Returning to the Hudson Valley this September is Mile Twelve, a fresh, hard driving young band beautifully walking the line between original and traditional bluegrass. Fast gaining recognition for their outstanding performances in bluegrass and folk circles, Evan Murphy, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Nate Sabat, BB Bowness and David Benedict write captivating songs and daring instrumental pieces from diverse influences. Banjo luminary Tony Trischka says, "Mile Twelve is carrying the bluegrass tradition forward with creativity and integrity."
HVBA FALL CONCERT - MOLLY TUTTLE
The International Bluegrass Music Association announced the final nominees for their 2017 International Bluegrass Music Awards naming Molly Tuttle in three categories: Emerging Artist, Female Vocalist, and Guitar Player of the Year. The instrumentation nomination is especially weighted as Molly is the first female ever to be nominated in this category.
The HVBA is so excited to announce that Molly Tuttle will be performing for us on November 17th at the Unitarian Fellowship. Tickets will go on sale at the beginning of October.
New HVBA Member Band - Taconic Ridge
Taconic Ridge, our newest HVBA Member Band, was formed four years ago. They were trying to get more people in New York interested in Bluegrass music while allowing the band members to continue their respective musical careers. The bent is towards the classic standards, with a sprinkling of modern selections. Current members are Greg Fingar, banjo and harmony; Tom Benson, guitar, lead vocals and harmony; Rich Keil, bass, lead vocals and harmony; and Stevie Wayne, fiddle, vocals and harmony.
Taconic Ridge will be performing at Bluegrass in Arlington on September 16. C'mon out and say "hello" and, while you are there, stay to listen to all the bands!!
New Board Members
The Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association is pleased to announce the addition of three new board members. Our board meets once a month to bring the best bluegrass to the Hudson Valley. We welcome the addition of these devoted bluegrass lovers!
Eric Marshall - Musician & educator from Millbrook, NY
Mike Fowler - Banjo player & strong HVBA Supporter from Modena, NY
Ethel Wesdorp - Bluegrass lover, assists with newsletter & lives in New Paltz
Mile Twelve is a fresh, hard driving young band beautifully walking the line between original and traditional bluegrass. Fast gaining recognition for their outstanding performances in bluegrass and folk circles, Evan Murphy, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Nate Sabat, BB Bowness and David Benedict write captivating songs and daring instrumental pieces from diverse influences. Banjo luminary Tony Trischka says, "Mile Twelve is carrying the bluegrass tradition forward with creativity and integrity."
Long recognized and praised as a creative force in acoustic music, Claire Lynch is a pioneer who continually pushes the boundaries of the bluegrass genre. Her career has been decorated with many accolades including three GRAMMY nominations, six International Bluegrass Music Association awards and the prestigious United States Artists Walker Fellowship.
Dolly Parton credits Claire with "one of the sweetest, purest and best lead voices in the music business today." Her harmonies have graced the recordings of many stellar musicians. Equally gifted as a writer, her songs have been recorded by The Seldom Scene, Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea, Cherryholmes, The Whites and others.
Blazing her own trail in the mid 70's when there were few role models for young women in the genre, Claire Lynch made history when she led the Front Porch String Band which evolved in the 80’s and 90’s into “one of the sharpest and most exciting post-modern bluegrass bands on the circuit.” She formed her own Claire Lynch Band in 2005 and has since consistently been a top pick of prestigious publications, critics and audiences across the U.S. and beyond.
Claire grew up in Kingston, New York until the age of 12 when her family moved to Huntsville, Alabama. There she began her education in country music and got caught up in the Bluegrass revival of the 1970's, joining a band called Hickory Wind. Later, the band changed its name to the Front Porch String Band with Claire’s vocals as its centerpiece.
Bryan McDowell is a person predictable only in his consistent excellence. Fiddler, vocalist, and seducer of stringed instruments, his reputation is solidifying as a musician of great interest on the Nashvillle scene.
With his move to the area in 2013,Bryan McDowell grounded his career in a 4 year tenure with Claire Lynch. He has logged considerable time on the road with bluegrass notables Sierra Hull, Alison Brown, Ron Block, & Molly Tuttle, and shared the stage and studio with an ever expanding list of legendary names from the realm of roots and acoustic music.
The talents of the new master have made their way on to several recordings garnering IBMA awards, and one project receiving a Grammy nomination.
Prior accolades worth mentioning are his triple win - a sweep of the fiddle, mandolin, and guitar categories - at the National Flatpicking Championship in '09, and his 21 other instrument contest titles from '09 & '10.
A virtuoso multi-instrumentalist and award winning songwriter with a distinctive voice, Molly Tuttle has turned the heads of even the most seasoned industry professionals. She began performing on stage when she was 11, and recorded her first album, The Old Apple Tree, at age 13. Since then, she’s appeared on A Prairie Home Companion and at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, was featured on the cover of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, won first place in the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Competition at Merlefest, and, this fall, received a Momentum Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association in the instrumentalist category. Her lovely voice, impeccable guitar playing, and sensitive song writing make her a star on the rise. She has already received more than two million YouTube views and is currently gearing up to release her first solo EP.
Molly Tuttle, blew away the unsuspecting crowd with her rapid fire bluegrass guitar work that would put even the most talented shredders to shame. It was a marvel to see such incredible technical skill combined with a sweet voice and fun, barn-storming songwriting. - Jonah, Write to the Beat
[Molly Tuttle] sings with the gentle authority of Gillian Welch, yet plays astoundingly fleet flat-picking guitar like Chet Atkins on superdrive. -Paul Zollo, American Songwriter Magazine
If you haven’t heard the music of Molly Tuttle, rest assured, you will. She’s the first woman in the 27-year history of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards to be nominated for Guitar Player of the Year, the only instrumental category that had not yet nominated a woman.
And, more importantly, she won.
A virtuoso multi-instrumentalist and award-winning songwriter with a distinctive voice—she was also nominated for Emerging Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year—Molly Tuttle has turned the heads of even the most seasoned industry professionals. She began performing on stage when she was eleven, and recorded her first album, The Old Apple Tree, at thirteen. Since then, she has appeared on A Prairie Home Companion, was featured on the cover of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, won first place in the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Competition at Merlefest, and, this fall, received a Momentum Award from the IBMA in the instrumentalist category.
You do NOT want to miss this opportunity to see Molly in Poughkeepsie!!
Joan Harrison: Joan’s clear and compelling vocals bring new interpretations to standards from Patsy Cline to Bill Monroe, while creating new stylings for Too Blue’s original songs. Her melodic banjo technique is creative, graceful and at home with the band’s diverse repertoire. In 2010, Joan took first place in bluegrass banjo at the Pickin’ and Fiddlin’ Contest in Roxbury, CT. Her former bands include Breakeven and Mike Burns and North Country.
Betsy Rome: Betsy Rome is well-known for her flatpicked guitar in the regional bluegrass scene. Her playing blends bluegrass, old-time, Celtic, and swing. Noted for her rock-solid rhythm and inventive leads, she has won or placed in contests including Roxbury, CT and the Pizza Hut International Bluegrass Showdown, as well as the fiddler-voted Best Accompanist award at the Arizona State Fiddle Contest. Betsy teaches bluegrass guitar and mandolin both privately and with The Bluegrass University at regional bluegrass festivals.
Jamie Doris: Having supported a broad range of artists in the New York music scene during the late nineties, Jamie has developed a reputation for a solid and dependable groove, whether playing jazz, Latin, R&B, avant-garde or bluegrass. Jamie’s musical prowess and diversity brings a unique perspective to Too Blue that sets it apart and wins him new fans at every performance.
Michael Sassano: For over 30 years, Michael Sassano has delighted audiences with his remarkable versatility and fun-loving stage presence. The guitar-slinging kid from Brooklyn reveled in the rock and folk scenes of the late sixties and seventies; he went on to study mandolin with the renowned Jay Ungar and found himself smack dab in the middle of the New York City progressive bluegrass scene.
Sofia Chiarandini: Sofia has been a finalist in the Danbury Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition and was the first runner up in 2012. After performing with Norwalk Youth Symphony for four years, Sofia was a bassist in Danbury Community Orchestra for six years and joined Danbury Symphony Orchestra as a first violinist for the 2014-2015 season.
Unitarian Fellowship, 67 S Randolph Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA map
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The Feinberg Brothers is an authentic bluegrass band from Long Island, New York. The band features brothers Rourke (fiddle) and Patrick (mandolin) singing lead and tenor, along with their father and longtime bluegrass musician, Ronnie Feinberg on guitar and vocals. Brothers Rourke and Patrick are among the top young bluegrass artists in the North Eastern United States. By blending their bluegrass roots with a classical training background, they have delighted audiences with their tight, soulful harmonies and masterful fiddle, mandolin, and guitar playing. The band has toured extensively throughout the Northeast, playing bluegrass festivals, major market-radio broadcasts, and traditional country music shows including the world famous Wheeling Jamboree. In 2015 the Feinberg Brothers released their first, self-titled recording, which received a highlight review in Bluegrass Unlimited and has received airplay throughout the United States and Canada.
Rounding out the band are some of the Tri-State areas best and most seasoned bluegrass musicians. Terry McGill is one of the most well known banjo players in the Northeast and has released two recordings for Cabinwood Music. He has been highlighted in Banjo Newsletter and has authored a book of banjo tunes played in alternate tunings for Mel Bay Publications. Terry’s 2001 solo recording “Straight Drive” has received airplay nationwide.
Peter Elegant, a multi-instrumentalist, provides a solid foundation playing the acoustic bass, and has written a good portion of the material the band performs. Peter has performed with John Herald, Karl Shiflett and the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band. The Feinberg Brothers’ audiences are always delighted by Pete’s entertaining personality and often request more “Pete Time”.
Guitarist Ronnie Feinberg has played the bluegrass fiddle for many years, performing as a member of the Fox Family, Miller’s Crossing, and McGill’s band: Straight Drive. In addition to guest appearances on the fiddle with Bill Monroe, Patsy Montana, The Lewis Family, Mac Wiseman and Rose Maddox, Ronnie has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, Carnegie Hall, and the Wheeling Jamboree. He is the father of band members Rourke and Patrick Feinberg, and takes great pride in their musical accomplishments. Ronnie plays guitar and sings harmony parts and on occasion he will fiddle one with the band.
No kidding, our Supporter Tickets sold out in just one day! That should tell you something about the Gibson Brothers and should let you know that you should buy your tickets early.
We are super excited about having this concert at the beautiful Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center Theater, which has very comfortable seats for all!!
Thanks to our Supporters:
Susan & Richard Levine
Tom Donovan
Kate & Mike Fowler
Lynn & Steve Lipton
Ginny & Ed Schaffer
Gayle Yeomans & Dick Bowden
Redwood Hill - March Concert
Saturday, March 3 @ 7:30pm
Unitarian Fellowship
67 S. Randolph Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY
$15 at the Door
Coming to Poughkeepsie on March will be one of finest traditional bluegrass bands out there.
Two of the band's members, Dave (Tex) Orlomoski and Dave Shaw are familiar to those who attended the house concert over a year ago.
Redwood Hill features Dave Orlomoski on mandolin and vocals, Dave Shaw on banjo and vocals, Keith Edwards on guitar and vocals and Lillian Fraker on bass. They will play mostly first-generation bluegrass with a heavy emphasis on the Country Gentlemen.
Review: The Feinberg Brothers Concert
Eric Marshall was at the concert last Friday night and he put into words the thoughts and feelings the audience experienced. If you missed the evening or if you want to find out what Eric thought....read it on our website.
Fred Robbins was there, too! He not only video-graphed the event, he was our photographer. Photos are now available for viewing. Thanks, Fred!
Tilly Foster Band
We are delighted to introduce you to HVBA's newest Premium Member Band, Tilly Foster. The band was formed by Tim Fogarty (guitar) with long time friends, Bryan Lynch (banjo) and Mike Colucci(mandolin), both former members of Buckeye Rooster. The band was made complete with Cole McCormack (bass) and Vicky Triola (violin). Its shows are non stop fun, high energy and excitement to be a part of. They are guaranteed to have the crowd singing and dancing through the final set, Like all great bands with presence, the crowd will likely refuse to leave before Tilly Foster’s encore is complete!
Joe K. Walsh will be playing with Zoe Guigueno, Bobby Britt, & Celia Woodsmith.
Hailed by David Grisman as a “wonderful mandolin player”, the CBC-Newfoundland as “one of the best mandolinists of his generation” and by Vintage Guitar Magazine as “brilliant”, Boston based mandolin player Joe K. Walsh is known for his exceptional tone and taste, and his collaborations with acoustic music luminaries including legendary fiddler Darol Anger, banjo star Danny Barnes, flatpick guitar hero Scott Nygaard, folk star Jonathan Edwards, and pop/grass darlings Joy Kills Sorrow. He’s played with everyone from John Scofield to Bela Fleck to Emmylou Harris, and performed everywhere from festivals to laundromats to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. After a number of award-winning years as mandolinist with bluegrass stars the Gibson Brothers, Joe currently splits his time between an inventive string band called Mr Sun (featuring Darol Anger, Grant Gordy and Aidan O’Donnell) a duo with Grant Gordy, and his own band. An avid educator, Joe is a mandolin professor at the Berklee College of Music. He teaches regularly at music camps throughout North America and beyond, and teaches online through Peghead Nation.
It's a bit old, but still enjoyable - Read Iain Birchwood's 2010 Interview with Joe.
New CD Review
He's fast!!! Mark Hudson has just published his latest CD review of The Roe Family Singers and here it is!
Bluegrass Collusion - New HVBA Member Band
Tara Linhardt and Mary Simspson were two award winning full time bluegrass musicians and instructors in Virginia who moved up to the region a couple of years ago. They met powerhouse vocalist Christian Apuzzo in the jam scenes around New York city. The three of them realized that they had a really strong and unique sound and starting doing a few shows and their band ended up being called Bluegrass Collusion. Eventually Mary quit her job as violin player for the Internationally touring band called Yanni whom she had been with for years and has been getting back into her bluegrass roots. They ended up meeting Jason Mercer who had been the bass player for Ani Difranco and added him on bass. They have a fun, high energy band with really strong vocals and instrumentals, interesting arrangements, and a mix of originals and standards.
Available CD for Review
David Davis & The Warrior River Boys have produced a masterful and exciting collection of songs originally recorded in the 1920s by the legendary Charlie Poole and his North Carolina Ramblers, a generation before Bill Monroe is credited with founding bluegrass music.
For the Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association's last concert of the season, we were thrilled to have this combination that reached musical critical mass with a Berklee College of Music Professor/member of Mr. Sun (Joe K. Walsh), two folks
from Della Mae (Celia Woodsmith & Zoe Guigueno), and a member of Town Mountain (Bobby Britt).
I'm proud to give you the first of two installments....
Here is a belated posting of another great band, all of whom are longtime friends of the Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association and me too.So this announcement comes with my personal apology to Joan, Betsy, Mike, Jamie, and Sofia for denying everyone this wonderful music for so long. It won't take away from your enjoyment, however.
I decided to extract some audio from my videos for my iPod and decided to share them with you. The 3 new entries are from my Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association concerts with Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, the Andy Statman Ramble, and the duet of Michael Daves and Jen Larson. So here's the first attempt...
