10TH ANNUAL BROOKLYN FOLK FEST PLANNING NUMEROUS FAMILY EVENTS

FEST HOSTS ELIZABETH MITCHELL & SUNI PAZ'S NYC RELEASE SHOW FOR NEW SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS ALBUM!

Kids 5 & UNDER GET FREE TICKETS

12 & UNDER ARE ½ PRICE

The 10th annual Brooklyn Folk Festival features great events for the whole family, including a
series of Sunday afternoon programs. Smithsonian Folkways Recordings artists Elizabeth Mitchell
and Suni Paz will perform together Sunday April 8th at 2:45pm, marking the release of 'Tú Eres
Mi Flor,' their new children’s album on the label.

Elizabeth Mitchell is celebrating her 20th anniversary as a children’s music favorite. Based in
the Catskill Mountains, she has appeared on NBC’s The Tonight Show, NPR All Things
Considered, and HBO Family’s A Family Is A Family Is A Family. The LA Times called
Mitchell’s songs “children’s music that adults – or at least parents – can enjoy.”

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Suni Paz has been charming audiences for fifty years
with songs in English and Spanish. She has performed at Madison Square Garden and Suni
was awarded the Magic Penny Award by the Children's Music Network and a Parents Choice Award.

For more information on Elizabeth Mitchell and Suni Paz, please go to: https://shorefire.com/releases/entry/elizabeth-mitchell-suni-paz-tu-eres-mi-flor or http://www.mayersconsulting.com/clients/#/elizabeth-mitchell-suni-paz/

Here are press photos of Elizabeth and Suni: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vvvteifrk8ycwj3/AACFxbPg3ctA2XdZ0YV4uZmda?dl=0

There will be two family friendly square dances, Saturday at 4pm and Sunday at 4:45pm,
both in the Parish Hall.  Sunday afternoon will also feature performances by the Jalopy Jr.
Folk Stringband and Jalopy Jr. Folk Intermediate Ensemble.  Both groups of children have
been learning at the Jalopy Theatre's Jalopy Jr. Folk School program.  Sunday also features
a parade, led by a jug band, to the "Banjo Toss" banjo throwing competition arena! which
children are encouraged to join.

The festival’s vendor area features homemade ice cream and chocolate treats as well as
healthy snacks and sandwiches.

The Brooklyn Folk Festival has made children's tickets accessible. Children age 5 and under
get in free and ages 6-12 are 1/2 price. More information on tickets is at:
http://brooklynfolkfest.com/tickets/

The complete festival schedule and more information can be found at www.BrooklynFolkFest.com

POKEY LAFARGE JOINS BROOKLYN FOLK FESTIVAL LINEUP FOR APRIL 8 PERFORMANCE

10TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL TO LAUNCH APRIL 6 AT ST. ANN’S CHURCH IN BROOKLYN HEIGHTS

Pokey LaFarge will join the Brooklyn Folk Festival’s 10th annual iteration, performing April 8 at St. Ann’s Church. He joins a lineup that features The East River String Band with R. Crumb, Spirit Family Reunion, Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton, Innov Gnawa, Radio Jarocho, and Elizabeth Mitchell & Suni Paz. A St. Louisian, LaFarge has performed on PBS’ American Epic, TBS’ Conan, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, The Late Show with David Letterman, HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion, and RFD’s Marty Stuart Show. Pokey has played with the likes of Jack White, The Raconteurs, Wanda Jackson, and Old Crow Medicine Show. He has performed at Newport Folk Festival, Red Rocks, Radio City Music Hall, Third Man Records, and Stagecoach. He is a Rounder Records recording artist.

Brooklyn Folk Fest '18 poster

10 YEARS OF THE BROOKLYN FOLK FESTIVAL! PRESENTED BY THE JALOPY THEATRE, MOST AMBITIOUS FESTIVAL YET FEATURES 60+ DIFFERENT PERFORMANCES, WORKSHOPS, CONTESTS, JAM SESSIONS, FILM PREMIERS, RECORD RELEASES & EVENTS!

January 10, 2018

LINEUP INCLUDES R. CRUMB, JERRON “BLIND BOY” PAXTON, SPIRIT FAMILY REUNION, WOMEN’S RAGA MASSIVE, BRUCE MOLSKY’S MOUNTAIN DRIFTERS, ELIZABETH MITCHELL AND SUNI PAZ, INNOV GNAWA, AND MORE! 40+ BANDS.

FESTIVAL WHICH HAS SOLD OUT EVERY YEAR INCLUDES BLUES, JUG BAND, OLD TIME, BLUEGRASS, SONGWRITERS, MOROCCAN, PERUVIAN, PUERTO RICAN, IRISH, INDIAN, TURKISH, SPANISH, BALKAN, ITALIAN, MEXICAN, DOMINICAN MUSIC, KIDS MUSIC, AND MORE!

BROOKLYN FOLK FESTIVAL BECOMES NON-PROFIT, ENTERS 2ND DECADE

April 6^th -8^th, 2018

St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Church

157 Montague St. Brooklyn, NY

http://www.BrooklynFolkFest.com

Presented by the Jalopy Theatre & School of Music

“Diverse, spontaneous, counter-cultural, and trenchant… One of the most vital and spiritually sound folk-music events in the country.”

- The New Yorker

The 10^th annual Brooklyn Folk Festival will feature festival favorites Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton (Brooklynite and mainstay of the festival), R. Crumb with The East River String Band, NPR Tiny Desk alums Spirit Family Reunion, and folk music legend John Cohen with the Down Hill Strugglers. The festival also includes Indian Classical Music from the Women’s Raga Massive, old time string band music from Bruce Molsky’s Mountain Drifters, a performance for children by Elizabeth Mitchell and Suni Paz, celebrating the release of their new Smithsonian Folkways album, Grammy-nominated Moroccan band Innov Gnawa (who have performed at Coachella and Lincoln Center), and much more!

Photos, poster, more information, Spotify playlist, etc., click here.

This year the festival brings home many favorite performers from its decade long history, along with exciting new underground-grassroots folk and traditional groups from New York City and around the nation. Celebrating folk music from near and far, the Brooklyn Folk Festival will showcase over forty musical acts as well as workshops, film screenings, dances and contests in its most ambitious iteration to date.

In addition to musical performances, the festival will also feature the NYC premiere of the documentary “Linefork,” about living legend Kentucky banjo player Lee Sexton, “How They Got Over” about the golden age of Black gospel quartets and a 50^th anniversary screening of counter-cultural cult classic film “Gold” with rare Q&A with the director. It also marks the release of the new album on the Smithsonian Folkways label from Elizabeth Mitchell and Suni Paz.

Performers at the 10^th Annual Brooklyn Folk Festival include:

Jerron Paxton

Spirit Family Reunion

Elizabeth Mitchell & Suni Paz

East River String Band with R. Crumb

Bruce Molsky’s Mountain Drifters

Innov Gnawa

Women’s Raga Massive

Thomas McCarthy

Bulla en el Barrio

Radio Jarocho 

Brotherhood of the Jug Band Blues

Clifton Hicks

The Birdman of Rome

Feral Foster

Suzy & Eric Thompson

The Down Hill Strugglers with John Cohen

Mamie Minch & Tamar Korn

Steel City Jug Slammers

Piedmont Bluz

The HickHoppers

The Horse-Eyed Men

Eva Salina & Peter Stan

The Hayrollers

The Crimson Ragdolls

Wyndham Baird

Pat Conte

Little Nora Brown

The 10th annual festival has sold out every year and will remain at its home, St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Church, in Brooklyn Heights, where its world-famous stained-glass windows will frame the stage. The Festival is produced by the newly non-profit Jalopy Theatre & School of Music, located in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The three-day event has grown in attendance and scope each year. The festival’s partnership with St. Ann's allows for a main stage inside the church, room for food, drink and vendors, plus a second stage and additional rooms for workshops and film screenings.

Adding to the festivities, the Festival features the World Famous Banjo Toss, banjo throwing contest (as featured in Associated Press), a family-friendly square dance, a Saturday night Salsa dance, a Sunday kid’s concert with Elizabeth Mitchell & Suni Paz and several open jam sessions. There will also be group singing sessions and workshops in blues guitar, old time banjo playing, fiddle and more, along with jam sessions.

"This 10th annual Brooklyn Folk Festival promises to be a truly special event as we expand the scope of the programming and welcome home favorite performers from the history of the festival," Eli Smith, founder and host of the Festival, said. "This year we expect a powerful array of sounds, with music from a huge diversity of genres including blues, old time music, traditional music from Morocco, Mexico, the Balkans, Ireland, Puerto Rico, India and elsewhere, trad jazz, song writers, jug band music and more!”

St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church is a National Historic Landmark, built in 1844. An important example of Gothic Revival architecture in America, the richly ornamented church is notable for its elaborately vaulted roof and window tracery. Before it was removed in 1906, its spire was the most visible landmark in Brooklyn and was used by ship captains to navigate the harbor. The Festival will take place in the main hall of the church, with workshops, film screenings and the square dance in the side hall and upstairs rooms. Food, drink and retail vendors will be on site.

The performances are separated into day passes, evening shows, and a full-festival three-day pass.

Tickets went on sale this morning at www.brooklynfolkfest.com/tickets

* The venue has seating for everyone.  Seating assignments are on a first come first serve basis.

* These prices do not include service fees.

* All events including workshops and film screenings are included in ticket price.

* St. Ann's Church and Parish Hall are wheelchair accessible.  If you are in a wheelchair and would like to take a workshop please email Lynette Wiley.

Brooklyn Folk Fest 2018 clips

Brooklyn Vegan item (January 10, 2018)

GRAMMY NOMINEE DAVID BROMBERG & 3X GRAMMY-WINNER LARRY CAMPBELL SET FOR ONE-NIGHT COLLABORATION LIVE ONSTAGE TOGETHER APRIL 12 AT ROULETTE THEATER IN BROOKLYN

GRAMMY nominee David Bromberg and three-time GRAMMY winner Larry Campbell will collaborate together in concert at Roulette Theater in Brooklyn April 12.

Photo of Larry and David performing together (credit: Mike Thut) here.

Bromberg’s sensitive and versatile approach to guitar-playing earned him jobs playing the Village “basket houses” for tips, the occasional paying gig, and employment as a backing musician for Tom Paxton, Jerry Jeff Walker and Rosalie Sorrels, among others. He became a first-call, “hired gun” guitarist for recording sessions, ultimately playing on hundreds of records by artists including Bob Dylan (New Morning, Self Portrait, Dylan), Link Wray, The Eagles, Ringo Starr, Willie Nelson, and Carly Simon.

An unexpected and wildly successful solo spot for 600,000 concert goers at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival in Great Britain led to a solo deal with Columbia Records, for whom David recorded four albums. His eponymous 1971 debut included “The Holdup,” a songwriting collaboration with former Beatle George Harrison, who also played slide guitar on the track. David also met the Grateful Dead and wound up with four of their members playing on his next two albums.

Enlisting old friend Campbell and engineer Justin Guip, David and his group entered Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY, in March 2013. Enlisting some of Helm's former recording and touring musicians for added instrumentation, the David Bromberg Band emerged twelve days later with 'Only Slightly Mad,' a return to his genre-bending albums of the Seventies and Eighties. Bromberg fans will find blues, bluegrass, gospel, folk, Irish fiddle tunes, pop and English drinking songs happily coexisting as they can only on a Bromberg album. For newcomers, Only Slightly Mad will be an introduction to an astonishing performer whose range and musical depth have delighted devoted audiences for over forty years and will for many years hence.

Campbell is a multi-instrumentalist who has been a studio musician, recording music with other artists on their albums, and a respected sideman, performing as a backup musician in clubs and concert venues, since the seventies. He moves freely between rock, blues, country, folk and Celtic, playing guitar, fiddle, mandolin, pedal steel, cittern, dobro and banjo. In 2005, he released his first solo acoustic guitar album called Rooftops. In 2008, Larry was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his instrumental work from the Americana Music Association. In 2013, The Americana Music Association named Larry Instrumentalist of the Year.

Larry has had extensive experience as a studio musician. Over the past 2 decades, Larry has recorded with Bob Dylan, Levon Helm, Judy Collins, Sheryl Crow, B. B. King, Willie Nelson and The Black Crowes just to name a few.

As a sideman, Larry is probably best known for his time spent in Bob Dylan's band. Larry was a member of Bob Dylan's "Never Ending Tour" band from March 31, 1997 until November 21, 2004. When Larry was not performing with Bob Dylan, he often made guest appearances with other artists including Buddy and Julie Miller, Levon Helm and Little Feat. Prior to 1997, Larry toured with other artists, including Cyndi Lauper, K. D. Lang,and Rosanne Cash.

Since Larry's departure from Bob Dylan's band, he has continued to make guest appearances with various artists including Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, Phil Lesh, Rosanne Cash, Litte Feat, Hot Tuna and Levon Helm. Beginning in 2005, Larry performed regularly with Levon Helm for seven years.

WHO: David Bromberg and Larry Campbell
WHAT: Collaborative, joint set
WHEN: Sunday April 12, 2015
WHERE: Roulette Theater, 509 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
TICKETS: $45 – $50 DOS, http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1141181

KRISTIN ANDREASSEN BRINGS CREAM OF THE NYC FOLK SCENE TO JOE’S PUB MARCH 10 FOR ‘GONDOLIER’ ALBUM RELEASE CONCERT

SHADOW PUPPETS TO ACCOMPANY SONGWRITER’S DEEP NEW MATERIAL

Rising songwriter Kristin Andreassen will be joined by a who’s who of the NYC folk music scene to celebrate the release of her new album ‘Gondolier’ at Joe’s Pub on March 10. In addition, visual artist Amy Helfand will supply shadow puppets created specifically for this concert.

“Gondolier” title track lyric video over vintage stock footage.

She offers vivid metaphors and deep questions on her new album ‘Gondolier,’ which is earning spotlights from the likes of CMT Edge, Travel + Leisure, Country Weekly, UTNE Reader, and syndicated radio spots from Mountain Stage, Woodsongs, and Music City Roots. Executive produced by Chris Eldridge of the Punch Brothers, ‘Gondolier’ tackles topics such as where one belongs; depression; expectations of the future; memories of war; self-imposed isolation; and alcoholism; all with a lightness and freshness of idea and imagery.

Kristin Andreassen videos.

Aoife O’Donovan, her former bandmate who sings on ‘Gondolier,’ says, “In Sometymes Why, we used to call Kristin ‘the mistress of metaphor.’ Her knack for drawing deep (and sometimes dark) meaning out of seemingly sweet lyrics is uncanny. On this new album, Kristin Andreassen has arrived at a whole new level- the production is spot-on, the songs eerily unique yet timeless, and her singing pristine. Gondolier is a spectacular record that we're going to be listening to for a long time.” O’Donovan and Ruth Ungar, Andreassen’s bandmates from the trio Sometymes Why, will both be joining me on harmony vocals at the Joe’s show. (Plus see below for rest of the band).

Full album lyrics and credits.

JOE’S PUB MARCH 10 BAND LINEUP:

Kristin Andreassen – guitar, body percussion
Jefferson Hamer - guitar
Alec Spiegelman - woodwinds
Jacob Silver - bass
Robin MacMillan - drums
Aoife O’Donovan - harmony vocals
Ruth Ungar - harmony vocals

Miss Ida Blue at Zinc Bar November 7

“AMERICANA MASTER” (NASHVILLE SCENE) DOM FLEMONS TO PERFORM AT MADISON SQUARE PARK OCTOBER 4, SUBCULTURE OCTOBER 11, AND CITY WINERY CABINET OF WONDERS (NPR)

The American Songster Dom Flemons’ October tour will include three performances in NYC:

* October 4 in Madison Square Park
* October 11 at SubCulture
* and October 24 as part of the Cabinet of Wonders at City Winery, also featuring Eric Andersen, Mac McCaughan (of Superchunk), Eugene Mirman, Dani Shapiro, and Sarah Vowell.

Cabinet of Wonders has been picked up by NPR as a syndicated program and is hosted by Wesley Stace.

Flemons last performed in NYC at Lincoln Center Out of Doors in August. He earlier discussed what it means to be the American Songster in an extended interview with Terry Gross on NPR Fresh Air.

A founding member of the GRAMMY-winning, Newport Folk Festival-playing Carolina Chocolate Drops, Flemons lived in NYC until last year, when he made the move back to North Carolina. Here’s what others are saying about the new album ‘Prospect Hill,’ which features a guest spot from New Yorker Guy Davis:

“Exceptional.”
-Robin Denselow, The Guardian (UK), July 28, 2014

“Unforgettable.”
-Clive Davis, The Times (UK), July 25, 2014

“Flemons’ harmonica-heavy, foot-tapping folk makes for the perfect hot summer soundtrack.”
-Dacey Orr, Paste, June 2, 2014

“This is interracial hoedown music, irresistibly delivered with a wink and a strut, and it sounds unlike anything else on the market today.”
-John Morthland, Wondering Sound / eMusic, July 25, 2014

“Dom Flemons satisfied an old-time craving.”
-Chris Parton, CMT Edge, June 4, 2014

“A mix of traditional and original songs that explore different moods and strains of Americana… from both the head and the heart.”
-James Reed, Boston Globe, June 26, 2014

LINCOLN CENTER OUT OF DOORS/AMERICANAFEST NYC WELCOMES MUSIC MAKER RELIEF FOUNDATION BLUES REVUE ON AUGUST 10 AT DAMROSCH PARK BANDSHELL

DOM FLEMONS, BEVERLY "GUITAR" WATKINS, AND IRONING BOARD SAM TO PERFORM BILL WITH CHARLES BRADLEY& HIS EXTRAORDINAIRES, ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES, BOBBY PATTERSON

Lincoln Center Out of Doors and the Americana Music Association will present a performance by the Music Maker Blues Revue August 10 at the Damrosch Park Bandshell celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the Music Maker Relief Foundation, the organization which helps traditional southern musicians living in poverty. The event is part of AmericanaFest NYC and Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, and Bobby Patterson will perform on the same bill.

The Music Maker Blues Revue will feature Dom Flemons, Beverly "Guitar" Watkins, and Ironing Board Sam:

* Dom Flemons – founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and American Songster – will release his third solo album 'Prospect Hill' on July 22 on Music Maker Relief Foundation. 'Prospect Hill' finds Flemons digging deeply into ragtime, Piedmont blues, spirituals, southern folk music, string band music, jug band music, fife and drum music, and ballads idioms with showmanship and humor, reinterpreting the music to suite 21st century audiences.

* In 2012, Ironing Board Sam was named "Comeback Artist of the Year" by Living Blues Magazine, made a triumphant return to a packed tent at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. In 2013 Sam performed at the Byron Bay Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Australia, and will be traveling for gigs all over the USA. In 2012, eMusic said, "'Ninth Wonder' is a superb album for anyone interested in hearing a true maverick at work.... Here's the most entertaining eight tracks and nearly 22 minutes of blues-based music likely to be released this year, and it should leave you longing for more." He was crowned Most Outstanding Musician by Living Blues in 2013 and returned to the Jazz Fest stage in 2014.

* "My style is real Lightnin' Hopkins lowdown blues. I call it hard classic blues, stompin' blues, railroad smokin' blues," says Beverly "Guitar" Watkins. If you've never seen a blues lady who can play her guitar behind her head, belt out songs and roll over to sweet gospel, you've never been in the house when Beverly "Guitar" Watkins was on stage.

The performance will be in conjunction with a museum exhibition opening at the NY Public Library for the Performing Arts, a new book "We Are the Music Makers," a 2CD set of the same title, and a festival in North Carolina in October.

Twain embeddable album stream

Performing at Rockwood Music Hall, stage 3, April 21:

THE GLOAMING CONFIRMS LE POISSON ROUGE SHOW IN NYC JUNE 21 AND INT'L FESTIVAL OF ARTS & IDEAS IN NEW HAVEN JUNE 19

MOJO NAMES BRASSLAND ALBUM ONE OF 2014'S BEST (THUS FAR)

The Gloaming – the world-renowned ensemble, which is performing this Thursday at Royal Albert Hall for the Irish President and UK Prime Minister and about which the Guardian said have much "in common with post-rock" – has confirmed two U.S. dates, the first since their self-titled debut album came out on Brassland.

On the heels of raves from NPR Music, The Guardian, WNYC, The Independent, Q, The Boston Globe, and more, MOJO Magazine has named 'The Gloaming' one of 2014's top albums thus far. Colin Irwin writes, "Sumptuous debut by virtuoso folk supergroup... Historic poetry and ancient tunes combine on a very organic, modern album."

Le Poisson Rouge tickets are here.

Tickets for International Festival of Arts & Ideas set are here.

NICK MOSS BAND TO MAKE MERCURY LOUNGE DEBUT MARCH 29

MOSS BAND MADE NAT'L TV DEBUT THIS WEEK ON WGN MIDDAY MUSIC LOUNGE AS 'TIME AIN'T FREE' OUT MARCH 18

The Nick Moss Band – whose new album 'Time Ain't Free' (March 18 / Blue Bella Records) is "nothing less than a powerful gumbo of Chicago soul, funk, blues, jam music and rock and roll" (Guitar World – will make its Mercury Lounge debut March 29. "Moss reaches deeper into soul, funk, and rock ‘n’ roll," says Billboard. The Nick Moss Band will make its national television debut today on WGN. The Nick Moss Band will also appear on national syndicated radio show Elwood's Bluesmobile on March 22 and 23; on Tavis Smiley (PRI); and will tape a segment for the syndicated program Beale Street Caravan.

Click here to watch the Nick Moss Band on WGN-TV.

Click here for a video album preview of 'Time Ain't Free' at Elmore Magazine. Elmore called 'Time Ain't Free' "southern-fried rock…a vintage, boogie-filled slice of rock & roll featuring Moss’ scintillating guitar playing."

WHO: The Nick Moss Band
WHAT: Mercury Lounge Debut Concert
WHEN: 10:30pm, March 29, 2014
WHERE: Mercury Lounge, 217 E Houston St., NYC
TICKETS: $10 advance / $12 day of show

Moss apprenticed in the bands of blues greats Jimmy Rogers, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, and Jimmy Dawkins, among others. Second lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Michael Ledbetter is a former opera singer and relative of the great Lead Belly. The rest of the band is made up of top-shelf Chicago players, steeped in roots rock, blues, soul, funk, and jam band music.

"EXCELLENT" (ALL MUSIC GUIDE) SONGWRITER, GUITAR MAN, & TOP TEN RELIX/JAMBAND RADIO TOP TEN ARTIST THE NICK MOSS BAND TO PLAY NYC'S SLAKE DECEMBER 20

The Nick Moss Band — "an artist with important things to tell us," according to Blue Revue Magazine, on which he has appeared on the cover – will perform at NYC's Slake December 20 in anticipation of a new album 'Time Ain't Free' due in March, 2014. The Nick Moss Band's Here I Am album debuted at #2 on the Relix/Jamband Radio Charts in 2012. Moss' new song "I Want The World To Know" recently premiered at Billboard.com.

The Nick Moss Band features second guitarist and vocalist Michael Ledbetter, a descent of Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Lead Belly. An electrifying new talent, Ledbetter will be making his recorded debut on guitar and vocals on the forthcoming Moss album. The Slake show will find the Nick Moss Band hitting on all cylinders, hot off of a 36-date headlining tour.

The Nick Moss Band has been compared to Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, and Gary Clark Jr. Downbeat said, "He sings with confidence and heats up his guitar with enough imagination to transcend." All Music Guide has praised Moss' music as "memorable… played with spirit, drive, and swing."

Having spent time in the bands of blues legends Jimmy Dawkins, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (The Legendary Blues Band), and Jimmy Rogers, Moss started his career in the deep Chicago blues tradition.

WHO: The Nick Moss Band

WHAT: Headlining concert and preview of 'Time Ain't Free'

WHEN: 7pm, December 20, 2013

WHERE: Slake, 251 W 30th St, NYC

TICKETS: $12 via TicketWeb.com

THE IMPRESSIONS, MEMBERS OF THE DAP-KINGS SING IN CELEBRATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS AT HISTORIC PLYMOUTH CHURCH FOR LET FREEDOM RING: A CONCERT TO BENEFIT FREE THE SLAVES

On January 11, 2014, Plymouth Church will present "Let Freedom Ring!: A Concert to Benefit Free the Slaves." This major musical event, held on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, will feature The Impressions, members of the Dap-Kings, and other special guests. Funds raised will benefit the organization Free the Slaves, which is dedicated to ending slavery worldwide in our lifetime.

The Impressions will team up with Brooklyn's Binky Griptite and a group of musicians featuring members of the Dap-Kings and some very special guests. Many consider the music of Rock & Roll Hall of Famers The Impressions the soundtrack to the civil rights movement. They are 1998 Grammy Hall of Fame inductees for their hit "People Get Ready," which is ranked at #24 on the Rolling Stone list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

This is a rare chance to hear The Impressions' best known songs addressing and advancing the black freedom movement of the Sixties on the strength of indelible songs of striving and transcendence, such as "Keep on Pushing," "Amen", "We're a Winner" and "People Get Ready," all performed by the group's original members Fred Cash, Sam Gooden and Reggie Torian (who replaced former lead vocalist Curtis Mayfield in the early '70s), and backed by a mighty band.

As part of a weekend that will focus on the problem of historical and modern-day slavery, Plymouth, in partnership with Brooklyn Historical Society, will also be offering a panel discussion featuring anti-trafficking experts on January 10 at Brooklyn Historical Society, where the exhibit "Brooklyn Abolitionists: In Pursuit of Freedom" will open in early January.

Although Plymouth Church was not established until 1847, just fourteen years before the start of the Civil War, it later became known locally as "the Grand Central Depot" of the Underground Railroad. Plymouth Church is one of the few active Underground Railroad congregations in New York still housed in its original location. Minister and church founder Henry Ward Beecher was a prominent abolitionist who compiled a book of hymns and understood the power of music in faith and in politics.

NPR WORLD CAFÉ "NEXT" ARTIST DECLAN O'ROURKE TO HEADLINE THE CUTTING ROOM DECEMBER 6 ON WAVE OF ACCLAIM FROM USA TODAY, SPIN, TRAVEL + LEISURE

JOHN PRINE CALLS HIM "A GREAT SONGWRITER"

Next artist on NPR World Café and Irish singer-songwriter Declan O'Rourke will headline the Cutting Room December 6. His US debut album 'Mag Pai Zai' (Rimecoat / Missing Piece) has earned acclaim from the likes of USA Today, SPIN, Travel + Leisure, and beyond. NPR World Café host David Dye says, "It is definitely time for this music to cross the ocean... O'Rourke has a penchant for writing about love and history with equal amounts of ease and gravity."

Watch the "Time Machine" video.

The legendary John Prine – for whom O'Rourke has opened – said this month, "Declan O' Rourke is a great songwriter. He is a fine fellow too and I believe the missing link to the Inkspots."

WHO: Rimecoat / Missing Piece Records Artist Declan O'Rourke
WHAT: Headlining Concert
WHEN: 6:30pm, December 6, 2013
WHERE: The Cutting Room, 44 E 32nd St, NYC
TICKETS: TBA

"Compassion, romance, a sense of mortality, and a sense of history run through the songs of Declan O'Rourke… his calling is as a balladeer, proffering reassurance in the face of inevitable sorrow." – Jon Pareles, NY Times

"Declan O'Rourke is long overdue for a stateside breakthrough." – Luke McCormick, SPIN

"The Irish balladeer's storytelling skills shine." – Edna Gundersen, USA Today,

"Warm, enveloping voice." – Eric Danton, Wall Street Journal

"Classic crooning sound." – Nate Storey, Travel + Leisure

"Greatness... A listen to a song like 'Time Machine,' 'Caterpillar DNA' or 'Langley's Requiem' is to feel a biting wind blow right through you, and have you reaching for the first warmth available. Heaviness has never had a better home."– Bill Bentley, Morton Report

"Be warned: O’Rourke isn’t just another balladeer with an acoustic guitar. His voice, lyrics and arrangements have distinct impact." – Chuck Campbell, Knoxville News-Sentinel

AS SPIN, NY TIMES WEIGH IN, DECLAN O'ROURKE'S US DEBUT 'MAG PAI ZAI' OUT DIGITALLY THIS WEEK, ON PHYSICAL CD OCTOBER 8

O'ROURKE PLAYS NYC'S CUTTING ROOM TONIGHT

Declan O'Rourke – the songwriter who has had three top albums in Ireland – is about to make his US debut with 'Mag Pai Zai.' He has opened for Bob Dylan, Snow Patrol, and John Prine and shared the stage with Bono. 'Mag Pai Zai' earned him comparisons to Glen Hansard, Sondre Lerche, Ron Sexsmith, and Rufus Wainwright. 'Mag Pai Zai,' out this week in digital download and out October 8 in brick and mortar stores, has brought O'Rourke acclaim from several outlets and a certain influential rocker:

"Compassion, romance, a sense of mortality, and a sense of history run through the songs of Declan O'Rourke… his calling is as a balladeer, proffering reassurance in the face of inevitable sorrow." – NY Times

"Declan O'Rourke is long overdue for a stateside breakthrough." – SPIN

"Warm, enveloping voice." – Wall Street Journal

"He writes the sort of classic songs that people don’t write anymore, songs that sound like they’ve been around forever." – Paul Weller

Hear 'Mag Pai Zai' in its entirety at American Songwriter.

HOT OFF NEWPORT FOLK FEST MAIN STAGE SET, BREAKOUT BAND KINGSLEY FLOOD ANNOUNCES HEADLINING SHOW AT MERCURY LOUNGE SEPT 12

NEWPORT ACCLAIM FROM NPR MUSIC, BILLBOARD, ROLLING STONE, PASTE

Kingsley Flood – the breakout band whose Newport set grabbed the attention of NPR Music, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Paste – has announced a headlining set at Mercury Lounge September 12. The band also taped a Paste Magazine session on-site and will open for Josh Ritter in August.

Drawing comparisons to The Replacements, Deer Tick, Lucero, Wilco, and the Clash, the band's six members tore up the stage in a misting rain, with lead singer Naseem Khuri ripping at his guitar while Jenée Morgan Force alternated between violin and saxophone, forming an impromptu horn section with keyboardist Chris Barrett picking up the trumpet. NPR Music streamed the set.

Rolling Stone's James Joiner said, "Kingsley Flood kicked off the main stage, shirking the rain with puddle-splashing, foot-stomping folk rock and their signature high energy."

Billboard's Devon Maloney wrote, "Special props ought to be given to a pre-rain, fest-opening set by energetic Boston mainstays Kingsley Flood."

WHO: Breakout band Kingsley Flood

WHAT: Headlining show featuring songs from 'Battles'

WHEN: 9:30pm, Thursday, September 12, 2013

WHERE: Mercury Lounge, 217 East Houston St., NYC

TICKETS: $10 advance / $12 day of show

Paste Magazine's Dacey Orr named them one of ten bands to catch at Newport, saying, "This hardworking band is rapidly making an impression nationally. Their recent album 'Battles' holds several tracks that translate into rowdy on-stage anthems."

American Songwriter's Sean Maloney testified, "We had never heard these guys before but we were gobsmacked – GOBSMACKED – by the Boston band’s soulful, folk rockin’ shimmy on the Fort Stage. We heard echoes of X’s sun-scorched punk, moments of Muscle Shoals groove and some gnarly fuzz bass, which was the last thing we thought we would hear at a folk festival. It was great way to kick off our fest and their new album Battles made a great soundtrack for the ride home."

CORB LUND PLANS FEBRUARY U.S. TOUR, SCORES HIGH ON COUNTRY MUSIC CRITICS' POLL

BEST OF 2012 ACCOLADES ACCOMPANY OPENING SLOT FOR DIERKS BENTLEY & MIRANDA LAMBERT

Corb Lund – the descendent of four generations of Albertan ranchers and former punk/metal player – is planning a U.S. run of dates in February with his longtime band The Hurtin' Albertans. In the Nashville Scene's 13th Annual Country Music Critics' Poll, Corb Lund is the #10 male vocalist and 'Cabin Fever' is the #20 best album of 2012.

Others have agreed. 'Cabin Fever' (New West) was named to year-end best lists by 29-95 (Houston Chronicle) and No Depression and caught the number one spot on The Oregonian's list. American Songwriter named "September" one of its top 50 songs of 2012.

Meanwhile, Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley confirmed that Corb Lund will open a date April 12 in Springfield, MO.

Goth girls to survivalists, bovines to bibles, antique pistols to vintage motorcycles: Lund’s songcraft creates vivid images and character sketches with hard-worn western language. Raves have run in the NY Times, NPR All Things Considered, Paste, and elsewhere.

CORB LUND U.S. TOUR DATES

Feb. 6, 2013    Atlanta, GA             Smith’s Olde Bar                -
Feb. 7, 2013    Chattanooga, TN         Rhythm and Brews                -
Feb. 8, 2013    Knoxville, TN   Barley’s                -
Feb. 9, 2013    Nashville, TN           Exit/In                 -
Feb. 12, 2013   Charlotte, NC           The Evening Muse                -
Feb. 13, 2013   Greenville, SC  The Handlebar           -
Feb. 14, 2013   Raleigh, NC             Berkeley Cafe           -
Feb. 15, 2013   Roanoke, VA             Kirk Avenue Music Hall          -
Feb. 16, 2013   Asheville, NC           Emerald Lounge          -
Feb. 20, 2013   Wilmington, DE  World Café Live at The Queen            -
Feb. 21, 2013   New York, NY    Joe’s Pub               -
Feb. 22, 2013   Washington, DC  Hill Country BBQ                -
Feb. 24, 2013   Charleston, WV  Mountain Stage, Culture Center Theater

FOLLOWING WNYC SOUNDCHECK APPEARANCE, YEAR-END BEST ACCOLADES, CORB LUND & THE HURTIN' ALBERTANS MAKE JOE'S PUB DEBUT FEB 21

Corb Lund – the Albertan cowboy songwriter who used to play punk and metal – will make his debut at Joe's Pub February 21 along with his longtime band The Hurtin' Albertans. Lund appeared on WNYC's Soundcheck on December 10.

'Cabin Fever' (New West) was named to year-end best lists by 29-95 (Houston Chronicle) and No Depression and caught the number one spot on The Oregonian's list. American Songwriter named "September" one of its top 50 songs of 2012. He just finished of a December tour with Hayes Carll, who appears on the 'Cabin Fever' song "Bible on the Dash" and spoke with the Austin American-Statesman about his inspirations and the role of humor in song.

'Cabin Fever' cemented Lund as one of the best songwriters in North America and one of its most commanding performers, hitting number four on the Americana radio chart and number one on the Canadian Top 200.

WHO: Corb Lund & The Hurtin' Albertans

WHAT: Full band concert & first Joe's Pub appearance

WHEN: 9:30pm, Thursday, February 21

WHERE: Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette Street, NYC, 212-539-8778

TICKETS: $15 at JoesPub.com or Joe's Pub box office