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First Church Friday Coffeehouse Presents the Ruth and Ben String Band, February 17, 2023
February 17, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
$10
Friday Folk Coffeehouse at First Church Dedham
670 High Street, Dedham, MA
(781) 326-7463
Contact: Geoff Tegnell
First Church Friday Folk Coffeehouse presents its fifth concert of the 2022-2023 season featuring the Ruth and Ben String Band at First Church and Parish Dedham 670 High Street, Dedham on Friday February 17, 2023 at 7:30 pm in the Auditorium. There will be refreshments for purchase. Tickets are $10 and are available online at Folk Coffeehouse | dedhamuu and at the door. Doors open at 7:00 pm.
The Ruth and Ben String Band plays electrifying old-time Appalachian music. Led by guitarist Ruth Rappaport and her fiddler son, Ben Wetherbee, the band’s repertoire includes rousing fiddle tunes and traditional, modern, and original songs that feature tight harmony singing. They are joined by clawhammer banjo player Joel Wennerstrom and upright bass player Michael Siegel.
As a multi-generational four-piece band, their musical influences are far reaching and include many genres–from Irish and Scottish fiddle tunes and early country to punk. Ruth brings years of experience as a principal member of the ‘80’s and ’90’s all-woman old-time band from Boston, “The Poodles,” touring Europe and the US. Her son Ben is following in Ruth’s footsteps with his musically diverse fiddle playing, which has garnered much attention through his many performances in the area. Joel’s rhythmic and melodic banjo playing can be heard on recordings alongside members of the Punch Brothers and various Appalachian fiddle contest winners. You can find Michael playing in numerous Americana, Bluegrass, and old-time groups, including Rachel Sumner’s “Traveling Light” band. Together they make a highly entertaining quartet. Hold onto your hats! This will be a lively show! Ruth and Ben are happy to announce the release of their much-awaited new album, “Newfangled Folk” and look forward to playing selections from the album at the show.
First Church and Parish Dedham Unitarian Universalist was first gathered in 1638 and is located in Dedham Center at 670 High Street. Its lively music program includes choir at Sunday services, the Parish Players theater troupe, and the Concerts at First Church Saturday classical concert series, in addition to our Friday Folk Coffeehouse events.
