Programs 2005
Bedford Friends Sponsor Children’s Programs with Grant Money
The Friends of the Bedford Public Library are pleased to announce that the non-profit organization has recently been awarded a grant from the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust Fund to bring several children’s programs to Bedford Central Library. The following three performances have been scheduled for March, April and May. All three programs are geared for school age children (and their families) and are free of charge. The programs are all scheduled for Saturday afternoons to make it possible for school age children to attend. The Friends invite school age children and their families to attend. The Bedford Friends are also working with the SML/Moneta Friends to co-host Lime Kiln Touring Theatre for two events on the same day in two locations.
Saturday, January 15, 7:30 p.m.
Royce Campbell and Bassist Bob Bowen
Classic Jazz
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Although Royce has played guitar since age nine, he didn’t become serious about music until age 15 when he became interested in blues and blues rock guitarists such as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. By the time Royce finished high school, he was certain he wanted to pursue a career in music.
Soon Royce’s reputation as a quality musician spread, and in 1973 he was asked to tour with vocalist Marvin Gaye. Two years later, Royce was hired by a local music contractor to do three concerts with Henry Mancini in Indianapolis. Mancini was so impressed by Royce’s abilities that he asked him to become his regular touring guitarist. Royce would remain with Mancini for 19 years until Mancini’s death in 1994. That Mancini was indeed a good mentor to Royce is obvious not only in his style but also in his prolific CD output.
Royce’s first CD, Nighttime Daydreams, was released in 1990 on the Dutch label Timeless Records. Since then Royce has released a total of fourteen CD’s as leader or co leader and on over thirty recordings as a sideman.Since 1993, Royce has repeatedly produced CD’s which feature him in the company of many of the greats of the jazz guitar, including legendary guitarists Herb Ellis, Tal Farlow, Jimmy Raney, and Cal Collins, Pat Martino, John Abercrombie, Larry Coryell, Dave Stryker and Bucky Pizzarelli. His latest project for Paddlewheel, Project G-5, A Tribute to Joe Pass, includes Charlie Byrd, Gene Bertoncini, Mundel Lowe, and John Pisano.
Royce has toured in Europe six times and toured Japan nine times as a soloist. Royce has also performed with many jazz greats such as Mel Torme, James Moody, Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughn, Jack McDuff, Ray Brown, Dave Brubeck, Joe Williams, Cleo Laine, Eddie Daniels, Eddie Harris, Frank Morgan and Mose Allison.
Saturday, February 19, 7:30 p.m.
Zoe Speaks
Contemporary Appalachian Singer/Songwriters
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Zoe Speaks is a husband/wife duo consisting of Mitch Barrett and Carla Gover, who chose their name when their oldest daughter was just learning to talk. The jump in and out of their east Kentucky vernacular to play everything from old-time gospel to guitar-thumping contemporary turns. Whether they’re playing as a duo or jamming with the band, vocal harmonies are a defining feature of their sound. The two write what they know, drawing on themes of family, home, spirituality, relationships and the environment. Winners of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest 1998 & 2000, Kerrville New Folk Winner 1999 and “Music to LIfe” Concert and Contest 2001
“Their spare arrangements and unwavering harmonies evoke Gillian Welch and David Rawlings (not to mention generations of singers before them) but their songs are more personal” Acoustic Guitar Magazine
“Carla and Mitch are two of the most talented people I know. They are both a joy to listen to and to work with. They each have an abiding love for their Appalachian heritage that is beautifully articulated in their music. When Mitch tells a story, young people and old alike become happy travellers in whatever wonderful world he is describing. Not surprisingly, they are among the most requested artists on the Kentucky Arts Council Roster.” John Benjamin, Ky. Arts in Education programs
Friday March 4, 7:30 p.m.
Montana Skies
Cello & Guitar -Folk, Pop and Classical
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
This ain’t your mama’s chamber music! Montana Skies creates a unique and refreshing new sound with the unusual pairing of cello and fingerstyle guitar. Combining classic style with modern sensibility, the group draws on influences from ethnic and classical, to jazz and popular music. The duo feels that the sound at their concerts must fill the hall and the audience should leave wondering how just two people made all that wonderful music.
Jonathan and Jennifer Adams are the originators of Montana Skies. The couple met almost a decade ago while studying music at the University of Georgia in Athens. They began writing their own arrangements for cello/guitar to classics and composing music for themselves. Jonathan explains, “Throughout the years, we have developed many of our own arrangements ranging from world music and classical to original compositions. The fact that a “ready made” repertoire is not available for our combination of instruments really is what pushes us to be more creative with our music. With two Cd’s to their credit Montana Skies is forging ahead artistically by experimenting with new textures of sound. Some of the exciting new sounds come from Jennifer’s newly acquired electric cello and Jonathan’s’s guitar synthesizer.
“The Adam’s unique instrumental combination and exquisite talent make even the most unlikely listeners dedicated fans of their chamber style music...they played to a standing room only crowd and were called upon for an unprecedented three encores!” - Sara Arnold, Gwinnett History Museum
“The music selections were perfect and the execution was first rate...” - Arlene Pryor, Center Street Arts
Friday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.
James Keelaghan
Canadian Folk
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
James Keelaghan is renowned for mining the past for musical inspiration. His most celebrated songs tell the stories of extraordinary events from history through the eyes of ordinary people. In doing so, they turn epic tales into deeply moving pieces that strike a personal chord. Now, after 8 albums, 3 Juno nominations, a Juno award and a total of 17 years as one of Canada’s best-known exports on the folk circuit, Keelaghan mines his own history with Then Again. He reworks 11 of his best-loved tunes, bringing them up to date with the versions he now shares with his audiences. Many of the songs on Then Again are marked by changes in rhythm, lyric, or arrangement since their original recordings. ‘Turn of the Wheel’ and ‘A Recent Future,’ for example, feature a more stripped down sound. ‘Fires of Calais’ became slower and more sparsely arranged after James heard Alan Damron’s cover of the tune. And ‘Cold Missouri Waters’ contains a slight change of lyric and a musical embellishment borrowed from the Cry Cry Cry version. It also refers now to “West Montana” rather than “North Montana” after Keelaghan had his geography corrected by an audience member at a concert in the state. Meanwhile, James continues to win accolades for his songwriting; he just won first place in the folk category of the USA Songwriting competition for the second year in a row. He also earned praise for his tribute to a Canadian songwriting legend with his cover of the ‘Canadian Railroad Trilogy’ on the recent Gordon Lightfoot tribute album Beautiful.
The Friends Spring Book Sale Is Back!
Saturday April 30, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Join the Friends of the Bedford Public Library, Inc. on as they hold their long anticipated Annual Spring Book Sale. Thousands of great literary buys will be available for the public at very affordable prices. The Book Sale will be held on the Second Floor of the Library. Prices range from $.25 for some children’s paperbacks to a few dollars for great reads. Included will be a varied selection of fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, children’s books, religious books, sci-fi, humor, as well as videos, and jigsaw puzzles.
The Friends are always pleased to accept donations of books in good, clean condition for the Book Sale. Please no contributions of textbooks, magazines, encyclopedias, or Reader’s Digest Condensed Books. Proceeds from the Sale are used to support Bedford Central Library. Contributions can be brought to Bedford Central Library.
Saturday, April 30, 3:30 p.m
Lime Kiln’s Touring Theatre.
Do You Love An Apple?
Performance of “Like Meat Loves Salt”at the SML/Moneta Library at 1:30 p.m. (same day) This first performance is sponsored by the SML/Moneta Friends of the Library.
Free and Open to the Public - Funded by a grant from the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust Fund
Theater at Lime Kiln was founded in 1984. Since then they have been developing original works steeped in the history and culture of southern Appalachia. Using storytelling and music, Lime Kiln's productions bring to
life the myths and legends of these mountains, and the actions and humor that fill Appalachian folklore.
Do You Love an Apple? (K-5) The tale is a raucous romp about twin sisters born with unique gifts. One sister is cursed with ugliness, but possessed of a rapier wit, while the other is beautiful as the dawn, and as dull as a post. Eight original songs and roots in a number of folk tales make this show perfect for the entire family. Suggested for Audiences of all Ages
Saturday, May 14, 7:30 p.m.
Jon Shain Duo
Singer /Songwriter
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Jon Shain is a veteran singer songwriter who’s been turning heads for years with his words, his fiery acoustic guitar work, and his evolved musical style- combining improvised piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing and ragtime. Attending Duke University in the late 80’s, Shain was a student of American history with a dedicated interest in southern musical traditions.
There’s no pretense with Jon’s work, just honest music powered by a rough vocal style and a clean blues influenced guitar that serves as the centerpiece in most songs. Shain’s intricate work on the fret board is always a pleasure, and the tight knit backing group frees him to soar. His music is as sincere and as affable as he is, and in this sense he’s always playing from the heart. He’s chalked up three solo albums since leaving the band Wake, and each record has been a giant step for Shain’s songcraft.
“A fine North Carolina singer-songwriter steeped in Dylan and Delta blues” -Village Voice, NY, NY
“Jon Shain could be called the anti-folk singer. Unlike most doom-sayers, heart wringers and soothsayers of that genre he writes rollicking, uplifting music that smacks of the simple truths of John Prine’s music coupled with the prowess worthy of John Hiatt.” - Grant Britt, ESP
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Saturday, May 21, 2:00 p.m
Barbara Martin
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“From Ragtime to Rock and Roll”
1st - 8th grade/ Family Concert
Free and Open to the Public - Funded by a grant from the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust Fund
"From Ragtime to Rock and Roll" explores the American musical journey from the infectious rhythms brought over by the enslaved Africans that were incorporated into spirituals, gospel, blues and jazz to the European folk music brought by Irish, English and Scottish immmigrants that was incorporated into bluegrass and old time music and the combination of both of these cultures into popular American rock and country music. Children participate by singing traditional American songs and clapping the distinctive rhythms that form the basis for blues, swing, country and rock.
Showcases/Awards:
º Fall 2000 Parents Choice Silver Honor Award for children's recordings
º 2000-01 Artist in Residence, Virginia Highlands Community College, Abingdon, VA
º 1995-2001, Virginia Commission for the Arts Touring Grant
"The integrity of the instrumentals and Martin's warm, clear vocals and brief but informative introductions to each song segment are a graceful blend of education and entertainment."
"Barb is a versatile performer with an excellent blues voice and an easy rapport with her audience."
Saturday, June 4, 7:30 p.m.
Bamboo Breeze
Chinese Contemporary & Folk Music
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Bamboo Breeze, a NYC based duo, offer a wide range of Chinese
contemporary and folk music in a fast paced concert program which delights and wows its audiences. Xiao Xiannian, national champion of the Chinese hammer dulcimer studied at the Beijing Conservatory of Music and is considered a dulcimer musician extraodinaire. Julie Tay adds gongs, cymbals, drums, bells and a thread of lively narrative. They have performed at the Lincoln Center, the 2003 Grammy Awards and will perform at Dollywood.
Saturday, June 11, 7:30 p.m.
Atwater & Donnelly
Traditional American & Celtic Folk
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
The much acclaimed, internationally known folk duo, Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly present delightful programs of traditional American and Celtic folk songs, a capella pieces, hymns, dance tunes, and original works. Elwood and Aubrey blend gorgeous and unusual harmonies and play guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, mandolin, tin whistle, harmonica, banjo, bones, spoons, limberjack, and other surprises including Appalachian clog dancing.
Their performance is appealing to all ages, and with humor, audience participation, and a relaxed stage presence, Aubrey and Elwood explain song origins to give more relevance to the material. Because they have such an extensive repertoire, special programs and workshops are offered for festivals, schools, colleges, libraries, women's history, and holidays.
Aubrey and Elwood met as volunteers at the Stone Soup Coffeehouse in Providence in early 1987. They are self-taught musicians from Rhode Island and formed a duo in the fall of that same year. Married since 1989, they perform widely in the United States and abroad and their eight recordings receive international airplay. Highlights include airplay on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and Fiona Ritchie's "Thistle and Shamrock."
Atwater and Donnelly have performed and researched traditional folk music and dance extensively in Ireland, England, Prince Edward Island, New England, the Ozarks, Appalachia, and other key places in the United States. They have performed or shared festival billing with folk legends Jean Ritchie, Pete Seeger, and Doc Watson.
During trips to festivals and camps such as the Hindman Settlement School in Eastern Kentucky, the Augusta Heritage Center in West Virginia, the Old Songs Festival in New York, the Ozark Folk Center in Arkansas, the Swannanoa Gathering and the John C. Campbell Folk School in western North Carolina, Aubrey and Elwood have taught classes, studied with traditional musicians and folklorists, played and called dances, appeared on television, and received standing ovations for their concerts.
In addition to their eight recordings, Aubrey has written three books of poetry and a song book and the duo is part of eight compilation albums.
Atwater-Donnelly are marvelous musicians. Their voices blend beautifully, their instrumental work is sparkling, and they are captivating performers. I could listen to them for hours. -- Frank Dudgeon, WUMB, Boston, MA
Thursday, June 30, 10:00 a.m.
Kim & Jimbo Cary
"Rhythms Round the World"
An Interactive Music Program for Children, Families & the Young at Heart
Program is free of charge - Support Provided by The Greater Lynchburg Community Trust Fund
The Friends of the Bedford Public Library, Inc are pleased to bring Kim and Jimbo Cary to Bedford Central Library for a Children’s Program on Thursday, June30 at 10:00 a.m. in the Bedford Room. This program, Rhythms Round the World, is open to the public free of charge and is funded by a grant from the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust Fund. Program is designed for children, their families and the young at heart. For more information please call 540-586-8911 ext 11 or visit www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org.
Join Kim & Jimbo Cary in an interactive musical tribute to our immigrant ancestors from Europe and Africa, featuring their unique collection of string, wind and percussion instruments from around the world.
Experience Irish jigs, Scottish reels, East European frailachs and West African rhythms culminating in a jam session with the audience playing gourds, maracas, rico-ricos, claves, bells, tambourines, and hand drums. The Carys play tin whistle, bodhran, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, acoustic bass, soprano saxophone, jembe (African lead drum), jun-jun (bass drum) and balafon (west African xylophone). Sing along with Kim & Jimbo’s originals, including “The Library Song” for children learning to read, and “Save the Bay”, an appeal to preserve Virginia’s wild habitat.
Selected as Touring Artists by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Kim & Jimbo have performed for Easter at the White House and at the Kennedy Center. Celebrating the cultural roots of Virginia and the U. S., the Carys have performed for over 100,000 children and adults throughout the Commonwealth. Kim & Jimbo’s CD, “Animal Friends”, now in its second printing, has become a children’s’ music classic, receiving rave reviews from parents and educators.
Ninth Annual Quilt Show
Wednesday, July 13 until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26
open to the public and free of charge
The Peaks and Pieces Quilt Guild and The Friends of the Bedford Public Library will co-host the Ninth Annual Bedford Quilt Show 2005 from Wednesday, July 13 until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26 on the second floor of the Bedford Central Library. This event is made possible through the generous participation of the Peaks and Pieces Quilting Guild with the support of Friends of the Bedford Public Library, Inc. The exhibit of contemporary quilts showcases the work of dozens of talented quilt makers who use fabric to express their creativity. The Guild is also recognized in the community for the volume of charity quilts which the members create and donate each year. Over 100 quilts were created and donated in 2004 by the Guild.
This exciting exhibit will be open for viewing during normal library hours. Ribbons will be awarded to top quilts in the show, based on viewer’s choice. The public is invited to come learn more about quilting and this rich aspect of Bedford’s heritage. The Annual Quilt Show continues to be one of the most anticipated art shows at the library each year. The show is open to the public and free of charge. For more information visit www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org or call 540-586-8911 ext 18.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
10:00 a.m.
Storyteller Lynn Ruehlmann
"Quilting Aesop"
An Interactive Storytelling Program for Children, Families & the Young at Heart
Program is free of charge - Support Provided by The Greater Lynchburg Community Trust Fund
The Friends of the Bedford Public Library, Inc. arepleased to bring Storyteller Lynn Ruehlmann to Bedford Central Library for a Children’s Program on Thursday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. in the Bedford Room. This program, Quilting Aesop, is open to the public free of charge and is funded by a grant from the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust Fund. Program is designed for children, their families, and the young at heart. For more information please call 540-586-8911 ext 11 or visit www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org
For over 2,500 years storytellers and writers have used Aesop's Fables to entertain and to teach values. These fables are thought to have been told originally by an ancient Greek slave. In this show Lynn Ruehlmann retells some of the lesser-known tales along with some old favorites. Through her animated portrayals of Aesop's clever stories and characters, students learn about respect, friendship, loyalty, independent thinking, and self-reliance. Children stay involved through frequent group participation. Some are also invited on stage to button panels with pictures of each story onto the beautiful quilt that serves as backdrop.
Lynn has been working as a professional storyteller for more than fifteen years. She has performed for schools of all levels, for adult organizations, libraries, and museums. In the past nine years she has written and toured ten shows for Young Audiences of Virginia. She has been a performer and workshop presenter for Core Knowledge Conferences in Anaheim, CA, and Boston, MA; at Storytelling Festivals in Richmond, VA; Williamsburg, VA; and Philadelphia, PA. She has also been a featured teller on many occasions on various radio programs. She has been named "Artist of the Year" by Young Audiences and "Best Actress in a Comedy" by Folio. Her recording of "Spy! The Story of Civil War Spy Elizabeth VanLew" won a "Storytelling World" Honor Award and a Parents' Choice Recommended Award. Her background in English and Theater combined to prepare her for creating and performing her own storytelling programs of historical stories, myths, folklore and personal stories.
Responses following performances include:
"The stories come alive with your telling, and your movements are economical and memorable. We were impressed with the attentiveness of the students and their enthusiastic responses." -Ramona Mapp
"Teachers mention Ruehlmann's enthusiasm and endearing nature when working with the students and her professional manner. She is a dynamic resource."
-Bobbi Hutchko
Saturday, July 30, 7:30 p.m.
Peyton Tochterman & High Society
Blend of Country, Bluegrass, Early Jazz & Creative Song Writing
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Join the Friends of the Bedford Public Library, Inc. on Saturday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m. as they host Peyton Tochterman & High Society in concert. This concert supersedes the previously scheduled concert with Old School Freight Train.
The concert will be held in the Bedford Room of Bedford Central Library and is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5.00 per person. Seating is limited to 100 people. For more information call 540-586-8911, ext 18 or visit www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org. The concert with Old School Freight Train has tentatively been rescheduled for August 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Peyton Tochterman and High Society are creating new standards, new sounds, and new music for the modern times. Based on the songs and singing of Peyton Tochterman, the music combines mandolin, trumpet, drums and percussion, double bass, guitar and vocals. The Hook writes that Tochterman displays “warm and catchy song writing abilities “ earmarking his CD, The Personals , for Charlottesville’s ‘Best of 2005’ list.” PT&HS are pushing the boundaries of acoustic music through an unusual combination of instruments and cutting edge social commentary. As the C-Ville Weekly notes, the band has “…some of the best musicians in town.” Their performances are spontaneous, original, and most assuredly uncompromised by the cookie cutter mentality that plagues much of today’s music.
The band will feature musicians: Peyton Tochterman on guitar & vocals,
John D’earth on trumpet, Pete Spaar on double bass, and Special Guest, Ann Marie Calhoun on fiddle.
Peyton Tochterman and High Society is the new band to watch. Having recently released Peyton Tochterman, The Personals, PT&HS have created a local buzz through their live shows and performances on 91.1 FM WTJU. The Personals is a masterful blend of country, bluegrass, early jazz, and highly creative song writing whose title track (lifted verbatim from the "personals" page of a weekly newsmag) is a brilliantly witty, trenchant piece of modern satire. Their next CD is in the works.
Saturday, August 27, 7:30 p.m.
Old School Freight Train
Blend of Latin, Celtic, Bluegrass & Pop
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
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Join the Friends of the Bedford Public Library, Inc. on Saturday, August 27 at 7:30 p.m. as they host Old School Freight Train in concert. The concert held in the Bedford Room of Bedford Central Library is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5.00 per person. Seating is limited to 100 people. For more information call 540-586-8911, ext 18 or visit www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org.
Blending jazz, Latin, Celtic, bluegrass and pop, Old School Freight Train (OSFT) creates electrifying acoustic music. This young Charlottesville, VA based group instantly carved their own unique sound, attracting a diverse audience since their inception in 2000. After gaining a loyal local following, the band gained national recognition touring the country and winning awards at the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass and Rockygrass Bluegrass contests.
Old School Freight Train's sound is synergistic and ultimately compelling. Banjoist Ben Krakauer, originally from Williamsburg, VA met mandolinist Pete Frostic who was at the time in college in Williamsburg. The two instantly had a musical connection, pushing the envelope of bluegrass. Lead vocalist and guitarist Jesse Harper soon joined the band and recruited bassist Darrell Muller from North Carolina. The band relocated to the Charlottesville area and began to further develop their sound with the addition of fiddler Nate Leath. A North Carolina native who is currently finishing up his degree at the Berklee School of Music, Nate's poetic fiddling adds just the sound the band needed to round out their style
Mandolin master David Grisman heard their music in the fall of 2004 and viewed the band as "an emerging force to reckon with in today's world of acoustic music." Grisman invited the band to record at his Dawg Studios in Northern California and manned the production and recording along with Dave Dennison. From these sessions came Run, OSFT's dynamic second CD and their first for Acoustic Disc, Grisman's acclaimed independent label.
Candlewyck
Newgrass - Bluegrass
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Join the Friends of the Bedford Public Library, Inc. on Saturday, August 13 at 7:30 p.m. as they host Candlewyck in concert. The concert held in the Bedford Room of Bedford Central Library is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5.00 per person. Seating is limited to 100 people. For more information call 540-586-8911, ext 18 or visit www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org.
Candlewyck started as an acoustic duo founded by Chris Emerson and Ty Bennett in Charlotte, NC. The band which has grown to a quartet prides itself on being one of a very few bluegrass groups to write, record and perform their own material. While Ty composes most of the group’s material, several tunes are collaborations with Chris such as “Firemen”. “This will always be one of our favorite songs and was actually our first single released to radio where it did well” says Chris. They called on Lonesome River Band alumni Don Rigsby to sing lead on the tune and it won Best Bluegrass Song at the 2002 Independent Music Awards—not a small feat considering the thousands of entries and the fact that the judges included Arturo Sandoval, Ricky Skaggs and Tom Waits. A live Candlewyck show guarantees excitement, variety and a lot of picking. Jon Cornatzer is impressive in how he is able to combine banjo parts performed on the CD (by Terry Baucom, Jens Kruger, Tony Furtado, etc.) with his own creative ideas and make it all work. He is a tremendous talent and will be featured heavily on the new Candlewyck record.
"Picks up where New Grass Revival left off and presents a genre busting, rock-and-roll energy that might appeal to fans of, say, Nickel Creek.
Eleni Kelakos
Singer/Songwriter - Folk
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Join the Friends of the Bedford Public Library, Inc. on Saturday, September 10 at 7:30 p.m. as they host Eleni Kelakos in concert. The concert held in the Bedford Room of Bedford Central Library is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5.00 per person. Seating is limited to 100 people. For more information call 540-586-8911, ext 18 or visit www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org.
Six feet of presence, power and passion, nationally touring singer and songwriter, Eleni Kelakos, takes her live performance to heights rarely matched in the folk world thanks to the combination of an extensive background as a professional actress, and a deep, and abiding love for the act of performing itself. The daughter of a career foreign service officer, and self-described “Embassy Brat,” Eleni spent the first fifteen years of her life living and traveling throughout Europe and the Middle East-- an enriching, fascinating but peripatetic lifestyle. For many years, Eleni worked as an actress in New York City and Los Angeles, in theatre (The Guthrie Theatre, La Mama ETC.), film (Bill and Tedís Bogus Journey, The Suicide Club) and television (Beverly Hills 90210), developing further ease and command on stages both large and small. A guitarist and songwriter since her early teens, Eleni turned to her acoustic guitar for solace after her first marriage crumbled. A mad profusion of songs tumbled insistently out of her, and a new career was born.
To coin a theatrical term, Eleni is a “triple threat.” She sings, “lushly and commandingly, in a supple voice ‘described by Music Reviews Quarterly as having an almost shocking clarity, unlike any singer since Joan Baez, and that Independent Songwriter Magazine describes as “one of the most powerful and dynamic voices in the indie world today”; She write, “songs of poetic grace and moral clarity” (Santa Cruz Sentinel), and an unforgettable narrative spin, that have admitted her into the most prestigious of songwriting competitions; and she performs ”like gangbusters” with punch and power. Her personal warmth and enthusiasm are contagious. Her way with a funny tale borders on standup. The stories she spins, leading from one well-crafted song into the next, are as captivating and entertaining as the songs themselves; and the songs hit the heart or the funny bone with unerring accuracy, often touching on troubling subject matter, like ageism, or gang violence, with a shattering, thought provoking truthfulness.
An evening with Eleni is an exhilarating, entertaining, intimate, cathartic experience, rich with tears and laughter. She leaves her audience filled with hope, and with a heightened awareness of the wonderful details that make us human, and that bind us all,joyously,one to the other.
Dana & Susan Robinson
Singer/Songwriters - Folk
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Join the Friends of the Bedford Public Library, Inc. on Saturday, October 8at 7:30 p.m. as they host Dana and Susan Robinson in concert. The concert held in the Bedford Room of Bedford Central Library is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5.00 per person. Seating is limited to 100 people. For more information call 540-586-8911, ext 18 or visit www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org.
Dana and Susan Robinson are based in Asheville, North Carolina. Dana was raised in California, then moved to the Northeast; Susan was raised in the Northeast, then moved to California. They spent most of their lives crisscrossing paths until on Saint Patrick's Day, 2002, Susan attended a house concert Dana was giving in California.
In the early 80's, Dana settled in northern Vermont and built a house - sans electricity and phone - on 30 acres near the Canadian border. There he founded a popular bakery and café where the folk concerts he presented became a valued cultural staple of the community. Dana launched into full-time touring after the release of his debut album Elemental Lullabye in 1994, encouraged by the request to perform at Carnegie Hall for Putumayo's Shelter benefit concert. Since then, Dana has been performing more than 150 concerts each year across the US, Canada, and United Kingdom.
A multi-instrumentalist (guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo), Dana brings traditional music values into his contemporary songwriting. He integrates guitar styles from influences as diverse as America's Norman Blake and Tim O'Brien to England's Nick Jones and John Martyn. Dana's songwriting has been likened to that of Steve Goodman and Dougie MacLean, and he sings with a warm and reedy tenor.
Susan brings her rich harmonies and the claw hammer-style banjo into Dana's music. In 2002, Susan had been working as an environmental grant writer in California and studying Scottish fiddle. A natural musician, having played piano and oboe in addition to the fiddle, Susan took instantly to the guitar and banjo when she and Dana met. Together they complete a circle that allows them to more fully explore their passion for merging traditional and contemporary music.
"Many songwriters have been heralded as modern day Woody Guthries or keepers of the American rural spirit, but that mantle might be better entrusted to musicians like Dana Robinson who embody both the heart and the soul of folk music." - Dirty Linen
Al Petteway & Amy White
Contemporary Original, Traditional & Celtic Influenced
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Join the Friends of the Bedford Public Library, Inc. on Saturday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m. as they host Al Petteway and Amy White in concert. The concert held in the Bedford Room of Bedford Central Library is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5.00 per person. Seating is limited to 100 people. For more information call 540-586-8911, ext 18 or visit www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org.
Al Petteway and Amy White perform an exciting blend of contemporary, Celtic-influenced, original and traditional instrumental music on acoustic guitars, mandolin, piano, Irish bouzouki, vocals and world percussion. During their live shows, this husband and wife team captures the hearts of their audienceswith colorful stories about the places ad events that haveinspiredtheir music.
Al and Amy first began performing and recording together as a duo in 1995 and proceeded to win the 1995 Washington Area Music Association Award (WAMMIE) for “Best New Artist.” Since then they have become one of the most respected acts in the acoustic music scene. They were awarding the 1996,1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 WAMMIES for Best New Age Group and 1998 and 1999 WAMMIES for Best Irish/Celtic Group. They were also Artist in Residence at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.
“Al Petteway and Amy White are not only really and truly in love with each other - an energy that ricochets between them during their performance - they’re also in love with creating their caffeinated, jazz-spike acoustic brew.” The Washington City Paper
“Al and Amy capture audience with elegant musicianship. Their rich melodies and intricately textured arrangement evoke magic and mystery.” Garth Ross, Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage
Saturday, December 3, 7:30 p.m.
Barbara Martin & Mac Walter
Swinging Jazz and Blues Christmas Concert
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Join the Friends of the Bedford Public Library, Inc.on Saturday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. as they host Barbara Martin and Mac Walter in concert. The concert held in the Bedford Room of Bedford Central Library is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5.00 per person. Seating is limited to 100 people. For more information call 540-586-8911, ext 18 or visit www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org. The performance will combine folk and jazz, traditional, contemporary and original seasonal songs as well as traditional
blues and jazz. The duo will be introducing their latest CD, "Tis the Season.
"...slice of life (original) songs that ring with truth, wit and experience" The Washington Post
Barbara Martin's music is a rich stew of earthy blues and folk peppered with sassy, swinging jazz. Her performances are rooted in a healthy respect for the traditions of American music from Josh White to Bessie Smith to Billie Holiday. Her sultry, soulful voice interwoven with the bending, sliding strings of guitar wizard Mac Walter create an experience that covers a full emotional palate, moving audiences from tears to laughter and back again.
From the time she bought her first guitar at the age of 13, Barbara Martin has never been afraid to explore and experiment. She moved from the folk coffeehouse circuit in her native Iowa to the new wave rock scene in Boston, to discovering her true love, blues and jazz, in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. From her decision in 1990 to give up her job as a social worker and embark on a career as a full time musician she has never looked back. Her journey has taken her to festivals and concert venues throughout the United States and Europe, five recordings and critical acclaim from presenters and reviewers alike.
Guitarist, Mac Walter, began his musical career at 16 when Marianne Price, formerly with Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, convinced him to give up the ukulele and try the guitar. Three months later Mac was playing in Marianne's band and has not put the guitar down since. Over a 35 year career Mac has studied with guitar greats Roy Buchanan, John Knowles and Woody Mann. He has performed with Danny Gatton and Deanna Bogart, touring the United States and Europe. Claiming influences from Wes Montgomery to Django Reinhardt to Frank Zappa, Mac is a fluid master of many styles.
"Fresh, intelligent and engrossing...music to savor again and again."
-Portfolio Magazine, 2004
"Jazzy originals in a torch style grace... Martin's distinctive low voice and great band tag these songs with a light spirit."
- Blues Revue, June, 2000
"... an unexpected gift for double entendre and sultry melody and as a singer with a penchant for smoldering seduction."
- Geoffrey Himes, Howard County Sun
She is carrying the torch of Ida Cox, Bessie Smith and Sippie Wallace and beautifully evokes their styles into her own compositions."
- Blues Rag, Baltimore Blues Society
"...a fine intelligent songwriter, Barbara Martin is a very attractive singer, rootsy and blusey one minute, sweet and tender the next...often humorous, always genuine and life-affirming."
- All Music Guide