Fall 2026 Concerts
We recommend buying advanced tickets online. Day-of door tickets are available 30 minutes before showtime on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are having trouble with online ticketing, check out our how-to video here or contact our volunteers at info@thesoundingboard.org.
Peppino D'Agostino
For the first time, we are happy to welcome Peppino D’Agostino to the Sounding Board stage.
A native of Italy, Peppino D’Agostino has made his considerable international mark as a musical artist on the guitar since he arrived in America 35 years ago. In 2017 Guitar Player listed him as one of the 50 transcendent superheroes of the acoustic guitar. The CD, “Every Step of The Way,” was awarded by Acoustic Guitar’s People’s Choice Awards with a Bronze medal for Best Acoustic Album of All Time. His signature Seagull acoustic guitar has been voted among the ten best signature guitars by Guitar Player magazine.
“Peppino’s music is deep and beautiful.” –Tommy Emmanuel
To date, Peppino has recorded 19 CD’s, performed in over thirty-five countries at international festivals and concert halls. He has shared the stage with such greats as Larry Carlton, Eric Johnson, Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Martin Taylor, Roland Dyens, David Tanenbaum, and many more. D’Agostino’s 2020 release ‘Connexion’ was released by A-Train Entertainment.
TICKETS HERE
Women of Americana - A Celebration of American Music
Now in our second year, this traditional Thanksgiving weekend concert brings together New England’s regional talent with our Sounding Board membership base while celebrating the career of a famed musician or musicians in the folk music world. This year’s theme is Women of Americana - a Celebration of American Music. We will pay tribute to some of our favorite female voices in folk. Sounding Board Members (with current membership as of October 31, 2026) may attend the event for just $10/ticket and are encouraged to tell family and friends about this Sounding Board homecoming. General admission is $30. Cafe table seating is reserved for members and will be available first-come, first-served on the night of the concert.
Performers to include: Emily Bevelaqua, Elena Foster, Ava Grom, Riva Jean, Melanie Michaud, Bonnie Milner, Nikki Mira, Jill O’Brien, Liz Reed and Joanna Szymanski.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Sarah McQuaid
Sarah McQuaid’s lush, velvety voice combines with her engaging personality and “brilliant musicianship” (fRoots) on acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and (occasionally) drum to create a truly immersive experience. Her live performances are full of warmth, wit, and intimacy, and have earned her loyal followings on both sides of the Atlantic.
Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship and now settled in rural England, she brings the eclecticism of her background to her “captivating, unorthodox songwriting” (PopMatters) and choice of material. From contemplative ballads to playful blues to atmospheric instrumentals, Sarah’s music invites reflection, connection, and a deep appreciation of the quiet power of a well-crafted song.
In the words of one audience member: “…Sarah’s connection with the audience is both gentle and profound. You don’t just watch a performance — you become part of it, part of the story she’s telling. … To anyone considering seeing her live: go. It’s worth every second. You’ll leave with your heart full and your soul touched — guaranteed.”
TICKETS HERE
John McCutcheon / SOLD OUT
We are thrilled to welcome back John McCutcheon to the Sounding Board!
No one remembers when the neighbors started calling the McCutcheons to complain about the loud singing from young John’s bedroom. It didn’t seem to do much good, though. For, after a shaky, lopsided battle between piano lessons and baseball (he was a mediocre pianist and an all-star catcher), he had “found his voice” thanks to a cheap mail-order guitar and a used book of chords. From such inauspicious beginnings, John McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folksingers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. McCutcheon’s apprenticeship to many of the legendary figures of Appalachian music imbedded a love of not only home-made music, but a sense of community and rootedness. The result is music - whether traditional or from his huge catalog of original songs - with the profound mark of place, family, and strength.
TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT HAVE SOLD OUT.
No tickets will be sold at the door.
Jon Pousette-Dart and Jim Chapdelaine
A little bit of time has passed between when Jon Pousette-Dart as a teenager started forging a path in the musical landscape that started in the 60’s and laid a foundation with the original Pousette-Dart Band. Throughout the 70’s and into the 80’s the band earned a loyal national following and produced 5 releases for Capitol that made a deep imprint in the world of album radio, when we all used to only listen to vinyl. When the band parted ways, Jon continued working and slowly began navigating back to where he started writing and recording in earnest with many of Nashville’s finest.
Jon Pousette-Dart will perform as a duo with West Hartford’s own Jim Chapdelaine. Chapdelaine is a producer, four-time Emmy winning composer, recording engineer, and guitarist with an extensive list of credits in music for television and recordings for major and independent labels. He studied guitar with Pat Metheny at Berklee College of Music; produced projects for hundreds of artists including Phoebe Snow, Hassan Hakmoun, the Allman Brothers, and his own band the Feathermerchants; worked with a diverse group of artists such as Chuck Leavell, Paula Cole and Delbert McClinton; and has mastered projects for artists such as KC Jones, Aztec Two Step, and Clarence Clemons with Bruce Springsteen Live at Asbury Park. His TV work includes many award-winning projects for PBS, The History Channel, Dateline NBC, and numerous corporate clients. Mr. Chapdelaine has been teaching at Hartt since 2002.
Doors open at 7 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm. There is no opening act. The Sounding Board is located at 433 Fern Street, West Hartford at the Fiske Hall of the Universalist Church. Parking lot and venue are accessible.
Ordinary Elephant
“…earthy economy of the songwriting, where songs are plucked and crafted with care. It results in something ornate, carefully curated, a neatly woven tapestry, time and experience in every stitch.”— Tom Harding, Americana UK
Mesmerizing folk duo Ordinary Elephant has spent the better part of the last decade on a never-ending tour that’s earned married couple Crystal and Pete Damore widespread critical acclaim and made fans of luminaries like Tom Paxton and Mary Gauthier. In 2017, the pair took home the International Folk Music Award for Artist of the Year on the strength of their breakout album, Before I Go, and two years later, they returned with the similarly lauded Honest, which the Associated Press hailed as “one of the best Americana albums of the year.” The duo hasn't slowed down, earning consecutive International Folk Music Award nominations for Album of the Year in 2024 for their self-titled release, and then Artist of the Year in 2025.
Attend a live performance of this duo, and you’ll hear more than just a husband and wife; you’ll hear the sound of sincerity and commitment, of patience and gratitude, of learning to let go of expectation and revel in the simple beauty of the moment.
Tickets HERE
Seat of our Pants
Affectionately known as SOOP, Seat Of Our Pants has ascended to the forefront of Connecticut's acoustic music scene with award winning, heartfelt, and clever songs that put a smile on your face, a tear in your eye, and get you thinking about the world around you. From sellout shows at The Buttonwood Tree, to the grand stage at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den, to Podunk Bluegrass Festival, and many of the premiere listening rooms around the state, SOOP never disappoints their audiences. The unique mix of instruments, and impeccable intricate harmonies, distinguish Connecticut’s one-of-a-kind SOOP. Their cornucopia of folk instruments and rock-infused songwriting are a contagiously fun experience.
The first time the band members jammed together, the synergy was so palpable that they decided to go full steam ahead as a group. With only bare-bone rehearsals under their belt, they made their first audiences swoon with a chemistry that only Mother Nature can infuse. Simply put, their performances are “magical” - Pamm Summers, Eastern CT Center for History, Art and Performance.
The Nields
With their unparalleled ability to blend pop craftsmanship, folk sensibility, and the influences of ’60s classic rock and ’90s alternative, The Nields have created a distinctive musical style that defies categorization. Their songs, imbued with intelligence and occasional humor, offer poignant observations on life’s unexpected twists and turns. Apple Music describes their sound as “equal parts The Beatles, the cranberries, and Joni Mitchell,” a testament to their unique fusion of melodic sensibilities. The Nields are a beloved returning act and we are so pleased to have them back to The Sounding Board!
The Portables
The Portable Folk Music Festival (affectionately known as "The Portables") represent the "house band" of the Sounding Board Coffeehouse. Brace yourself for a stage full of talented singers and instrumentalists who present traditional folk and acoustic music from the American songbook.
Doors open at 7 pm. Concert starts at 7:30 pm. There is no opening act.
The Wolff Sisters; Opener Kelsey Wiggin
The Wolff Sisters is fronted by three sisters -- Rebecca on acoustic guitar, Kat on the keys, Rachael on electric guitar, and all three on lead vocals and harmonies. Raised on Bob Dylan, The Band, and Little Feat, the sisters crafted their sound around a honky tonk piano in the living room of their childhood home. With a talented cast of rotating drummers and bass players, The Wolff Sisters are a rag tag group of hardworking individuals that bring a big sound and timeless songs. Their music is honest and genre defying, but still rooted in traditional rock and Americana storytelling. New England Music Award winner for Americana Artist of the Year 2021 and Boston Music Award winner for Americana Artist of the Year 2020, the band’s electrifying live performance and unique sound continues to gain momentum and recognition from their hometown of Boston and beyond. The band is on tour promoting their fourth studio album 'Dark River.'
The concert will be opened by West Hartford’s own Kelsey Wiggin.
High Horse
High Horse is a Boston-based progressive-acoustic stringband breathing the energy of alternative rock into an indelible blend of Bluegrass, Old-time, and Folk magic with crisp vocals and virtuosic chops. Four friends with three bows, one pick, and great vibes deliver a rollicking romp as the band High Horse. Comprised of fiddler Carson McHaney, cellist Karl Henry, guitarist G Rockwell, and bassist Noah Harrington; the band draws from their varied musical backgrounds to explore and perform original compositions and tunes from diverse folk traditions. High Horse is based in Boston, collecting the skills and artistry learned from their education at the Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory.
22 Brides
22 Brides is a band formed by sisters Carrie and Libby Johnson. Known for their story telling lyrics, lush harmonies and melodic, introspective Pop-Folkrock/Americana songs, they were signed to Universal/Zero Hour Records, released 3 critically acclaimed full length albums (22 Brides, Beaker and Demolition Day) and toured North America extensively. While the sisters went on to establish solo careers, they continue to perform and record. 22 Brides released "Beautiful Ones" in 2022, with proceeds going to the global non-profit ALTSO. Their latest single, "Wandering Soul" dropped in December 2024. The band is currently gearing up for releasing new music in 2026 and spring/summer touring!
Crys Matthews with opener Emily Bevelaqua
A troubadour of truth, Nashville resident Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. An award-winning, prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews blends Country, Americana, Folk, Blues, and Bluegrass into a bold, complex performance steeped in traditional melodies punctuated by honest, original lyrics. She is made for these times.
Of Matthews, ASCAP VP & Creative Director Eric Philbrook says, “By wrapping honest emotions around her socially conscious messages and dynamically delivering them with a warm heart and a strong voice, she lifts our spirits just when we need it most in these troubled times.” Justin Hiltner of Bluegrass Situation adds, her gift is a "reminder of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides." In her own words, Matthews says her mission is: "to amplify the voices of the unheard, to shed light on the unseen, and to be a steadfast reminder that hope and love are the truest pathways to equity and justice." Her new album is an embodiment of and a testament to that mission.
Connecticut-based singer Emily Bevelaqua will open the show!
A Festival of Song!
Join us to celebrate folk radio DJ Susan Forbes Hansen! Since 1979, Susan has been one of the most dedicated and beloved voices of folk radio in CT and MA. Whether she is interviewing musicians, sharing new releases, shouting out a birthday, or curating playlists to comment on the news of the day, Susan uplifts artists and audiences with her keen ears, wit, curiosity, humor, and abundant love for music. She has hosted shows on WHUS (“Sunday Night Folk Festival” 46 years and counting!); WFCR (“Valley Folk”: 1985-2007) and WWUH (“Watch This Space; FM on Toast”: 24 years and counting). Her WWUH DJ bio reads, characteristically dryly, “[Susan] has hosted folk-music-based programs in CT and MA since 1979, and plays whatever SHE thinks works. Her preference is for smart lyrics about real issues set in well-thought-out melodies, but sometimes two-out-of-three is okay too.”
One of the participating musicians, Hugh Blumenfeld writes: “Susan first invited me to join her on the radio 37 years ago, soon after my debut album came out. Susan is an amazing listener - her facial expressions, gestures, and patented sigh, all communicate an intensity of presence, born of concentration and delight, that invites you to join her there. Spending time with her on the air is not just a chance to promote a gig or a new album, but to create as an artist - maybe that’s because I’m also always aware that Susan is an artist in her own right. Support from Susan and her thousands of loyal listeners over the decades made it possible for many, many of us to develop an audience and have a vocation in music.”
Help us celebrate Susan’s extraordinary radio career, and all the gifts she brings to this community, by joining us for this mini-festival, brought to you by some of her most grateful admirers.
For more information, contact cindy@cindykallet.com
Suggested donation: $25
Ticket Proceeds benefit:
CONNECTICUT FOOD SHARE: https://www.ctfoodshare.org/
MY SISTER’S PLACE (Empowering women, families & others in Greater Hartford): https://
Performers
Rani Arbo
Hugh Blumenfeld
Amy Gallatin + Roger Williams
Priscilla Herdman + Max Cohen
Cindy Kallet & Grey Larsen
Kallet, Epstein & Cicone
Kerri Powers
Bruce Pratt
Sally Rogers & Howie Bursen
Nancy Tucker
Lara Herscovitch & The Highway Philosophers at Winding Trails
Lara Herscovitch is a singular, singer-songwriter-poet-performer-author gem. As described in The Boston Globe, she brings “a luminous voice and a buoyant stage presence… big-hearted lyrics embrace the sum of life… Herscovitch’s music blows on the embers of a lagging spirit or a dormant creative life.” Lara leads with authenticity, integrity, humor and heart. Sound Waves Magazine described her music as “expertly written prose… songwriting at its best… good for your ears AND your soul.” Acoustic Live in New York City added, “She possesses not only a huge reservoir of musical talent and a voice with a bell-like clarity, but a keen sense of global concern and a fierce intellect... It might seem too good to be true, but true it is.” Herscovitch is a past Connecticut State Troubadour.
Lara Herscovitch & the Highway Philosophers is a very special new trio. The band gets its name from her new album, Highway Philosophers, with themes reflecting about courage, authenticity, adventure, healing, love and loss, the hero’s journey, faith and freedom. The concert at Garmany Hall will feature Jim Henry on electric guitar, and David Childs on keyboard.
This is a very special concert hosted offsite at the beautiful Garmany Hall, Winding Trails, Farmington. Doors at 7 pm, Concert at 7:30 pm. Directions to Winding Trails venue and parking lot are posted on our website under Directions (above). We recommend bringing a flashlight.
If you have questions, please email info@thesoundingboard.org prior to the concert date. Do not contact Winding Trails staff about this event.
Purchase Tickets HERE
The Sounding Board Celebrates the Music of Bob Dylan
A variety of local musicians will perform songs by Bob Dylan in this members appreciation show. Members will receive complimentary admission but must reserve a ticket. General admission is $30. Cafe seating will be reserved for members and is available first-come, first-served.
John McCutcheon
It is in live performance that John feels most at home. It is what has brought his music into the lives and homes of one of the broadest audiences any folk musician has ever enjoyed. People of every generation and background seem to feel at home in a concert hall when John McCutcheon takes the stage, with what critics describe as "little feats of magic," "breathtaking in their ease and grace...," and "like a conversation with an illuminating old friend." Whether in print, on record, or on stage, few people communicate with the versatility, charm, wit or pure talent of John McCutcheon.
Tickets Available HERE
Hubby Jenkins
Hubby Jenkins is a talented multi-instrumentalist who endeavors to share his love and knowledge of old-time American music. Born and raised in Brooklyn he delved into his southern roots, following the thread of African American history that wove itself through America's traditional music forms. As an integral member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and later Rhiannon Giddens band, Hubby has performed at festivals and venues around the world, earning himself both Grammy and Americana award nominations. Today he spreads his knowledge and love of old-time American music through his dynamic solo performances and engaging workshops.
Tickets Available Soon
Mustard's Retreat
Mustard’s Retreat has been delighting audiences by telling stories for 40 years- they are witty, insightful, fun, and profound, as well as accomplished songwriters and musician (guitars, dulcimer, electric bass, mandolin, harmonica, pennywhistle). In addition to being raconteurs and storytellers, they will give you things to laugh about for days to come and remember for years. Tales of stupid frogs, wandering cadavers, haunted bridges and techo-nerds, memories of small towns and high school, first loves and last…and places we’ve been or maybe just dreamed of.
Tickets Available Soon
Eric Andersen
Eric Andersen’s voice, songs, guitar and piano playing created a career that has spanned over 45 years. He has recorded 25 albums of original songs, and made numerous tours of North America, Europe, and Japan. His songs have been recorded and performed by world renown artists such as Ricky Nelson, Judy Collins, Sandy Denny, Fairport Convention, The Kingston Trio, Peter Paul and Mary, Linda Ronstadt, Johnny Cash, The Grateful Dead, Linda Thompson, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Francoise Hardy, plus many others in Europe, Australia, England, and Japan.
Tickets Available Soon
Kathleen Parks Band
Kathleen Parks is a fiddler, singer, and songwriter who brings joyful and creative energy to the stage and studio. She has been heavily involved in touring and recording with the band Twisted Pine and her duo Kat & Brad, where she sings, writes, and fiddles for both. Her writing leans toward Pop, Folk, and classic jazz, while her fiddle blends and reimagines traditional and modern musical styles with boundless groove, and a playful improvisational spirit. Her deep grounding in Celtic and American roots music blends with her love for pop songwriting, funk rhythms, soulful vocals, and groove-based improvisation, making every performance unexpected yet familiar: a musical journey from beginning to end.
Tickets Available Soon
The Portables
The Portable Folk Music Festival (affectionately known as "The Portables") represent the "house band" of the Sounding Board Coffeehouse. Brace yourself for a stage full of talented singers and instrumentalists who present traditional folk and acoustic music from the American songbook.
Doors open at 7 pm. Concert starts at 7:30 pm. There is no opening act.
Kray Van Kirk / Stan Sullivan
A fine finger-style guitarist with a precise baritone, Kray Van Kirk has a Ph.D. from the University of Alaska, but he set science aside to write songs, tell stories and summon heroes. Of this charming, Quixotic, and decidedly eclectic performer, the Borderline Folk Club in New York wrote “it is what every singer-songwriter should aspire to."
An eclectic singer-songwriter and acoustic guitar instrumentalist, and recording artist, Stan Sullivan has opened shows for nationally touring artists such as Richard Thompson, John Hammond, Rory Block and Cheryl Wheeler.
This is a double-header evening in which each artist will perform 1 set of music with an intermission in-between.
Doors open at 7 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm.
Jon Pousette-Dart with Jim Chapdelaine
A little bit of time has passed between when Jon Pousette-Dart as a teenager started forging a path in the musical landscape that started in the 60’s and laid a foundation with the original Pousette-Dart Band. Throughout the 70’s and into the 80’s the band earned a loyal national following and produced 5 releases for Capitol that made a deep imprint in the world of album radio, when we all used to only listen to vinyl. When the band parted ways, Jon continued working and slowly began navigating back to where he started writing and recording in earnest with many of Nashville’s finest.
Jon Pousette-Dart will perform as a duo with West Hartford’s own Jim Chapdelaine. Chapdelaine is a producer, four-time Emmy winning composer, recording engineer, and guitarist with an extensive list of credits in music for television and recordings for major and independent labels. He studied guitar with Pat Metheny at Berklee College of Music; produced projects for hundreds of artists including Phoebe Snow, Hassan Hakmoun, the Allman Brothers, and his own band the Feathermerchants; worked with a diverse group of artists such as Chuck Leavell, Paula Cole and Delbert McClinton; and has mastered projects for artists such as KC Jones, Aztec Two Step, and Clarence Clemons with Bruce Springsteen Live at Asbury Park. His TV work includes many award-winning projects for PBS, The History Channel, Dateline NBC, and numerous corporate clients. Mr. Chapdelaine has been teaching at Hartt since 2002.
Doors open at 7 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm. There is no opening act.
The Ruta Beggars with opener Lindsey Fyfe Perkel
Appealing to traditional and progressive acoustic music fans alike, The Ruta Beggars combine bluegrass and early swing to create a timeless act filled with intricate vocal harmonies, fiery instrumentals, and plenty of fun. They have been praised for their creative yet tasteful arrangements and charming performances. Since 2018 they have brought the joy of their live show to audiences across the US and Canada from festival stages to storied folk listening rooms and as support for legacy acts Lyle Lovett and Ricky Skaggs. The Ruta Beggars are 2019 Thomas Point band competition winners, 2023 IBMA official showcasing artists, Freshgrass Foundation commissioned composers, Freshgrass Award finalists, and Skyline Records artists. The Ruta Beggars are Micah Nicol (guitar), Trevin Nelson (banjo), Noah Harrington (bass), Sam Stage (fiddle), and Jean-Baptiste Cardineau (mandolin).
Opening for the band will be folksinger Lindsey Fyfe Perkel. Fyfe Perkel interprets traditional folk, bluegrass and country songs with a clear voice and steady guitar hand. Joining her will be with her husband Jason Perkel (guitar/vocals, Dim Lights Thick Smoke) and Sam McDougle (fiddle/mandolin, Audrey Mae). Perkel has served as the Executive Director of The Sounding Board since 2020.
Doors open at 7 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm. The Sounding Board is located at 433 Fern Street, West Hartford at the Fiske Hall of the Universalist Church. Parking lot and venue are accessible.
Peter Mulvey
Peter Mulvey has been a songwriter, road-dog, raconteur, and almost-poet since before he can remember. In 1989 he spent a year in Ireland, busking on the streets of Dublin and hitchhiking to whatever gigs he could find. Back stateside, he spent a couple years gigging through the bars of his native Midwest before taking off for Boston, where he returned to subway busking and coffeehouses. Small shows led to larger shows, which eventually led to regional and then national touring. The wheels have not stopped since.
Twenty albums, one illustrated book, thousands of live performances, a TEDx talk, a decades-long association with the National Youth Science Camp, opening tours and gigs for luminaries such as Ani DiFranco, Greg Brown, Emmylou Harris and Chuck Prophet, appearances on NPR, an annual autumn tour by bicycle, emceeing festivals, hosting his own Lamplighter Sessions for years in Boston and in Wisconsin… he has built his life’s work on collaboration, on an instinct for the eclectic and the vital.
Doors open at 7 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm. There is no opening act.
Claudia Schmidt with opener Emily Bevelaqua
Claudia Schmidt has been perfecting her craft of writing and performing for 50 years. It is a quirky and wonderful hodge-podge (her word) of music, poetry, story, theater, all invoking the whole gamut of emotions and leaving the listener refreshed and thoughtful. Using her incredible multi-octave voice, 12 string guitar and mountain dulcimer, and a deep love of performing, every concert is a true celebration of the moment. Work in clubs, theaters, festivals, TV and radio has continually added depth and dimension, so whether it is her own work or very personal versions of the work of others, what you get is a unique look at the world from someone who says what she sees with clarity, humor, and wonder. The San Francisco Bay Guardian said: “Schmidt’s shows are a lot like falling in love. You never know what’s going to happen next, chances are it’s going to be wonderful, every moment is burned into your memory, and you know you’ll never be the same again.”
Opening for Schmidt will be Emily Bevelaqua. Bevelaqua is a classically-trained vocalist based in Connecticut.
Doors open at 7 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm. The Sounding Board is located at 433 Fern Street, West Hartford at the Fiske Hall of the Universalist Church. Parking lot and venue are accessible.
Cassie and Maggie - Winter Solstice Show at Winding Trails, Farmington
“Nova Scotian sisters Cassie & Maggie are among the top musical acts in demand on the Irish/American/Canadian scene” — Irish Music Magazine
With over 17 combined Canadian Folk Music, East Coast Music, and Music Nova Scotia awards and nominations, the JUNO-Nominated powerhouse duo, Cassie and Maggie, emerge as an unstoppable force on the global folk stage. Unleashing a magnetic energy, they seamlessly weave their deep Celtic heritage with contemporary influences. Committed to not just preserving but also propelling Nova Scotia's folk traditions into new realms, Cassie and Maggie bring an exhilarating energy that is both timeless and irresistibly modern. Their eagerly anticipated 5th studio album, "Gold and Coal," poised to solidify their status as folk music trailblazers.
“Cassie and Maggie... What an unbelievably gifted duo, the train is just gathering steam and leaving the station on these new stars. It is going to be a glorious journey, and it is already well-begun." –Live Ireland Radio- Dublin, IR
Lucy Kaplansky
Lucy Kaplansky draws from personal experiences for her lyrical subject matter, focusing on the often complex matters of the heart. Universal themes of loss, longing and loneliness, as well as love, joy, friendship and hope, are all propelled musically by roots-based instruments including acoustic guitars, mandolin, piano, percussion, and the occasional electric guitar. What Kaplansky seeks to capture and share in her songs are emotional truths, as she puts it, “When I listen to music, or even read something, it has to ring true to me in some deep way. I’m striving for that in my writing.”
Cold Chocolate / Riley Cotton
Special Double Header Evening! Each band performs 1 set with an intermission in-between. Due to unforseen circumstances, Lisa Bastoni will not be able to perform on 11/16 as originally planned.
Cold Chocolate is a genre-bending Americana band that fuses folk, funk and bluegrass to create a unique sound all their own. Led by Ethan Robbins (vocals/guitar/mandolin) and Ariel Bernstein (vocals/percussion/banjo), the Boston-based duo released their fifth full-length album in the fall of 2023. “We're growing as a band, and I think that shows in our songwriting,” says Robbins. “I see this album as a leaping off point for many more new albums to come, and that's an exciting prospect,” adds Bernstein.
Riley Cotton is an old-school songwriter based in Hartford, CT: Armed with an acoustic guitar, she writes songs that paint the emotional context in which we make life’s most consequential decisions. Riley has been nominated for a New England Music Award, was written up in CT Magazine, and her debut album “Falling of the Fervor” was released in November 2024.
John McCutcheon
Update on 10/26, 12 pm: John McCutcheon online ticket sales have ended. The concert is nearly sold out to venue capacity. Walk-up tickets are extremely limited and not guaranteed at the door.
From inauspicious beginnings, Sounding board favorite John McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folksingers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. McCutcheon’s apprenticeship to many of the legendary figures of Appalachian music imbedded a love of not only home-made music, but a sense of community and rootedness. The result is music - whether traditional or from his huge catalog of original songs - with the profound mark of place, family, and strength.