Notlob Acoustic Folk Concerts Fall Season

Since June 2, 2007, Notlob Parlor Concerts presented the best local and touring roots, Americana, newgrass, traditional and contemporary folk and blues artists at the historic Loring-Greenough House in Jamaica Plain. Artists included Bob Franke, the Rowan Brothers, Geoff Bartley, ChrisThompson, Dennis Brennan, Aoife O’Donovan, Rushad Eggleston, Tristin Clairridge, Corey DiMario (all of Crooked Still), Kristin Andraessen (Uncle Earl); Chris Merenda, Mike Merenda, and Ruthy Ungar Merenda (all of the Mammals), Pat Wictor, Jud Caswell, Sharon Lewis, Brian Webb ... For a complete listing with links to the artists' websites see the Notlob’s “artists”[1] page.

Patrons following the music series' history know that the Loring-Greenough House owners decided to not extend Notlob's contract, which lead to a search for a new venue and shuffling of the Fall schedule, and a shift in presentation. Rather than presenting solo or small group acts in the confines of the museum’s intimate parlor, Notlob's Fall productions are moving to the Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, 155 Powder House Blvd, Somerville.

Jeff Boudreau, who produces the series, looks at it somewhat philosophically. “What we had in JP was small and magical, but I look forward to the (Clarendon’s) sanctuary, to hearing Greg Greenway’s and John Flynn’s blended voices, when they step out in front of the microphones, fill the space.” Boudreau explains the move was affected by the scale shift. “ The schedule had to be shuffled, moving the focus from one solo artist to duos whose artistic and performance styles complement each other. Another reason for selecting ArtsSomerville and Clarendon as partners is the church’s Nave Gallery, a beautiful exhibit space that will be used for afternoon workshops”.

The concert series is produced in cooperation with ArtSomerville (ARTS)[2], a volunteer organization that draws upon the talents of local creativity, strengthening communication among artists and the public by presenting exhibits, performances, and educational activities. The goals of ARTSomerville are:

* To create partnerships with municipal, public, and private organizations
* To provide facilities for the support, promotion, and exhibition of the arts
* To foster educational and cultural programs in the arts
* To promote Somerville as a vibrant and welcoming artistic community

The Fall schedule may be limited in length but it the depth of its talent is impressive. The season begins September 20, featuring Greg Greenway[3] and John Flynn[4], well-seasoned performers in their own right but also fast friends of Sonny Ochs (Phil’s sister) and veterans of many Phil Ochs nights concerts. “John was booked to perform solo in JP, adding Greg was a natural”, explains Boudreau. The season opener will be hosted by Naomi Arenberg Producer/Host of “Folk on WGBH”.

On November 2, Jack Hardy[5] and David Massengill[6], two founding members of “Fast Folk”[7] (whose members read like a who’s who of the folk revival movement), will be performing as the Folk Brothers[8]. This concert had been in the formative stages for twelve months, starting at Jack’s camp at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in Hillsdale, NY. “This year, when Jack and David performed together as the Folk Brothers, I new we had to set a date. ‘Partners in Crime’ (released July, 2007) blends traditional songs like ‘Saint James Infirmary” with brand new songs like Jack’s “Worst President Ever”, it should be in the play list of every folk radio station”, explains Boudreau.

The season concludes November 15 with western folk artist Mary McCaslin[9], complemented by local country blues and folk hero Geoff Bartley[10].

CHARITY: Through Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church’s “Peace, Justice and Mission Committee”, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to RESPOND[11]. Patrons may also bring items from RESPOND’s wish list. Patrons may also donate funds directly through RESPOND’s website - http://www.respondinc.org/main.html

RESPOND’s mission is to help women and their children create options for a safer life, free from domestic violence, and to further the efforts of the larger community to end domestic violence. At this time we seek to fulfill our mission by providing shelter, support, advocacy and education.

Additional artist and series information can be read at the Notlob Concerts website - ~ http://notlobmusic.googlepages.com ~ and in the news group ~ http://groups.google.com/group/notlobmusic ~ where one can also register for the mailing list.

Watch the Folk Brothers perform "Worst President Ever"

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[1] http://notlobmusic.googlepages.com/pastperformers

[2] http://www.artsomerville.org/

[3] http://www.greggreenway.com/

[4] http://www.johnflynn.net/

[5] http://www.jackhardy.com/

[6] http://www.davidmassengill.com/

[7] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_Folk

[8] http://folkbrothers.com/

[9] http://www.marymccaslin.com/

[10] http://www.geoffbartley.com/

[11] http://www.respondinc.org/