2007 GRFAS
Acoustic Saturday Nights
Preview the 2007 - 08 Schedule
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Acoustic Saturday Nights
are held at Grace Bible College
1011 Aldon SW, Wyoming, MI in
Baker Auditorium, a stand-alone building
on the right as you enter the college campus. Concerts start at 8:00 pm unless
otherwise marked.
Ticket Prices: $12 General, $10 Seniors & Students,
$10 Members, $3 2-12 year olds.
For other information, please call (616)
246-6468 or (616) 361-9219.
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May 12 |
5th Annual GRFAS
Benefit Concert - Blue Water Ramblers and Mustard's Retreat  This
year Mustard's Retreat and the Blue Water Ramblers will delight your
musical senses, tickle your funny bones and flat out entertain you as we
gather together to support our favorite folk music organization. Follow
David and Michael’s retreat back and forth across the country at
www.mustardsretreat.com. You can keep up with Banjo-Jim, Bear and the
rest of the Ramblers at
http://bluewaterramblers.com. |
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Past Concerts |
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October 14
Southside Vineyard Church |
Ralston Bowles  It’s
hard to find many musicians in Grand Rapids' folk and rock scene who don't
know Ralston Bowles by his first name, who don't recognize his prodigious
songwriting talent, and they never miss his performances. Ralston will
continue the tradition with his unique, hard-hitting take on life in the
modern age. Listen for cuts from “Carwreck Conversations” on WYCE and in
the show. Learn more about my favorite songwriter at
www.ralstonbowles.com
Southside Vineyard
Church. |
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October 21 |
New Third Coast New
3rd Coast equals Power Folk, Leelanau County style. Their strong
three-part harmonies, combined with diverse instrumental musical
expression, have created a large following throughout Northwestern Lower
Michigan and beyond. The trio includes Patrick Niemisto on bass, fiddle,
mandolin, guitar and vocals; Bryan Poirier on guitar and keyboards, John
Kumjian on guitar, harmonica, conga/percussion, and bass. All three are
songwriters and their work is celebrated as “eclectic and refreshing” in
content and delivery. They will get us moving! Read more on the web:
http://www.newthirdcoast.com |
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October 28
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Bruce Holmes with Sue
Fink  Bruce
Holmes looks at our human foibles with a clear eye, no illusions and a
loving sense of humor. As his newest release explains in its title,
“Life’s an Intelligence Test.” Join us for the final exam. Rumor has it
that the test is pass/fail and you can do your studying at
www.brucetholmes.com. Bruce assures me it’s an open notes test.
Many of Sue Fink’s songs fall into the "quirky genre," if there is such a
thing. She has been compared favorably to Christine Lavin (in fact, she
has a bit part on Ms. Lavin’s newest CD, “Folk Zinger”), but Sue writes
more serious songs as well. She incorporates humor, whimsy, sorrow, and
hope in a variety of musical styles. But whether singing of sorrow or
absurdity, Sue treats the listener to clever, meaningful lyrics and
sing-along tunes. Sue Fink will sing that she is “a
damsel in distress,” but she is helpless like a fox. She will be sharing
that title song from her CD and many others. Prepare to charge to her
rescue. See her web site at www.suefink.com |
| November 11 |
Gordon Bok  Gordon
Bok grew up around the boatyards of Camden, Maine, and worked on many
different boats from fishing boats to passenger schooners to yachts, on
his own coast and others. As he sailed, he learned songs and ballads of
the sea and the schooners and the fishes and fishermen. Later he sang of
mythical sea folk, seals and selkies who came to him in dreams and
legends. His songs and stories keep me entranced. Join us and find out
why. For more background and samples, see his website, www.gordonbok.com |
| November 18 |
Cooper/Nelson/Early “Strong,
old music” is what Phil Cooper, Margaret Nelson and Kate Early call their
offering and it most assuredly is. What seems at first like a measured
stateliness soon becomes tender, then passionate, as these stalwarts of
the Anglo-Irish folk tradition work their magic. Phil's guitar playing is
subtly powerful--harp like at times--and a perfect match for Margaret's
shimmery, intimate vocals and Kate’s celestial harmonizing. Join us as we
welcome our friends for a very special evening.They have a web site: www.coopernelsonearly.com |
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November 25 |
Double billing: Harmony &
Grits and Patricia Pettinga & Bill Willging  Harmony
& Grits is the kind of down home, hearty musical meal that leaves you
satisfied and ready for a hard day’s anything. Mom told you to always eat
right, and
Kelly and Rick will be serving the best.
www.harmonyandgrits.comPatricia Pettinga mixes folk, blues, and original music with wit, wisdom, and warmth. From serious social commentary to silly sing-alongs, she draws listeners in with her versatile voice and skillful guitar and Autoharp accompaniment. Add husband Bill Willging’s harmonies and inspired guitar playing, and the pleasure is more than doubled by delightful, complementary arrangements. Patty and Bill always keep me on the edge of my seat with their engaging show. See Patty and Bill’s website at www.patriciapettinga.com |
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December 9 |
Garnet Rogers Garnet
Rogers is a charismatic performer and singer with a powerful physical
presence - close to six and a half feet tall - with a voice to match. His
smooth baritone voice with incredible range and thoughtful, dramatic
phrasing delivers his songs straight to your heart. As memorable as his
songs, his over-the-top humor and lightning-quick wit moves his audience
from tears to laughter and back again. Garnet keeps growing and evolving
and pushes the folk envelope a bit. We’re in for some new sounds! For more
information, surf to www.garnetrogers.com |
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December 16 |
22nd Annual GRFAS
Christmas Concert with the Blue Water RamblersWe
all had so much fun singing the traditional carols last year that we're
going to sing them all again! Please join Banjo-Jim and Bear and our guest
artists as we start the holidays the best way: Singing and sharing music
with our friends. Look for Frosty, Santa, the Clausettes, guest artists
and holiday tomfoolery. We’ll end the evening with an old fashioned carol
sing, so bring your best voice. See where we’re rambling at
http://bluewaterramblers.com |
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January 13 |
Open Mic Night Host
Al Exoo will introduce you to old friends and new friends who love to
share their talent. And YOU are invited to bring your song, story, dance
or performance to share. Email Al at
eidexoo@sbcglobal.net for details and to place yourself on the
schedule. |
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January 20 |
andi & i  Andi
and Al Tauber have an amazing touch with the songs they sing. They don’t
just sing songs. They craft and caress musical productions, creating them
brand new each time they perform. Supporting the sweet vocalizing with
guitar techniques like you’ve never seen, andi & I will have you mesmerized.
I invite you to check out their website,
http://www.andiandi.com/, and enjoy learning about them. As Andi
writes, “Most of our lives center around our work with Emmaus Ministries
(“Stories from the Streets”), andi and i gigs, and involvement with Living
Water Community Church, where we are members. (We both help facilitate
worship every 4-5 weeks, and Al leads the worship band.) In addition, Andi
gives piano lessons, and Al teaches guitar.” These are peripatetic people
performers! |
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January 27 |
Tim Grimm Tim
is a musical storyteller, whether writing of his own journey back to the
land, describing those who never left it, or honoring those who came
before. Rich with descriptive details, these are songs sung with warmth
and intimacy, recognizing the inextinguishable national romance with the
idea of the family farm and the realities of the vanishing landscape of
rural America. Learn more at www.timgrimm.com
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| February 10 |
Kinsfolk |
| February 17 |
Great Lakes Songwriters Where are all the songs coming from? Find out from the Great Lakes Songwriters, Jan Krist, Jen Sygit, Drew Nelson and Andrew Calhoun. They will form a circle of tremendous talent and share their best compositions in a round robin of creativity. “When Planets Collide” is Jan Krist.'s newest release: "... a collision of musical styles and observations both humorous and heartbreaking." Andrew Calhoun writes with a paradoxical combination of incandescent intellect and unstudied magic. He is both a lightning rod for "the unconscious rightness of intuitive connection" and a perpetual student of songcraft with deep respect for both tradition and innovation. Jen Sygit reminds us that old souls do live in young minds. Whether delving into mournful blues tunes, haunting folk ballads or rousing oldtime numbers, Jen's rapidly growing repertoire of original songs has surpassed many with its sophisticated lyrics and intense emotion. Drew Nelson has a gift – the ability to extract spirit and soul from the jumble of modern life, and turn it into music. "When you hear Drew Nelson sing and play you are hearing a real live son of Michigan, sandy soil, tough winters, good fishing, no BS." www.jankrist.net www.jensygit.com www.drewnelson.net and www.andrewcalhoun.com |
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February 24 |
Traveler's Dream  Traveler's
Dream performs a unique blend of traditional music from the British Isles,
French-Canada, and early America. Combining their love of music and
history, the members of Traveler’s Dream present audiences a rich sampling
of the diverse musical treasures of early America. In any given concert
you may hear lively Irish jigs and reels, French-Canadian voyageur songs,
sea shanties, an original historical ballad, Scottish bagpipe tunes, and
home-grown American songs that still shine with familiar appeal after
centuries. Good music that will make you smile, tap your toes, and
want to sing along! See and hear a preview at
www.travelersdream.net |
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March 10 |
Matt & Shannon Heaton "We
grew up listening to rock, country, American folk, classical and Irish
music." Shannon says, "So when we're arranging and presenting songs, we're
as likely to get ideas from the Pixies as from Planxty."
Matt and Shannon's Irish music pedigree traces back to their former home
of Chicago, where they played in the best Windy City sessions and first
began performing together back in 1992. Matt and Shannon have also spent
months in Clare and Galway, taking in session tunes and shows in some of
the finest venues in the West of Ireland. They are now active participants
in Boston's vibrant traditional music scene. The result -- Irish
traditional music that honors the past while giving it a swift American
kick into the present. It's pithy, finely crafted acoustic music, songs
that break hearts and crack smiles at twenty paces. Prepare for the
experience at www.eatsrecords.com
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March 17
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Sons of the Never Wrong Sons
of the Never Wrong are a folk trio from Chicago made up of Bruce Roper,
Deborah Lader, and Sue Demel. The band has been creating original
"turbo-charged folk music" for 14 years to a cult-like national following.
Although the band name harkens back to the traditional harmonies of
old-time acts, sons are anything but. Their influences range from
bluegrass to Woody to Ellington to rock and they express them with unusual
arrangements of their voices, guitars, banjo, percussion, dulcimer and
mandolin. They don’t fit in any pigeon hole because they have created. Sons of the Never Wrong celebrate
their 15th anniversary this year! They will be holding festivities
throughout 2007. Check out their website for more
information:
www.sons.com |
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March 24 |
Bill Staines We love Bill!
And he’s swinging through Michigan to intrigue and delight us once again.
Follow the travels of the godfather of singer-songwriter-folk music at
www.acousticmusic.com/staines/ |
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March 31 |
Root Doctor The
blues is a feeling. Rhythm is movement. The root is where it all comes
from. And a doctor is a healer. The Root Doctor will treat you with
musical medicine, harmonic homeopathy and rhythm and blues remedies for
life's daily dilution. It’s apotent prescription for today's confusion, so
come on out and dose your soul! The Doctor will accept all new and old
patients.
Click here for a flyer about the concert (.pdf) For a private
consultation via internet, see
www.rootdoctorband.com |
| April 14 |
Finest Kind  Finest
Kind was formed in Ottawa, Canada, in 1991 by Ian Robb, Ann Downey, and
Shelley Posen. Ian, originally from London, England, is renowned as one of
North America's most gifted performers of British folksong, a concertina
player extraordinaire, charter member of Toronto's Friends of Fiddler's
Green, and composer of folk standards such as "The Old Rose and Crown."
Ann, who hails from the southwestern U.S., plays guitar, banjo, and bass,
and has performed in bands playing old-time and cowboy music, bluegrass,
klezmer, jazz, and swing in North America and Europe. Shelley, a
professional folklorist from Toronto, is a versatile singer and multi
instrumentalist who has spent a lifetime researching, teaching, writing
about, performing, and sometimes composing songs. This reviewer is looking
forward to hearing Shelley and his pals sing all the songs I’ve ‘borrowed’
from them. If their harmony was any closer they wouldn’t be allowed to do
it in public! Their web site:
www.finestkind.ca/finekind.html |
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April 21 |
Reedy Buzzards |
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April 28 |
Brian Peters |
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Last update:
August 15, 2007 |
The
Reedy Buzzards specialize in the tight and lovely harmonies of the great
family bands of the past, from the Carter Family to the Everly Brothers.
Their shows combine a fresh take on classic country heartbreakers,
"brother" songs, blazing guitar and mandolin picking, and gospel music.
They present their songs with irresistible, driving, acoustic rhythms.
Read about them and hear a sample at
Brian
Peters is a performer of traditional folk music who combines a high level
of skill on three different instruments with a great voice and an
energetic stage presence. He's a leading English squeezebox player,
doubling on melodeon (button accordion) and anglo concertina, a fine
guitarist well-versed in open tunings, and a passionate singer who
believes strongly in the power and relevance of the old songs and bases
his set around them. He specializes in the great ballads of the British
Isles and includes the best new songs and his own compositions. To whet
your appetite surf to