Programs for 2006
Saturday, January 21, 7:30 p.m.
No Strings Attached
Eclectic, Jazz on Acoustic Instruments &
World Beat
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
An award-winning quartet based in Roanoke/Blacksburg, Virginia, No Strings Attached actually features hundreds of strings playing music described as "eclectic, jazz on acoustic instruments and world beat." Much like Clark Kent appears ordinary for the most part, only to become Superman after visiting a convenient phone booth, No Strings is superficially a traditional string band focusing on instrumental arrangements, but they consistently stretch the boundaries of string music beyond traditional concepts. The Washington Post accurately described them as "one of the more adventurous string ensembles today."
While their recordings feature traditional acoustic music, they also incorporate material by Dave Brubeck, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, the Chieftains, and Bill Spence, as well as their own originals. The eclectic brand of music they play and their exciting stage personae --think Cirque du Soleil and you're close-- has allowed them to open for such artists as Mary Wilson and the Supremes, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Doc Watson, Turtle Island String Quartet, John Hartford, and John McCutcheon.
They have played in European venues such as FolkClub Zuriche (Switzerland) and in U.S. venues ranging from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and CBS TV's Morning News program to major festivals such as the Pacific Rim International Music Festival in Los Angeles, California. They wrote and performed the theme song for the PRI radio show World Cafe. On stage, they typically dance the tango with their instruments, parody old rock and roll bands, clog while playing old-time tunes, and sometimes use the slinky (yes, the old toy) as a percussion instrument.
Saturday, February 18, 7:30 p.m.
Kyler England
Contemporary Singer/Songwriter/ Pop
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
If you dig into the recesses of your memory, and recall the millions of little things that inexplicably wiped away your tear-stained cheeks as a child, that's what listening to Kyler is like. Hearing her sing is like a warm hug, a brightly colored band-aid on a skinned knee, a lollipop and a sticker after a visit to the doctor, a handful of dandelions in an old jelly jar. However, there is nothing childish about her approach to music. Her songs mostly deal with matters of life and love: the euphoric ups and devastating downs of relationships, battling the stresses of everyday life, the struggles of letting go and moving on. Very simply put, she makes the best of a bad situation by transforming even the darkest emotions into dazzling works of beauty and perfection.
From the minute she picks up her acoustic guitar and the first notes escape her lips, the audience is drawn in and captivated by her warmth and charm. Kyler's acoustic feel evokes the spirit of singer-songwriter predecessors like Joni Mitchell and Sarah McLachlan, but her unique sound forges its own path. She melds together elements of folk, rock, and pop, creating seamless pieces that are mellow and introspective, but with enough edge to grab and take hold of your attention. Her voice envelops you like a favorite sweater on a winter day, and her songs are individual perfect little rooms you want nothing more than to hide away in. Her lyrics are always poignant and honest, revealing the inner truths of human emotion. The combination of all these things hits the heart in such a way that all of that baggage you've been carrying melts away, and you're left with nothing but feelings of peace and contentment.
-Marisa Emralino
just the facts on kyler...
- Kyler's record "A Flower Grows In Stone" named "Best Alternative Rock CD of 2004" in the Indie Acoustic Project's Best CDs of 2004
- 1st Place in the 2004 Unisong International Contest for "If You Want Me To" (pop ballad category)
- 1st Place in the 2004 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest for "If You Want Me To" (adult contemporary category)
- performed at the 2004 Toronto Film Festival
- Featured on WXPN/Philadelphia, PA Women's Music Hour 3/2005
- 1st Place in the 2003 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest for "Something So Beautiful" (rock/alternative category)
- Winner of the 2002 North Carolina Songwriters Competition
- Featured on 2002 Epic/Sony Compilation "Shekinah"
- Nominated in 2000 for a Boston Music Award
- Featured on NPR's Women in Music & Here & Now Syndicated Radio Shows 8/2003
- Touring Nationally Clubs & Colleges Over 100 Shows in 2003 and 2004
FRIDAY March 17, 7:30 p.m.
Masters of the Celtic Harp In Concert
Two Sides of Celtic by Foremost Harpers of Ireland and Scotland
Gráinne Hambly and William Jackson
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Rarely has Irish and Scottish music been heard together in a way that compares with the music of Gráinne Hambly and William Jackson. Besides the contrasting and complimentary sounds and styles of the harps, performances will also include concertina, whistle and mandola. Educational workshops in Irish and Scottish harp styles as well as the harp in music therapy are also offered.
Gráinne Hambly from County Mayo, Ireland is one of the finest exponents of the Irish Harp performing and touring throughout North America and Europe today. Her fluid style and virtuoso performances have gained her a reputation as a performer and instructor without equal. Gráinne has two widely acclaimed CDs. She has broken the genteel parlor image and elevated the stature of the harp right up there with the fiddles and pipes in the realm of dynamic dance music. Add to that the unsurpassed expressive quality the harp has in her hands in the rendition of age-old airs and laments and you have the masterful performance of an experienced and renowned player.
William Jackson of Glasgow has been at the forefront of Scottish traditional music for nearly 30 years. In addition to his stature as one of the leading harpers and multi-instrumentalists in Scot, William has gained an international reputation as a composer. His “Land of Light” won the international competition in 1999 as the new song for Scotland, announced on the eve of that Parliament convening for the first time in 300 years.
William was a founding member and creative tour de force of Ossian in 1976,which became one of Scotland’s best-loved traditional bands. The band, whose music influenced a generation of musicians, extensively toured the I.S. and Europe. Besides harp, he also plays tin whistle and mandola. Also a trained music therapist, William continues to work in this field. He has six solo CDs, as well as being featured on all Ossian recordings.
FRIDAY, March 31, 7:30 p.m.
Gráda from Ireland In Concert
Traditional Irish Music
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
in 2001. It has been a long time coming, but Irish group Gráda are Gráda are based in Dublin, Ireland, where they began playing together finally starting to get the sort of recognition they deserve, having received a raft of awards and reviews that have propelled them into the elite circle of Irish super groups. Gráda have spent the last few months headlining festivals around Belgium and Holland, culminating with Denmark’s prestigious Tonder Festival.
Gráda have taken Irish traditional music forward to a new level, effortlessly blending contemporary music styles, modern songs and other forms of ethnic music into their own natural style. American record label, Compass, has seen the group’s CDs released worldwide, laying a platform for Gráda’s steady path of touring, which saw them play in 12 countries last year in venues as prestigious as the Sydney Opera House, Ireland’s National Concert Hall, and the main stage at Belgium’s Dranouter Festival where 12,000 people came to see their concert.
The group draws from a wide range of influences, which has seen them working with Dave Hingerty (ex Frames drummer, now working a lot with Josh Ritter); Vyviene Long (cellist with Damien Rice); and, as a producer, Trevor Hutchinson (Lúnasa, Sharon Shannon, The Waterboys). Further additions have included Dublin jazz personality Kevin Brady (of The Organics) on percussion & trumpet, and Danish percussionist extraordinaire, Rasmus Skovmund.
Irish music with “enough steam in its heels to leave most of its peers at the starting blocks” (The Irish Times)
“Gráda is not a household name in the US – yet, but if this talented quintet appears anywhere within 100 miles of you, hi’ thee hence… ” (Sing Out Magazine)
SATURDAY, April 1, 7:30 p.m.
Montana Skies
Cello & Guitar -Folk, Pop and Classical
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Montana Skies creates a unique new sound withthe unusual pairing of cello and fingerstyle guitar. Combining classic with modern, the group has created their own "new acoustic" sound with innovative original compositions and arrangements.
Montana Skies’ debut recording Montana Skies reached #1 on world and instrumental music radio charts in April and May of 2004 and helped them win the prestigious title of “Best New Artist” in the 2004 Lifestyle Radio Awards. Highlights from the CD’s airplay include broadcasts nationally on the NPR radio program “Echoes” and the TV program “Soundcapes”. Montana Skies’ concert careers have taken them all across the US and now to Asia. Montana Skies made their Asian concert debut at the Seoul Arts Center in Korea, a 2500-seat venue. The concert was taped for a television special which aired around the world including China, The Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and Malaysia. Later in the week, the musicians performed several concerts before live audiences for the Educational Broadcasting System, Korea's version of PBS. Montana Skies has released two albums on the label, Sonic Grapefruit. Montana Skies in 2002, and the new release Chasing the Sun which was inspired from being on the road. Chasing the Sun has also climbed the NAR radio charts and is currently ranked #1 for radio airplay.
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. At first the two planned on collaborating on classical music but after a trip to the University Library to investigate repertoire, they discovered that music written for cello/guitar was as rare as the combination itself. Jonathan and Jennifer were not discouraged; they began writing their own arrangements to classics and composing music for themselves. Not having set repertoire has given these music artists a great freedom in their musical expression. 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 'ready made' repertoire is not available for our combination of instruments really what pushes us to be more creative with our music. We love composing and arranging, and appreciate the opportunity to present old favorites, along with newer music, to our audiences."
Jonathan and Jennifer adopted their name Montana Skies in 2003, after the release of their CD "Montana Skies". Jennifer explains, "Our first original song together was titled Montana Skies, this eventually came to be the title of our first album. During this very creative and inspiring process of writing music for the recording, we found the title we chose for the CD not only captured the music, but also our newly found 'sound'. Our name applies as a figurative ideal of aesthetic beauty. That's what we're going for with our music."
Forging ahead artistically, Montana Skies released their newest album Chasing the Sun which was inspired by their most recent cross-country tour. The cd includes some exciting new collaborations with mandolinist Butch Baldassari and pianist Robin Spielberg. Many of the songs were composed while traveling across the USA and seeing it’s national treasures.
Chasing the Sun is an homage to the “road trip”. Jonathan explains, “This cd is not only about the literal road trip, but also the metaphorical “road trip” of life. We’ve learned a lot on both so far, but mostly we’ve learned that it’s never about the place, but always about the people. Much of this music was written and arranged on our cross country tour in the spring of 2004 and draws from the sights and sounds that we absorbed as we crisscrossed the US. We hope our fans will enjoy the ride as much as we did.”
FRIDAY, May 12, 7:30 p.m.
Mad Agnes
A Fusion of Folk, Pop and Classical Contrapuntal Harmonies
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
"Mad Agnes isn’t really mad at all," says Pete Fornatale (of WFUV in New York), unless mad also means quirky, intelligent, warm, insightful, and humorous. Mad Agnes’ music – created by Margo Hennebach, Adrienne Jones, and Mark Saunders – delights, incites, and heals. They do it with rich, heart-rending three-part harmonies, synergistic musicianship, and clever songwriting that is at once familiar and completely unique. Witness this for yourself on their recently released DVD, Who's Mad Agnes, or their latest CD release, Magic Hour. Rich Warren of SING OUT! Magazine says, "This recording is magic...glorious harmonies, highly original arrangements and memorable songs...perfect production." and Céline Keating of Acoustic Guitar calls it “a flawless CD with a unique sound.”
The Connecticut-based trio's musical bond stretches across three bands, two solo careers, one and a half decades and a vast repertoire encompassing ten releases. In concert, they move from bold, lushly arranged songs to pared down, spare and simple ones, showcasing their ample musical range. "Akin to progressive-folk artists of yore, most notably Fairport Convention, the multi-faceted Mad Agnes thrives on story-telling and a traditional aesthetic steeped in classical motifs, intricate harmonies, and complex counterpoint." Tom Semioli, Minor 7th. Full instrumentation (acoustic, electric, slide and bass guitars, piano and synth) and arrangements support harmonies that spring from angelic to rambunctious. Hennebach's and Jones' award-winning songwriting is sometimes whimsical, often poignant, and ultimately powerful.
"From witty to wildly innovative, there seems nothing out there like Mad Agnes, and certainly nothing like it in the folk world. A fusion of folk, pop and classical contrapuntal harmonies 'contemporary and yet also timeless' sort of Paul Simon meets Bach, as sung by the Bitching Babes." Peter Spink, New Age Voice
Saturday June 17 at 7:30 pm.
Brooks Williams in Concert - Acoustic Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Born in Statesboro, Georgia, Brooks took up the guitar at age 10 (he had been playing violin since the age of three) and had a hunger for music that was never satisfied. He crept into his older brother’s rooms, when they were away, and secretly listened to their albums: Hendrix, Tuna, Yes, Clapton and Morrison, to name a few. Brooks listened with all the naiveté of youth and taught himself to play the overdubbed parts on a single guitar. You’re not supposed to be able to do that, but Brooks did. Still does. Audiences hear it. Brooks with one guitar comping chords, walking bass lines and chiming in lead riffs. One instrument. One player.
Critics and writers hail Brooks “an acoustic guitar god,” and a “fret monster,” saying his music is “electrifying”, “dazzling,” and “breathtaking,” and that he sings like the “Angel of Soul.” With millions of touring miles and thirteen albums to his credit, the fans have seen and heard it for themselves. Brooks has a warm affable stage presence. His voice, one of the most purely pleasing in the business, can caress, or it can have muscle. His guitar reinvents works by the likes of Joseph Spence, John Martyn, Buddy Miller, T-Bone Burnett, Aztec Camera, Sam Phillips, The Blue Nile, and Memphis Slim. His huge and growing catalog of original songs is “exquisite,”
says MOJO, a UK magazine. The whole package rides in on rich melodic hooks and the heartbeat of compelling rhythm. It’s hard to sit still in a Brooks Williams concert!
10th Annual Bedford Quilt Show
Wednesday July 12- July 25
Co-sponsored by the Friends and Pieces and Peaks Quilt Guild
Free of Charge/ Open during Normal Library Hours
The Peaks and Pieces Quilt Guild and The Friends of the Bedford Public Library will co-host the Tenth Annual Bedford Quilt Show 2006 from Wednesday, July 12 until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25 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 2005 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.
FRIDAY, July 14, 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Kim and Jimbo Cary
Welcome Back!!
Musical Programs for Children and the Young at Heart
Kim & Jimbo Cary will delight their audiences with two family concerts at the Bedford Library on Friday, July 14th at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. sponsored by the Friends of Bedford Library, Inc. These concerts are brought to the public through a grant from The Greater Lynchburg Community Trust Fund. and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
The 10:30 show, “Animal Friends and Folksongs”, features songs from their Animal Friends CD including “Snakes Need Friends” and “Please Keep Wild Animals Wild”. Kim & Jimbo’s sing-alongs are gentle reminders to keep wild animals in their natural habitat. Children are invited to bring a favorite stuffed animal and dance to “Be Nice to Your Animal Friends”. The audience will join in a jam session using Kim and Jimbo’s collection of over 200 percussion instruments.
Do you like to play drums, bells, gourds, tambourines, and maracas? At 2:30, Kim and Jimbo will present “Rhythms ‘Round the World”, a musical tour of Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Join the fun as the audience is invited to play along with an Irish jig, a Mexican waltz, an East European frailach and West African dance rhythms. The Carys perform infectiously engaging tunes on fiddle, mandolin, gourd banjo, soprano and alto saxophone, jembe and jun-jun (West African drums), and balafon, (a West African xylophone).
Selected as Touring Artists by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Kim & Jimbo have performed at the White House, the Kennedy Center and for over 100,00 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.
Saturday, July 15, 7:30 p.m.
Emily Singleton & Cumberland Plateau
Bluegrass
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
With a voice that is sweet, yet sultry, Emily Singleton could be dubbed the "Norah Jones" of bluegrass. She knows how to reach into the depths of her soul and bring forth a beautiful sound that can be alternately haunting and lilting. Backed by her band, Cumberland Plateau, which includes Dave Higgs (guitar, octave mandolin, banjo), Ross Sermons (bass), and Teressa Parker (harmony vocals) and guest artists such as Casey Driessen, Jim Hurst, Andy Leftwich and Tim Carter, this project sounds like it was oh-so-easy to do. This effortless sound can only come from seasoned professionals, who believe in the project's merit.
In addition to such traditional numbers as "Down in the Valley" and "Calling My Children Home," Emily includes two of her own compositions, "Right Now," a song that talks about "living life in the moment," was written after the funeral of a friend "far too young to leave us." She also contributes "How Many Times," a song that transposes our emotional frustrations with one we love to another level - that of the relationship between God and his children.
She gets a little funky with "Cat Gone Blues" and "Wade in the Water," aided by Kenny Maline, master of percussion and in particular, the instrument he crafted called "The Beast," Life in the Moment definitely expands the bluegrass envelope and it should make the industry proud.
Emily and her husband, Dave Higgs, produced this project. From Bluegrass Now
Saturday, August 12, 7:30 p.m.
Debi Smith
Exquisite Folk - Back by Popular Demand
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
The Friends of the Bedford Public Library, Inc. are delighted to host Debi Smith in concert again. Her second performance two years ago was met by rave reviews by the audience and immediate requests to have her play at Bedford Central Library as soon as possible. As a long standing member of that highly hilarious female folkestra, THE FOUR BITCHIN' BABES, Debi Smith does it all: she sings using a three octave voice, writes, performs, plays guitar, piano, and bodhran (an Irish drum), records, cooks, mows her own lawn, is raising a son, and, as rumor has it, knows by name every piece in a Sears Craftsmen tool kit. Debi's career has been celebrated and fulfilling, winning awards such as The American Song Festival, Billboard Song Contest, ASCAP Composer Awards, and seven Washington Area Music Awards (WAMMIES). The press agrees. "Smith is truly gifted. A multi-instrumentalist with a three octave vocal range, she writes songs with the craftsmanship of an artisan and the insight of a poet." ALL MUSIC GUIDE
As a performer, Debi has graced many stages ranging from NYC's Bottom Line and Harvard's Saunders Theatre to UCLA's Wadsworth Theater and Minneapolis' Guthrie Theatre, and all points in between. She's been seen and heard on TNN's "New Country," National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" with Noah Adams and Susan Stamberg, "Prairie Home Companion," with Garrison Keillor, "Mountain Stage," CMT, CBS's "Sunday Morning," and ABC's "Good Morning America."
Performing with her sister, Megan, as THE SMITH SISTERS, Debi toured the U.S., Canada, and Russia, releasing four albums on Flying Fish Records. Their classic folk recordings contained the brilliant musicianship of Doc and Merle Watson, Sam Bush, and Mark O'Connor. These players opened up many musical doors for Debi. She soon discovered the Irish bodhran, while performing with THE HAGS, an all-female Celtic group who boasted having Mary Chapin Carpenter as a member.
The changes and career growth continued as Debi's first solo CD, In My Dreams (Amerisound), was co-produced by John Jennings of M.C. Carpenter fame. Off and running as a respected solo artist, her second solo CD, More Than Once (Shanachie), won Debi the WAMMIE for "Best Contemporary Folk Record." Debi's third album, Red Bird Red, was selected as one of the year's best by The Washington Post. Producer Ronn Price (FOUR BITCHIN' BABES), with the help of Ed Seay (Emmy Lou Harris, Martina McBride), directed a veritable "hit list" of Nashville's best studio musicians, creating a new country backdrop that brilliantly displays a stellar collection of Debi's songs.
Debi's songs have garnered her six ASCAP popular music awards and have been recorded by a growing number of artists including Tom Paxton. Her song, "Virginia," was selected as a Virginia State Song Finalist. Debi's lyrics have been published in two Random House books, Crème de la Femme and Life's a Stitch (Random House), benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, National Coalition against Domestic Violence, and AmFAR.
Debi Smith lives in Falls Church, VA, with her husband and son. She continues to record and tour as a member THE FOUR BITCHIN' BABES, as well as a solo singer/songwriter.
Saturday, September 23, 7:30 p.m.
Trifolkal
Folk Singer/Songwriters
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Trifolkal is a trio of singer/songwriters based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia. Laura Pole, Greg Trafidlo, & Neal Phillips have been performing together for about 15 years. Their music is an eclectic blend of original and traditional favorites, along with tunes by some of today's best songwriters, including Steve Gillette, Steve Key, David Roth, and others. The trio's warmth, beautiful harmonies, and witty songs have delighted audiences everywhere.
Laura, Greg & Neal have performed at many coffeehouses, festivals, fairs, churches, and house concerts. Their songs have been featured on national radio programs including NPR's Car Talk and The Midnight Special.
Trifolkal and its members have released 13 recordings including their most recent trio effort, Tao from the Mountain. Greg's first solo CD, Old Dog, New Tracks earned two WAMMIE nominations from the Washington Area Music Association. The trio also contributed a track to Freedom is a Constant Struggle (Folk Era Records) a CD that also features Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul & Mary, Si Kahn, Judy Collins, and Tom Paxton.
Laura, Greg & Neal have shared the stage with artists such as John McCutcheon, Robin & Linda Williams, Cheryl Wheeler, Emmylou Harris, John Hartford, Mark O'Connor, Trapezoid, John Prine, and Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen.
Saturday, October 14
FALL BOOK SALE
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Second Floor of Bedford Central Library
The Friends of the Bedford Public Library will hold their FALL BOOK SALE on Saturday October 14 2006, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Book Room on the second floor of Bedford Central Library. Please help support the Friends in this effort and take home some great reading material in the process. Most books range in price from $.25 to a few dollars. Bring a friend or neighbor and spend a few minutes or a few hours browsing through the large selection of books.
Contributions of clean books are needed for this important fundraiser. There is a great need for current fiction, especially paperback books, children’s books, craft books, best selling hardbacks and cookbooks. Also appreciated would be contributions of commercially produced CD’s, cassettes, and videos. Please, no National Geographic magazines, Reader’s Digest Condensed books, encyclopedias, or textbooks. Your contributions are welcomed and greatly appreciated. All proceeds from this Book Sale benefit Bedford Central Library.
Please bring your donation of books in good, clean condition to Bedford Central Library. For more information about the Book Sale please call Alice Nuzzo at 586-3075 or 586-8911 ext 18 or visit www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org. Bedford Central Library is located at 321 North Bridge St in Bedford.
Saturday, October 14, 7:30 p.m.
Mitch Barrett
Appalachian Folk
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Mitch grew up in the foothills of the Appalachians in Madison County, KY. He spent much of his childhood divided between his grandfathers' houses, one a fox hunter and tobacco farmer who plowed with mules and the other a musician and farmer, of sorts (he grew corn with which he made moonshine). In the course of learning his grandfathers' trades, there was much time for stories, jokes, and especially music. Mitch demonstrated musical talent from an early age, and performed with his mother in a regionally sought-after mountain duo.
At age 17, he set out for the east coast as part of the folk duo Mandala, with whom he played for over 10 years. After moving back to Kentucky , he began to hone his storytelling skills, drawing on the life stories and experiences rare among his generation and those following. In 1996 he met Carla Gover and decided to refocus on his music career as part of a duo based on songwriting, vocal harmony, and perpetuating Appalachian culture. Since then, he has won both the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest and the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award, Merlefest, and most recently the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Contest.
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Saturday, November 4, 7:30 p.m.
The Paddy Dougherty Quartet
BLUES, JAZZ & FOLK
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
Paddy Dougherty and her Quartet are to Lynchburg, what Dave Matthews is to Charlottesville. Why leave town to listen to music when the talent at home is so good?
Paddy D’s talents were showcased breathtakingly in 2006 when she performed original works arranged for full orchestra by legendary hit maker, Charlie Calello, who's work with Barbara Streisand, Laura Nyro, Frankie Valli & Frank Sinatra among others has led to over 100 Billboard Chart Recordings. Her debut with The Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra was trumped when she was invited to perform the encore number with pop legend Rita Coolidge. This past June, Paddy and her Quartet were once again invited to perform with the Symphony for The Bowen Community Concert held at City Stadium before 4,800 fans.
"Paddy Dougherty is as real a deal as they come. She doesn't have to work to pull you in; she just sings and you're already there because you can feel her heart in every song, and her voice is the voice of an angel, an angel who's lived a little, and knows what's going on."
-Tom Kimmel,
Nashville Singer/Songwriter
The title track from her most recent CD, “Wait on the Moon” won a Lyric Honor Award from the International competition – The Great American Song Contest. Paddy and her quartet will feature several songs from her upcoming CD to be released next year as well as favorites from "Wait on the Moon" and "Let Love Have Some Time".
Saturday, December 2, 7:30 p.m.
Brazz Tree
Fusion of Celtic, Indian, Roots Rock & Jazz
Suggested Donation - $5.00 per person
In just a little over a year, Brazz Tree has built a strong New York fan base from their mesmerizing shows and etheric string sounds playing clubs throughout NYC. They were selected to perform at the 2006 SXSW Music Festival in Austin, 2006 CMEAS Tour in Holland, the 2006 NACA National Convention in Boston, 2006 NXNE Festival in Toronto, the Temecula Valley Film Festival, and the Dewey Beach Music Festival in Dewey DE. They are on the Relix magazine compilation cd for the April/May 2006 issue and have received Radio play from across the country including a spotlight on Acoustic Cafe (ACAFE) as "one to watch".
“A strong debut by a Julliard drop-out and a New York City jazz guitarist under their assumed name Brazz Tree. Blending Western and Eastern music influences, "Quest" is a journey through powerful sounds and transcendental ambience. On the album there's a marriage of Celtic, Indian, roots rock, jazz, and ambient that breathes an elegant and esteemed vibe into the nine songs present on the album. You're not going to hear a more talented duo in a long time.”
- J-Sin
"Quest" is Brazz Tree's debut record-capturing the essence of the act's innovative sound and powerful live show. Inspired by traditional Eastern & Western compositions, the duo's musical vision is a fusing of guitarist Brad Hammonds' folk-inspired, percussive riff-based guitar lines coupled with traditional folk and fiddle tunes underneath Mazz's conscious lyrics which are sung with soulful originality.
The eclectic duo's influences are apparent on their outside collaborations, as well. Since dropping out of Juilliard after three years, Mazz has accompanied on stage and collaborated in the studio with the likes of, Kanye West, Moby, Jay-Z, Perry Farrell, Vernon Reid and DJ Logic.
"Why Brazz Tree aren't inciting a new revolution in music, I'll never know." - Chart Attack .
December 1-30 During Normal Library Hours
ART QUILTS by Karen Nuzzo
Open to the Public/ No Charge
This exhibit include 15 quilts, most of them created in the past twelve months by the artist, some in fulfillment of her thesis work at Hollins University. As part of her thesis Nuzzo created a body of work of non-traditional art quilts and explored the tension between the craft and art worlds, the need to create art and finding one’s voice. While maintaining a great respect for traditional quilting and quilt-makers, Nuzzo has always chafed under the increasingly perfectionist tendencies of modern day quilting and sought a looser more expressive dialogue with fabric. Influences included the work of Nancy Crow, Faith Ringgold’s story quilts and the stunning quilts of the women of Gee’s Bend. For several of her quilts Nuzzo dismantled her own clothing and that of her family to create quilts from fabric, with a story all its own etched into its fibers. An exploration of dyeing and color discharge has been of recent interest to the artist. Nuzzo uses color and shape in a painterly fashion and focuses on a non-representational abstract style of expression. Art quilts are not intended for use on beds, but rather can be viewed as paintings made with fabric and are hung on the wall.
Ms. Nuzzo has worked in the fiber arts for over 40 years, including knitting, spinning, weaving, sewing, embroidery, beading, felting, dyeing and with greater interest more recently, quilting. She completed her MALS degree at Hollins University in May of 2006. Her quilts can also be viewed at her web-site www.karennuzzo.com