Tag: fiddle

Mari Black World Fiddle Ensemble – October, 2018 – Tentative

macbikegeekLeave a comment

Find out more about the Mari Black World Fiddle Ensemble show.

Music at 4:00 p.m.
Socializing and light potluck at 3:00 p.m.
$20 suggested artist donation*

For an invitation to attend, please contact Lee
by email at windycityhouseconcerts@gmail.com
or at 312-810-3067

You will not be able to sit still for this concert! Your feet will be tapping along at the very least and most likely you’ll be dancing in your seat!

Multistyle violinist and champion fiddler MARI BLACK is rapidly building a reputation as one of the most dynamic young artists of her generation. Her energetic playing, engaging stage presence, and commitment to bringing people together through music have made her a favorite with audiences across the country and around the world.

Equally at home in a wide variety of musical traditions, Mari is the 2015 & 2013 US National Scottish Fiddle Champion, the 2014 Glenfiddich Scottish Fiddle Champion, the 2014 & 2012 Canadian Maritime Fiddle Champion, the 2011 Canadian Novelty Fiddle Champion, a 1st Prize Winner at the 2010 American Protégé International String Competition, and a 2-time laureate at the American String Teachers’ Association Alternative Styles Awards.

On stage, she creates shows that draw on elements from many different styles including jazz, tango, folk, Western classical, as well as Celtic, American, and Canadian fiddling. Her performances take listeners on a musical journey exploring the diversity and celebrating commonalities in the dance-driven folk musics of the world.

Press

“One of the brightest young fiddlers around today”
— Brian O’Donovan, host of WGBH radio’s “A Celtic Sojourn”

“She is superb, inspiring, and unforgettable. Her magic is such that she
sweeps audiences along with the sounds she and her instrument make.”
— Willie Ruff, Professor of Jazz and Artistic Director of the Ellington
Fellowship Series, Yale University

“Particularly impressive”
— The Boston Globe

Watch and Listen to Mari Black and Her World Fiddle Ensemble

“Castlerock Road” on the beach in San Diego, CA
A set of original Celtic-style tunes at Boston’s Club Passim
Mari’s original composition, “The Purple Butterfly and Other True Beginnings”
Preview of Mari’s solo album “Flight”

To get emails about our shows, please click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

* All funds go to the musicians

Bella Hardy, Sunday, September 10, 2017

macbikegeekLeave a comment

Bella Hardy with fiddle

Music at 4:00 p.m.
Socializing and light potluck at 3:00 p.m.
$20 suggested artist donation

For an invitation to attend, please contact Lee
by email at windycityhouseconcerts@gmail.com
or at 312-810-3067

Free child care provided (advance notice required).

I’ve been waiting for years for the opportunity to host Bella Hardy and share her amazing performance. I was captivated by her beautiful voice, gripping songs and soulful fiddling the first time I saw her at a Folk Alliance conference.

BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Singer of the Year 2014, Bella Hardy’s fine fiddling and mesmerizing voice have propelled her to the vanguard of British folk music.  Creating twisted tales that touch on both the fantastical elements of Kate Bush, and the lovelorn songwriting craft of Carole King, she presents folk songs in the best tradition; not as antiquated museum pieces, but as relevant and very human artworks.

Since the release of her critically acclaimed ‘With The Dawn’ two years ago (“nothing short of a masterpiece” – The Sunday Times UK), she has spent a winter in China as British Council Musician in Residence, extensive time in Nashville co-writing and observing from coffee shop windows, and opened tours for Grammy winner Mary Chapin Carpenter.  Bella, her fiddles and her notebooks, have once again been traveling, thinking, flying, driving, training, reading and gazing. A rare treat, Bella’s travels bring her to us from her home in Glasgow, Scotland.

“Ultimately, what Hardy has done here is make a folk album for people who don’t normally like folk music. In doing so, it’s both a credit to her and the genre.” – Q Magazine reviewing Bella’s latest album, “With the Dawn

“Bravely personal diary of a touring folk singer… never since Paul Simon’s Homeward Bound has
the life of a touring folk singer sounded quite so angst-ridden” – The Guardian

http://www.bellahardy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BellaHardyMusic/
https://www.youtube.com/user/BellaHardyTV
https://plus.google.com/u/0/115855806357791041661
https://soundcloud.com/bellahardy
https://twitter.com/bellahardy

Mari Black Trio, Sunday, April 23, 2017

macbikegeekLeave a comment

Mari Black Trio

Music at 4:00 p.m.
Socializing and light potluck at 3:00 p.m.
$20 suggested artist donation*

For an invitation to attend, please contact Lee
by email at windycityhouseconcerts@gmail.com
or at 312-810-3067

You will not be able to sit still for this concert! Your feet will be tapping along at the very least and most likely you’ll be dancing in your seat!

Multistyle violinist and champion fiddler MARI BLACK is rapidly building a reputation as one of the most dynamic young artists of her generation. Her energetic playing, engaging stage presence, and commitment to bringing people together through music have made her a favorite with audiences across the country and around the world.

Equally at home in a wide variety of musical traditions, Mari is the 2015 & 2013 US National Scottish Fiddle Champion, the 2014 Glenfiddich Scottish Fiddle Champion, the 2014 & 2012 Canadian Maritime Fiddle Champion, the 2011 Canadian Novelty Fiddle Champion, a 1st Prize Winner at the 2010 American Protégé International String Competition, and a 2-time laureate at the American String Teachers’ Association Alternative Styles Awards.

On stage, she creates shows that draw on elements from many different styles including jazz, tango, folk, Western classical, as well as Celtic, American, and Canadian fiddling. Her performances take listeners on a musical journey exploring the diversity and celebrating commonalities in the dance-driven folk musics of the world.

Press

“One of the brightest young fiddlers around today”
— Brian O’Donovan, host of WGBH radio’s “A Celtic Sojourn”

“She is superb, inspiring, and unforgettable. Her magic is such that she
sweeps audiences along with the sounds she and her instrument make.”
— Willie Ruff, Professor of Jazz and Artistic Director of the Ellington
Fellowship Series, Yale University

“Particularly impressive”
— The Boston Globe

Watch and Listen to Mari Black and Her World Fiddle Ensemble

“Castlerock Road” on the beach in San Diego, CA
A set of original Celtic-style tunes at Boston’s Club Passim
Mari’s original composition, “The Purple Butterfly and Other True Beginnings”
Preview of Mari’s solo album “Flight”

To get emails about our shows, please click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

* All funds go to the musician

Tim and Myles Thompson – Rescheduling for a future date TBD

macbikegeekLeave a comment

Rescheduling for a future date

Tim and Myles Thompson on stage

For more information, please contact Lee
by email at windycityhouseconcerts@gmail.com
or at 312-810-3067

Here’s a video which really says WAY more about Tim and Myles than words possibly can…

Please take a few minutes to check them out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW-WQjp9j2I. Once you’ve been sucked in, you can take a little break from listening and watching to RSVP for this show. I guarantee you will enjoy it!

For those who want something to read, here are some words…

The unique relationship of a father and son cannot be argued nor explained, but when the relationship includes musical passion, virtuosity and showmanship – magic happens!

Live, the Thompsons present high-octane instrumental and vocal duets of improvised originals and classics reminiscent of legendary artists such as Chet Atkins, Stephan Grappelli, Chick Corea, Jackson Browne, Sam Bush and more. Although influenced by the masters, their down-to-earth style is all their own — a one-of-a-kind combination of improvisational jazz, traditional folk, singer-songwriter, country, rock and world music.

Before beginning work as a duo, Tim built a reputation for his unique, intricate style, winning First Place at the prestigious Walnut Valley Festival’s “International Fingerstyle Guitar Competition,” and earning acclaim from such respected publications as Fingerstyle Guitar magazine, Taylor Guitar’s Wood & Steel magazine and Just Jazz Guitar magazine. His songs can be heard on everything from bumper music on NPR to the United Artists film Casper’s Haunted Christmas.

Concerts in Your Home is a site for house concert hosts and artists to connect. Tim and Myles Thompson’s profile page has 21 glowing, rave reviews for their electrifying and engaging performances, sense of humor and warmth as people. That puts them in the absolute top tier for audience and host enjoyment and enthusiasm.

Links to check them out some more…

http://timandmylesthompson.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tim-And-Myles-Thompson/122382747871326
https://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_videos/1322048
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxqkh_bNzqfQRuPaqiEoS0g

Red Tail Ring – Friday, October 18, 2013

macbikegeekLeave a comment

Red Tail Ring

Red Tail Ring is the musical brainchild of two old-time-minded Michiganders – Michael Beauchamp and Laurel Premo. The collaboration blends the loving attention of revivalist fervor with the playful creativity of starting from scratch. Whether rendering a traditional tune or one of their many original compositions, the duo infuses each song with musical imagination, haunting harmonies and instrumental artistry on fiddle, banjo, mandolin, jawharp, and plain-old foot stomping.

“We love pushing the boundaries of what a traditional song can be,” says Beauchamp. “It informs how we write our original songs. There’s a real energy exchange between the old and the new.”

There’s a real energy from these two young but seasoned performers. They love making music in all senses of that word – playing and performing and writing, putting their own stamp on traditional tunes and infusing their new creations with an authentic traditional spirit and sound. On stage together, Laurel and Michael create something rare as they use every facet of their voices and instruments – including guitar, fiddle, banjo, octave mandolin, mandolin and jaw harp – to connect with audiences.

I first heard Red Tail Ring in showcase at FARM in fall of 2012 and was so impressed I offered to host them on the spot. Then I got to hear them in full concert performance at WFMT’s Folkstage was thrilled by their performance. Check them out at the links below – I think you’ll like what you hear. Then get in touch to get an invitation.

http://www.redtailring.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Tail-Ring/191858664170133
http://www.youtube.com/user/redtailring

Music at 7:30 p.m. Potluck and socializing at 6:30 p.m. Please bring a dish and beverage to share. Wine or beer are welcome. Water, glasses, dishes and silver provided.

For more information and an invitation, please contact Lee by e-mail at windycityhouseconcerts@gmail.com or at 773-334-5776.

Suggested artist donation $20 (All funds go to the musician.)

To get emails about our shows, please click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

Thursday, July 18, 2013: Sultans of String

macbikegeekLeave a comment

Chris and Kevin Photo by Darren Levant

Juno Award (Canada’s Grammy) nominees and “Canada’s ambassadors of musical diversity” Sultans of String thrill their audiences with their global sonic tapestry of dizzying roots music jams, polyrhythms and revved up riffs.

Sultans of String can’t be pinned down — it’s Sable Island meets the Silk Road, with detours through the Gypsy-Jazz coffeehouses of Eastern Europe, next an East Coast Kitchen Party, then over to the streets of Havana.

Seamlessly traversing diverse themes of heart, place and tradition, fiery violin dances with kinetic guitar. Throughout, acoustic strings meet electronic wizardry to create layers and depth of sound.

Kicking things off as a dynamic duo playing tiny cafes in 2007, this fiercely talented and hardworking indie act has been on a meteoric rise, with an astonishing number of awards and accolades in tow, and now, invitations to play the world stage and with such legendary artists as The Chieftains (whose very own Paddy Moloney appears on the Sultans’ new and ultimate world-classical crossover CD, “Symphony” (Sony).

Their music hit # 1 on world/international music charts in Canada, earned 2 Canadian Folk Music Awards, Festivals and Events Ontario “Entertainer of the Year” Award, and 1st place in the International Songwriting Competition (out of 15,000 entries).

They are now represented in the U.S. by acclaimed promoter David Wilkes (Emmylou Harris, Bela Fleck).

We are thrilled to host Sultans of String as the duo of Chris McKhool and Kevin Laliberté – they are not to be missed – especially close up in our living room. I’ve seen them showcase at Folk Alliance International and Regional conferences and I never tire of listening, amazed at all those notes and amazing music produced by only two musicians!

You can take my word for it but you don’t have to. Here’s what some folks in the industry have to see. Please go to the website and have a listen and you’ll want to come here them in person. And they will have their brand new CD, “Move” available for purchase.

“Kevin and Chris are two extremely talented and creative musicians. Each of them have an extensive background in various traditions and numerous musical accomplishments to their credit. Their own compositions are … exciting and highly original. They are musicians and songwriters of the highestcalibre!” – Ken Whiteley, Producer

“Virtuoso playing…. An exuberant and infectious sound… Powerful and moving… The Sultans are simply an awesome musical group!” – Mike Hill, Artistic Director, Mariposa Folk Festival

“An organic mix of rumba, Gypsy, jazz, Middle Eastern and Spanish flavours – they all mix together beautifully… brilliantly executed!” – Errol Nazareth, CBC Radio One

“I remember the shiver up my spine on hearing the calls of Luna- the west coast killer whale searching for his pod- amazingly recreated on Chris’ electric violin. Haunting, moving and not to be missed!” – Charles McFarland- Artistic Producer, Centrepointe Theatre

http://www.sultansofstring.com
https://www.facebook.com/sultansofstring
http://www.sonicbids.com/2/EPK/?epk_id=54222
https://twitter.com/sultansofstring
____

Music at 7:30 p.m. Potluck and socializing at 6:30 p.m. Please bring a dish and beverage to share. Wine or beer are welcome. Water, glasses, dishes and silver provided.

For more information and an invitation, please contact Lee by e-mail windycityhouseconcerts@gmail.com or at 773-334-5776.

Suggested artist donation $20
(All funds go to the musicians.)


To get emails about our shows, please click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013: Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halpin

macbikegeekLeave a comment

Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halpin

Stephanie Bettman is at least a triple threat. An accomplished writer, singer, and fiddler: her lyrics are infused with wit and wisdom, poetry and insight. Vocally she draws comparison to the soaring soprano of Joan Baez and the plaintive emotion of Emmylou Harris. Meanwhile, her fiddling, which combines elements of bluegrass and jazz, is filled with influences from such masters as Stephane Grappelli, Byron Berline and Johnny Gimble. A former actress and circus artist, Bettman is at ease in front of an audience and creates intimacy with her crowd no matter the size.

Luke Halpin is a renowned multi-instrumentalist. A master of the guitar and the mandolin, impressive on fiddle, banjo, and adept at nearly anything he picks up. Halpin draws inspiration from the likes of Sam Bush, Mark O’Connor and Tony Rice and holds his own in comparison. A dynamic and sensitive vocalist himself, the harmony blend he and Bettman achieve is chilling and at times simply transcendent. Halpin has a long history in the music biz, having shared the stage with the likes of Merle Haggard, Lone Star and The Steve Miller Band (to name a few). His quirky sense of humor is a perfect foil to Stephanie’s dry witty presence.

Together, Bettman & Halpin are fast earning a reputation for hypnotizing performances filled with irresistible lyrics, transcendent harmonies and roof-raising instrumentals. They have been a featured act at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS along with musical heroes Byron Berline, Michael Martin Murphy w/ Pat Flynn, and Tommy Emmanuel. Their music creates a fully acoustic, delightfully eclectic sound far greater than the sum of its parts: taking the listener from up-tempo down home fiddlin’, to soulful sorrowful ballads, to super hooky folk/pop with catchy melodies and lyrics that will stick with you long after the concert is over. Touring nationally together since2008, Bettman & Halpin have been recognized in various Regional and National competitions, including:

  • Grand Prize Winners in the So Cal Live Acoustic Music Competition
  • Winners in Southern California’s Topanga Banjo / Fiddle Contest
  • Music Connection’s Top 25 New Music Critiques

Their first 2 CDs have received national and international radio play and critical acclaim, both reaching the top 10 on the National Folk DJ chart. Their Live CD is out and they are currently working on their 3rd studio release.

We love Stephanie and Luke and so will you. We’ve been fans for a long time and have hosted them before in New Mexico, so it’s our pleasure to share their music with our friends here in Chicago!

http://stephaniebettman.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1079164746

https://twitter.com/#!/stephaniebettma

https://www.facebook.com/lukehalpinmusic

https://twitter.com/#!/lukehalpin

Music at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. BYOB wine or beer. Water and glasses provided.

For more information and an invitation, please contact Lee by e-mail windycityhouseconcerts@gmail.com or at 773-334-5776.

Suggested artist donation $20
(All funds go to the musicians.)


To get emails about our shows, please click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

Saturday, December 3, 2011: Kate MacLeod

macbikegeekLeave a comment


Kate McLeod

Backed by her own guitar, fiddle, and harmonica, Kate MacLeod sings of life with both deceptive subtlety and uncompromising power.
“Kate MacLeod would take the breath away from any audience. She appeals to fans of bluegrass, Celtic and traditional American folk music,
with elements of each being revealed in her performance. Listeners are engaged by the richness and maturity of her original material.
While challenging enough for seasoned folk aficionados, her music remains accessible to less experienced ears. Count on a magical show.
I couldn’t have expected anything better.” -Bill Beneke, Princeton Coffeehouse, Princeton, IL

I can personally attest to all of these comments. When I first got to hear Kate perform at a Folk Alliance Showcase, I knew I wanted
to book her. I caught her in the hall outside the showcase room and we decided to book a show. It took a couple years, but now I can
share Kate’s amazing talents with you.

http://www.katemacleod.com/
http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=88743
http://www.youtube.com/user/macleodkate

Details:
Saturday, December 3, 7:00 p.m.
Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.
Light refreshments provided, BYO wine and/or potluck refreshments to share are welcome.<br /
Please RSVP to Lee at lasalturashouseconcerts@gmail.com
or by phone: 575-522-5197.
Suggested artist donation $15

Saturday, September 24, 2011: Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halpin

macbikegeekLeave a comment

Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halpin

Stephanie Bettman is a triple threat. An accomplished writer, she infuses her music with wit and wisdom, exploring the many facets of the human heart. Stephanie’s songs are sometimes sad, sometimes sassy, but always stunning. As a vocalist, she moves effortlessly from her up-tempo bluegrass originals (featuring her fiery fiddling), to a soothing honey-sweet ballad, to a rousing passionate anthem. While her first-rate fiddling combines elements of bluegrass and jazz, in her essence there is tribute to such masters as Stephane Grappelli, Byron Berline, and Johnny Gimble. One thing’s for sure, if Stephanie Bettman is on the bill, you are in for an unforgettable performance that will have you hooked from the first fiddle line to the last sweet harmony.

Touring with Stephanie is multi-instrumentalist Luke Halpin, who is equally adept on mandolin, fiddle and guitar. Inspired by the likes of Sam Bush, Tony Rice, and Mark O’Conner, Luke’s perfectly blended harmonies and his instrumental expertise together with Stephanie’s artistry and performance make for a dynamic experience audiences are discovering from coast to coast.

If you heard them on one of their earlier visits to Las Cruces, you already know all of this. So mark your calendar and come join us. If you haven’t heard Stephanie and Luke, you are in for a remarkable treat.

http://stephaniebettman.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1079164746

https://twitter.com/#!/stephaniebettma

https://www.facebook.com/lukehalpinmusic

https://twitter.com/#!/lukehalpin

Suggested artist donation $15

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Please bring potluck food and wine to share.

For more information, please contact Lee at lasalturashouseconcerts@gmail.com or by phone: 575-522-5197

Saturday, June 26, 2010: Calaveras

macbikegeekLeave a comment

Calaveras

Singer-songwriters Greg Beattie and Victoria Blythe, along with instrumentalist Dave Decker, combine voices and a half dozen acoustic instruments into original songs that are both fresh and timeless–from the roots of American traditional song forms to explorations of contemporary sounds.

Their songs and performances have captured the prestigious Kerrville New Folk prize, grand prize in the West Coast Songwriters International song contest, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artists, the Napa Valley Emerging Songwriter award, West Coast Songwriter’s Association Song of the Year honors, and have appeared in TV shows and movies. Their songs have been recorded by other artists and on numerous compilations with such well known artists as Joan Baez, Cheryl Wheeler and Livingston Taylor.

Their live show is a mix of Victoria’s soaring, ethereal vocals and hauntingly beautiful fiddle on pure folk ballads and sultry jazz-fusion torch songs, Greg’s energetic and insightful musical treatment of birth, death and everything in between, and Dave’s constantly creative lead-guitar commentary.

http://www.calaverassongs.com

http://www.myspace.com/calaverassongs

Suggested artist donation $15

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Light refreshments provided, BYO wine and/or potluck refreshments to share are welcome.

For more information, please contact Lee at 575-522-5197 or by e-mail at houseconcerts (at) comcast.net.