Direct from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana (via the Rhythm and Roots Festival), David Greeley!

Direct from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana (via the Rhythm and Roots Festival), notloB Music Presents... David Greeley!

Thursday, September 10

notloB will celebrate the end of its Summer music season by presenting at a brand new venue a founding member of Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys - http://www.mamouplayboys.com/ - the one and only David Greely!

We've been working on getting David to come to the Boston area for several years and very happy to be part of his post Rhythm and Roots Festival  http://www.rhythmandroots.com/ - New England tour. 

Thursday, September 10, 2015, 8pm (doors at 7:30)

Gregorian Rugs

2284 Washington St, Newton Lower Falls, MA 02462

General admission $15

Seniors and students $10

David Greely’s French Louisiana music is opening a new wing in his tradition. David has taken the swampy syncopations of Cajun music and its renaissance French dialect to new level of sophistication without losing its urgency and texture. In solo acoustic performance, he sounds like two or three fiddles, weaving accompaniment to his vocals as if it’s someone else singing. Presenting his concerts in English or French, he embraces all the aspects of his heritage that a fiddle and voice can reach- ancient ballads, cane field blues, yearning waltzes and fiery two steps, and melds his ancestral legacy with his own adroit compositions and stories of the rich souls who kept this music and language alive.

David was born in Baton Rouge of Cajun and Irish ancestry, and learned Cajun music on dance hall stages throughout South Louisiana, in the archives of Cajun and Creole music at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, and from his apprenticeship to Cajun fiddle master and National Heritage Fellow Dewey Balfa. As a founding member of Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, David toured Folk Festivals worldwide for 23 years, and was nominated for four Grammy Awards. He has received the Louisiana Artist Fellowship Award for Folklife Performance, and is an adjunct instructor of Cajun fiddle at the University of Louisiana. 

Contact: notlobreservations@gmail.com - please DO NOT contact the venue.

Please share this event - https://www.facebook.com/events/1484133861880661/

Tickets

The Matt Flinner Trio, “Deeply Rooted New Acoustic Music”, Arlington, 8/28

THE MATT FLINNER TRIO!
“Deeply Rooted New Acoustic Music”

Matt Flinner, mandolon

Ross Martin, guitar

Eric Thorin, bass
http://www.mattflinner.com/trio

Friday, August 28, 2015, 8pm (doors at 7:40)
Park Avenue Congregational Church (PACC)
50 Paul Revere Road, Arlington, MA
General admission $15
Seniors and students $12

The Matt Flinner Trio“Deeply Rooted New Acoustic Music”In 2006, three musical pals decided to get together to play a few gigs; since then, the Matt Flinner Trio has been exploring new pathways and setting new standards for the bluegrass trio sound all around the U.S. and Europe.Mandolinist Matt Flinner, guitarist Ross Martin and bassist Eric Thorin cover a wide variety of musical styles—all with the common ground of American roots music. Bluegrass, jazz and old-time music are all present here in their ways, along with a dose of classical chamber music composition and arrangement, as the members all draw from their wide array of musical loves, experiences and influences. These influences boil down into the trio’s own organic sound of New Acoustic music, or Modern String Band music, or Chamber Grass (music is getting harder and harder to label these days, isn’t it?). Whatever label you put on it, it is guaranteed to be fresh and original, and definitely something you’ve never quite heard before.
The trio began doing “Music du Jour” tours in 2006, in which each member of the group writes a new composition the day of the show, and all three new pieces are performed on that evening’s concert. After several of these tours the trio recorded its first CD, “Music du Jour,” on Compass Records in 2009. They have now performed over 130 “du Jour” shows around the U.S., and continue to explore new frontiers and new sounds in acoustic string band music. Their second CD, “Winter Harvest,” was released on Compass Records in 2012. Watch for their upcoming CD, “Traveling Roots,” in early 2016.

Dinner and a show.

Patrons who show their server their eventbrite ticket for that evening's concert get 10% off dinner at the nearby 

Thai-E-Sarn Cuisine, 1377 Massachusetts Ave Arlington, MA(781) 648-2223)
http://www.thaiesarncuisine.com/
OR
Szechuan's Dumpling, 1360 Massachuetts Ave Arlington, MA(781) 648-8882
https://www.facebook.com/SzechuansDumpling
Tickets http://www.eventbrite.com/o/notlob-music-6730833315
Website https://sites.google.com/site/notlobmusic 
Mail Chimp (mailing list) - http://tinyurl.com/notlobmail
Please share this event - https://www.facebook.com/events/1633951936850568/
Contact: notlobreservations@gmail.com - please DO NOT contact the venue.

Tickets

RIP, Lowell Banjo and Fiddle Contest

Towards the end of July I heard rumors that the long-running Lowell Banjo and Fiddle Contest would not be held this year. Suspicion was compounded by there being nothing on the Lowell NPS website -http://www.nps.gov/lowe/index.htm

So on July 29 I shot an inquiry: "I cannot find any information on your website about this year's banjo and fiddle contest. What are the dates, what are the divisions and how does one apply?"

Here is the reply, just received via email:

"Lupsiewicz, Phil
3:22 PM (31 minutes ago)
to me
The Banjo & Fiddle Contests will not be taking place this year. Many of you are familiar with this as a long-standing event that has traditionally occurred in September at Boarding House Park. There are Park efforts underway to forge new partnerships to bring this event back online in the future.
Thank you.
Phil Lupsiewicz"

It is a shame those entrusted to maintain the event could not do so this year. The costs cannot be that great - Boardinghouse Park is in the public domain, (interpretive) rangers are already on staff. The only additional cost I see would be for a sound system and engineer, and even that is not mandatory, nothing wrong with doing it the old-fashioned way (unplugged).

Does anyone know why the contest died?

The text and image originally appeared in 

"Northeast Old-Time, Blue Grass and String Band Music" -https://www.facebook.com/groups/106978732745084/​

 

Cantrip celebrates release of first album in seven years, titled “The Crossing”, 8/1, Arlington

Cantrip celebrates release of first album in seven years, titled “The Crossing”

Cantrip is a leader in Scottish music. For over a decade, the power trio has been stunning audiences on both sides of the Atlantic with their innovative arrangements, un-produced sound and dry wit. From the strong base of Celtic roots their music branches out into and takes influences from the music of other European cultures. Weaving together traditional and contemporary songs and tunes, Cantrip takes audiences on a cultural journey, putting their own distinctive spin on the music.  On August 1st at the Park Avenue Congregational Church, the band celebrates the release of their first album in seven years, “The Crossing”. Four years ago, guitarist/mandolinist Eric McDonald joined Cantrip founders Dan Houghton (pipes) and John Bews (fiddle). Trimming the band to a trio tightened the sound, and the addition of McDonald opened new musical doors. “The Crossing” is the culmination of four years with this new partnership. Longtime fans will be satisfied to hear that Cantrip’s identity is not only alive and well, but constantly evolving. First time listeners will be enchanted by the powerful tones of Houghton’s bagpipe darting back and forth with Bews’ soaring fiddle, all the while blending with McDonald’s foundational guitar to create a remarkably rich texture. The songs are shared, with all three members taking turns as lead vocalist, and are bolstered with three part harmonies and tasteful arrangements. “The Crossing” marks a major new development in Cantrip’s already storied history, and should solidify them as a mainstay on the Scottish music scene. Come see them in action!

Dinner and a show.

Tickets are available through eventbrite.com and if not sold out, at the door. Patrons are advised to purchase in advance as the first two concerts did. And those patrons who purchase tickets in advance have the option to support the local economy with a complete night out by enjoying dinner and a show - ticket holders for that evening's concert are entitled to a 10% discount at the nearby Thai-E-Sarn Cuisine, 1377 Massachusetts Ave. (781) 648-2223) OR Szechuan's Dumpling, 1360 Massachusetts Ave. (781) 648-8882. Reservations are recommended.

Arlington-based notloB Music also presents concerts in Cambridge and Newton. See its full schedule at https://sites.google.com/site/notlobmusic. Tickets for all concerts are available at http://www.eventbrite.com/o/notlob-music-6730833315. For more information see its Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/notloBParlourConcerts/ - or email notlobreservations@gmail.com (please do not contact PACC).

# # # # #

Saturday August 1^st 8:00pm

Cantrip album Release presented by notloB Music

50 Paul Revere Road, Arlington MA 02476

$15/$12 students and seniors

Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/o/notlob-music-6730833315

Website https://sites.google.com/site/notlobmusic

Mail Chimp (mailing list) - http://tinyurl.com/notlobmail

Contact: notlobreservations@gmail.com - please DO NOT contact the venue.

Alistair McCullough with Eamon Sefton Tuesday, July 21, 2015, 8pm Carriage House of Violins, 1039 Chestnut St., Newton Upper Falls, MA 02464 &  Wednesday, July 22, 2015, 8pm Park Avenue Congregational Church 50 Paul Revere Road, Arlington, MA 02474 Alistair McCulloch is one of the most sought after fiddlers in Scotland today, both as performer and teacher. His versatility and breadth of repertoire have kept him at the forefront of the tradition for twenty years.  Alistair hails from Ayr in Scotland and is one of the country's best-known fiddle performers, teachers and composers. A past winner of many fiddle championships, Alistair is fiddle instructor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and has tutored many of the new generation of rising stars. To date Alistair has performed in over 20 countries, also including China, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Nigeria, Venezuela, Canada and throughout Europe. To date, he has released three solo albums, most recently 'Four Seasons in One Day' – says the Scotsman "As the mountain of fiddle CDs rises even higher, this one can climb straight to the summit ridge". His tunebook the 'Alistair McCulloch Collection' was recently reprinted and he is currently working on a new collection featuring a number of commissioned tunes. Commissions have included a suite for William Grant & sons of Glenfiddich whisky and an orchestral score to celebrate the visit of the Olympic torch to southern Scotland. Alistair has directed several fiddle groups and ensembles including the dynamic young group 'Innovation' and was formerly a soloist with the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra. His playing style is driving and precise, described by the Living Tradition as "fresh, fiery and full of fun". Alistair is an enthusiastic and inspirational teacher and has recently been invited to tutor at the Swannanoa Gathering Celtic Week in North Carolina, the Southern Hemisphere International School of Scottish Fiddling in New Zealand and Boston Harbor Fiddle School. Alistair will be accompanied on guitar by Eamon Sefton is a sought-after Celtic-style guitarist from the Boston area. His percussive rhythm and clever use of harmony have made him an ideal guitarist for many traditional musicians around Boston. He cultivated much of his talent at the Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School, where he is now teaching guitar for the third year in a row. Later he spent several semesters at Berklee College of Music, where he greatly furthered his understanding of harmony and guitar technique. Eamon and is a two-time notloB veteran (Cat and the Moon, Fresh Haggis). Newton: First two rows $25 General admission $20.  On a first-come/first-served basis, a limited number seats are available to seniors and students, $15.  Total capacity 47. Arlington: Premier (20 seats, first two rows) $20 General admission (50 seats) $15 Seniors and students (20 seats) $10 – first come/first served. Interested in dinner and a concert? Arlington patrons who show their server a ticket for that evening's concert get 10% off at the nearby  Thai E-sarn Cuisine, 1377 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington. (781) 648-2223 http://www.thaiesarncuisine.com/ OR Szechuan's Dumpling, 1360 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington. (781) 648-8882 https://www.facebook.com/SzechuansDumpling TICKETS Artist’s website http://www.alistairmcculloch.com/ Contact notlobreservations@gmail.com Share the Facebook event with friends and neighbors - https://www.facebook.com/events/1607302679508122/

n

notloB Music presents FOUR Scots Celtic concerts over a three-week period (7/11-8/1)

Fellswater, “Boston's premier Celtic music ensemble.” 
http://www.fellswater.com/

Friday, July 11 @ PACC, 50 Paul Revere Road, Arlington, MA 02474. Doors 7:30, Concert 8:00.

The band, who just completed a tour of Nova Scotia, no doubt will have a few new tunes to play and stories to tell. This will be Fellswater third notloB appearance.

Betsy Ketudat, Fiddle, Jim MacConduibh, Guitar/Bouzouki, Sarah MacConduibh, Irish Flute/Whistle

Andrew McIntosh, Smallpipes (Andrew is an Arlington native).

"Fellswater is a dynamic instrumental Celtic music ensemble based out of Boston playing a wide range of music from traditional to modern compositions, drawing from the music of Scotland, Ireland, Brittany and Canada. ..."

Tickets

Alistair McCulloch w/ Eamon Sefton

http://www.alistairmcculloch.com

Tuesday, July 21 @ Carriage House of Violins, 1039 Chestnut Street, Newton Upper Falls, MA

Wednesday, July 22 @ PACC, 50 Paul Revere Road, Arlington, MA 02474. 

For both, Doors 7:30, Concert 8:00.

"Alistair McCulloch is one of the most sought after fiddlers in Scotland today, both as performer and teacher. His versatility and breadth of repertoire have kept him at the forefront of the tradition for twenty years. Alistair McCulloch hails from Ayr in Scotland and is one of the country's best-known fiddle performers, teachers and composers. A past winner of many fiddle championships, Alistair is fiddle instructor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and has tutored many of the new generation of rising stars..."

For those who cannot attend the Arlington concert or prefer a smaller venue (PACC seats 90), or need to see this fine duo twice, notloB is also presenting Alistair and Eamon the evening before (Tuesday, July 21) in the recital hall at Carriage House of Violins, 1039 Chestnut St., Newton Upper Falls.

Tickets for Newton

Tickets for Arlington

Cantrip

http://www.cantrip-music.com
Saturday, August 1 @ PACC, 50 Paul Revere Road, Arlington, MA 02474. Doors 7:30, Concert 8:00.

Dan Houghton - Pipes, whistles, flute, bouzouki, mandolin, guitar, vocals; Jon Bews - fiddle, vocals; Eric McDonald - guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, vocals

"The name is an Old Scots word meaning a charm, magic spell or piece of mischief and it aptly describes the unexpected twists and turns in their musical arrangements, likewise the compelling potency of their musicianship. Originally formed as a quartet, Cantrip sprung from a local session in Edinburgh fifteen years ago. Their driving music immediately caught the attention of the masses, and they were quickly signed to the Foot Stompin' label..."

Tickets

Dinner and a show for Arlington concerts.

Tickets, in the $10-$20 range, with discounts for students and seniors, are available through Eventbrite.com and if not sold out, at the door. Patrons are advised to purchase in advance as the first two concerts did sell out. And those patrons who purchase tickets in advance have the option to support the local economy with a complete night out by enjoying dinner and a show -- ticket holders for that evening's concert get 10% off dinner at the nearby Thai-E-Sarn Cuisine, 1377 Massachusetts Ave. (781) 648-2223) OR Szechuan's Dumpling, 1360 Massachusetts Ave. (781) 648-8882. Reservations are recommended.

Tickets 

Website 

Facebook

Mail Chimp (mailing list) 

Contact notlobreservations@gmail.com (please do not contact the venue)

Visual Artist Call, 7/11-8/28

CALL FOR VISUAL ARTISTS


"The Concert (c. 1664) is a painting by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. The 69-centimeter-high by 63-centimeter-wide picture depicts a man and two women playing music. It belongs to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, but was stolen in March 1990 and remains missing to this day..."

(Not) seeing "The Concert" at the Gardner last week, the painting has sparked an idea. 

notloB Music welcomes anyone interested in capturing in oils / acrylics / watercolor / pencil / crayon or clay the performance of any of the four artists notloB will be presenting at the Park Avenue Congregational Church during the months of July and August:
07/11/15 - Fellswater - http://www.fellswater.com/
07/22/15 - Alistair McCulloch w/ Eamon Sefton - http://www.alistairmcculloch.com/
08/01/15 - Cantrip - http://www.cantrip-music.com/
08/28/15 - Matt Flinner Trio - http://www.mattflinner.com/trio/
More info at https://www.facebook.com/notloBParlourConcerts/events

Each concert consists of two sets of about 45 minutes each.

If you are interested please contact us at notlobbooking@gmail.com