HURDY GURDY FOLK MUSIC CLUB ANNOUNCMENTS
Victor Hugo once wrote that “Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” I agree, and I also like to think that music can also drive away the winter blues, and the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club has several wonderful concerts planned that will warm your heart, soothe your soul, and provide a cure for “cabin fever”.
On Saturday February 7th at 8:00pm, the Hurdy Gurdy will present a special “co-bill” concert that features two outstanding singer-songwriters emerging from the contemporary folk scene. The Hurdy Gurdy is pleased to bring Antje Duvekot and Ellis to the stage of the Fair Lawn Community Center.
I feel that this is an excellent opportunity to experience two artists who are gaining national recognition for their songs and performances. Antje Duvekot has just released her second studio album, a CD that was produced by Richard Shindell and from the samples I’ve heard – this recording is going to bring even more attention to Antje. Antje’s songs were first brought to public attention when the group Solas recorded some of her songs. She won the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, Kerrville Folk Festival’s “Best New Folk Award” and the Boston Music Award for “Outstanding Folk Act”. Additionally, The Bank of America featured Antje’s song “Merry Go Round” in a national TV advertising campaign seen by millions, including a Super Bowl audience.
In addition to Antje, we are happy to bring another rising star to our stage – Ellis. Ellis is a very popular performer in Minneapolis, where she was voted Best Musician for five consecutive years and named 2007 Best Musical Artist by readers of the Minnesota Women’s Press. If you attended the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, you might have seen her perform when she was voted “Most Wanted to Return” and was part of the festival preview tour. Ellis’ music is described as joyful, unpretentious modern folk with a slight hint of country inspired by her southern roots.
I hope you won’t pass up this opportunity to see these incredible emerging artists on our stage! The Hurdy Gurdy is keeping to our commitment to introduce audiences to the diverse artists of the contemporary folk scene at affordable prices – only $20 for non-members, $17 for Hurdy Gurdy Club members! Tickets are now on sale at www.hurdygurdyfolk.org
As many of you know, I wear multiple hats. In addition to being the president of the Hurdy Gurdy, I am also the host of a folk music show on non-commercial radio station WFDU-FM. The Board of Directors of the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club has agreed to host a benefit concert at the Fair Lawn Community Center for WFDU and our show, TRADITIONS.
This will be more than a concert – this is an “all-star” mini-festival, which we are calling “Traditions Fest”. Appearing at 2:00pm on Sunday March 29th will be Tom Chapin, Christine Lavin, Julie Gold, Pat Wictor, Gathering Time, and Anthony da Costa & Abbie Gardner. My radio co-host Bill Hahn and I will host this afternoon “festival” where you will be treated to showcase performances from each of the artists as well as some surprises. Here is the best part – tickets are just $15!!!!!!! Talk about a bargain! In addition to joining us for an incredible afternoon of music, you will be helping support non-commercial radio station WFDU-FM and our show in particular. All proceeds from ticket sales (and additional donations if you are so inclined) will benefit our efforts to keep folk music alive and thriving on the airwaves!
We strongly suggest that you order tickets today, online at www.hurdygurdyfolk.org . We expect this concert to sell-out in advance! The Fair Lawn Community Center only seats 170 people, and our intimate stage offers a great opportunity to experience an event of this kind! This announcement is being sent to the Hurdy Gurdy e-mail list before we make the announcement on the radio this Sunday. Order today!
With the spirit of “change” in the air and a national movement for volunteering in the community, I’d like to ask you for help in spreading the word. The Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to perpetuating folk music in our area. Share this e-mail with your family and friends or volunteer to distribute flyers in your community. We are also looking for artists to help design posters and identify new sources to publicize our events. Your suggestions and help are always welcome.
Thanks for taking the time to read about our latest news. This is an exciting time, and we hope to see you at the concerts. If you have not already done so – we encourage you to join the Hurdy Gurdy today!
Keep warm!!
Ron Olesko
President,The Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club
& Producer/Host of WFDU-FM’s TRADITIONS