September 11, 2010 - 7:30 PM  www.holyghosttentrevival.com Characterized as "explosively intoxicating," Greensboro, NC's Holy Ghost Tent Revival cannot be pigeonholed into any popular genre. Melding brass with banjo, guitar, bass, drums, and keys this six-piece ensemble boasts an eclectic mash of instruments and styles -- a musical alchemy all their own. 
    
The overall air of their creation breathes a sense of celebration and salvation; of a raucous party where everyone's welcome and where even the most stoic will find their toes tapping and a smile breaking free. It's as if, in the same spirit as the blues greats that traveled the highways of the American psyche before them, theirs is not music to lament life's hardships but rather to celebrate in life itself; with all its hodgepodge of pleasure and pain.
    
It is this transcendent energy that continuously propels Holy Ghost Tent Revival to play the heart and soul of a North Carolina-born, genre-defying new groove.  With a penchant for crafting thoughtfully playful lyrics and graced with exceptional musical skills, there are seemingly no boundaries for this group as they travel the country spreading the magic of their heart-throbbing, foot-stomping, good-time music.

Stephen Murray plays the banjo and guitar, Matt Martin plays the guitar and banjo, Hank Widmer plays the trombone and euphonium, Patrick Leslie plays the bass, Ross Montsinger plays the drums, Mike O'Malley plays the keys. Tickets $22.50  Sunday, September 12, 2010 - 
3:00 pm Ken Burns’ Americana Pianist Jacqueline Schwab in Concert  www.jacquelineschwab.com with a Veuve Clicquot and Falcone Chocolate Reception to follow in Union Hall. Concert to be held upstairs on the Falcone Piano, hosted by The First Religious Society and The Union Hall World Music & Dance Coffeehouse in Carlisle - “Jacqueline Schwab brings more feeling and intensity to music than anyone I know. Her playing is insistent, physical, heartfelt... unusually moving” -Ken Burns “Jacqueline Schwab is one of the most immediately recognizable pianists in America, although very few people actually know who she is.” -Scott Alarik, Boston Globe Meet Jacqueline Schwab, a folk and classical improvisational pianist who plays "gorgeously spare piano" (The Boston Globe) yet "sounds as if she has an orchestra at her fingertips" (Sing Out). Chosen by the renowned Ken Burns for numerous public television documentaries due to the emotional expression in her playing, Jacqueline has performed on the soundtracks for the Grammy award-winning Civil War, the Emmy award-winning Baseball and Mark Twain, among others. She has performed at the White House for President Clinton in 1997 to celebrate Burns' Lewis and Clark series and also at the Smithsonian in 2000 celebrate its exhibition on the Presidency. In May, 2009, she accompanied Scottish singer Jean Redpath, on the Late Show with David Letterman. Please note: This is not a BYOB event. This special concert is being held upstairs, not in Union Hall. A champagne and Falcone Chocolate Reception will be held in Union Hall, immediately following the performance. Tickets - $20  October 2, 2010 - 7:30pm CHRISTABEL AND THE JONS AND SHOTGUN PARTY PLAY A DOUBLE-HEADER  www.myspace.com/christabelmusic Christabel and the Jons is a southern swing band based in east Tennessee that blends familiar standards with contemporary vintage sounding originals and Appalachian mountain music. Lead singer Christa DeCicco steals hearts with her come-hither delivery and charismatic stage performance. Her songwriting is heartfelt and nostalgic, and her distinctive, sultry voice brings it all home. Old suitcases and dressy vintage costumes from the 1920s-1950s give the performance a torch singer, speakeasy feel. CATJ are currently touring in support of their most recent album "Custom Made for You". "...a smoky, lushly orchestrated affair that mixes Big Band swing with jazz grooves and greasy blues licks, all set in motion by DeCicco's languid, sensual vocals."-The Daily Times  www.myspace.com/shotgunfiesta "Two females and one bass slappin man comprise the old time pickin band SHOTGUN PARTY! Fantastic musicians that pull you in with their old time style and damn sexy vocals!" -Smooth and Demented at KAOS Radio  +   +"Shotgun Party is a rip-roarin' country swing/bluegrass trio out of Austin, TX comprised of Jenny Parrott (vocals, guitar), Katy Rose Cox (vocals, fiddle, mandolin) and new addition Andrew Austin-Petersen vocals, upright string bass." - Ceffmoney Tickets $25  November 6, 2010 - 7:30pm DAMON FOWLER GROUP - THE SUGAR SHACK TOUR  www.damonfowler.com Born and raised in Brandon Florida just outside of Tampa, Damon first picked up the guitar at the age of 12. After being shown a few chords, it was apparent that he was a natural. While his friends were listening to the music flavor of the month, Damon was digging into the Blues, and was soon playing small clubs in and around the Tampa Bay area. Years later with thousands of shows behind him, you've got one of the most unique and seasoned acts on the national circuit. Damon has been invited to many major festivals, and has graced the stage with the best in the business. He has three successful CD's under his belt, and is currently working on a fourth. His playing, writing, and vocal ability has brought him many accolades. His latest include Creative Loafing magazines "Best Guitarist, Best Lap-Steel player, Best Do-Bro player, & Best Slide player", all rolled into one tight package. Damon has been touring the country since November 2004, and has built a dedicated fan base throughout. Current lineup is Damon on guitar and vocals, Chuck Riley on bass, and Scott Key on drums. Tickets - $25  January 8, 2011 - 7:30pm FROM PARIS WITH LOVE COMES JESSICA FICHOT   www.myspace.com/jessicafichot Chanteuse and songwriter Jessica Fichot is a lot like her hometown of Paris: French at heart, but with a soul that's truly international. Her multi-ethnic French / Chinese / American upbringing colors the songs on her debut album. It's called Le Chemin, "The Path," and for good reason: Jessica takes the listener on a twisting journey out of the French chanson tradition, into the lands of gypsy jazz, Chinese and Latin American folk music, through the classic American repertoire, and off into the wilderness of her imagination. Reviews * San Francisco Chronicle by Andrew Gilbert L.A. chanteuse Jessica Fichot performs her polyglot repertoire in a soft, crystalline voice as alluring as her crimson gowns. (...) Her sound is a cosmic cabaret, a delicious blend of acoustic styles delivered with syncopated verve by her quartet. * LA Weekly by Michael Simmons Her songs and voice are delightful, as pure an instrument channeled through lovely evocations of love and love lost as you'll ever hear. There is an innocence and beauty all over Le Chemin that is sadly rare but wholly welcome in a relentlessly ugly world. The French-chanson tradition is alive and well in this Los Angeles resident's repertoire. * Pasadena Weekly by Bliss Wide-open wonder: French-Chinese-American chanteuse Jessica Fichot melds childlike sweetness with grown-up savoir faire. Heavily laced with the graceful sounds of clarinet, cello and accordion, her recently released CD "Le Chemin (The Path)" swirls with cabaret style and elements of Paris street chansons, Chinese folk and gypsy jazz. But when combined with her sweet, clear soprano ‹ which warbles in French, English, Chinese and even Spanish (on the saucy traditional tune "Los Peces en el Rio") ‹ all that ultimately serves to underscore a wide-open sense of childlike wonder at the heart of her songs.It also gives her an oddly hip edge. * Flavorpill by Shana Nys Dambrot Her music is the result of an international cultural heritage spanning avant-garde cabaret, French and Spanish standards, Chinese poetry, and American pop influences. Her jazzy mezzo-soprano, indie-style accordion, and relaxed backing band light up a program ranging from heartbreaking torch songs to European supper-club standards. * Monterey County Weekly by Andrew Gilbert Jessica Fichot (...) has built a gorgeous globe-spanning repertoire. * Santa Barbara Newspress by Jo Woodard Jessica Fichot is carving out a unique sound by blending vintage French chanteuse style music with modern singer-songwriter notions. * L.A. Jazz Scene French jazz that is celebratory and full of verve. * California Tour and Travel by Chris J. Walker Listening to Jessica Fichot is sing, play piano, accordion and even trumpet is like taking a stroll through the streets of Paris on a beautiful spring day. Unquestionably, her sensibilities on her self-produced CD are French, with a beautiful balance of enchanting singing and tasteful instrumentation through the combination of 20 different musicians. <...> The overall feeling is French Chanteuse that is like fine pastry, light, tantalizing and irresistible. * Real Talk L.A. by Phat X. Chiem International Songbird "Globalization may have its critics, but surely none would object to one of its finer imports of late: multiethnic, multilingual chanteuse and songwriter Jessica Fichot (...) The well-traveled troubadour makes music that is truly international in its sound, style and spirit. In her debut album, Fichot takes listeners on a musical excursion that begins with the French chanson tradition and moves with ease into gypsy jazz, Chinese and Latin folk music and classic American song (...) This breezy confidence in her ability to cross boundaries, both linguistic and musical, shines through on her stunning debut." * from Tom Schnabel, host of "Cafe L.A." KCRW (April 2007) "I was completely knocked out by it (the album) It's a very fresh and energetic sound. There are not that many people making this kind of music - even in France." * from KCRW (April 1st, 2007) KCRW's host Tom Schnabel was so impressed by Jessica Fichot's debut CD that he immediately tracked her down and invited her to the studios of KCRW for a live performance and interview. This young and multi-talented chanteuse turned in an enchanting performance - her radio debut - so (...) be prepared to be delighted by this star on the rise. Tickets - $22.50  February 12, 2011 - 7:30pm AN EVENING WITH JAY UNGER & MOLLY MASON FAMILY BAND  JAY UNGAR & MOLLY MASON www.jayandmolly.com Jay Ungar & Molly Mason are extraordinary musicians. If you didn't know it before, you sure did after Ken Burns' The Civil War hit the airwaves. Their performance of Jay's haunting composition Ashokan Farewell — the musical hallmark of the PBS series — earned the couple international acclaim. The soundtrack won a Grammy and Ashokan Farewell — originally inspired by Jay & Molly's annual fiddle and dance camps — was nominated for an Emmy. Of course Ashokan Farewell is only part of the story. Since joining forces in the late 1970s, Jay and Molly have become one of the most celebrated duos on the American acoustic music scene. With their comfortable sense of fun and their love of music, they make each concert a musical journey — sometimes spanning two continents and two centuries. Their incomparable warmth and wit — coupled with consummate musicianship — have delighted audiences worldwide. Listen to the timeless renditions of hard-driving Appalachian, Cajun and Celtic fiddle tunes, stirring Civil War classics, sassy songs from the golden age of swing and country, stunning waltzes, and deeply moving original compositions. It's immediately apparent why Jay and Molly concerts warm the heart, feed the soul, and appeal to all ages. No wonder they continue to receive widespread critical praise. They've garnered legions of fans through their appearances on Great Performances, A Prairie Home Companion, their own public radio specials, and work on film soundtracks such as Brother's Keeper, Legends of the Fall, and a host of Ken Burns documentaries. And what of the event that inspired their signature tune? Jay and Molly's Ashokan Fiddle & Dance Camps — in New York's Catskill Mountains — remain a favorite learning vacation destination for music and dance enthusiasts all across the country. If you love American acoustic music, a Jay Ungar & Molly Mason concert is a must. Jay and Molly are musicians of enormous talent who draw their repertoire and inspiration from a wide range of American musical styles: 19th-century classics, lively Appalachian, Cajun, and Celtic fiddle tunes and favorites from the golden age of country and swing, along with their own songs, fiddle tunes, and orchestral compositions. In recent years, Jay and Molly have reached an ever widening audience through their appearances on Great Performances, A Prairie Home Companion, their own public radio specials, and through their work on film soundtracks such as Brother's Keeper, Legends of the Fall, and a host of Ken Burns' PBS documentaries. They've had the honor of performing at the White House for two sitting Presidents and continue to tour extensively delighting audiences across the country. On stage, Mason and Ungar complement each other like a finely crafted fiddle and bow. Together they weave a rich postmodern musical magic carpet on which listeners may vicariously glide back in time and experience first-hand the sonorous riches of traditional music. -David S. Rotenstein, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Jay Ungar and Molly Mason play music from the heart which reminds us of the best in all of us. -Ken Burns, producer of PBS' "The Civil War" Jay and Molly make music that is simple and overwhelming . . . joyful and full of feeling . . . an apotheosis of American traditional music. -Garrison Keillor, host and creator of
"A Prairie Home Companion" Jay Ungar . . . is almost without peer as a composer of fiddle tunes. [He is] blessed with that rare knack for making his melodies move in ways that stir the listener's longings. -Geoffrey Himes, editorial review for Amazon.com As composers, virtuosi and folklorists, this duo light up the concert stage and are a sure-fire hit for all music loving audiences. -David Amram, noted American composer,
folk singer and jazz musician Tickets - $25  March 12 - 7:30pm She’s Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Gladys Knight. Bonnie Raitt and even Janice Joplin, all rolled into one...  www.dianebluemusic.com And let’s face it, she blue my mind! Boston's DIANE BLUE is a soulful and sassy performer who delivers the goods vocally and through her harmonica ("harp") playing, serving up her own spin on soul, blues and R&B. Juke joint legend Big Jack Johnson dubbed Ms. Blue “A Monster” on the harp after she performed as his guest star at Red's Lounge in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Diane's strong, confident attack and energetic delivery make it nearly impossible to remain in one's chair. Diane comes equipped with her own band of six, which consists of Bruce the Goose McGrath, Johnny Bluehorn Moricon, Cliff Spencer, Jimmy Two Suits Capone, Lenny Bradford, Jess Jungleboy Thompson. And, if I missed any names, I’ll be sure and get back to you!   Ms. Blue was nominated for "Best Blues/R&B Act" and "Best Female Vocalist in 2007 by the Providence Phoenix and also nominated "Best Local Blues Act" by Motif Magazine in 2007.   Diane has played harmonica and/or sung with international performers Sherman Robertson of Texas, Luther Guitar Jr. Johnson (former sideman for Muddy Waters), Big Jack Johnson (of Clarksdale, Mississippi) and Irma Thomas (the Soul Queen of New Orleans). In 2008, Ms. Blue toured with the Morblus Band in northern Italy, and subsequently did a New England tour in early 2009 with Roberto Morbioli of Verona, Italy. Ms. Blue returned to the international stage as the featured singer/harmonica player in the summer of 2009 with Roberto Morbioli and the Morblus Band. Someone was kind enough to shoot this video of her singing an Etta James favorite: “I’d Rather Be Blind” Pump up the volume, sit back and enjoy!  Tickets - $25  April 9, 2011 - 7:30pm  www.frankvignola.com Back on our stage for the second time, one of the world's most highly sought after acoustic guitarists, FRANK VIGNOLA has amply demonstrated his mastery of every genre, from fusion and commercial pop-jazz to hard bop, post-bop, swing, rock, and blues. Cited by jazz guitar legend Les Paul as one of the top five guitarists of all time, Vignola has toured and recorded with the diverse likes of Bucky Pizzarelli, Les Paul, Lionel Hampton, Donald Fagen, Queen Latifah, Ringo Starr, Madonna, Dave Grisman, and Mark O'Connor. Frank Vignola’s stunning Gershwin tribute album, "I Got Rhythm," garnered a "Top Ten Jazz CD" citation from NPR. "...the monstrous Frank Vignola....is one of the most vicious tremolo-pickers on the scene." - Guitar Player Magazine "...one of the brightest of the young guitar stars." - New York Times "It's not jazz as we know jazz here in America." - Les Paul, on naming Vignola to his 'Five Most Admired Guitarists' list for The Wall Street Journal "Vignola lives in a music world without boundaries. He and his group dial into ...music from all over the planet and wrestle, cajole, and seduce it into a harmonious and sometimes quirky melting pot." - Modern Guitars Magazine OPENING ACT AND RETURN ENGAGEMENT OF NYC’s CALEB HAWLEY  www.calebhawley.com "Between his complex, yet very accessible sense of melody, and wacky sense of humor, Caleb Hawley has a completely unique musical perspective." --- Exterminating Angel “...incredible performer and virtuoso guitarist, possessing a Stevie Wonder-like voice... Exterminating Angel “...the first time I saw him, tears filled my eyes. That’s probably because I was in a lot of pain though.” ---Vickie Hawley (Caleb’s Mom) Tickets - $25  May 14, 2011 - 7:30pm AN EVENING WITH JONATHAN EDWARDS  www.jonathanedwards.net Warm as summer sunshine, real as the truth, intimate as a long overdue visit between old friends … such is a Jonathan Edwards concert.  Four decades into a stellar career of uncompromising musical integrity, the man simply delivers, night after night – songs of passion, songs of insight, songs of humor, all rendered in that pure and powerful tenor which, like fine wine, has only grown sweeter with age.
 
This is one veteran performer who is neither grizzled nor nostalgic.  These days Jonathan Edwards, a vital and relevant artist in today’s folk and Americana scenes, is most likely to be found on the road with longtime accompanist Stuart Schulman on bass, piano, fiddle, and vocals and Taylor Armarding, formerly of Northern Lights, on mandolin and high-tenor vocals.  “I’ve been … doing what I do best, which is playing live in front of people.  I’ve been concentrating on that and loving it,” he says.  
 
An artist who measures his success by his ability to attract and take good care of an audience for four decades, Jonathan maintains that it is the feedback he receives after his shows that keeps him going.  “It is really gratifying to hear [someone say], ‘Your stuff has meant a lot to me over the years.’”
 
The “stuff” he’s referring to is a highly respected repertoire that includes such classics as “Honky Tonk Stardust Cowboy,” “Sometimes,” “One Day Closer,” “Don’t Cry Blue,” “Emma,”  “Everybody Knows Her,” “Athens County,” and everyone’s favorite ode to putting a good buzz on, “Shanty.”  And then, of course, there’s the anthemic “Sunshine (Go Away Today),” that fierce proclamation of protest and independence that resonated with thousands and thousands of frustrated and angry young men and women when it was first released in 1971.  Almost 40 years later, at show after show, the song continues to be embraced by faithful followers and new fans alike.
 
Since 1971, Jonathan has released 15 albums, including Blue Ridge, his standard-setting collaboration with bluegrass favorites the Seldom Scene, and Little Hands, his collection of children’s songs, which was honored with a National Library Association award.  
 
As for album #16, Jonathan says, “Young people that are getting back to the land and trying to get off the power grid encourage me.  My next studio album will reflect some of those themes.”  With that in mind, it’s no surprise that he closes each night’s show with these heartfelt lyrics:   Calling all dreamers and optimistic fools
Don't let go of your dream, make it now, make it all come true
If you believe in a brighter day
I know we can find our way
To this island, in a starry ocean
Poetry in motion, this island earth
A beautiful oasis for all human races
The only home that we know, this island earth.   -- Donna Johnston
October, 2009 Tickets - $35  June 11, 2011 - 7:30pm  www.livtaylor.com Livingston Taylor picked up his first guitar at the age of thirteen, beginning a forty-year career that has encompassed performance, songwriting and teaching. Born in Boston and raised in North Carolina, Livingston is the fourth child in a very musical family that includes Alex, James, Kate and Hugh. Livingston recorded his first record at 18 and has continued to create well-crafted, introspective and original songs that have earned him listeners worldwide. From top-forty hits “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running,” to “I Can Dream of You” and “Boatman” both recorded by his brother James, Livingston’s creative output has continued unabated. His musical knowledge has inspired a varied repertoire, and he is equally at home with a range of musical genres—folk, pop, gospel, jazz—and from upbeat storytelling to touching ballads. Livingston has never stopped performing since those early coffeehouse days, touring with major artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffet and Jethro Tull, and he maintains a busy concert schedule of over eighty shows a year. He is a natural performer, peppering his shows with personal stories, anecdotes and ineffable warmth that connect him to his fans. His relaxed on-stage presence belies the depth of his musical knowledge, and fans might just as often be treated to a classic Gershwin or something from the best of Broadway. As a full professor at Berklee College of Music since 1989, Livingston shares his experiences and knowledge of professional touring with young artists, just beginning to hone their skills. His course, Stage Performance (I and II) is one of the most popular at the College, and it gives him the ideal forum in which to impart the lessons learned through his own career to a new generation of musicians. His book, Stage Performance, is drawn from those classes will be available this fall. Tickets - $35  http://www.holyghosttentrevival.comhttp://www.jacquelineschwab.comhttp://www.myspace.com/christabelmusichttp://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102559049492&s=2236&e=001C0u_ebFNx4QoWRCDkgvfZdQLuBFmn_KHYN__qpMpit2GeKH30BUFaK8_1SBpNq93nEYcy4sKOBYtfxz_q8-acdjvdiuYycTsXIZPe85WB3GHv0tYgGkw1DBt_mZCPLtxxL97TqhEP3O5n1R2W2QTxxTI6-cwNRMYhttp://www.myspace.com/shotgunfiestahttp://www.damonfowler.comhttp://www.damonfowler.com/references.htm#festivalshttp://www.damonfowler.com/references.htm#besthttp://tampahappenings.creativeloafing.com/gbase/BestOf/BestOfAwards?Award=oid:180422http://tampahappenings.creativeloafing.com/gbase/BestOf/BestOfAwards?Award=oid:180422http://tampahappenings.creativeloafing.com/gbase/BestOf/BestOfAwards?Award=oid:180422http://www.myspace.com/chuckrileybassisthttp://www.myspace.com/mrscottkeyhttp://www.myspace.com/jessicafichothttp://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/20/NS331977GR.DTLhttp://www.laweekly.com/music/music/rock-picks/16792/http://www.pasadenaweekly.com/article.php?id=4864&IssueNum=80http://flavorpill.com/losangeles/events/2008/3/26/jessica-fichot-w-ben-pringle-brandon-meyer-and-the-hidden-powershttp://www.montereycountyweekly.com/archives/2009/2009-Aug-20/worldly-multilingual-jessica-fichot-visits-newly-redone-blue-fin-stage/1/http://www.realtalkla.com/articles/show/90http://www.jayandmolly.com/http://www.dianebluemusic.com/http://www.frankvignola.com/http://www.calebhawley.com/http://www.jonathanedwards.net/http://www.livtaylor.com/https://web6.mkat.com/mktixrun/shared/mknporun?dir=mvarts.MKT-456.UHCH-E17785&Event=UHCH-E17785&page=mkeventregisterfrm.jsphttps://web6.mkat.com/mktixrun/shared/mknporun?dir=mvarts.MKT-456.UHCH-E17803&Event=UHCH-E17803&page=mkeventregisterfrm.jsphttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKFDz5uMkqEhttps://web6.mkat.com/mktixrun/shared/mknporun?dir=mvarts.MKT-456.UHCH-E17803&Event=UHCH-E17803&page=mkeventregisterfrm.jspshapeimage_1_link_0shapeimage_1_link_1shapeimage_1_link_2shapeimage_1_link_3shapeimage_1_link_4shapeimage_1_link_5shapeimage_1_link_6shapeimage_1_link_7shapeimage_1_link_8shapeimage_1_link_9shapeimage_1_link_10shapeimage_1_link_11shapeimage_1_link_12shapeimage_1_link_13shapeimage_1_link_14shapeimage_1_link_15shapeimage_1_link_16shapeimage_1_link_17shapeimage_1_link_18shapeimage_1_link_19shapeimage_1_link_20shapeimage_1_link_21shapeimage_1_link_22shapeimage_1_link_23shapeimage_1_link_24shapeimage_1_link_25