The Artists From Our Freshman Year Compilation CD!
November 15, 2003
Dan Pelletier with Vickie Russell
We ended the 2003 Fall concert season with two of the best singer-songwriters we have ever heard. Dan Pelletier has written song lyrics that are chock full of insight and emotion, sung with a gritty, soulful voice, accompanied with his precise keyboard playing. Opener Vickie Russell presented songs from her new CD "Welcome Home" and also won our hearts with her lyrics, in turn tender and funny, and attractive stage presence. She was accompanied on bass and guitar by her husband and with her keyboard and guitar work, they created a complete band sound.
Pelletier's passionate performance of his songs make him a rising star on the national folk scene. He is the winner of first prizes in the 2002 Plowshares Songwriting Contest, 2001 SFFF Songwriter Competition, the 2001 Rose Garden Songwriter Contest and the 2000 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. Dan's festival appearances have included the Kerrville Folk Festival, South Florida Folk Festival, Cottonwood Festival, Summerfest, Clearwater Festival and the Greenwich Folk Festival.
Dan's has produced two excellent, highly recommended CDs: "Mr. Sunshine" and "Wild Heart Rodeo". The later features his brilliant and moving poem "The Baddest of All" which Dan recited closing the first set at Winona Folk and winning extended and enthusiastic applause from the audience.
By age 5, Vickie Russell knew she wanted to be a performer, her goal: "to be famoused". After performing around the world she has landed in the Hudson Valley, where the Kingston Freeman describes her music as: "Clear and strong, ranging from lilting to passionate, and her (piano and guitar) playing, likewise, often belies its apparent simplicity with richness of effect. Lyrics are evocative, personal and often spiritual."
As a songwriter, she blends her love of classical melody with a folk/rock style. Charged with passion and wisdom, her material reflects themes of love, hope and empowerment. Heavy metal fans as well as grandmothers are drawn to her music.
November 1, 2003
Kevin Briody with Jay Wilensky
Kevin Briody absolutely enchanted the Winona Folk audience through his soft spoken and very funny song intros and his powerful and touching song lyrics. His message was delivered straight from the heart.
Briody's unique songs and moving stories may feel as comfortable as a summer day on a front porch, but they've taken him to some of the most hallowed corners of the songwriting world. Briody is a three-time finalist in the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Contest (1997, 1998, 2003), and he showcased at The 1999 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. His compelling "We're All Heroes" opened the 1999 Connecticut Special Olympic Summer Games. In 2001 he won The South Florida Folk Festival National Songwriting Competition. In 2002 Cure Autism Now (CAN), a national organization combating the disease, released his song "Bring Them Back". From 2000-2002 Briody served as Connecticut's Official State Troubadour; a position created by The State General Assembly to recognize Connecticut's Songwriter Laureate. In August 2003, Briody joined the stage with Lyle Lovett, Aimee Mann and Ani DiFranco at the Newport Folk Festival.
Briody's critically acclaimed debut CD, "When No One's Watching", was released in 1999. Robert K. Oermann of Music Row Magazine selected it as his DISCovery Award. In 2001, Kevin released his second CD, "Familiar" continuing his music of stories of loving family growth.
Jay Wilensky's second visit to Winona Folk warmed up the audience for Kevin. And "warm" is the operative description for Jay. Both his stage presence and his rich singing voice embraced you in comfort and warmth. His interpretations of modern folk classics entertained and inspired. Jay was ably accompanied by Jeff Loy on autoharp, banjo and guitar.
Our October 18 concert was part of Daniel Pearl Music Day, an annual global concert celebrating the ideals of tolerance, friendship and shared humanity. Daniel Pearl Music Day was inspired by the life and work of journalist and musician Daniel Pearl, who would have turned 40 on October 10th. Winona Folk joined people around the world in a tribute to all the visionary men and women who use the power of music to lift the unity of mankind above the differences the set us apart. Through our music today, we reaffirm our conviction that humanity will triumph and harmony will prevail.
October 18, 2003
Project Mercury
with Kathy Moser
Our first full 4-piece band on the Winona Folk micro-stage! What a wonderful sound this band produces! Project Mercury is comprised of Marian Mastrorilli, singer, songwriter, guitar, Charlene Donohue, violin and vocals, Mark Arnold, percussion and Craig Fox, guitar and vocals. Their music is a distinctive, memorable and mercurial mix of original rock, contemporary folk and blues. They serve up ethereal harmonies, haunting violin and evocative guitar. Their first CD, "Light This Candle" showcases just what happens when a singer-songwriter comes of age during the reign of classic rock.
From Will York, Editor,Listen.com: "A rare and surprisingly successful merger of Lilith Fair singer-songwriter sensitivity and elaborate, 1970s rock-inspired songwriting drama. Marian Mastrorilli's songwriting strikes a balance between directness and subtle complexity, while her vocals are both graceful and engaging. Imagine a non-disastrous meeting between Queen and Aimee Mann."
From Kathleen Myers, Arts and Lives Weekly: "Deeply personal stories that define our collective experiences. Marian writes simple, straightforward prose that flows like poetry. She sings with an instrument that is pure silk, and whole timbre changes, chameleon-like, to support the many-faceted faces of the characters she portrays ion these illuminations of a life. First rate from the first note to the last. She has surrounded herself with magnificently talented musicians, eash of whom brings the perfect tone, the perfect touch." Project Mercury incorporates enough talent and musical variety to deserve repeat listens. They will be back someday!
Activist singer/songwriter Kathy Moser works to bring positive change to the world through music. Her stage movement at Winona Folk was somewhat restricted as she was recovering from an accident where she had broken her foot. Nevertheless, trooper that she is, she performed seated, but was still able to work a tamborine with one foot!
Her songs deal with a variety of topics including lawn mowers, alternative transportation methods, malls, interpersonal relationships, drug addiction, hope, suicide and world peace. She is noted for her percussive guitar playing, strong voice, goofy stage presence and poetic lyrics. Mike Space, Artistic Director of Godfrey Daniels wrote, "Kathy Moser is a topical singer/songwriter with some of the most amazing, amusing, and insightful songs around; her way with an audience is nothing short of fantastic."
Kathy has three CDs currently available. In addition to performing and recording, Kathy also works with young musicians as a teacher, mentor and producer. We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to present her music to the Winona Folk audience.
October 4, 2003
Gary Paul Hermus with Joe McKay
Documenting Gary Paul Hermus' second visit to Winona Folk, Gary has written a nice essay about his experience of performing at Winona Folk in his "Notes From The Road" section on his own website: www.garypaulhermus.com
Just breaking onto the New Jersey folk scene in the past year or so, Gary is a fast favorite at Winona Folk. Friendliness, kindness and professionalism are on display along with terrific musical chops learned from a lifetime of playing in a vast variety of bands and an uncanny knack for writing catchy lyrics. Singer-songwriter and guitarist, Gary describes himself as a storyteller in the contemporary folk tradition, having traveled a colorful and varied road that winds its way through his songs.
Born in 1950 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, the eldest of three sons, Gary grew up in a home that was at once poor and rich; with little money, but with music, theater and poetry. At any time, the hi-fi could be playing a Broadway musical, or an opera; Harry Belafonte, Oscar Brown Jr., or the latest pop or rock 'n roll tune. In this rich and diverse atmosphere, at age five, Gary began studying piano. He learned to read music while learning to read words. Though he left piano behind several years later, it left him with a love for melody that stays with him to this day
From the time he was five until age thirteen, Gary spent Summers with his brothers on their grand-parent's farm in rural upstate New York. There he developed a love for bucolic settings and acoustic blue-grass music.
At thirteen, Gary began studying guitar and competing in local "Battles of the Bands." But, he concurrently developed a love of acting that eventually led him to study drama at New York City's High School of Performing Arts by day, all the while playing by night at such clubs as the Peppermint Lounge, the Purple Onion & the Cheetah. Graduating in 1968 with an academic degree including a major concentration in vocational drama, Gary continued acting studies at HB Studios, appearing in off-off Broadway plays. Still a working musician, he often performed solo, playing international folk tunes throughout New York City during the late 1960's and early 1970's at such venues as The Bitter End, The Village Gaslight, & Folk City. He also performed at Alice Tully Hall, as part of a presentation featuring Brooklyn performing artists.
To make ends meet, Gary played club dates, learning to play bass guitar & becoming well versed in standard tunes. It was during this period that he met Latin pianist Al Israel, who introduced Gary to the subtleties of Latin music. This eventually led Gary to study with famed Latin bassist, Victor Venegas.
While playing club dates, he did a short stint with Bill Jeffcott & the Swamprockers, after which he joined the bluegrass band, The New York Frets. Gary moved to Staten Island during this time, where he began an extended love affair with Brazilian jazz, playing bass with Brazilo-Cuban fusion band Satie. By day, however, Gary began working for New York State as a care worker for the mentally retarded. He completed a B.A. in Psychology & a Masters Degree in Public Administration. Satie enjoyed a short resurrection during the 1980's as The North American Udu Band, after which the group parted company. Gary then joined a local country band, Shotgun Wedding. Still working for New York State, he began focusing on computers, attaining a Masters Degree in Computer Science. Moving to New Jersey, Gary played in the Classic Rock group, Joined @ the Head for a number of years.
When JATH broke up in 1999, Gary returned to writing contemporary folk music, telling the stories that his colorful life had given him. In 2002, Guitar in hand, Gary reemerged, playing small venues displaying his intricate melodic guitar work, his intelligently crafted songs, his sweet toned voice, and his simple tales of life, love, laughter and loss.
Joe McKay graced the Winona Folk stage recovering from the remainder of a cold and was accompanied by Gordon Roehrer on bass. They performed tunes from Joe's CD "Backroad Joe."
Long before Donna Karan and Calvin Klein infiltrated Secaucus with designer fashions at discounted prices, the blue-collar suburban community was known for its pig farms. "It used to be the hog capital of the East," explained Joe McKay, who was born on a Secaucus pig farm in 1946. "Anywhere you went in the world, if you mentioned Secaucus, people would hold their nose." Up until the late 1950s, there were more than 30 pig farms sandwiched between the Hackensack River and Penhorn Creek. The McKay family's farm, a two-acre plot of land just off of Secaucus Road - more commonly referred to as "The Backroad" - was home to over 6,000 pigs.
McKay's music renders a portrait of Secaucus some of the town's newer denizens may not even know existed. "I remember when people used to boil grease to make their own soap," he said "I got a good feel of what the Depression was like." "The Backroad was an unusual place," McKay said. "There were the pig farms and saloons. It was like something out of the old Wild West." From whiskey-hazed wage-workers to Henry Krajewski (the notorious pig farmer who ran for president), Secaucus circa 1950, like the old Wild West, was overflowing with vibrant characters. Ten years ago, McKay decided to capitalize on his colorful past. He attended a songwriters' workshop and began to write folk songs using his childhood as a leitmotif. In 2001, after countless nights spent honing his homespun ditties at amateur venues and open mic nights, McKay released his debut CD, Backroad Joe.
September 20, 2003
Erik Balkey has a real quiet, almost intense, stage presence. He practically whispers the lyrics of some of his tunes. His singing style along with his often humorous song introductions, creates a sense of intimacy between himself, his message and the audience.
Eric began songwriting as part of the Red Bank, NJ music scene in 1994, then moved to New York City for four years. Among the songwriters in the city, Erik listened and learned as an active volunteer and performer at the now-defunct Fast Folk Cafe. He also became a regular performer around town including stops at the legendary Postcrypt Coffeehouse.
Erik's debut CD, "Negotiations & Compromise," was released in January of 2002 and has received critical praise. Erik's music is an engaging mix of honesty, intimacy and humor; an agile voice accompanied by sparse and deliberate guitarwork.
Balkey writes the "Songwriter's Tour Guide" and is organizer of the Philadelphia Songwriters Alliance.
Chip Robertson is an engaging performer, displaying a keen sense of humor and strong vocal abilities. Self accompanied on guitar, Chip's short opening set of his original and some cover tunes left you wanting to hear more from him. We hope to bring Chip back to Winona Folk as he is fast growing as an artist and becoming something of a fixture in the NJ coffeehouse circuit of late. Chip comes from the clean streets of Bergen County, via the mean streets of Keansburg. From 1974-1979,
Chip led the NJ garage band, The Crash Street Kids as they performed throughout the shore area to the delight of SRO crowds. In 1983, Chip moved to California and put his musical career into storage for a while. But in 2000, Chip was inspired by kindred spirit Tina Vero to try his hand at songwriting and in 2001, began his new performing songwriter career. In 2002, Chip released an EP produced by Andy Fox and Denise O'Brien. Joe Rapolla, Marketing VP at Universal Music wrote, "Chip crafts and delivers songs that are a refreshing alternative."
September 6, 2003 "Elaine Silver has a voice you'll never forget." So reads the Elaine Silver Press Release. No lie. Winona Folk was filled to capacity and Elaine charmed her audience with the gift of music and love. A spokesperson for "New Age" thought, Elaine absolutely had her audience in the palm of her hand and had them join her with sing-along chanting as she shared her understanding of universal wisdom.
Elaine's voice has been described as stunningly clear and fine, magnificent, rich and supple. She sings a cappella or accompanies herself on guitar and banjo, and has performed in concert for hundreds of thousands at colleges, festivals, churches, clubs and children's events throughout North America and Europe. She was featured nationally on The Wisdom Channel and on New Jersey Network's award-winning television program, State of the Arts. Elaine is the recipient of a Garden State Music Award for Outstanding Folk Performer, and has appeared in concert with Arlo Gutherie, Doc Watson, Tom Paxton, Susanne Vega, Jorma Kaukonen, Tom Chapin and may more of the folk world's brightest stars. Elaine's many highly acclaimed recordings continue to receive rave reviews, while touching the hearts and minds of her listeners. Her best-selling release, "Faerie Goddess", has received much attention and was named one of the top ten folk albums of 1997 by WQXR's Bob Sherman of Woody's Children in New York City. Her newest recording, "The Lady of the Lake", a sequel to "Faerie Goddess", is being received with much joy and enthusiasm. "Faerie Elaine" brings magic, love and blessings to her concerts and appearances as a bright light sharing herself and her music with emotion and authenticity.
We were very happy to have hosted Tim Whalen, a singer/songwriter and guitar player who absolutely loves to play music. He has written some very true and honest songs, full of emotion and heart. His guitar accompanyment was flawless. Tim was an electric guitar player for many years, playing many of New York 's fine rock clubs with a band as the lead guitarist and backup singer. After the band broke up in 1998, Tim started playing his old acoustic guitar, began writing songs and decided to delve in to the world of the singer/songwriter. We're glad he did. Tim has produced a couple of recommended CDs: "This Dog Has One Good Life" and "My Life is Beautiful".
Erik Balkey with Chip Robertson
Elaine Silver with Tim Whalen
