 |
- THANK YOU! Despite the still-challenging economy, Blackstone River Theatre saw more than 6,950 audience members attend 135 concerts, dances, classes and private functions in 2011 plus an additional 1,100 at our Summer Solstice Festival! September marked the 11-year anniversary of the reopening of Blackstone River Theatre after more than four years of volunteer renovation efforts from July, 1996, to September, 2000. Since reopening, BRT has now presented almost 1,200 events in front of more than 75,000 audience members!
- Look for details about another six-week round of fiddle classes for beginner, continuing beginner/intermediate, advanced intermediate and advanced students with Cathy Clasper-Torch beginning Jan. 10 and Jan. 11.
- Look for details about another eight-week round of Irish step dance classes for beginner children and adults with Erika Damiani beginning Jan. 14.
- Look for details about a six-week round of classes in clogging, beginner tin whistle, and beginner 5-string banjo with Aubrey Atwater starting Jan. 26.
- Look for details about a four-week series of classes in beginner and continuing beginner bodhran (Irish drum) with Aoife Clancy starting Jan. 26.
- We will continue our popular Zumba and Zumba Tone classes with April Hilliker on Monday evenings and we will also add a Sunday, 9:30 AM Zumba class with April starting Jan. 15!
- There will be a new exhibit in BRT's Art Gallery featuring student work from Woonsocket's RiverzEdge Arts Project January 8 through Feb. 19.
NOTE: If a show at BRT has an advance price & a day-of-show price it means: If you pre-pay OR call in your reservation any time before the show date, you get the advance price. If you show up at the door with no reservations OR call in your reservations on the day of the show, you will pay the day of show price.
TO MAKE RESERVATIONS, CALL BRT AT: 401-725-9272
Leave your name, number of tickets desired, for which show, your phone number and please let us know if you would like a confirmation phone call.
Every Monday starting January 2, $5.00 per class; $8.00 if both same night
6:30-7:30 PM - ZUMBA CLASSES WITH APRIL HILLIKER begin
7:45-8:30 PM - ZUMBA TONE CLASSES WITH APRIL HILLIKER begin
AND
Every Sunday starting January 15, $5.00 per class
9:30-10:30 AM - ZUMBA CLASSES WITH APRIL HILLIKER begin |
|
Sunday, January 8, 10 AM to noon, $20.00 adults; $10.00 students
BRUNCH WITH MAYOR DANIEL McKEE |
|
| Join Mayor McKee and the Cumberland Youth Commission for brunch at Blackstone River Theatre to kick off the year with a focus on education. Find out how the "pieces of the pie" will fit together! Topics will include the New Youth Center, The Declaration of Education for Cumberland, and the vision of an "Edu-Conomy." Hosted by the Cumberland Youth Commission as a fundraiser to benefit The Office of Children, Youth and Learning via the Cumberland Local Education Fund, a 501-c-3 non-profit organization. Questions? Please contact Cheryl: 401-475-0929 OR email: info@ocyl.org |
Tuesday, January 10
5:30 PM: 6-week class in BEGINNER FIDDLE with Cathy Clasper-Torch begins
6:30 PM: 6-week class in CONTINUING BEGINNER FIDDLE with Cathy Clasper-Torch begins
7:30 PM: 6-week class in ADVANCED BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE FIDDLE with Cathy Clasper-Torch begins |
|
Wednesday, January 11
6:30 PM: 6-week class in ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE FIDDLE with Cathy Clasper-Torch begins
7:45 PM: 6-week class in ADVANCED FIDDLE with Cathy Clasper-Torch begins |
|
Friday, January 13, 8 PM, $15.00
ROBBIE O'CONNELL, ED MILLER, AND DAN MILNER
An evening of Irish, Scottish, and Maritime songs |
|
 Singer-songwriter Robbie O'Connell was born in Waterford, Ireland, and grew up in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary. In 1977, he joined the legendary Clancy Brothers with whom he recorded 3 albums. With the 1982 release of his first solo album Robbie emerged as an artist of major stature. Soon after, he began touring with Mick Moloney and Jimmy Keane, and also with Eileen Ivers and Seamus Egan in the Green Fields of America. He has earned international acclaim as a singer-songwriter by making it quite clear that there's more to being Irish than filling stereotypes. The Boston Globe describes Robbie as "a writer of timeless-sounding, emotionally powerful and often hilarious songs" and places him "among the most respected guitarists, singer and songwriters in Celtic music."
Ed Miller has been hailed as "one of the finest singers to come out of the Scottish Folksong Revival" and as "one of Scotland's best singing exports." Originally from Edinburgh, he has been living in Austin, Texas for many years, where he gained graduate degrees in Folklore and Geography at the University of Texas. Ed performs in concerts, clubs, festivals, Highland Games and Burns Suppers, and has recorded eight CDs of Scottish songs.
Dan Milner has been involved in traditional song all his life as a singer, author, collector and organizer. A former National Park Ranger, he teaches "Storytelling in Song: The Ballad Tradition" at New York University and is on the staff of The Journal of New York Folklore. Dan has made six recordings including "Irish Ballads & Songs of the Sea," and "Irish Songs from Old New England" for Folk-Legacy. His 2009 CD, "Irish Pirate Ballads," received two Indie Awards nominations: Best Album and Best Song - World Traditional. Help us kick off 2012 and don't miss this rare opportunity to see these three talented performers together in an intimate theater setting! |
Saturday, January 14
9:00 AM: 8-week class in BEGINNER IRISH STEP DANCE FOR CHILDREN 6-10 with Erika Damiani begins
10:00 AM: 8-week class in BEGINNER IRISH STEP DANCE FOR ADULTS with Erika Damiani begins
11:00 AM: 8-week class in ADVANCED BEGINNER IRISH STEP DANCE FOR ADULTS with Erika Damiani begins |
|
Saturday, January 21, 8 PM, $15.00
THE BOHEMIAN QUARTET |
|
 Experience an amazing performance of gypsy music! The mission of keeping a rare musical flame alight is a noble and often challenging one, but The Bohemian Quartet is more than up to the task. In this case, the acclaimed Providence, Rhode Island-based ensemble featuring violin, viola, cello, and bass specializes in music of the "Romany" or "Gypsy" tradition, along with related Eastern European folk styles. The Bohemian Quartet was formed in 2005. Violinist Stan Renard, a composer and virtuoso player with an impressive list of credentials, assembled the group with the idea of preserving the tradition and indulging in the virtuosic playing of classic gypsy music. Renard recruited like-minded and ambitious friends: Christine Harrington on cello, Nancy Richardson on viola, and John DeBossu on upright bass. Together, they've made a commitment to the genre, and aspired to performing it with both reverence and adventure. Indeed, like every good curator, the ensemble embraces tradition, and still wanders off in newer, unpredictable directions. The name "Bohemian Quartet" was borrowed from the original Bohemian Quartet (also known as the Czech Quartet after 1918), a string quartet of international repute that was founded in 1891 and disbanded in 1934. Both groups share a passion for the deep-rooted authenticity of the Romany tradition, as well as the ability to play that historic repertoire with extraordinary joie de vivre. On the aptly titled "Beyond Tradition," the quartet's 2010 recording, the group's intentions are on full display. The project was recorded live at Blackstone River Theatre and St. Paul's Church in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Produced by Harrington and the quartet, the recording is a journey through the musical vernacular of gypsy life, with zippy tempos, virtuosic playing, and above all the flair of performance that makes this music so utterly riveting. Don't miss it! |
Thursday, January 26
6:00 PM: 6-week class in CLOGGING with Aubrey Atwater begins
7:00 PM: 6-week class in IRISH TIN WHISTLE FOR BEGINNERS with Aubrey Atwater begins FULL!
8:00 PM: 6-week class in 5-STRING BANJO FOR BEGINNERS with Aubrey Atwater begins FULL! |
|
Thursday, January 26
6:00 PM: 4-week class in BEGINNER BODHRAN with Aoife Clancy begins FULL!
7:00 PM: 4-week class in CONTINUING BEGINNER BODHRAN with Aoife Clancy begins
8:00 PM: 4-week class in CONTINUING BEGINNER BODHRAN with Aoife Clancy begins |
|
Saturday, January 28, 8PM, $13.00 advance / $15.00 day of show
FELLSWATER |
|
 Fellswater is a new, dynamic Boston-based Celtic music ensemble. The group was formed in 2008 after band members met during the album recording for "Stormin' the Castle" by the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums. Fellswater plays a wide range of instrumental music, from traditional to modern compositions, drawing from the heritage of many of the Celtic nations, especially Scotland, Ireland, and Brittany. Fellswsater features Elizabeth Ketudat on violin, Sarah MacConduibh on whistle and Irish flute, Jim MacConduibh on guitar, mandolin and bouzouki, and Matthew Phelps on smallpipes and border pipes. 2010 highlights included the release of "Fellswater," the group's first full-length recording, and their performance debut at the New Hampshire Highland Games. 2011 saw them play the BRT Summer Solstice Festival and their "Road to the Scottish Highlands" concert at Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford, NH before a crowd of 1,600, the band's largest audience yet. Fellswater really drew some attention at the 2011 Solstice Festival... don't miss their BRT debut concert! |
Sunday, January 29, 12:30-3:30 PM, $8 adults/$6 students/$4 for children 3-12
Cumberland Feels the Cold... Help Keep Our Neighbors Warm
"Frank Santos Jr. Hypnotizes for Heat" Oil Project Fundraiser |
|
| The Cumberland Youth Commission is raising funds for its 4th annual Oil Project. The Youth Commission works with the Office of Children, Youth & Learning (OCYL) to create civic engagement opportunities for high school students while working to improve issues facing Cumberland. The Oil Project began when the youth commission recognized the growing number of local families unable to afford heat for their homes. Today's program is a fundraiser to help families who cannot keep their homes warm by partnering with local oil companies: McKee Oil and TH Malloy and Sons. "Frank Santos Jr. Hypnotizes for Heat" is a comic hypnotist show for all ages featuring audience participation. Also featured will be participatory drumming with The Rhythm Room, raffle prizes, and snacks available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Oil Project. Purchase advance tickets at the Office of Children Youth and Learning or buy them at the door. Individuals and local businesses who cannot attend are encouraged to help keep our neighbors warm by contributing directly to the oil fund. Questions? For more information, call 401-475-0929 or e-mail info@ocyl.org |
- Fiddle classes for beginner, continuing beginner/intermediate, advanced intermediate and advanced students with Cathy Clasper-Torch continues through Feb. 14 and Feb. 15.
- Irish step dance classes for beginner children and adults and advanced beginners with Erika Damiani continues on Saturdays throughout February (but no class Feb. 18).
- Clogging, beginner tin whistle, and beginner 5-string banjo with Aubrey Atwater continues on Thursdays in February (but no class Feb. 16).
- Beginner and continuing beginner bodhran (Irish drum) classes with Aoife Clancy continue on Thursdays through Feb. 16.
- We will continue our popular Zumba and Zumba Tone classes with April Hilliker on Monday evenings and on Sunday mornings.
- The RiverzEdge Arts Project student exhibit in BRT's Art Gallery runs through Feb. 19.
NOTE: If a show at BRT has an advance price & a day-of-show price it means: If you pre-pay OR call in your reservation any time before the show date, you get the advance price. If you show up at the door with no reservations OR call in your reservations on the day of the show, you will pay the day of show price.
TO MAKE RESERVATIONS, CALL BRT AT: 401-725-9272
Leave your name, number of tickets desired, for which show, your phone number and please let us know if you would like a confirmation phone call.
Every Monday, $5.00 per class; $8.00 if both same night
6:30-7:30 PM - ZUMBA CLASSES WITH APRIL HILLIKER
7:45-8:30 PM - ZUMBA TONE CLASSES WITH APRIL HILLIKER
AND
Every Sunday, $5.00 per class
9:30-10:30 AM - ZUMBA CLASSES WITH APRIL HILLIKER |
|
Saturday, February 4, 8 PM, $12.00
BLUE AROUND THE EDGES / THREE TALL PINES |
|
  Blue Around the Edges is Dianna Fallon (vocals, guitar, banjo) and Carol Campbell (vocals, mandolin, guitar) joined by Jackie Vinacco on upright bass and vocals. Dianna and Carol came together in 2005 performing acoustic old-timey country, gospel, and traditional music, with a hint of bluegrass. Their simple and beautiful harmonies tell stories of struggle, hope and compassion that touch the mind, heart, and spirit. Blue Around the Edges has opened for Ginny Hawker & Tracy Schwartz, and The Lonesome Sisters and their music has graced the main stage (2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011) of the Blistered Fingers Bluegrass Festival, in Litchfield, Maine. They also performed on the Showcase Stage at the Joe Val Bluegrass Festival and the New England Folk Festival in 2011. They have been hits at the 2010 and 2011 BRT Homecoming concerts and are recipients of Motif Magazine Music Award nominations for 2009-11 Best Bluegrass Band in the Folk genre. Three Tall Pines is an award winning quartet playing bluegrass and Americana from the heart of New England. Though their faces are young, the group's timeless originals and interpretations of traditional songs persuade listeners that bygone eras were just a short while ago. Impressive instrumentalists in their own right, they transcend their diverse musical backgrounds to achieve soulful harmonies and sensitive performances that draw audiences in and leave plenty of space for the story to shine through. Named 2011 Bluegrass Band of the Year by the Motif Magazine and winner of the Ossipee Valley Bluegrass Festival band competition, the group's new CD, "All That's Left" was released in late 2011. Three Tall Pines features Dan Bourdeau on guitar, Joe Lurgio on mandolin, Conor Smith on fiddle, and Gian Pangaro on acoustic bass. |
Sunday, February 12, 7 PM, $15.00
SWEETHEARTS' NIGHT OUT
Musical Couples play (mostly) songs of love for Valentine's Day featuring
Darol Anger & Emy Phelps, Lissa Schneckenburger & Corey DiMario, and Brittany Haas & Kai Welch |
|
 Celebrated roots musicians Darol Anger and Emy Phelps, along with Lissa Schneckenberger and Corey DiMario, and Brittany Haas and Kai Welch will present an evening of both the sweet and the scary side of romance, from their perspective as couples, with original songs and old favorites from every genre. Darol Anger, making his BRT debut, has made a 30+ year career as one of the most influential and innovative fiddlers in the world as the original fiddler from the David Grisman Quartet as well as with the Turtle Island String Quartet, Psychograss, and Republic of Strings. Lissa Schenkenburger is one of the best of the young fiddler-singer-songwriters of America's Northeast region. Brittany Haas, one of the most dynamic fiddlers alive, currently tours internationally with Crooked Still, which also features the amazing bassist Corey DiMario. Emy Phelps, the "Golden Voice of the Pacific Northwest," has been charming fans for 20 years with her deep and insightful songs and multi-instrumentalist and esteemed producer Kai Welch is well-known to Abigail Washburn fans. We hope you'll bring your sweetheart and join us for a lovely, romantic and very special evening! |
Saturday, February 18, 8 PM, $15.00
KIMBERLEY FRASER and BRIAN CONWAY with MARK SIMOS |
|
  Kimberley Fraser was born on Cape Breton Island and nurtured within its rich musical heritage. She first began to impress audiences at the age of three with her step-dancing talents. Soon after that she took up both the fiddle and the piano. Like many in Cape Breton, music is not new to Kimberley's family... she proudly owns the fiddle of her great great grandfather, spanning the musical tradition within her family over a hundred years. Though still in her early twenties, Kimberley's career is already a distinguished one having played with Ashley MacIsaac, Natalie MacMaster, Alasdair Fraser, Lunasa and Martin Hayes. A master at the trio of fiddling, step dancing and piano, Kimberley is a much sought after teacher for all three and has been a long-time instructor at the renowned Gaelic College in Cape Breton. Fraser is continuing her music education by attending the acclaimed Berklee College of Music in Boston. Her CD "Falling on New Ground" won the 2008 East Coast Music Award for best "Roots/Tradtional Album of the Year." New York-born fiddler Brian Conway is a leading exponent of the highly ornamented Sligo fiddling style made famous by the late Michael Coleman. The winner of two All-Ireland junior titles in 1973-1974 and the All-Ireland senior championship of 1986, Brian learned from legendary fiddler Martin Wynne and later befriended the great Andy McGann, a direct student of Michael Coleman, who further shaped his precision and skill on the instrument. He released his debut solo CD, "First through the Gate," on the Smithsonian-Folkways label in 2002. This CD was voted the prestigious Album of the Year by the Irish Echo. Brian remains faithful to the rich tradition handed down to him. The distinctness of his tone, the lift of his playing, and the deft ornamentation he brings to the tunes have placed him among the finest Irish fiddlers of any style, Sligo or otherwise. The musical imagination of guitarist Mark Simos weaves a lifetime love of many traditions into innovative musical forms. As songwriter and composer, fiddler, and accompanist, Mark draws on a wide variety of genres-Irish, Southern old-time, New England, Quebeçois, bluegrass, and Klezmer among others-creating a musical language grounded in traditional forms, yet uniquely his own. Don't miss an amazing evening with two of the top fiddle players performing today! |
Sunday, February 19, 2 PM, $10.00 adv / $12.00 day of show
DIXIE DIEHARDS JAZZ BAND |
|
 Join the Dixie Diehards Jazz Band for a raucus, Mardi Gras-style show as they dish out a thick gumbo of traditional New Orleans Jazz! The Dixie Diehards, whose lineup includes a medical doctor, a retired college professor and an investigative reporter among others, shares at least one thing in common: a passion for the "hot jazz" and blues of the early 20th century. The era, typified by such greats as Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller and Jelly Roll Morton, firmly established jazz as "America's music" and set the direction for much of subsequent pop culture. The term "Dixieland" refers to a form of small group jazz which typically includes a trumpet, a clarinet and a trombone and often a tuba combined with a rhythm section that may include a banjo, percussion or bass player as well as a piano. In most arrangements, the trumpet plays the melody while other elements freely improvise around it or paraphrase the melody in creative solos. The Dixie Diehards have won an enthusiastic reception across southern New England for bringing an irrepressible sense of fun and frolic to their shows. That attitude almost always includes audience sing-alongs, spontaneous dance outbursts (remember the Charleston?) and a spirit of "wonderful nonsense." The lineup includes: Rick Foster on trumpet & vocals, Dolly Fruzzetti on vocals, Bill Dube on reeds, Dale Ellenberg on drums, Paul Peterson on reeds, Steve Shaw on tuba, John Zawislak on trombone, Chris Wadsworth on banjo, and band leader Alan Shapiro on trumpet. Don't miss a rare BRT matinee show sure to be fun for all ages! |
Saturday, February 25, 8 PM, $15.00
ÁINE MINOGUE - CD release |
|
 As traditional Irish music continues to enjoy phenomenal success both here and in Ireland, Áine Minogue is an artist who has long explored its themes and who captures its very essence. Her singing reflects the lyricism and richness to be found in Irish music, mythology and poetry with a voice undeniably her own. Born in County Tipperary, Áine's family encouraged her to pursue a number of instruments but it was at age 12 that Áine discovered her true love - the harp - which she decided to pursue in lieu of the others. Áine takes this ancient art form, exploring its underpinnings but adding her own creativity to each piece. With a combination of harping, singing and storytelling with a touch of poetry, her concerts have an intimate "getting away from it all" feel. Tonight is the CD release for her new project, "Close Your Eyes, Love." Aine's latest album is a collection of mostly traditional lullabies from the Celtic Lands. In the ancient Irish harping tradition, there were three primary genres of music, geantraí (songs of laughter), goltraí (songs of sorrow), and suantraí (songs of sleep). These lullabies are among the most beautiful in the tradition and were created for people of all ages. Says Aine "Faith systems are always fascinating. Today, we believe medicine is the answer to falling asleep. Back then, they truly believed in the power of a melody to put you under. That's a powerful thing, to have that kind of faith in music." Don't miss this fascinating evening of Irish harp music, ethereal vocals, poetry and storytelling by one of BRT's favorite artists! |
UPCOMING CONCERTS IN 2012 |
|
Saturday, March 3, 8 PM, $15.00
SUGAR RAY & THE BLUETONES
Saturday, March 10, 8 PM, $15.00
PADDY KEENAN
Sunday, March 18, 7:00 PM, $15.00
PENDRAGON - Celebrate St. Patrick's Day!
Saturday, March 24, 8 PM, $15.00
RUNA
Saturday, March 31, 8 PM, $13.00 adv / $15.00 day of show
MIST COVERED MOUNTAIN / RED HEN BAND
Saturday, April 7, 8 PM
SUPERCHIEF TRIO - CD release
Friday, April 13, 8:00 PM, $10.00
RORY RAVEN - Mentalist & Mindbender
Saturday, April 14, 8 PM, $15.00 adv / $18.00 day of show
JEAN REDPATH
Saturday, April 21, $12.00 adv / $15.00 day of show
OCCIDENTAL GYPSY
Saturday, April 28, $13.00 adv / $15.00 day of show
LISSA SCHNECKENBURGER / CANTRIP
Saturday, May 5, 8 PM, $15.00
ATWATER-DONNELLY & FRIENDS
Saturday, May 12, 8:00 PM, $12.00
JC-DC featuring Joel Cage & Don "DC" Culp with guest Gary "Guitar" Gramolini
Opening Act: Longshot Voodoo
|
|
