Bryan McDowell is one of the most versatile and electrifying musicians in the American acoustic scene. He’s been the quintessential utility player for the talents of Molly Tuttle, Cris Jacobs, Claire Lynch, John McEuen, Sierra Hull, and others, where he contributed multi-instrumentalism and sweet tenor harmony. But his first solo effort documents a substantive shift. It reveals an artist in a new phase of his career–as composer, lyricist and vocalist. An expansion of his duo project with Mark Schatz, Bryan's release collects 8 original songs balanced on the stylistic foundations of his bluegrass forerunners while telling a contemporary story of working class living.

Accompanying Bryan on tour will be some of the most respected figures in bluegrass. It features iconic bassist Mark Schatz, (Nickel Creek, Tony Rice, Tim O’Brien, Bela Fleck), explosive rhythm and lead guitar from Jake Stargel (Sierra Hull, Mountain Heart, and Ricky Skaggs) and intricately woven 5-string banjo by Alex Genova. The resulting ensemble is one unparalleled in technical and creative force.

The songs will be eclectic, the soloing will be merciless, and the vocals compelling. The adventures in improvisation are untethered and the beats are unyielding. This is Bryan McDowell’s celebration of new music with friends on a tour that’s long overdue.

Opening is Mark Schultz and the Wayne Rangers. An accomplished bluegrass musician, Mark Schultz infuses jazz, country, folk and klezmer resulting in his own original style. Mark began playing banjo and guitar in the early 60’s during the folk era. He was drawn to the energy and authenticity of bluegrass and devoted himself to mastering the 5 string banjo. Since that time he has played with too many bands to count, and has branched out into many other genres. His current mix of music includes klezmer, swing, folk, country, as well as more traditional bluegrass. https://www.mschultzmusic.com/

Advance General Admission Seating $15, Advance VIP Table $20 (minimum 2 per table), General $20 at the door.
Advance ticket sales end at 5PM day of show.

Tickets

Doors open at 7:00 pm. 7:30 show. BYOB welcome. $5 per drinker donation requested at the door. Ice and cups provided.

Free Parking in Oakmont Municipal lot behind Kelly Center off Darby Road after 6pm. Google Maps

Guitarist Morgan Harris and banjoist Cameron DeWhitt are reshaping traditional North American string-band music with groundbreaking techniques, blending improvisation and original compositions with deep-rooted traditions from Appalachia and beyond. Morgan’s flatpicking style transforms the guitar into a powerful melody instrument, creating rhythmic drive and multi-layered resonance, while Cameron’s innovative pitchfork banjo—a three-finger clawhammer technique—opens new doors for improvisation in old-time music. As two leading queer voices in the contemporary old-time scene, they are often seen performing together as part of Tall Poppy String Band while also pursuing individual projects. Morgan’s recent album *Alone Will Tell*, her first as an out trans musician, explores identity through the folk process, while Cameron’s long-running podcast *Get Up in the Cool* fosters musical and verbal conversations about belonging within a tradition. For this special concert, they will each present solo sets showcasing their distinctive approaches to their instruments and voices before joining forces in an engaging and dynamic musical dialogue to close out the night.

Presented by Progressive Acoustics and Huxley and Hiro Prose Parlor

Tickets: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E343718&id=153

Jim Kweskin Quartet with Samoa Wilson at Park Avenue Community Center

Experience a night of musical brilliance. "Samoa Wilson and Jim Kweskin have delved intothat phenomeonon by creating timeless kusic that seems to leap from and old black and white movie or a mint 78rpm shellac". Neil Strauss of the New York Times went on to describe Samoa Wilson as having "a sweet, effortless, old-timey voice that she was able to sustain perfectly".

Jim Kweskin

Jim Kweskin is an influential American musician, best known as the founder and leader of the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, a group that was pivotal in the revival of jug band music in the 1960s. Kweskin has enjoyed a long and varied career in music, marked by his eclectic taste and innovative approach to traditional American genres.

Kweskin’s musical journey began in the folk music scene of the late 1950s and early 1960s. He was deeply influenced by traditional jazz, blues, and ragtime, as well as by early American folk music. In 1963, he formed the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, which included talented musicians such as Geoff Muldaur, Maria Muldaur (then Maria D'Amato), and Fritz Richmond. The band became known for their lively and humorous performances, blending folk, blues, jazz, and jug band music with a modern sensibility.

The Jim Kweskin Jug Band released several albums on the Vanguard label, including their debut "Unblushing Brassiness" (1963), "Jug Band Music" (1965), and "Garden of Joy" (1967). Their unique sound and engaging performances earned them a dedicated following and a lasting legacy in American folk music.

After the Jug Band disbanded in 1968, Kweskin pursued solo projects and collaborations. He continued to perform and record, exploring a wide range of musical styles. His work includes solo albums such as "Relax Your Mind" (1970) and collaborations with other artists, including his wife, singer Meredith Axelrod.

Jim Kweskin remains an active and respected figure in the folk and traditional music scenes. His contributions to the revival and preservation of American roots music have made a lasting impact, inspiring generations of musicians.

Samoa Wilson

Samoa Wilson is a gifted American singer known for her work in jazz, blues, and folk music. She has gained acclaim for her powerful voice, emotive performances, and deep understanding of traditional American music.

Wilson grew up in a musical family and was exposed to a wide range of genres from an early age. She developed a passion for singing and honed her craft by performing in various settings, from intimate clubs to larger concert venues. Her versatile voice and ability to convey emotion through song quickly set her apart as a talented and unique artist.

Samoa Wilson’s collaboration with Jim Kweskin has been particularly notable. Together, they have created a dynamic musical partnership that blends Kweskin’s expertise in traditional American music with Wilson’s soulful and expressive vocal style. Their performances often feature a mix of jazz, blues, and folk tunes, delivered with a fresh and contemporary twist.

In addition to her work with Kweskin, Wilson has also pursued solo projects and collaborated with other notable musicians. She released the album "I Just Want to Be Horizontal" (2019) with the Jim Kweskin Band, which showcases her ability to interpret and breathe new life into classic songs.

Wilson’s dedication to her craft and her passion for music shine through in every performance. She continues to build a reputation as a compelling and dynamic artist, contributing to the rich tapestry of American music.

Together, Jim Kweskin and Samoa Wilson represent a unique and powerful collaboration in the world of traditional American music, bringing timeless songs to new audiences with their combined talents and deep musical connection.

jimkweskin.com

samoawilson.com

Mark Schatz is a two-time winner of the IBMA Bass Player of the Year Award and is best known for his contributions on some of the most iconic recordings in bluegrass by artists such as Tony Rice, Bela Fleck, John Hartford, Claire Lynch, Tim O’Brien, Sara Jarosz, and Nickel Creek. But Mark is also a master of the clawhammer banjo and is featured playing his own compositions on two solo projects on Rounder Records, BRAND NEW OLD TYME WAY and STEPPIN’ IN THE BOILER HOUSE. Mark is always ready to cut loose with some Southern Appalachian clogging and hambone, and his stagecraft was honed through a long association with the acclaimed Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble, for whom he still serves as Musical Director.

Bryan McDowell grew up in Western North Carolina, where he studied with legendary fiddler Arvil Freeman. His aptitude on multiple instruments was prodigious, leading him to take first prize in fiddle, mandolin, and guitar when he was just 18 years old at the prestigious Winfield Flatpicking Championship, a feat never to be replicated. He is a gifted singer, and did stints with Sierra Hull and Molly Tuttle.

In early 2020 Mark called on his friend, Bryan, to tour together as a duo. Live in Mark’s studio they recorded GRIT & POLISH, an acoustic tour de force that moves effortlessly from original fiddle tunes and songs to Louis Jordan Boogie Woogie and Bob Dylan. It garnered the #1 spot on the Folk DJ charts in June of 2021, and came in at #9 for the year!

High Horse in - From Celtic and Classical Music Infused with the Energy of Alternative Rock

This is a free event!

Come and experience a unique musical journey at our in-person event located at The Kelly Center ( 4 E Eagle Rd., Havertown, PA). High Horse will take you on a wild ride through the realms of Celtic and classical music, all while infusing it with the raw energy of alternative rock. Get ready to be swept off your feet by the powerful melodies and electrifying performances. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event that promises to leave you wanting more!

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.

Their debut album will be released in 2024, produced by world-renowned mandolinist Jacob Jolliff and engineered by sound wizard Dave Sinko.

Bring the gantze mishpukhe! The whole family will love an afternoon of world renown klezmers Susan Watts and The Fabulous Shpielkes in concert. They'll be serving up some Jewish soul with klezmer guests from down South and up North. Come join this special, authentic, Yiddish hoedown with fun dance leading. Bring your instrument for a Community Klezmer Shpielfest! Get the sheet music from the link below! it's going to be a blast!

Time: 2PM

Location: Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El, 1001 Remington Rd., Wynnewood, PA

Tickets: $25 (Individual), $45 (Families), $10 (Students)

Here's the link to the Shpielfest Charts: https://www.klezmerinitiative.org/kapelye-nigunim

3 KLEZMER BANDS AND DANCING IN ONE DAY!
~SHAKE YOUR YIDDISH GROOVE THING!
YIDDSH DANCE LED BY MIRYAM COPPERSMITH
~LISTEN AND GROOVE TO A SPECIAL CONCERT WITH SUSAN WATTS, DAN BLACKSBERG, AND THE FABULOUS SHPIELKES.
~SPECIAL APPREARANCES BY:
TSY FIL DOVIDS
MRS TORETSKY’S NIGHTMARE
KOL TZEDEK SIMCHA BAND
~JOIM THE COMMUNITY KLEZMER SHPIELFEST!
BRING YOUR INSTRUMENT! SHPIEL WITH US!
GET THE MUSIC HERE-- https://www.klezmerinitiative.org/kapelye-nigunim

Organized by

Progressive Acoustics

Joyful, heart centered with passion and depth is how Jon and Sandra’s music has been described. Drawing on a diverse range of musical backgrounds; classical, metal, Irish, Old-Time, Scandinavian and more, Sandra and Jon weave originals and traditional roots music to take the audience on a journey through the spectrum of human emotion. Deftly moving from tunes that make your feet tap to the soft and sensitive side that brings us back home to our hearts.

Sandra Wong (https://sandrawongmusic.com) plays violin/fiddle, nyckelharpa and sings. Jon Sousa (https://www.jonsousamusic.com) plays guitar, tenor banjo and sings. Both have toured nationally and internationally. Jon and Sandra have been performing and creating music together for over a decade and have a duo album coming out early 2024.

Here's a few links of either the two of us or a larger ensemble we're in together. We do much of that repertoire as a duo:

https://youtu.be/bcbctx6qrxo?si=375LokaYAdefQGUN

https://youtu.be/8wBAgAC5HI0?si=O0Mp1_ASHQaCP7oL

https://youtu.be/-iUhdt6ZSps?si=ehkIZMu61TBhPVxO

Presented by Progressive Acoustics (https://www.progressiveacoustics.org)

All proceeds go to the Artists.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of dance and music with Victor Furtado (banjo), Earl White (fiddle), Jake Eddy (guitar) and Carter Eddy (bass) with Janine Smith (calling) on Sun, Oct 1, 2023 in the historic Arden Gild Hall: 2126 The Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19810.

Here is an acoustic band (or supergroup?) you will enjoy. It’s not quite bluegrass although it has a stellar bluegrass flat picker and bassist. It’s not quite old time even though it has one of the most respected old time fiddlers and an awesome clawhammer banjo player. It’s the Furtado, White, and the Eddy Brothers Band. You may have heard of Victor Furtado having won the Steve Martin Banjo Prize in 2019. He has taken clawhammer banjo to another level and recently shared the stage with Billy Strings (https://youtu.be/iJxVgl5bLpE?si=tVxi_FqVTaA1mG2R). He has teamed up with Jake Eddy on guitar. Jake is rapidly gaining attention as one of the finest young flat pickers in the country. Along with his brother Carter on bass, he has recorded and toured with Andy Statman and Ned Luberecki! Carter is currently playing in the Becky Buller Band. Then there is Earl White, one of the most respected old time fiddlers with a huge repertoire of tunes. He is a founding member of the Green Grass Cloggers! So you definitely won’t be disappointed if you accept my invite and come to the show. And if you are interested in square dancing, there will be one starting at 2PM with the fantastic Janine Smith calling. Between the dance and concert there will be time to jam and grab a bit to eat. Looking forward to seeing you at the show!

Learn more about the band and Janine at the Progressive Acoustics website.

Presented by the Arden Folk Gild and Progressive Acoustic Concerts.

Tickets are being sold separately for the concert or dance and are available from Eventbrite or at the door. Come for the dance or concert or stay for both!

The dance starts at 2PM with a half hour lesson if you are new or need a refresher about contra and square dancing. The dance will be from 2:30-5:30. The band has a large repertoire of exciting and interesting tunes. And Janine is well known for bringing fun and excitement to all the dance events she leads.

There will be a break between the dance and concert so bring your instrument if you would like to get together and play some tunes. The concert will start at 7:30.

Grab your friends, get your dancing shoes on, and prepare for an evening filled with infectious rhythms and unforgettable melodies. Mark your calendars and get ready for a night to remember!

Presented by Progressive Acoustic Concerts and the Arden Folk Gild

Tickets for the dance and concert are sold separately. Tickets available online or at the door.

Dance:

$10 - student or limited-income or Arden Gild Member

$20 - regular ticket

$30 - event supporter, thank you very much!

Concert:

$25 - regular ticket

$23 - Arden Gild Member

Schedule:

2:00 - 2:30: Dance instruction and refresher

2:30 - 5:30: Dance

5:30 - 7:30: Jam and dinner break

7:30 - 9:30: Concert

Enjoy a striking and colorful range of traditionally oriented music, both old and new, by two of the most versatile and respected players in today's American acoustic music scene. Mark Schatz and Bryan McDowell bring their different generations and backgrounds together in an unparalleled synergy, humor, beauty, and ease, taking the listener on a delightful, toe tapping journey through a landscape of fiddle and banjo tunes, songs, lilting waltzes, and searing guitar solos. Stir in some clogging, hambone, and jaw harp, then sit back and enjoy an eclectic musical feast!

Both Schatz and McDowell are multi-instrumentalists who cruise seamlessly from old-time to bluegrass, from folk to swing, playing and singing tunes and songs, old and new, including their own original compositions. Western North Carolina native Bryan McDowell grew up in a rich musical environment where he learned everything from Doc Watson to Charlie Parker. Mark has toured and recorded with a who’s who of the acoustic music world including Bela Fleck, Nickel Creek, Tony Rice, and Tim O’Brien.

Concert ticket $25

The concert will be preceded by workshops in dance and flatpack guitar. For information about the workshops, visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/progressiveconcerts/753691

Jamming! Bring your instrument. There is room for multiple jams after the concert.

Show Overview: https://youtu.be/AZXrP9DKt30

The Girl I Love: https://youtu.be/PmV1VzP4WDE

The First Snow of December/Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss: https://youtu.be/vGCF78_oaso

One Too Many Mornings: https://youtu.be/7EUZiedwi4E

Going To Italy: https://youtu.be/4k9WR_a8U18

Intertwining and melding the rhythmic and melodic potential of percussive dance and clawhammer banjo.

"Acclaimed dancer, ethnochoreologist, and queer theorist Nic Gareiss and old-time banjoist Allison de Groot combine timeless tunes and melodies with the surprisingly lyrical, musical, and jaw-droppingly deft steps of Irish, bluegrass, old-time, and otherwise vernacular rhythmic dance." 

- Justin Hiltner, The Bluegrass Situation

Allison de Groot has been called "One of Canada's finest folk musicians" by CBC Q. She combines love for old-time music, technical skill and a creative approach to the banjo forming her own sound – unique and full of personality. Her collaborations with Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves, Bruce Molsky’s trio Molsky's Mountain Drifters, The Goodbye Girls provide spaces to explore the role and depth of clawhammer banjo. Allison has toured all over the world with various groups, performing at events such as Newport Folk Festival, Celtic Connections, Rockygrass, Hardly Strictly, Winnipeg Folk Festival & Tønder Festival. The music scene in her hometown of Winnipeg, Canada, immersion in Appalachian old-time communities, a performance degree at Berklee College of Music in Boston, and touring extensively throughout North America and Europe have all shaped her playing. 

Named by Dance Magazine as one of 2019's "25 to Watch," dancer and dance researcher Nic Gareiss has been hailed by the New York Times for his "dexterous melding of Irish and Appalachian dance" and called "the most inventive and expressive step dancer on the scene” by the Boston Herald. He reimagines movement as a musical practice, recasting dance as medium that appeals to both eyes and ears. Originally from Michigan, Gareiss engages many percussive dance traditions, weaving together a dance technique facilitating his love of improvisation, traditional clog and step dance footwork vocabulary, and musical collaboration. He has concertized in sixteen countries for over ten years with many of the luminaries of traditional music and dance including The Chieftains, The Gloaming, Bruce Molsky, Sandy Silva, Ira Bernstein, Colin Dunne, Alasdair Fraser, Phil Wiggins, Liz Carroll, and Darol Anger. He has performed at London's Barbican Centre, the Irish National Concert Hall, the Munich Philharmonic, and the Kennedy Center. Nic holds degrees in Anthropology and Music from Central Michigan University and a MA in Ethnochoreology from the University of Limerick. 

All proceeds go to the artists and toward rental of the venue.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B297Gz2B6_h/?igshid=16nkggj51jblx