2006-2007 SEASON PREVIEW

I have been hosting a folk music radio show since 1980, and the main reason I am still on the air is because of the support from the local “folk” community. This community would not exist if not for the hard work of volunteers at local clubs and coffeehouses that have been bringing music to the New Jersey/New York area. The Folk Project, the Uptown Coffeehouse, Sanctuary Concerts, Outpost in the Burbs, Hillside Café, the late lamented Speakeasy & Fast Folk and our
“next door neighbor” – the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club, collectively have been responsible for perpetuating folk music traditions in our area.

The Hurdy Gurdy started operations about one year after I started “Traditions” on WFDU. Since their inception, the Hurdy Gurdy has presented some of the finest names in contemporary and traditional music. For many area residents, the Hurdy Gurdy was the first place they met John Gorka, Christine Lavin and Schooner Fare. The Hurdy Gurdy also offered Bergen County a chance to see artists such as Doc Watson, Pete Seeger, Odetta, Tom Paxton and other legends in a local setting. The club has maintained a loyal audience, and many of the original volunteers continue their service to this day.

Last fall, I was asked to become the new booker for the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club in Paramus, NJ. In recent years, the job was done by Marilyn Dunkel but she was looking to move on to other projects with the Hurdy Gurdy. Marilyn has exceptional taste and she booked some wonderful performers, helping the Hurdy Gurdy increase attendance and maintaining a tradition of quality shows that dates back 25 years.

It was tough shoes to fill. Luckily, Marilyn is a great teacher. She held my hand as I dove into this task and I would not have been able to book the next season without her guidance. I know that I will be relying on Marilyn’s help and support for as long as I do this job.

As the “new kid”, I want to make a splash. My intention was to offer up some performers who have not played the venue, but still speak to core audience that has made the club so successful. At the same time, I want to continue to offer a diverse range of artists mixing in names that will be familiar to “folkies” as well as some “new” names that our audience will enjoy. I am very proud of the upcoming schedule.

Our 2006-2007 season will feature:

September 9, 2006 Bob Franke
October 7, 2006 Guy Davis
November 4, 2006 Herdman, Hills & Mangsen
December 2, 2006 Tracy Grammer
January 12, 2007 Tanglefoot
February 3, 2007 Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen
March 3, 2007 Aoife Clancy
April 14, 2007 Aztec Two-Step
Sing the Simon & Garfunkel Songbook
May 5, 2007 Mike Seeger
June 2, 2007 Tom Callinan & Don Sineti

Having Bob Franke to start our season should set a perfect tone for the season. Bob is the epitome of what singer-songwriters should aspire to. Bob has been a guest on my show a number of times over the years, and his warm delivery, pristine lyrics and superb guitar style always captures my attention. Last year I saw Bob at an Old Songs Festival workshop where he did his moving tribute to the late Freyda Epstein, a song called “Collateral Damage”. Priscilla Herdman was the next performer and she was so moved by Bob’s performance that she could barely begin her song.

I am really looking forward to seeing Guy Davis on stage at the Hurdy Gurdy. I met Guy back in the 80’s when he was starting out and hanging around Speakeasy. Guy performed at a couple of the WFDU benefit shows. Watching him grow as an artist has been an amazing experience for me. His latest CD, “Skunkmello”, is an instant classic. Guy has a touch for the blues that reaches back in time while maintaining a relevance for the present. An evening with Guy at the Hurdy Gurdy will be a highlight of our season.

I would be honored to book each as individuals, but to get them as a group is a real treat. Priscilla Herdman, Anne Hills and Cindy Mangsen are extraordinary solo artists, and together they create a magical sound. The Hurdy Gurdy audience loves to sing, and I am sure the venue will be filled with incredible harmonies on November 4.

When I started thinking about artists who have not played the Hurdy Gurdy, Tracy Grammer was at the top of my list. I was thrilled that she was available and will join us for an evening in December. Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer were just beginning to get the recognition they deserved when Dave suffered a fatal heart attack. A few weeks later, Tracy took the stage at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival and then at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, where I saw on of the most inspiring performances in all my years of attending concerts. While the sadness of losing Dave was heavy in all of our hearts, Tracy showed us the glory of music and the power of her performance gave us assurance that there was more great music to come. Since then, Tracy has recorded more of Dave’s songs and also other compositions that showcase her incredible talents. Wait until you hear her playing the fiddle!!

January 2007 will mark the first appearance by one of the most exciting Canadian folk groups on the scene – Tanglefoot. I first saw the group at a showcase at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance conference several years ago. I was amazed at the power and energy of their performance. Think Stan Rogers meeting Schooner Fare meeting up with the Band and Gordon Lightfoot, and you still won’t describe the unique talent of Tanglefoot. The Hurdy Gurdy will be jumping for the outstanding band!

It has been awhile, but I was happy to be able to bring back Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen. They continue to offer up some of the finest performances on the folk circuit. Their latest CD “Being There” mixes Rudyard Kipling poetry set to music by Cindy; songs from Jack Williams, Trevor Mills, and Lou & Peter Berryman, plus powerful new songs from Steve.

When you think of March, you think of St. Patrick’s Day. The Hurdy Gurdy will get the celebration off to a start on March 3, 2007 when Aoife Clancy takes the stage. Aoife appeared at the Hurdy Gurdy several years ago when she was the lead singer for Cherish the Ladies. The daughter of the late Bobby Clancy, former member of the Clancy Brothers, Aoife offers a program that features traditional Irish tunes, contemporary songs, and original compositions from Aoife.

When I was growing up, the music of Simon & Garfunkel became the soundtrack to my teenage years. After their demise, other duos tried to take up the mantle. None did it better than Aztec Two Step. Their own unique style became a staple on FM radio during the 70’s, and in the 80’s they became great friends to WFDU appearing at several benefit concerts for the station. It is with great pride that the Hurdy Gurdy will present the duo of Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman in a unique evening of music – Aztec Two Step singing the Simon & Garfunkel songbook.

The Hurdy Gurdy will be honored to present an American music legend in May – the incredible Mike Seeger. One of the founding members of the New Lost City Ramblers and a step brother of Pete Seeger, Mike has devoted his life to singing the music of the south – music that blends British and African traditions. I am looking forward to an outstanding evening of old-timey music from one of the masters.

Finally, our season will close out with what promises to be a fun evening of music. I first heard Don Sineti at Mystic Seaport a few years ago. Don’s booming voice can be heard across the grounds when he delivers a chantey. He is a member of the Connecticut based folk group The Morgans, along with Tom Callinan. In addition to being superb musician, Tom is a captivating storyteller. Tom & Don have been performing as a duo, sharing classic folk songs and music of the sea. I know the Hurdy Gurdy audience will be joining in for a wonderful season-ending evening of folk song.

So there you have it. The 2006-2007 season for the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club. Check out our website at www.hurdygurdyfolk.org for more details.

We may have a few surprises up our sleeve! Stay tuned!!!