Sept. 11 (2nd Saturday)
Billy Novick and Guy Van Duser
Guy and Billy are back by popular demand. For a spirited beginning to the season, nothing can beat this “Two-Man Big Band” (Garrison Keillor). Guy’s strong, playful jazz guitar and Billy’s sweet/spicy clarinet and unique vocals cover an ever-growing range of classic jazz and pop material. After hearing them on records and on movie soundtracks, you can enjoy this inimitable duo in person.
Oct. 16
Lynn Feingold/Jane Gilmartin
Lynn and Jane share a special evening of traditional music.
As Lynn Feingold grew up in the folk music renaissance of the 1960's, music was everywhere, but what really caught her attention were the old traditional songs and ballads of England, Ireland, and Scotland. She enjoyed the singing styles of folk icons like Joan Baez, Jean Redpath, and Judy Collins and was tutored by their recordings. From many sources she collected ancient ballads, tender love songs, hearty drinking songs, and songs of love lost and chances taken. Whether performing for an historical society or a coffeehouse, Lynn draws her audience into the fun with her wit, high energy, and good humor.
www.songsofthecolonialdays.com
Jane (Arena) Gilmartin – Jane is a singer of ancient and traditional Celtic and British ballads, some performed a cappella and others with the bodhran, the traditional Irish drum. Always a music fan, Jane only started performing a few years ago, driven by a desire to introduce modern audiences to ballads and songs that they might not otherwise hear. These songs are like snippets of history, sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic – stories of knights and kings and common people passed down through the ages.
Nov. 20 ($15)
Southern Rail
An all-bluegrass show from this vibrant, engaging Boston-based, Appalachia-rooted Bluegrass and Gospel group promises even more high-energy exuberant fun, riveting harmonies, irreverent humor, and sparkling banjo and mandolin solo work than their past coffeehouse Christmas Gospel concerts. The Boston Herald praised their music as “first-rate bluegrass . . . precise harmonies, sharp instrumental work . . . soaring and lush.”
Dec. 12 (2nd Sunday, 4 p.m.)
Aine Minogue’s Celtic Christmas
Aine’s renowned harp playing and beautiful, nearly ethereal voice have brought her back to the coffeehouse again by popular demand. From her time as a harpist at Ireland’s Bunratty Castle to entertaining presidents and prime ministers to playing and teaching in the United States, Aine only gets better. Her music reflects the lyricism and richness found in Irish music, mythology, and poetry, with a voice undeniably her own. Come early as we welcome her back. Failte!
Jan. 15
Mark Purcell
For nearly a decade, Mark has been a major part of the downtown Hingham entertainment scene, with regular gigs at the Snug and Salsa's and occasionally at the summer Square Market in downtown Hingham – and beyond. This engaging singer-songwriter captivates us with expressive guitar and harmonica playing, full-bodied songs that include some excellent originals, and warm, easy interaction with the audience.
Feb. 19
Geoff Bartley
Geoff ’s rich voice, rollicking acoustic guitar, and soulful harmonica have been delivering a mix of blues, folk, and roots jazz, and imaginative original songs to audiences for more than 35 years. He has hosted the Cantab Lounge’s Monday evening open microphone for the past 17 years. Folk writer Scott Alarik refers to Geoff as “a world-class guitarist, a resonantly emotional singer, and a brilliant songwriter with a gift for provocatively personal imagery set to lovely musical landscapes.”
March 19
Bow Thayer
This Hingham-raised musician returns to where it all began with the ’80s Hingham super-group “Metamorphosis.” Bow has been the driving force in many critically acclaimed bands and has 13 CDs to his name. Recently, the legendary multi-Grammy winner Levon Helm played drums on Bow’s CD “Spend it All.” Bow plays all things stringed, including the guitar, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele. Excerpts from recent reviews include: “Bow Thayer reminds us yet again that he is among the state’s finest songwriters”; “Five stars – every song deserves to be an instant classic.” Bow’s roots rock band, Perfect Trainwreck, was recently an album of the year and an editors' pick. Come dance the night away!
April 16
Kim and Reggie Harris
The engaging and talented Harrises’ stunning voices, intelligent harmonies, and spirited performances lead to “vocal acoustic joy”! As musicians and storytellers, they combine a strong folk and gospel legacy with a solid background in classical, rock, jazz, and pop music. As a result of their CDs “Steal Away” and “Get on Board” and materials developed in their work with the Kennedy Center, Kim and Reggie have earned wide acclaim for their contributions to the knowledge base on the Underground Railroad and the modern civil rights movement.
May 21 ($15)
Bill Staines
The legendary Bill Staines returns. With slices of Americana delivered with his rich, supple baritone, low-key humor, and gentle charm, Bill, the author of “Roseville Fair,” is always a hit. He weaves a blend of gentle wit and humor into his performances, reflecting with the same ease his feelings about the prairie people of the Midwest or the adventurer of the Yukon, the on-the-road truckers, or the everyday workers that make up this land. Come and hear for yourself. A mellow end to the season.
