Kevin Doyle’s Roscommon Soles

Sun., Jan. 22, 3 PM, $15 adv / $18 day of – Toby Walker

Sat., Jan. 28, 7 PM, $20 adv / $22 day of – Fellswater

Sat., Feb. 4, 3 PM, $18 adv / $20 day of – J.P. Cormier

Sat., Feb. 11, 7 PM, $22 adv / $25 day of – Kittel & Co.

Fri., Feb. 17, 8 PM, $15.00 – Stefan Couture & the Moondog / Cold Chocolate

Sun., Feb. 26, 3 PM, $15 adv / $18 day of – Torrin Ryan & Amy Law / Cathy Clasper-Torch & Shelley Katsh

Sat., March 4, 3 PM, $15 adv / $18 day of – Bill Harley and the Comments

Sun., March 5, 7 PM, $18 adv / $22 day of – Guy Davis

Sun., March 12, 3 PM AND 7 PM, $35 adv / $38 day of – Lunasa with Daoiri Farrell

Sat., March 18, 7 PM, $25 adv / $28 day of – Open the Door for Three

Sat., March 25, 3 PM, $18 adv / $22 day of – Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman

Sat., April 1, 8 PM, $25 adv / $28 day of – RUNA

Sat., April 8, 8 PM, $15 adv / $18 day of – Rock Hearts (CD release)

Sat., April 15, 8 PM, $20 adv / $24 – Hanneke Cassel Band (CD release)

Sun., April 30, 7 PM, $20 adv / $24 – E.T.E.

Sat., May 13, 8 PM, $18 adv / $22 day of – Old Blind Dogs