“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”, says Richmond Magazine. One of the originators of the finally recognized R&B/Folk/Jazz crossover-sub-genre, Vance was born and raised in the Philadelphia area. Starting out hoping to be an R&B and jazz singer once at college, there he discovered his affinity for the storytelling sensibilities of the acoustic singer-songwriter thing. Noted not only for being the ever consummate performer, Gilbert has recorded 13 albums, including 5 for Philo/Rounder Records.
Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light are a Boston-based string band making music that blends folk tradition with feminist storytelling, poetic detail, and just enough grit. At the center is Sumner’s songwriting—rooted in history, myth, and personal reckoning—carried by close harmonies, upright bass, acoustic guitar, and fiddle. The trio features Kat Wallace on fiddle and vocals and Mike Siegel on upright bass and vocals, whose playing brings both tension and tenderness to the sound.
They are the winners of the 2025 Telluride Bluegrass Band Contest.
The Open Book Coffeehouse in Canton is proud to announce its next live concert on Saturday evening, May 17, with singer/songwriter Les Sampou. The coffeehouse is located at the Canton Public Library, 786 Washington Street, Canton. Doors open at 6:45 PM; music starts at 7:30 PM. Admission is $14 for the general public and $7 for students of any age. Tickets are available that evening on a first come, first serve basis. (cash or checks).
Les Sampou got her start in the Boston folk scene in the 90s and moved on to national prominence and acclaim. On the road for 15 years, Sampou has performed at Montreal Jazz Festival, SXSW, Toronto Blues Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival (where she won the New Folk Songwriting Award), Philadelphia Folk Festival, Winnipeg, and Falcon Ridge to name a few. Sampou has conducted workshops at Berklee School of Music and appeared on top syndicated radio programs such as Acoustic Cafe, World Cafe, and NPR. Sampou has released seven albums, five on her own label and two on Rounder Records. Her album, “Fall from Grace”, topped the Gavin Americana Charts nationwide. Her release “Lonesomeville” charted number 2 on the US/European Americana F.A.R. charts.
Enjoy the relaxing, warm atmosphere of friendly people, good music, coffee, tea, and home baked goodies. The Open Book Coffeehouse is located in the community room of the Canton Public Library at 786 Washington Street, Canton, and is made possible by the Friends of the Library. Parking is to the left when facing the library from Washington Street. Enter by the “Special Events” door to the left of the columns, midway into the parking area.
For more information, visit the Open Book Coffeehouse website at http://library.canton.ma.us, send an email to openbookcoffeehouse@verizon.net, find the coffeehouse on Facebook, or call 617-922-2551.
The Open Book Coffeehouse continues its 2024-2025 season on Saturday evening, October 19, with singer/songwriter Shanna In a Dress. The coffeehouse is located at the Canton Public Library, 786 Washington Street, Canton. Doors open at 6:45 PM; music starts at 7:30 PM. Admission is $12 for the general public and $6 for students of any age. Tickets are available that evening on a first come, first serve basis. (cash or checks).
Shanna in a Dress is your quirky best friend who refuses to wear pants. She says what everyone has felt but no one else will say and you’ll get an uncensored journey of clever humor and heartbreak, extreme candor, and a hefty side of entertainment at her shows. This witty wordsmith is known for taking you on an emotional roller coaster, sometimes within the same song. She’s as real as it gets, as anyone who follows her on FB or Instagram knows.
Enjoy the relaxing, warm atmosphere of friendly people, good music, coffee, tea, and home baked goodies. The Open Book Coffeehouse is located in the community room of the Canton Public Library at 786 Washington Street, Canton, and is made possible by the Friends of the Library. Parking is to the left when facing the library from Washington Street. Enter by the “Special Events” door to the left of the columns, midway into the parking area.
For more information, visit the Open Book Coffeehouse website at http://library.canton.ma.us, send an email to openbookcoffeehouse@verizon.net, find the coffeehouse on Facebook, or call 617-922-2551.
