Friday, April 29, 2016

Fully Fund MCC's $17 Million Budget

A timely message from Anita Walker, Massachusetts Cultural Council Executive Director.
Please take a moment to contact your representative or senator. Tell them you not only want the amount cut restoured you support FULLY FUNDING the "
$17 million that we have built into our five-year plan."





Dear Colleagues,

I wanted to take a moment to reach out to you as we reach the midpoint of the process that will deliver an FY17 budget to the MCC.

I know that there is a good deal of anxiety and disappointment at where we stand right now. It may feel like your advocacy efforts are not effective.

But in fact, your vigorous advocacy convinced more than 100 legislators to sign on to an amendment to increase the House FY17 appropriation. The number in the House as a result moved from $10 million to $12 million.

That is not as much as we asked for, and it is less than the budget we have this year.But we are just in the middle of the process. Now we must take our efforts to the Senate and work hard to pull that number up to the $17 million that we have built into our five-year plan.

We have many friends in the House who stand by us every year and who truly appreciate the work that you do. The energy they put into fighting for the MCC, and many other issues for which they are responsible, is not always reflected in every outcome.

As we continue through state budget process it is important that we continue to share stories of success and impact with our legislators and help them make the case on our behalf.

Let's keep our eye on the prize as we head to the Senate. Always thank our allies for their sincere efforts. And let's unleash our enthusiasm on our Senate allies in pursuit of a restored budget for the MCC and an appropriate investment for the arts and culture in Massachusetts.

Sincerely,
Anita Walker

Anita Walker
Executive Director
Massachusetts Cultural Council 



Thursday, April 21, 2016

“Voices from the Mountain” in Lexington April 29 and May 1



Appalachian Show Comes to Lexington

“Voices from the Mountain”


In Good Company invites you to explore the roots of American traditional music through songs, dances and stories that have been preserved for generations. 


“Voices from the Mountain” will take you on a musical journey following Olive Dame Campbell as she travels in 1907 to a North Carolina mountain community, and collects their songs for generations to follow to love and share.

The show, written by Chris Jorie and Revels’ Artistic Director Patrick Swanson with music direction by Dan Ryan and stage direction by Jonathan Carpenter, is full of the stories, dances, and songs of Appalachia.  This production is ideal for ages 7 and above, and includes a multi-generational cast of adults and children.

IN GOOD COMPANY is a musical theater troupe with a mission of bringing stories about American history alive on the community stage and in schools. Many cast members were formally with The Revels Repertory Company.

TWO PERFORMANCES!
First Parish Unitarian Church, 7 Harrington Road, Lexington, MA
• April 29, 8:00pm •
• May 1, 4:00pm •

Admission: $20 (adults), $16 (children under 12).  
To order tickets, visit http://mountain.bpt.me/

For more information, including video clips, visit http://new.ingoodcompanytheater.org/
Phone: 781-412-4642



Top Page Logo



Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Berklee String Quartet "Unauthorized Personnel" at the Somerville Armory, 4/27/16






notloB Music and Darol Anger have a long history of progressive string quartet collaboration, the tradition continues! Unauthorized Personnel is a Berklee contemporary string quartet, coached by a pioneer of contemporary fiddle, Darol Anger. Bringing together some of the greatest players in Berklee’s string department, Unauthorized Personnel specializes in the music of the great Turtle Island String Quartet. The group started in January of this year, and have been sawing the strings ever since. This concert will mark the ensemble's public debut!


ABOUT THE MEMBERS

Avery Merritt (Violin) is a Boston based multi-style fiddle player. He has played fiddle since the age of four and plays bluegrass, jazz, and alternative styles. He has won a number of awards, including first place in both advanced fiddle and band categories at the Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Competition, and was named an official California Arts Scholar at The CSSSA program at CalArts.There, he received a Governor's Medallion for The Arts, the highest distinction in California an arts student can receive. Avery has studied with musicians such as Jeremy Kittel, Darol Anger, Casey Driessen, Alex Hargreaves, and Mark O’Connor to name a few. He also works with NS Design as a demonstrating artist at various locations such as The NAMM Shows, IBMA, and has also performed at festivals such as Grey Fox and Freshgrass. Avery is a 3rd semester student at Berklee, currently studying under Jason Anick.
Avery’s Website - http://www.averymerritt.com/

Kailey Zercher (Violin) from Santa Fe, NM, started studying classical music at the age of nine, and had classes with many accomplished violinists such as members of the Santa Fe chamber orchestra Promusica, the Santa Fe Opera, grammy nominees and world-touring performers. She has been selected for many orchestras such as All-State New Mexico, a Switzerland-based, internationally touring orchestra called Crescendo and others. Kailey is now a seventh-semester student at Berklee College of Music, where she studies everything from jazz to rock. So far, she has studied privately with Mimi Rabson, Jason Anick, Rob Thomas, and Matt Glaser, and Darol Anger. She also plays and sings in a local folk-rock/jam band called The Womps, that is to release their EP by the end of the month.
Kailey’s music: The Womps - Eating Up My Soul https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KudbF8nTgnI

Parker Ousley (Cello) grew up on the desolate frozen tundra in Minnesota and began playing cello at age 5. Before coming to Boston, he studied classical cello with David Carter, Peter Howard, and Anna Clift. In high school he began venturing from the comforts of his classical home and joined the amateur folk band, Flute Platoon as a singer and cellist. After breaking from the Platoon, Parker began singing and playing as a solo act in the Twin Cities. When not performing with Unauthorized Personnel, he and his cello, Jeremy, can be found performing on their own, with American Housewife, or in the Twin Cities-based duo The Triplets. Parker is currently finishing his sophomore year at Berklee College of Music where he studies with Mike Block, Eugene Friesen, and Rob Thomas.

Jennifer Frantz (Viola) is from Beaver, PA. She started studying classical violin at the age of 5, and switched to viola at the age of 16. She is in her fourth semester at Berklee where she has been studying jazz and contemporary music as well as composition with David Wallace and Rob Thomas. In 2014, Jennifer was the winner of a concerto competition where she performed the Stamitz viola concerto, with the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Orchestra. She also had toured all over U.S. with the jazz group From the Four, and Extreme Strings Orchestra. She has participated in multiple international music festivals and is the assistant to the director of the CLAZZ music festival. Jennifer is known for her ability to hula-hoop while playing viola.

Admission to the Wednesday concert series is by free-will offering (45-10 suggested). Make your reservation at http://tinyurl.com/notlobtickets.

ABOUT THE CAFE

You can arrive as early as 6pm to enjoy the cafe's offerings, which include sandwiches/wraps, salads, coffee, teas and pastries as well as beer and wine.
Free parking in the back lot, on street (mind the signage) and two satellite lots.
MBTA: Arts at the Armory is approximately a 15 minute walk from Davis Square which is on the MBTA Red Line, or take either the 88 or 90 bus from Lechmere (Green Line) or Davis Square (Red Line). Get off at the Highland Avenue and Lowell Street stop. You can also get there from Sullivan Square (Orange Line) via the 90 bus. Get off at the Highland Avenue and Benton Road stop.
Bicycle: The Armory is four blocks from the Somerville Community Path.
Handicap accessible.

ABOUT NOTLOB MUSIC
Since 2007, notloB Music has presented close to 200 folk, old-time, bluegrass, progressive string band, world and Celtic concerts in unique venues throughout the greater Boston area.
mail list - http://tinyurl.com/notlobmail
website - https://sites.google.com/site/notlobmusic/
facebook - https://www.facebook.com/notloBParlourConcerts/
eventbrite (tickets) - http://www.eventbrite.com/o/notlob-music-6730833315

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Free Celtic Concert Featuring BOXTY to be Presented 4/23 on the Grounds of the Endicott Estate

BOXTY
Free Celtic Concert to be Presented on the Grounds of the Endicott Estate
Saturday, April 23, 2016, 1pm, rain or shine
656 East Street, Dedham, Ma, 02026 
Presented by notloB Music in association with the JamesJoyce Ramble 



Straight off the boat from Dublin Ireland, Cormac Marnell hails from the South side in Ballinteer. Cormac began playing music only five years ago. As one of the founding members of The Locals and then The Auld Locals, Cormac made a name for himself in the Boston pub scene. He went on to open up for The Saw Doctors as well as playing every major Irish Festival in New England. Cormac performs on the 5 string banjo, tin whistle and harmonica as well as lead vocals.




Dave Bowman hails from Martha's Vineyard off the coast of Cape Cod and has had an interest in Irish traditional music for nearly a decade. Skilled on the tin whistle, the mandolin, octave mandolin and tenor banjo Dave lends a diverse range of talents to the folk stylings of the band. Dave is a capable singer who likes to perform classics like "The Handsome Cabin Boy" and "Tom Dooley".


Free, donations accepted.
Reservations not required, but appreciated.

This concert is supported in part by a grant from the Dedham Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Free-will donations ($5-10pp) accepted.


The concert will be presented on the lawn of the Endicott Estate, or, in the event or rain, under a large tent. Note the concert coincides with the road race’s in-person registration day (Saturday), the day before the James Joyce Ramble (Sunday).



ABOUT NOTLOB MUSIC
Since 2007, notloB Music has presented close to 200 folk, old-time, bluegrass, progressive string band, world and Celtic concerts in unique venues throughout the greater Boston area.
Opt in to our mail list - http://tinyurl.com/notlobmail
Bookmark our website - https://sites.google.com/site/notlobmusic/
"Like" our Facebook page -https://www.facebook.com/notloBParlourConcerts/
Bookmark our eventbrite page (tickets or reservations -http://www.eventbrite.com/o/notlob-music-6730833315





Other notoB concerts:
# Date Artist Venue
184 04/23/16 Boxty Endicott Estate
185 04/23/16 The Gather Rounders Arts at the Armory
186 04/27/16 Unauthorized Personnel Arts at the Armory
187 05/25/16 Emily Haviland Baker and Friends Arts at the Armory
188 05/28/16 Fódhla Arts at the Armory
189 06/01/16 Andrea Beaton, Wendy MacIssac & Eric MacDonald Arlington Center for the Arts
190 06/13/16 Mari Black and the World Fiddle Ensemble Arts at the Armory
191 06/22/16 Caroline Cotter supported by Wendy Cody Arts at the Armory
192 06/25/16 The Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio  Arts at the Armory

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

The Gather Rounders, Bluegrass from Maine, in Somerville April 23

The Gather Rounders
http://thegatherrounders.com/
Saturday, April 23, 7:30pm
Arts at the Armory Cafe, 
191 Highland Ave., Somerville
Tickets on sale now!


Featuring seasoned musicianship and improvisation, this Maine-based band offers a unique interpretation of traditional bluegrass and folk music through original and melodic compositions that showcase the wide range of their eclecticism and talents.

The Gather Rounders’ dynamic instrumental textures take flight with grace while rooted in the soulful vocals of lead singer-songwriter, Caroline Cotter. Along with banjoist Ron Cody, flatpicking guitarist, Lincoln Meyers, fiddler, Eric Lee and upright bassist, Wendy Cody, this group is a powerhouse quintet. 

The band came to life in 2013, drawing from the members' shared love for all things acoustic, folk and bluegrass at a weekly gig at Gather Restaurant in Yarmouth, ME. With a repertoire of original bluegrass and folk and creative covers, the band has expanded to an ever-widening audience and bring a passionate energy to the stage. Individually and collectively they’ve shared stages with the likes of Darol Anger, David Wilcox, Tony Trischka, Peter Rowan, Bill Keith, Loudon Wainwright, John Gorka, Rushad Eggleston, and Jesse Brock, among others.

Together, The Gather Rounders make a brand of modern folk and bluegrass music rooted in tradition yet infused with inventive verve.

band videos:
https://youtu.be/U7dptsJ-diQ
https://youtu.be/zI3hMj9dHeI


The Gather Rounders, based in Portland, ME, features both talented bluegrass and folk music veterans and exciting fresh faces. 

Caroline Cotter (lead vocals) (www.carolinecotter.com) is a singer-songwriter based in Portland, ME. Her debut album, Dreaming as I Do, released in February 2015, reached #5 on the national Folk DJ charts with a #2 song, Bella Blue. Whether performing solo or with The Gather Rounders, Caroline’s captivating soprano voice lends itself to an eclectic repertoire of folk, bluegrass, swing, and world music. 

Ron Cody (banjo)(www.roncody.com) is a genre-defying banjoist with recordings that have been featured on All Things Considered, The Thistle and the Shamrock and Sirius Radio Bluegrass. Renowned banjoist Tony Trischka adds about his playing- "Ron can hit from all sides." Ron writes a bi-monthly column, "The Melodic Side of Things" for Banjo Newsletter. 

Multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Eric Lee (fiddle) (www.themusicofericlee.com) has performed in countless circumstances, from conducting and performing in pit orchestras of musicals to accompanying folk and bluegrass legends including John Gorka and Peter Rowan. At 18, Eric joined Pete and Maura Kennedy's psychedellic folk-rock band, The Strangelings, at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, where he still performs as a member of the House Band. In addition to being a solo artist and sideman, Lee is a sought-after session player, lending both original string arrangements and his unique sensitivity to numerous albums of all genres across the northeast. 

Lincoln Meyers (guitar, vocals) an award-winning guitarist who has been playing professionally for 30 years, 18 of them in New England, has toured for years with national bands Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen and The April Verch Band. Lincoln has been featured on the cover of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine and currently teaches guitar at 317 Main Street Community Music Center in Yarmouth, ME.

Wendy Cody (upright bass) has performed throughout the northeast as part of the venerable New England Bluegrass Band and has recorded with musical luminaries such as Darol Anger, Heather Masse, Rushad Eggleston, Roland White, Jesse Brock, Mike Block, Grant Gordy and Alex Hargreaves. Together, The Gather Rounders make a unique brand of modern folk & bluegrass music, rooted in tradition yet infused with inventive verve.

================

ABOUT THE CAFE
You can arrive as early as 6pm to enjoy the cafe's offerings, which include sandwiches/wraps, salads, coffee, teas and pastries as well as beer and wine.
Free parking in the back lot, on street (mind the signage) and two satellite lots.
MBTA: Arts at the Armory is approximately a 15 minute walk from Davis Square which is on the MBTA Red Line, or take either the 88 or 90 bus from Lechmere (Green Line) or Davis Square (Red Line). Get off at the Highland Avenue and Lowell Street stop. You can also get there from Sullivan Square (Orange Line) via the 90 bus. Get off at the Highland Avenue and Benton Road stop.
Bicycle: The Armory is four blocks from the Somerville Community Path.
Handicap accessible.

ABOUT NOTLOB MUSIC
Since 2007, notloB Music has presented close to 200 folk, old-time, bluegrass, progressive string band, world and Celtic concerts in unique venues throughout the greater Boston area.

Opt in to our mail list - http://tinyurl.com/notlobmail
Bookmark our website - https://sites.google.com/site/notlobmusic/
"Like" our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/notloBParlourConcerts/
Bookmark our eventbrite page (tickets or reservations - http://www.eventbrite.com/o/notlob-music-6730833315

Other notoB concerts:
#DateArtistVenue
18404/23/16
(afternoon)
BoxtyEndicott Estate
18504/23/16
(evening)
The Gather RoundersArts at the Armory
18604/27/16Unauthorized PersonnelArts at the Armory
18705/25/16Emily Haviland Baker and FriendsArts at the Armory
18805/28/16FódhlaArts at the Armory
18906/01/16Andrea Beaton, Wendy MacIssac & Eric MacDonaldArlington Center for the Arts
19006/13/16Mari Black and the World Fiddle EnsembleArts at the Armory
19106/22/16Caroline Cotter supported by Wendy CodyArts at the Armory
19206/25/16The Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio Arts at the Armory

Monday, April 4, 2016

Andrea Beaton, Wendy MacIsaac and Eric MacDonald - Cape Breton to Arlington, 6/1

Come to celebrate notloB Music's ninth anniversary and (almost) 200 concerts!






ANDREA BEATON
http://www.andreabeaton.com/
Andrea Beaton comes from a long line of musicians, composers and dancers. She is an award-winning fiddler, tune composer and recording artist who is known for her powerful bow and driving style. She tours and teaches internationally and is in great demand as a teacher at music camps and fiddling/dancing workshops.

She has released 5 solo albums, one duo album with her father, Kinnon Beaton, and a book of her original tunes. she also recorded an album with her family "The Beaton family of Mabou" in 2007 for the Smithsonian Institute. Most of her solo albums were nominated for awards, and
her 2010 CD, 'Branches,' won the Canadian East Coast Music Awards "Instrumental Recording of the Year!"

Andrea travels the globe, sharing her culture as well as exploring and writing contemporary tunes. Her music, dance and comical stories are sure to delight any audience.

WENDY MACISAAC

Http://www.wendymacisaac.com/
Wendy MacIsaac is a renowned fiddler from Cape Breton who has been playing music for over 30 years. She is recognized as one of the “old school” style of players who has kept the traditional sound going and has a deep respect for it.

Wendy is also a sought after piano accompanist and step dancer. Besides performing as a solo artist, Wendy tours with Mary Jane Lamond .

Wendy can also be seen performing with Heather Rankin and occasionally Beolach who she toured with for 11 years.

Wendy is in high demand for her skills at teaching the Cape Breton style of fiddling. She travels throughout North America and overseas as well as teaching from her home in Halifax.

ERIC MACDONALD

http://www.ericmcdonaldmusic.com/
Eric McDonald is a fast rising face on the traditional music scene. A former student at Boston's Berklee College of Music, he is accomplished as a mandolinist and DADGAD guitarist. His refined accompaniment can be heard on recordings by artists such as Katie McNally, Brendan Carey Block, Pesky J. Nixon, Rebecca Wudarski and others. He tours as a member of the inter-continental Scottish trio Cantrip, as well as alongside fine musicians such as Will Woodson, Ryan McKasson, Connor Garvey, Andrea Beaton and others. Eric's debut solo release "Rove" is a combination album of mandolin/guitar duets alongside guitarist Bethany Waickman and a collection of traditional ballads, self-accompanied. Eric is a well known instructor, having spent five years on staff at the Club Passim School of Music in Cambridge MA, teaching privately and annually at summer camps such as Maine Fiddle Camp.


DINNER AND A SHOW
notloB is partnering with two Arlington restaurants Tango and Not Your Average Joe’s.
Tango
464 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington
http://tangoarlington.com/
Enjoy "Dinner with the Artists" - a three course menu at a discounted price ($25). Reservations through notloB are required – email
notlobreservations@gmail.com – and subject to meeting a minimum number. Seating time and other details will be confirmed 24-28 hours in advance.
Or have "Dinner on your own" – take a discount of 10% off the food, when a customer shows their ticket. Please make your own reservations.
Not Your Average Joe’s
645 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington
http://www.notyouraveragejoes.com/arlington/ 
15% off of the check (excluding alcohol, tax, gratuity) for parties who show a ticket. Reservations are suggested.

ABOUT NOTLOB MUSIC

Since 2007, notloB Music has presented close to 200 folk, old-time, bluegrass, progressive string band, world and Celtic concerts in unique venues throughout the greater Boston area.
Opt in to our mail list - http://tinyurl.com/notlobmail
Bookmark our website - https://sites.google.com/site/notlobmusic/
"Like" our Facebook page -https://www.facebook.com/notloBParlourConcerts/
Bookmark our eventbrite page (tickets or reservations - http://www.eventbrite.com/o/notlob-music-6730833315

ATTENTION DANCE FANS!
Andrea Beaton and Wendy MacIsaac will be performing at a Cape Breton Style dance on Saturday May 28, 8-11:30 pm at the Canadian American Club (www.canadianamericanclub.com)
202 Arlington St.
Watertown, MA
Admission is $15.00
Tickets can be bought in advance at Brownpapertickets.com. or you can pay at the door the night of the dance.

Other notoB concerts:

#DateArtistVenue
18404/23/16BoxtyEndicott Estate
18504/23/16The Gather RoundersArts at the Armory
18604/27/16Unauthorized PersonnelArts at the Armory
18705/25/16Emily Haviland Baker and FriendsArts at the Armory
18805/28/16FódhlaArts at the Armory
18906/01/16Andrea Beaton, Wendy MacIssac & Eric MacDonaldArlington Center for the Arts
19006/13/16Mari Black and the World Fiddle EnsembleArts at the Armory
19106/22/16Caroline Cotter supported by Wendy CodyArts at the Armory
19206/25/16The Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio Arts at the Armory