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- THANK YOU! Despite the challenging economy, Blackstone River Theatre saw more than 6,000 audience members attend nearly 100 concerts, dances, classes and private functions in 2009! September marked the 9-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 1,000 events in front of more than 60,000 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. 12 and Jan. 13.
- Look for details about a six-week round of Irish step dance classes for adult and children beginner, and advanced beginner students with Terry Songini beginning Jan. 16.
- Look for details about six-week classes in advanced beginner tin whistle and clogging with Aubrey Atwater beginning Jan. 18
- There will be a photographic history of BRT's 4-year renovation effort from July, 1996 through September, 2000 in BRT's Art Gallery through Feb. 7.
Saturday, January 9, 9 a.m. to noon, By Invitation Only
CUMBERLAND TOWN WIDE LEARNING COMMUNITY WORLD CAFE
Made possible by a generous grant from the Rhode Island Foundation
Co-sponsored by the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce and Cumberland Public Schools |
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Join us for a facilitated discussion and community-wide conversation that will center both energy and action to develop a web of support for learning throughout Cumberland. Imagine a town where lifelong learning is a priority for everyone, young and old alike. A place where learning is a core component of the town's culture... That place is Cumberland.
For further information, please call 401-658-1600 x 8 or email: TWLC@cumberlandschools.org |
Saturday, January 9, 8 PM
MOIRA SMILEY & VOCO
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Our scheduled opening concert with Moira Smiley & VOCO on January 9 has had to be postponed to a later date due to health issues within the band. Because of the late notice, BRT will open our 2010 season next week instead with The Gnomes!
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Saturday, January 16, 8 PM, $12.00
THE GNOMES
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 Members of The Gnomes each bring an enormous wealth of musical knowledge, musicianship, creativity, and fun to their performances. Their live shows are upbeat and never fail to get folks on their feet, moving and grooving! They'll go from a traditional tune into a tango, or a piece of music that makes you feel like you just stepped off a dirt road in Ireland to a sidewalk cafe in France. Gnomes concerts also have plenty of songs interspersed with their instrumental music. Pete Breen wails on everything from Reggae to Gospel while playing his bass; Otis Read, a gifted singer-songwriter, plays rhythm and lead guitar; Cathy Clasper-Torch is a fiddler, pianist and harmony queen; Phil Edmonds, a master Irish whistle-player and button accordionist, writes much of The Gnomes' original music; Ron Schmitt is a phenomenal World Beat and dance percussionist. The Gnomes play a lively blend of world music with a repertoire featuring Irish, Scandinavian, klezmer, Latin, eastern European, Reggae, and original material. Their debut CD "To the Dance Floor," was followed by 2008's "Everybody Must Get Gnomed." |
Friday, January 22, 8 PM, $12.00 advance/$15.00 day of show
HANNEKE CASSEL TRIO - CD RELEASE!
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 "Exuberant and rhythmic, somehow both wild and innocent, delivered with captivating melodic clarity and an irresistible playfulness," says the Boston Globe about Hanneke Cassel's playing. Such charismatic fiddling has brought the native Oregonian many honors and awards. She is the 1997 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion, she holds a Bachelors of Music in Violin Performance from Berklee College of Music, and she has performed and taught across North America, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and China. Hanneke's new release, "For Reasons Unseen," features an all-star cast of musicians including Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas, Rushad Eggleston, Casey Driessen, Brittany Haas, Keith Murphy, and Aoife O'Donovan. Influences from Scotland to China, along with grooves and musical innovations from the hip Boston bluegrass/Americana scene, fuse together to create a uniquely American approach to Scottish music. Simply put, Hanneke creates sounds on the cutting edge of acoustic music, while retaining the integrity and soul of the Scottish tradition. For tonight's Rhode Island CD release concert, Cassel will be joined by Ariel Friedman on cello and Keith Murphy on guitar. In addition to her solo career, Hanneke tours regularly with Baroque/Celtic group Ensemble Galilei, and has performed with the Cathie Ryan Band, Cherish the Ladies, Alasdair Fraser, and Matt Glaser and the Wayfaring Strangers. She is also an active member of Boston-based band Childsplay (featuring 20+ fiddles made by Bob Childs) and winner of 1st place INSTRUMENTAL and 3rd place OVERALL in the 2008 USA Songwriting Contest. |
Saturday, January 23, 8 PM, $12.00
BARRY BROWN - CD release / MICHAEL TROY
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  Barry Brown's repertoire is a reflection of the rich heritage of blues and ragtime, traditional American folksongs, instrumental guitar pieces, and tunes that he has either borrowed from others or written himself. While he has appeared on the recordings of other musicians, Barry's first solo CD, "Roots & Wings," finds him, at long last, in the driver's seat. Accompanied by an all-star cast on the CD, including Cathy Clasper-Torch, Martin Grosswendt, Chris Turner, Tesseract3 and Monica Ambroziak, "Roots & Wings" will be available at tonight's solo show for the first time. Growing up in Detroit in the mid-'60s, Barry was part of a fertile community of folk and blues musicians that ran the gamut from Joni Mitchell to John Lee Hooker. When still in his teens, he moved to the East Coast, quickly establishing himself as a popular performer and guitar teacher. Working as both soloist and back-up guitarist, Barry performed at The Bitter End and Gaslight in NYC, in concerts around New England and in numerous coffeehouses and clubs. He has composed and recorded the soundtrack for "The Sacred Circle of Yoga," and presented several workshops on music as a healing tool. For 14 years, Barry taught more than 3,000 people to play guitar at Bristol Community College in Massachusetts. Barry's private students include a two-time Grammy winner, an MTV composer and countless living room legends. Acclaimed singer-songwriter Michael Troy will also make his BRT debut, performing the first set. Michael was born and raised in the rough-and-tumble mill town of Fall River, Mass. Having spent parts of his own life as a mill worker, fisherman, laborer and carpenter, and most of his adult years as a husband and father, Michael has traveled many paths, and the experience and wisdom he's gleaned along the way echoes through his music. A magical storyteller with a gift for melody, a deep rich voice, and excellent finger-pickin' skills, Michael's plaintive ballads speak of childhood dreams not quite forgotten in the adult quest to make an honest living. Michael's second CD, "Romancing the Moon," continues to celebrate the beauty and intrinsic value of hard work and perseverance, memory and history, love and friendship, and above all, survival. He has won critical acclaim and many awards including the 2007 New England Songwriting Contest. Don't miss this special evening which promises to warm up even the coldest winter night! |
Saturday, January 30, 8 PM, $10.00
MENTALIST & MINDBENDER RORY RAVEN
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 Rory Raven is a mentalist with over 14 year of experience reading minds and astonishing audiences. Neither a psychic nor a magician, he offers a compelling kind of entertainment unlike anything audiences have ever seen. With a few simple props (paper and pencil, a pack of playing cards, some paperback books, and the thoughts of some volunteers) Rory involves the audience in a highly unusual - and unusually entertaining - experience. Thoughts are revealed, predicitions come true, and perhaps even the spirits are summoned... Rory is also well-known for leading people on his Providence Ghost Walk; he also released his first book, "Haunted Providence: Strange Tales from the Smallest State," in 2009. Frequently Asked Questions: Okay, let's start with that title - what's a mentalist? A mentalist is a theatrical mind-reader... a performer who, using a variety of techniques, is able to produce results that would only seem possible by psychic or paranormal means. And those techniques would be...? They range from a knowledge of subtle psychological principles and the quirks of human behavior, to quick thinking and a good memory. Rory is also interested in things like suggestion, non-verbal communication, and the so-called trance state. And he doesn't hesitate to borrow ideas from the stage magician, either! So is he psychic or what? No. Not everyone believes him when he say that, but there's not much he can do about it he explains. People who believe in the paranormal will believe no matter what he tells them, and those who don't believe won't believe no matter what he shows them. But a long time ago Rory realized that everybody's mind is pretty much made up before they came to a show, so it was a fool's errand to try and convince people of the validity of one viewpoint or another. So we invite you to sit back, concentrate on your mother's maiden name, and enjoy the show... |
- BRT's six-week round of fiddle classes for beginner, continuing beginner, intermediate, advanced intermediate and advanced students with Cathy Clasper-Torch continues on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout February.
- BRT's six-week round of Irish step dance classes for adult and children beginner, and advanced beginner students with Terry Songini beginning continues through February 20.
- BRT's six-week classes in advanced beginner tin whistle and clogging with Aubrey Atwater continues on Mondays throughout February.
- The photographic history of BRT's 4-year renovation effort in BRT's Art Gallery will run through Feb. 6. A new watercolor exhibit by Lisa G. Bailey featuring Color Weaves will run February 13 through March 20 in BRT's Art Gallery.
Saturday, February 6, 8 PM, $15.00
JERIMOTH HILL
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 The most recent addition to the Atwater-Donnelly performance repertoire is Jerimoth Hill, named after the highest point in Rhode Island, in the town of Foster, home of Elwood and Aubrey. Jerimoth Hill is an all old-time gospel band that includes Aubrey Atwater on mountain dulcimer, banjo and mandolin; Elwood Donnelly on lead vocals and guitar; Cathy Clasper-Torch on fiddle and cello; Heidi Cerrigione on autoharp; John Cerrigione on bass; and Uriah Donnelly on piano and lead guitar. "The Halfway Ground," the 10th recording for Atwater-Donnelly and the first for Jerimoth Hill, was voted 2007 Album of the Year in the Motif Magazine Music Poll. The band itself won Best Americana Act of the Year at the 2008 Motif Music Awards. The project summarizes years of research throughout those hidden pockets of America where music, as an integral part of daily life, weaves an emotional thread through work and play, commitment and faith, endurance and hope, struggle and peace. Come witness "The Halfway Ground," where the hereafter is ever-present in conversation and song, and greener pastures are a simple assurance. A simple brand of old-time acoustic music featuring glorious five-part harmonies! |
Saturday, February 13, 8 PM, $15.00
ARCHIE FISHER - FROM SCOTLAND
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 Master guitarist, singer and songwriter Archie Fisher is Scotland's foremost troubadour and is known throughout the country as the host of BBC Radio Scotland's award-winning "Travelling Folk" show, which he has presented for more than 25 years. Recognized for his contributions to Scottish folk music, he was inducted into the Scots Traditional Music Hall of Fame and in 2006 was awarded an MBE, (Distinguished Member of the British Empire), a prestigious honor nominated by his peers and bestowed by Queen Elizabeth for services to traditional music in 2007. Archie was born in Glasgow into a large singing family, which yielded three professional singers - Archie and his sisters Ray and Cilla Fisher. Fisher's first self-titled album was recorded in 1968. During the mid-1970s he formed a long-term partnership with Dundee musician Allan Barty, and later joined the revived pairing of Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy. As well as performing as a backing musician and arranger for Maken & Clancy, he also produced a series of albums with them and got involved in record production with the dynamic Scottish band Silly Wizard. During the 1980s, he began a partnership with Canadian songwriter Garnet Rogers, touring throughout North America together. He later toured with John Renbourn and Bert Jansch in the mid-'90s. His current "Windward Away" release on Red House, a collection of introspective ballads that evoke the wild and rough beauty of the Scottish Border country, has already achieved widespread acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. Don't miss the distinctive voice and guitar playing of this legendary Scottish musician in an intimate, listening room setting! |
Saturday, February 20, 8 PM, $12.00
LONG TIME COURTING / RUNA
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  Do not miss the Rhode Island debut of RUNA as they play a split concert with the amazing ladies of Long Time Courting! Take four individually accomplished traditional musicians and singers with fresh attitudes. Combine them and you have the rich, soaring four-part vocal arrangements and fiery Irish jigs and reels that is Long Time Courting. This high-energy band brings heavenly harmonies to old and new ballads and also serves up a zesty side of high-energy dance tunes. Bringing together the talents of Ellery Klein on fiddle/vocals, Liz Simmons on guitar/vocals, Shannon Heaton on flute/vocals, and Ariel Friedman on cello, this Boston-based ensemble shares a love of traditional Irish and American music, as well as contemporary folk and pop. Together, they bring elements of these various genres to their traditional repertoire with sensitivity, musicality, beauty and a bit of mischief, too! Ellery Klein's fiddling is deeply rooted in an authentic Irish sound, but seasoned with the Americana sounds of her Ohio childhood. Her lyrical, high-energy fiddle style was onstage in over 600 shows around the U.S. with Irish super-group Gaelic Storm. Liz Simmons has developed a unique style that incorporates the sounds of Appalachian traditional singing and pop. She is currently the lead singer of Annalivia, a band that infuses a contemporary edge with the traditional sounds of Ireland, Appalachia and Cape Breton. Shannon Heaton has toured nationally with her husband, guitarist Matt Heaton, for eleven years and her exquisite Irish flute style has been featured with numerous other Boston groups. Ariel Friedman is an inventive folk and classical cellist from Boston, and a winner of the American String Teachers Association's 2009 Alternative Styles Award. She also performs, tours, and records with Hanneke Cassel and Childsplay. Drawing on the diverse musical backgrounds of its band members, Shannon Lambert-Ryan & RUNA brings a contemporary experience to traditional and more recently composed Celtic material. Through their repertoire of both highly energetic and graceful acoustic melodies, along with their fusion of music from Ireland, Scotland, Shetland Islands, Canada, and the United States, this vocal and instrumental ensemble give their traditional songs and tunes a fresh sound. Shannon Lambert-Ryan, of Philadelphia, fronts the band with rich, vibrant vocals. As a musician, she spent three years as the lead female vocalist in the world music ensemble, the Guy Mendilow Band, before forming RUNA with husband and co-founder, Fionán de Barra. Together, they recorded and produced her solo album, "Across the Pond," in 2008, and RUNA's new release, "Jealousy," in 2009. Dublin-based guitarist de Barra, of Moya Brennan and Fiddler's Bid, is joined by Tomoko Omura on fiddle and Canadian percussionist Cheryl Prashker. |
Thursday, February 25, 6 to 8 PM
SEN. DAN CONNORS FUNDRAISING EVENT
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Saturday, February 27, 8 PM, $12.00
OCCIDENTAL GYPSY JAZZ QUARTET / BERTRAND LAURENCE
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  Tonight's split concert will begin with a set by French finger-style acoustic guitarist and songwriter Bertrand Laurence, a BRT favorite who celebrated the release of "6 & 12 String Guitar Music" in 2009. Laurence is a master of the art of country blues fingerpicking and slide guitar, but he's no purist. His live shows feature traditional, contemporary, and original blues but are full of surprises including swing tunes, ragtime, boogie, rockabilly,... even blues sung in French! Inspired by childhood heroes, Laurence tries to recapture in his music the exuberance of Jelly Roll Morton and the rocking guitar style of Big Bill Broonzy. Having spent a number of years as a performance artist, Laurence also knows how to put on a show and his time working at a homeless shelter also taught him the healing power of the blues. "I like to focus on the upside of the blues," he says. "I'm into joy and celebration." The Occidental Gypsy Jazz Quartet made their BRT debut at last year's Homecoming Concert and wowed the crowd. They are a refreshing extension of European cafe music, better known as Jazz Manouche, or gypsy swing and their well rehearsed and lightning fast swing caused WRIU DJ Laura Travis to call them "an awesome authentic gypsy quartet who floored the audience this year at the annual RI Rhythm & Roots Festival." Featuring Joel Beauchemin (violin, trumpet), founder Brett Feldman (Gypsy guitar soloist), Jeff Feldman (bass guitar), and Jonathan Sigman (vocals, guitar). |
- The watercolor exhibit by Lisa G. Bailey featuring Color Weaves will run through March 20 in BRT's Art Gallery. Aaron Usher will present a photography exhibit from March 27 through April 24 in BRT's Art Gallery.
- There will be no classes held at BRT in March.
- BRT will offer a 5-week series of classes in continuing beginner tin whistle and clogging with Aubrey Atwater on Mondays March 22 through April 19.
Saturday, March 6, 8 PM, $20.00 advance/$24 day of show
ROOMFUL OF BLUES
Advance ticket purchase strongly recommended!
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 Tonight's show will be the Rhode Island debut of new Roomful singer Phil Pemberton and bassist John Turner!
Here's a rare chance to hear this amazing band in an intimate listening room setting! USA Today says Roomful of Blues plays "marvelous wall-to-wall grooves... between the wicked guitar work and the brassy horn section, things never stop swinging." With their masterful combination of jumping, hard-edged blues and R&B, it's no wonder why the great Count Basie called them "the hottest blues band I've ever heard." DownBeat said the band is "in a class by itself." Without a doubt, Roomful of Blues is all this and more. Since 1967, the band's deeply rooted, horn-driven blend of swing, rock 'n' roll, jump, blues and soul has earned it five Grammy Award nominations and a slew of other accolades, including four W.C. Handy Blues Awards. The band has always boasted great musicianship featuring a stellar horn section - they won two W.C. Handy Blues Awards in 2004: Instrumentalist of the Year - Horns, as well as the coveted Blues Band of the Year. Remaining together for so long is not simply a matter of survival, but rather a testament to Roomful of Blues' commitment to its originality and its ability to evolve. Over the years, Roomful's lineup has changed but the band has always been one of the tightest, most joyful blues ensembles in the world. Currently a 8-piece unit led by guitarist Chris Vachon, the band has never sounded fresher or stronger. With new vocalist Phil Pemberton, new bassist John Turner, drummer Ephraim Lowell, keyboardist Travis Colby, and baritone and tenor saxophonist Mark Earley along with long-time tenor and alto saxophonist Rich Lataille (the longest-standing member of the group) and trumpet player Doug Woolverton. Their newest CD "Raisin' A Ruckus" swings as convincingly as it rocks. |
Sunday, March 14, 7 PM, $15.00 advance/$18 day of show
PENDRAGON - ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION
Advance ticket purchase strongly recommended!
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 New England has long had a rich tradition of Celtic-inspired music. Having celebrated their 26th anniversary in September, Pendragon has embraced that tradition and created a timeless sound of its own, performing roots music with an unmistakable contemporary edge. Pendragon is step dancer and percussionist Kevin Doyle, Bob Drouin on fiddle, bouzouki and tenor banjo, Russell Gusetti on guitar and concertina; Josh Kane on flute and whistles and Mary Lee Partington on vocals. Pendragon's music celebrates the lives and lore of generations of New Englanders who brought traditions from Ireland, Scotland, French Canada and other distant shores to the banks of the Blackstone River. The band performs their original songs and dance tunes on an exciting combination of fiddle, flute, bouzouki, concertina, banjo, guitar, whistle, and percussion. Past tributes include three straight Boston Music Award nominations for Outstanding Celtic Act and a Governor's Tourism Award. Pendragon has been voted Rhode Island's Best Celtic Act in the 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Motif Magazine's Best Music Poll. Pendragon has also been voted Best Local Folk Act of the Year in the Providence Phoenix' Best Music Poll eight times. |
Saturday, March 20, 8 PM, $12.00 advance/ $14.00 day of show
JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD WITH CORY PESATURO
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 Cory Pesaturo, a 22-year old resident of Cumberland, is a graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA, where he was the first musician to ever major in accordion. Cory's extensive resume includes appearances at the White House on four different occasions; he was also the youngest musician to ever play at a State Dinner at age 12. Cory has won the New England Cup Accordion Competition three times, and the National Accordion Competition 4 times (at age 15, he was the youngest person to ever win the US National Accordion Championship.) Tonight's show will feature Cory playing many styles of music, from classical to Klezmer to jazz to Balkan and more as he performs with several guest musicians.
In 2009 alone, Cory was named WORLD DIGITAL ACCORDION CHAMPION as well as the 2009 Leavenworth International Champion, 2009 Leavenworth International Jazz Champion, 2009 Kimberley International Jazz Champion, and the 2009 US National Digital Accordion Champion. Cory has recorded two CDs with legendary sax player George Garzone and his band The Fringe. At the 2007 World Accordion Championships, Cory was hailed as the best jazz accordionist in the World, as none of his competitors included improvisation. Do not miss this amazing evening of music! |
Saturday, March 27, 8 PM, $15.00
KIMBERLEY FRASER with TROY MacGILLIVRAY/MATT and SHANNON HEATON
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  Fiddler 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 20s, 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 latest accomplishment includes the release of "Falling on New Ground" which won the 2008 East Coast Music Award for best "Roots/Tradtional Album of the Year." With her tonight is fiddler/pianist/dancer Troy MacGillivray whose 2008 CD, "Live At The Music Room" was named 2008 ECMA "Instrumental Recording of the Year." Guitarist/singer Matt Heaton and Irish flute player/singer Shannon Heaton have been making music together since 1992. Together, they built up their traditional Irish music skills on flute and guitar in the Chicago sessions. For years, the two worked as active side players for major Celtic acts including Robbie O'Connell, Aoife Clancy, Boys of the Lough, and Emily Smith. After releasing two previous duo albums, several things happened to push Matt and Shannon's new CD, "Lovers' Well," in the direction it took. While assembling songs for the record, they realized that all the material was a love song of some sort or another. Being a CD of traditional Irish ballads, many of the stories don't have happy endings, but they all explore various dynamics of lovers (passion, flirtation, jealousy, despair). Unapolagetically traditional in style, with bold American roots on full display, the Heatons bring respect and glee to these centuries-old ballads. Don't miss this amazing split concert featuring four of the best young traditional musicians performing today! |
- Aaron Usher's photography exhibit will run through April 24 in BRT's Art Gallery.
- Look for details about an 8-week round of fiddle classes for continuing beginner, intermediate, advanced intermediate and advanced students with Cathy Clasper-Torch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in April and May.
- BRT's 8-week round of Irish step dance classes for adult and children beginner, and advanced beginner students with Terry Songini continues through May 8 on Saturday mornings.
- BRT's 5-week classes in continuing beginner tin whistle and clogging with Aubrey Atwater continues on Mondays through April 19.
Saturday, April 3, 8:00 PM, $12.00
MARTIN GROSSWENDT CD release / TRINA HAMLIN
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  Martin Grosswendt has been a blues performer and teacher for more than three decades. A multi-instrumentalist and singer, Martin is equally at home playing the old-time music of the Southern Appalachians or the Cajun and Creole music of Southwest Louisiana. He plays six- and twelve-string guitar, five-string banjo, mandolin and fiddle. In late 2004, Martin released his first solo recording in 24 years, "Call and Response," featuring solo performances of songs from the Golden Age of blues - the late 1920s and '30s. Tonight celebrates the release of "Payday," which features vintage and original acoustic blues, as well as two original instrumentals, performed on guitar, banjo and fiddle. Amongst musicians and fans of country, blues and folk, Martin is sort of an underground legend....come see why for yourself! Playing the first set is a musician that Martin himself suggested, and for very good reason. Trina Hamlin combines gentle understanding with raw emotion in a way that is, quite simply, captivating from the first note. With a rich, powerful voice, Hamlin reveals a rare confluence of Midwestern innocence, contemplative focus, and raw passion while adding a disarmingly sharp wit in her stage banter. She seamlessly moves from guitar to piano with self accompaniment on harmonica leaving many who have seen her wondering what she can't do. Regarded as one of the best harmonica players around, Trina presents a driving, sensuous rhythm in her performance reawakening audiences to the art of the instrument. |
Friday, April 9, Details to be announced
C-L ROTARY CLUB FUNDRAISER FOR FRANKLIN FARM
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| Franklin Farm, in Cumberland, RI, is a town-owned historic farm. Recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, Franklin Farm encompasses 65 acres of land and includes a mid-19th century Greek Revival-style farmhouse; an early-19th century timber-framed barn; a 1903 dairy barn; and a 20th-century garage. Used for many years as a dairy farm, the land and buildings now belong to the public, under the direction of the Historic Metcalf-Franklin Farm Preservation Association. Many town programs are run on the site, and the farm is home to a community garden and farm stand. |
Saturday, April 10, 8:00 PM, $12.00
CHULRUA - IRISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC
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 Join BRT for an incredible night of Irish traditional music featuring the band Chulrua - Dale Russ on fiddle, Paddy O'Brien on button accordion, and Pat Egan on guitar and vocals. Chulrua (pronounced cool-ROO-ah), translates from the Irish as "red back," and was the name and distinguishing feature of the favorite wolfhound belonging to ancient Irish hero Fionn MacCumhaill. It is also the name of an internationally acclaimed trio of some of the most respected exponents of traditional music. Chulrua's music is the old instrumental dance melodies of Ireland: jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas, and the occasional song. Concerts are in keeping with the old tradition-music in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, and tunes offered as they were handed down from generation to generation in Ireland. A product of County Offaly in the midlands of Ireland, Paddy O'Brien is regarded by serious players and collectors of Irish traditional music as one of the tradition's most important repositories; in a musical career that spans 40 years, he has collected more than 3,000 compositions including many rare and unusual tunes. His mastery of the two-row button accordion has been acknowledged through prestigious awards: he was named Oireachtas champion four times, and All-Ireland senior accordion champion in 1975. In Ireland, he played and recorded with the famed Castle Ceili Band and Ceoltoiri Laighean. A native of Tipperary, Pat Egan has been a member of Idle Wall, and the Mayo-based traditional group Sheeaun. More recently, his performance on the internationally acclaimed recording Music at Matt Molloy's brought his talent to much wider attention. Dale Russ is an American fiddle player who gets rave reviews from the best Irish fiddle players. Martin Hayes tells Folk World Magazine "Dale Russ is one of the greatest fiddlers I know in Irish Traditional Music." |
Sunday, April 11, 7:00 PM, $12.00 advance/$15.00 day of show
JAERV - SCANDINAVIAN FOLK MUSIC
Sponsored by Navigant Credit Union
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 BRT is very excited to present the R.I. debut of Jaerv, a Swedish quintet playing an extroverted, vigorous and heartfelt folk music with influences from both jazz and pop music. Rooted in several different musical traditions, Jaerv offers a varied concert where vocal, five-voiced songs blend in with energetic dances and free improvisations. In early 2009 they released their first studio CD, "Inrikes." Jaerv is Harald Nilsson on guitar, Tobias Hedlund on percussion, Anders Bergsten on double bass and nyckelharpa, Markus Gustavsson on fiddle and vocals, and Joel Hagen on flute and soprano saxophone. On par with groups like Väsen and Triakel, Jaerv's music is relaxing on one level, while challenging your ear on another. Fans of Celtic traditions will find lots of common ground musically while fans of Scandinavian music will get a rare chance to hear this music live. Don't miss this amazing young band! |
Friday, April 16, 8:00 PM, $12.00 advance/$15.00 day of show
TEMPEST - CELTIC ROCK
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 This is Tempest's first time back at BRT in many years and the only New England concert on this tour! Tempest will have just released their new CD, "Another Dawn," in March, their first studio album of new material in four years. Since forming in 1988, Tempest has delivered a hybrid of high-energy folk rock fusing Irish reels, Scottish ballads, Norwegian influences and other world music elements. The last 20 years have seen the San Francisco Bay Area based act release 12 critically acclaimed CDs and play more than 2,000 gigs. Tempest has enjoyed an evolving line-up that's enabled its musicianship and creativity to rise with each new member. Hailing from Oslo, Norway, founding member and lead singer/electric mandolinist, Lief Sorbye, is recognized as a driving force in the modern folk-rock movement. Fiddler Michael Mullen, a favorite with the fans, is the original fiddler for Tempest. Bassist Damien Gonzalez is an accomplished drummer and didgeridoo player. Native of Devon, England, and a former member of the UK's folk-rock band Equation, guitarist James Crocker combines a deep-rooted British folk sensibility with a life-long rock experience. Cuban-born drummer Adolfo Lazo, also an original Tempest member, colors the band's sound with inventive percussion. Tempest is regularly featured at prestigious festivals including The Philadelphia Folk Festival, Denmark's Skagen Festival, Britain's Cropredy Festival and The Winnipeg Folk Festival in Canada as well as countless American Celtic festivals. If you like your Celtic music loud, this will be the place to be! |
Saturday, April 17, 1:00 PM Details to be announced
CUMBERLAND GARDEN CLUB FLORAL DESIGN FUNDRAISER
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Sunday, April 18, 3:00 PM, $15.00/$7.00 children/$45 family maximum
"MUSIC FROM THE HEART" FUNDRAISER
A benefit for cardiac research at Children's Hospital Boston
Featuring: Atwater-Donnelly, Pendragon, The Miller Family, Donnie Wilson
All checks should be made payable to: "Children's Hospital Boston."
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 Our friends Heidi and Brian Blais, of Smithfield, recently approached Blackstone River Theatre to host a benefit concert for Children's Hospital Boston. Heidi and Brian have three beautiful little girls. The two youngest were born with a rare and complex heart defect called truncus arteriosus. It is our hope that this event will raise awareness of heart defects in children while also raising money for Children's Hospital Boston. In short order, The Miller Family and Atwater-Donnelly volunteered to play as did members of Pendragon and Donnie Wilson, a S.E. Mass. singer/songwriter who is also the father of a child with a heart defect. Heidi and Brian post updates about their girls' health at: http://www.carepages.com/carepages/TheBlaisFamily If you met Aoife and Tarynn you would not be able to tell that they have already had miraculous journeys in their short lives. Tarynn was born in February 2009 and had open heart surgery when she was just four days old. During surgery, the doctors closed multiple holes, moved several arteries, and created a new artery using an artificial conduit, all on a heart that is smaller than a walnut. Aoife underwent similar surgery in her first month and both children will have more surgeries as they grow to replace the conduits. Today they are happy and thriving. We hope you will join us and help support this amazing organization and the miraculous work they do! |
Sunday, April 25, 2:00 PM, $12.00 advance/$15.00 day of show
THE BOHEMIAN QUARTET featuring STAN RENARD - CD release
Sponsored by Navigant Credit Union
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 Experience an amazing performance of gypsy music! The Bohemian Quartet is a four-piece string band composed of violin, viola, cello and an upright bass. The Quartet was founded by violinist Stan Renard in 2005. 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. The new Bohemian Quartet performs a vast and unique repertoire revolving around 'Gypsy' or 'Romany' music as well as traditional Eastern-European folk music which has been collected via recordings, transcription, interviews, and has been arranged by Renard. Today will be the CD release of "Beyond Tradition," much of which was recorded live at BRT at their Sept. 2009 concert. French violinist, conductor/arranger Stan Renard is joined by Nancy Richardson, viola, John DeBossu, upright bass, who performs in numerous jazz ensembles throughout New England, and Christine Harrington, cello, who performs regularly with pianist Joe Parillo and is also a member of the Hartford Festival Orchestra. |
UPCOMING CONCERTS - 2010
Saturday, April 24, 8 PM
To be announced
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Saturday, May 1, 8 PM, $12.00 advance/$14.00 day of show
THE BEE EATERS
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Saturday, May 2, 2:00 p.m., $15.00
JOSEE VACHON, DONNA HEBERT, DAN BOUCHER & MAX COHEN
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Saturday, May 8, 8 PM, $12.00 advance/$14.00 day of show
JOY KILLS SORROW - Rhode Island CD release!
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Saturday (8:00 PM) AND Sunday (7:00 PM) May, 15 & 16
Saturday (8:00 PM) AND Sunday (3:00 & 7:00 PM) May, 22 & 23
JOAN OF ARC: AN OPERA IN THREE ACTS
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| Joan of Arc was completed in 1993, the libretto and music by Steven Jobe, a composer based in Providence, RI. Concert versions of the piece were produced in 1993 and 1997; both productions were well attended and very well received. As one local reviewer, Laura Travis, stated in 1993, "Steve Jobe's Opera: I ask you, where else on the planet would an Early Music-Folk-Wizard like this land, and get all his musical friends to join a battalion for Joan of Arc at Bell Street Chapel for three nights of dark and wonderful genius?" Jobe has recently had the occasion to review Joan Arc and finalize the instrumentation. Now he has joined forces with director Bob Colonna and producer Kevin Broccoli to present the piece for the first time as a fully realized opera. The Blackstone River Theatre will host this exciting production, providing a superb setting for this dramatic rendering of Joan of Arc and her visions. Onstage, soprano Teresa Wakim - who enjoys an internationally successful career as soloist in opera, oratorio, and chamber music - will sing the role of Joan of Arc. For further information about Steven Jobe's work as a composer and for audio files of Jeanne d'Arc see www.stevenjobe.com |
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