"A Park Slope Bistro right in the Green Mountains"
The New York Times 2006
In the winter of 2004 VAE converted their downstairs basement studio into a cabaret-club atmosphere with the plan to present once a month, high quality music that is culturally diverse. With tablecloths, flowers and candles on the tables, professional lighting and a bar, the 130 seat venue was ready for an audience. From late fall through April each year (the cold weather seasons), the Basement Music Series (BMS), brings in bands from as far away as Cuba and Tuva and from Virginia to the music hub, Brooklyn, New York. From Grammy nominated Omar Sosa, to BMS favorite Howard Fishman, and the Tuvan throat singers ALASH, it's grown to twice a month. The people come for one reason, to listen to music, and this what the bands love the most about presenting their craft. The intimate setting in which they perform downstairs allows for an experience that both artist and audience go home not forgetting and anticipating a return.
Tickets are generally $17. in advance, (service fee included) and $22. at the door. Tickets available through our new ticket company www.brownpapertickets.com The first and only fair-trade ticketing company! Or call them toll free at 1-800-838-3006. Libations served. Seating is limited.
Upcoming Winter 2012 Season
The Prescription Dance Party
Saturday February 4, 2012, 8pm
Tickets $17 (plus a processing fee) in advance, $20 at the door
www.brownpapertickets.com
Their range of genres spans rock and roll, rhythm and blues, Motown hits, soulful ballads, jazz, and big band swing, from a nine-piece dance band featuring the Side Effect Horns to the more intimate Catbird Trio. It's a grooving, rump shaking dance event like no other.
Eilen Jewell
Saturday February 18, 2012, 8pm
Tickets $20 (plus a processing fee) in advance, $24 at the door
www.brownpapertickets.com
Boise-born and Boston-based, Jewell has quickly distinguished herself as one of the rising stars of a new generation of roots musicians. Her first two albums, Boundary County (self-released, 2006) and Letters from Sinners and Strangers (Signature Sounds, 2007) were astonishingly assured efforts, which matched Jewell's understated yet insightful songs with a rugged blend of Americana styles. They were met with a great deal of acclaim, with No Depression raving that "Jewell is showing she can wander with the best of them, and write riveting song-stories about her adventures along the way." Indicative of Jewell's strong following in Europe, The Word in the UK described her as "A voice of real distinction [that] manages to transcend some powerful influences and pierce the fog long enough for her own point of view to emerge."
BOSTON GLOBE: Jewell's music has the languorous quietude of (Gillian) Welch or Norah Jones, but there is something more direct, almost in your face, about her stark, neo traditional melodies, subdued vocals, and confident, slow-swaying groove. It's as if she's daring us to say we miss the bells and whistles of pop...
Darlingside
Saturday March 3, 2012, 8pm
$18 (plus a processing fee) in advance, $22 at the door
Students: $10 (plus a processing fee) in advance, $14 at the door
www.brownpapertickets.com
Massachusetts-based "string-rock" quintet will join us for an evening of what has been called "a seamless, exhilarating sound at the intersection of rock, classical, and folk music."
"As individuals, each member of Darlingside could easily be a top notch solo artist. Together, they are a powerhouse of vocal, instrumental, songwriting, and performing talent. Their energy is contagious, their sound is unpredictable, and their songs are unforgettable. They are definitely one of today's bands to watch out for." - Bernice Lewis, singer/songwriter.
Starline Rhythm Boys
Saturday March 17, 2012, 8pm
$18 (plus a processing fee) in advance, $22 at the door
www.brownpapertickets.com
Check out Star Line Rhythm Boys.
The best in Americana, country and rockabilly. Cow Island recording artists.
Peter Mulvey
Saturday March 31, 2012, 8pm
$18 (plus a processing fee) in advance, $22 at the door
www.brownpapertickets.com
"I like making records," reflects songwriter Peter Mulvey, "but my job is the live show: getting up in a room and taking people somewhere." Peter's latest tour is on his 12th CD, Letters From A Flying Machine. Over the past 20 years, Mulvey has pursued a restless, eclectic path as a writer and musician - immersing himself in Tin PanAlley jazz, modern acoustic, poetry, narrative, and Americana stylings. Relentlessly touring as a headliner - his attitude is, "When you love what you do, you can work all the time.” He has also shared the stage with luminaries such as Emmylou Harris, Richard Thompson, Ani diFranco, Indigo Girls, and Greg Brown, and has attracted an audience that stretches from Anchorage to Amsterdam.
Caravan of Thieves
Saturday May 5, 2012, 8pm
$18 (plus a processing fee) in advance, $22 at the door
www.brownpapertickets.com
"This zany group brings a touch of vaudeville, over-the-top theatricality, performance art and an all-but-the-kitchen sink collection of percussion utensils (and a hubcap) to their brand of gypsy swing music… those wild and crazy guys (and gal) turned out to be the most pleasant surprise of the day." --Huffington Post
Previous Show Schedule
Gold Town CD Release Party
Saturday January 21, 2012, 8pm
Tickets $17 (plus a processing fee) in advance, $20 at the door
www.brownpapertickets.com
Southern-Vermont's own hometown boys celebrate the release of their newest CD. Join us for an evening of "fast bluegrass and whiskey twang."
Blues Sanctuary
Saturday, January 7th, 8pm
Tickets are $14 in advance, $18 at the door.
Dance Floor Open
www.brownpapertickets.com
Winners of the Northeast Blues Society's 2008 "Colossal Contender" Award.
Featuring:
Rick Burgess, Vocals, Guitar, and Harp
Joe Candal, Keyboards
Vocals- Bruce Mariani, Bass
Vocals- Ken Pallman, Drums
Vocals- John O'Rourke, Guitar
Follow Blues Sanctuary on Facebook.
Winners of the Northeast Blues Society's 2008 "Colossal Contender" performance competition, Blues Sanctuary has been wowing audiences with their infectious Chicago style blues in a few different incarnations since 2002. Starting out as a three piece group featuring great friend Jeff Bentley on bass, then adding Joe Candal on keyboards,then adding a second guitar player to allow Rick the freedom to be the great frontman and harp player he is. The first guitar player added, was at the time Albany's "Wunderkind Bluesmaster" Matt Mirable.When Matt left the group to pursue his own solo project, the incomperable and always soulful Greg Bird came on board. Greg left the group in the fall of 2009 to pursue a business venture and spend more time with his family. (Greg we miss you very much!!! ) As the 2008 "CC" winners, Blues Sanctuary had proudly represented the Northeast Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN on February 4th, 2009(and frankly tore the place up!) . The "IBC" is the largest gathering of blues bands in the world, drawing the best in blues from the four corners of the globe. Bands from Memphis to Australia, from Paris to London, from New York to LA and everywhere in between meet on Beale Street for three exciting days of competition, jams, jive, drinks and who knows what else!-------------------- Blues Sanctuary features the classic blues voice and harp of Rick Burgess, the stunning keyboards of Joe Candal, and seasoned New York City axe-man John O'Rourke tearing it up on the Stratocaster. Building the foundation for "The Sanctuary" with the soaring vocals and bass virtuosity of Bruce Mariani, and veteran drummer, blues aficionado, and founding member Ken Pallman, Blues Sanctuary serves up a delectable menu of classic and modern blues. Loved by their audiences and respected by their peers, Blues Sanctuary does live blues right....LIVE AND BLUES!.
David Budbill & William Parker
Spoken word, percussion & bass
Sunday, November 13, 3pm
Tickets are $16 in advance, $20 at the door. Limited available at www.brownpapertickets.com
David Budbill was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1940 to a streetcar driver and a minister's daughter. He is the author of seven books of poems, eight plays, a novel, a collection of short stories, a picture book for children, dozens of essays, introductions, speeches and book reviews, the libretto for an opera and is a performance poet on two CDs. He was for a time a commentator on National Public Radio's All Things Considered. Find out more about David Budbill.
William Parker is a master musician, improviser, and composer. He plays the bass, shakuhachi, double reeds, tuba, donso ngoni and gembri. He was born in 1952 in the Bronx, New York. He studied bass with Richard Davis, Art Davis, Milt Hinton, Wilber Ware, and Jimmy Garrison. He entered the music scene in 1971 playing at Studio We, Studio Rivbea, Hilly’s on The Bowery and The Baby Grand, playing with many musicians on the avant-garde school Bill Dixon, Sunny Murray, Charles Tyler, Billy Higgins, Charles Brackeem, Alan Silva, Frank Wright, Frank Lowe, Rashid Ali, Donald Ayler, Don Cherry, Cecil Taylor, Jimmy Lyons, Milford Graves and with traditionalists like Walter Bishop, Sr. and Maxine Sullivan. In 2001, Parker released O’Neal’s Porch, which marked a turn toward a more universal sound working with drummer Hamid Drake. The Raining on the Moon Quintet followed, adding vocalist Leena Conquest and the Quartet from O’Neal’s Porch. Most notable among many recent projects is the Inside Songs of Curtis Mayfield. He has taught at Colleges and workshops throughout the world. Parker is also a theorist and author of several books including the Sound Journal, Document Humanum, Music and the Shadow People and The Mayor of Punkville. Find out more about William Parker.
A very special night of Music, Art, Food and Friends, a VAE Fall Fundraiser
Saturday, October 22, 6:00pm-11:00pm
Tickets are $60 per person, limited available at www.brownpapertickets.com
Please join us for a night to remember with a special preview art opening and sale of the works of Dan Shapiro and featuring a sumptuous local harvest dinner made by our fabulous team of North Bennington food artisans, followed by an artful concert by Real Vocal String Quartet.
"Real Vocal String Quartet's inventive take on chamber music combines the magical textures of a string quartet with a folk- and pop- influenced women's vocal quartet. Original songs, improvisations, and unique arrangements pay tribute to a fantastic array of music from Appalachia to Kenya to Brazil."
**There will be a public exhibition of the work of Dan Shapiro on the following night, Sunday 10/23 from 1-5pm.
Bob Stannard's 60th Birthday Blues Bash Benefit for VT Arts Exchange
Saturday, June 18th 8:00pm
Shaftsbury Country Store Barbeque at 6:30
Libations by Thyme Tables Catering
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com
Saturday: $18 advance, $22 at door
with Kenny B - bass
Danny Banks - drums
Dennis Willmott - guitar/vocals
B-Boy, Bob Stannard - harp/vocals
featuring legendary Blues piano player David Maxwell
Proceeds to benefit VAE's mission of "Bringing the arts to people of all ages, abilities and income since 1994."
Howard Fishman and His Orchestra
Saturday, May 21st 8:00pm & Sunday, May 22nd 2:00 pm (family show)
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com
Saturday: $18 advance, $22 at door
Sunday: Adults $13 advance $15 at door, Students $8 advance $10 door, Children 5 and under free
Howard Fishman, composer, guitarist and bandleader, has come to be recognized as one of today's most agile interpreters of the American songbook. Whether he is performing his own compositions or drawing on a seemingly endless repertoire of American popular music, it is all filtered through a sensibility and aesthetic entirely his own. Fishman's performances combine the exuberance and spontaneity of jazz with a storyteller's sense of drama, emotional depth and play. The All-Music Guide has called him "an important force in creative music," and The New York Times has written that his work "transcends time and idiom."
Fishman began his musical career on the streets of New Orleans and in the subways of New York before making his debut at The Algonquin Oak Room in 1999. He has since headlined in major venues both in the States and abroad, including The Steppenwolf Theatre, The Blue Note, NJPAC, The Pasadena Playhouse, Joe's Pub, The Bottom Line, and Le Petit Journal in Paris. He made his Lincoln Center debut in February, 2007, when he was presented as part of this season's American Songbook series. Fishman has also been a frequent NPR guest, making feature-length appearances on FRESH AIR with Terry Gross, WORLD CAFE with David Dye, THE LEONARD LOPATE SHOW and SOUNDCHECK with John Schaefer, among others.
An Evening of Jazz
Featuring Subzero and The Barnstormers
Saturday, April 23rd, 8:00pm
Subzero Jazz - solid jazz standards by local artists.
Art Amuso, upright bass
Jeff McRae, drums
Bill Vitek, piano
Jonathan Myers, trombone and tuba
Charlie Tokarz, reeds
Also featuring:
The Barnstormers
Rachel Kremsky vocals
Dave Cuite upright bass
Tico Vogt guitar
Phelan Gallagher alto sax
*Playing classic jazz from Porter, Berlin, Mercer etc and bebop classics from Parker, Monk, Miles and others.
Eilen Jewell
Saturday, April 9th, 8:00pm
Boise-born and Boston-based, Jewell has quickly distinguished herself as one of the rising stars of a new generation of roots musicians. Her first two albums, Boundary County (self-released, 2006) and Letters from Sinners and Strangers (Signature Sounds, 2007) were astonishingly assured efforts, which matched Jewell's understated yet insightful songs with a rugged blend of Americana styles. They were met with a great deal of acclaim, with No Depression raving that "Jewell is showing she can wander with the best of them, and write riveting song-stories about her adventures along the way." Indicative of Jewell's strong following in Europe, The Word in the UK described her as "A voice of real distinction [that] manages to transcend some powerful influences and pierce the fog long enough for her own point of view to emerge." BOSTON GLOBE: Jewell's music has the languorous quietude of (Gillian) Welch or Norah Jones, but there is something more direct, almost in your face, about her stark, neo traditional melodies, subdued vocals, and confident, slow-swaying groove. It's as if she's daring us to say we miss the bells and whistles of pop...
The Prescription Dance Party
Saturday, March 26th, 8:00pm
Their range of genres spans rock and roll, rhythm and blues, Motown hits, soulful ballads, jazz, and big band swing.
HEAR IN NOW featuring Mazz Swift, Tomeka Reid and Silvia Bolognesi
Saturday, March 19th, 8:00pm
Mazz Swift, a native New Yorker, began playing the violin at age 7. She studied privately for 9 years with Elizabeth Small, Shirley Givens and Timothy Baker. Mazz graduated from the High School of the Performing Arts, during which time she made her solo public performance debut on the stage of New York's Alice Tully Hall, performing alongside members of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
She later attended The Juilliard School of Music, but left in the middle of her 3rd year in order to pursue a more organic approach to music making. She found herself living at the notorious Zendik Farm and under the tutelage of Arol Wulf-Zendik developing herself as an improvisational musician.
Mazz's diverse musical interests have led her in many directions; from classical music to rock to traditional folk music from around the world (specializing in Irish music) and most recently to hip hop. Consequently, she has recorded and performed with a wide variety of artists including Perry Farrell, Moby, Vernon Reid and DJ Logic (The Yohimbe Brothers), Burnt Sugar and many artists from the Black Rock Coalition, Suphala, Kanye West, Common and Jay-Z.
Winter Bluegrass Night featuring Goldtown
Saturday, March 5th, 8:00pm
Southern-Vermont's own hometown boys delivering "fast bluegrass and whiskey twang," plus special guests.
Ethan Lipton and his Orchestra
Saturday, February 26th, 8:00pm
With his band, the Ethan Lipton Orchestra, he's played all over New York (Joe's Pub, the Prospect Park Bandshell, Rockwood, Barbes, the Living Room, etc.), Los Angeles, (Tangier, Silverlake Lounge, The Derby) and the Northeast (MassMoCA, AS220, Pop!tech). He has released two live CDs on indie label Home Office Records and one studio album on his own Muckraker Records. Ethan's plays have been produced in Los Angeles, New York and Edinburgh. He is the recipient of a 2008 NYFA grant for playwriting, and has been chosen to be part of the Public Theater's Emerging Writers Group for 2008. Born and raised in LA, Ethan now lives with his wife, Heather Phelps-Lipton, and their two dogs, in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Chris Bergson
Saturday, February 12th, 8:00pm
Brooklyn-based guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Chris Bergson creates his own blend of rootsy blues and soul. Bergson has performed with Levon Helm, Norah Jones, John Hammond, Little Sammy Davis, Ollabelle and Larry Campbell as well as jazz legends Annie Ross and Al Foster. The Chris Bergson Band has headlined at such top New York City venues Joe's Pub, The Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Blue Note, The Living Room, and Jazz Standard. Chris has also performed at the 606 Club (London), B.B. Kingàs Blues Club (NYC), the Highway 99 Blues Club (Seattle, WA), the Regattabar (Cambridge, MA) and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington, DC). Bergson has appeared at NYC's River to River Festival, the Leicester City Blues Festival (UK), the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival (BC, Canada), the Cape May Jazz Festival (NJ), and the Black-Eyed and Blues Festival (Hartford, CT). Bergson has opened for Etta James, Levon Helm, John Hammond, Mose Allison, the Average White Band and Dr. Lonnie Smith.
"Chris Bergson is a serious talent," proclaims LIVING BLUES noting that "Bergson gives early notice to the listener on the album's opening cut, 'Gowanus Heights', of his prowess as both a performer and songwriter. With a horn section that would do the old Stax crew proud, Bergson lures the listener into his world of jazz influenced blues and doesn't let up until the final cut."
LAKE PARAN-VAE BENEFIT featuring: Darlingside
Saturday, February 5th, 8:00pm
"As individuals, each member of Darlingside could easily be a top notch solo artist. Together, they are a powerhouse of vocal, instrumental, songwriting, and performing talent. Their energy is contagious, their sound is unpredictable, and their songs are unforgettable. They are definitely one of todayís bands to watch out for." - Bernice Lewis, singer/songwriter.
Meg Hutchinson
Saturday, January 22, 8:00pm
Lyric-based, contemporary acoustic songwriter. Influences include poet Mary Oliver, songwriter Shawn Colvin, and mood maker David Gray. Originally from rural western-most Massachusetts, Hutchinson is now based in the Boston area. She has won numerous songwriting awards in the US, Ireland and UK, including recognition from John Lennon Songwriting Competition, Billboard Song Contest and prestigious competitions at Merlefest, NewSong, Kerrville, Falcon Ridge, Telluride and Rocky Mountain Folks Festivals. She released "Come Up Full" on Red House Records in 2008, and is now celebrating the release of her new album "The Living Side" February 9th, 2010.
Fishtank Ensemble
Special guest (opener) Cinder Conk
Saturday, January 8, 8:00pm
Fishtank Ensemble are the leaders in high-energy, cross-pollinated gypsy music. From California, they bring their unique blend of Romanian, Gypsy jazz, Flamenco, Balkan, Turkish and Tango influenced music to the world.
Previous - Special Fall Fundraiser Concert and 17th Anniversary Celebration
Howard Fishman
Saturday, October 30th 8:00, doors open at 7:00
Tickets: $25 advance, $30 at door night of show
Fishman also celebrates the release of a trilogy of new albums: "Better Get Right," "No Further Instructions" and "The World Will Be Different." He is joined by returning violinist Mazz Swift (familiar to Basement Music Series fans as one half of BrazzTree), Andrae Murchison on trombone and Nathan Peck on bass.
An annual favorite, the composer, guitarist, singer and bandleader is lauded as one of todayís most agile interpreters of the American songbook, and he always packs the house. Tickets are now on sale and won't last!
Advance tickets are available by calling VAE at 802-442-5549 with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard), by visiting the Sage Street Mill in person during regular business hours or by mailing a check to VAE at P.O. Box 725, North Bennington, VT 05257. Libations, provided by Thyme Tables Catering of Shaftsbury, will be available through a cash bar.
Previous Summer 2010 Concerts
Electric Junkyard Gamelan
Sunday, June 20th, 2:00pm (Father's Day all ages show)
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com
In advance $12 Adults, $8 Students
At door $15 Adults, $10 Students
Children under 5 are free!
www.terrydame.com/tdame_ejg.html
"Electric Junkyard Gamelan makes music so original they had to create their own instruments to play it. Its wild enough to please fans... regardless of genre." Global Rhythms Magazine
Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra
Friday, July 23rd 7:30pm doors open at 5:00pm
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com
In advance $14 Adults, $10 Students
At door $18 Adults, $14 Students
Children under 5 are free!
DANCE LESSONS 6:30pm prior to show are $10, pay at door
Formed October 1980 in Amsterdam, NY, this 11 piece orchestra is led by the Bronx-born bassist Alex Torres. They have been presented by hundreds of festivals, performing arts centers and events annually to perform their original blend of Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as Salsa, Merengue, Cha-cha, Bomba, Plena and Latin Jazz.
"...I have never seen an act that so accurately reflects a culture¥s music and yet targets a mainstream audience, combining education with exciting entertainment." - Karl S. Brunig, The Chronicle
Latin Dance Lessons to BENEFIT VAE!! Join Latin Dance Coach, Michael Rodriguez during the months of June and July at 7:00pm in Manchester at R.K. Miles every Wed. night and in Bennington at the Mt. Anthony Country Club on Tuesday evenings. Latin moves such as the Merengue, Cha, Cha and Salsa will be taught to couples and individuals, $14. per adult and $10. per student per lesson. Drop-ins are welcome. Join Michael for the last class on Friday, July 23rd at 6:30pm for the eighth annual Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra concert at Hildene in Manchester Village, VT. For info call Michael Rodriguez at 802-362-1819. All proceeds to benefit VAE!
Previous shows this 2010 Season
Ethan Lipton and his Orchestra
Saturday, May 8th, 8:00pm
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com
With his band, the Ethan Lipton Orchestra, he's played all over New York (Joe's Pub, the Prospect Park Bandshell, Rockwood, Barbes, the Living Room, etc.), Los Angeles, (Tangier, Silverlake Lounge, The Derby) and the Northeast (MassMoCA, AS220, Pop!tech). He has released two live CDs on indie label Home Office Records and one studio album on his own Muckraker Records. Ethan's plays have been produced in Los Angeles, New York and Edinburgh. He is the recipient of a 2008 NYFA grant for playwriting, and has been chosen to be part of the Public Theater's Emerging Writers Group for 2008. Born and raised in LA, Ethan now lives with his wife, Heather Phelps-Lipton, and their two dogs, in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
ALASH (Tuvan throat singers)
Sunday, May 2nd 2:00pm (all ages show)
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com
Alash is carrying the proud traditions of Tuvan music into the future. They are among the first of a new generation of Tuvan musicians who have matured in the musically fertile and adventurous post-communist period in Tuva. Having been students not only of well-known musicians such as Kongar-ool Ondar, they are also recipients of the musical knowledge of their own families and regions.
The ensemble was formed in 1999 in the basement of the Kyzyl Arts College under the name of Changy-Xaya and became the resident traditional ensemble at the school. At this time in Alash in 2002 Tuva there was occurring a great groundswell of support for the education of Tuva's "treasures," i.e. its unique artistic traditions especially concerning Xoomei, or throat singing. However, while the lads were playing traditional music on their own time in the damp basement on Kochetovo street, they were learning the ways of harmony, theory, staff notation and western classical music on instruments that were strange hybrids of Tuvan traditional instruments and violins and cellos etc. They found these instruments also appealing, and have now begun exploration in the new sound worlds that arise in their unique, dual musical consciousness.
Howard Fishman
Friday, April 23rd 8:00pm
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com
$20 advance, $24 at door
Howard Fishman, composer, guitarist and bandleader, has come to be recognized as one of today's most agile interpreters of the American songbook. Whether he is performing his own compositions or drawing on a seemingly endless repertoire of American popular music, it is all filtered through a sensibility and aesthetic entirely his own. Fishman's performances combine the exuberance and spontaneity of jazz with a storyteller's sense of drama, emotional depth and play. The All-Music Guide has called him "an important force in creative music," and The New York Times has written that his work "transcends time and idiom."
Fishman began his musical career on the streets of New Orleans and in the subways of New York before making his debut at The Algonquin Oak Room in 1999. He has since headlined in major venues both in the States and abroad, including The Steppenwolf Theatre, The Blue Note, NJPAC, The Pasadena Playhouse, Joe's Pub, The Bottom Line, and Le Petit Journal in Paris. He made his Lincoln Center debut in February, 2007, when he was presented as part of this season's American Songbook series. Fishman has also been a frequent NPR guest, making feature-length appearances on FRESH AIR with Terry Gross, WORLD CAFE with David Dye, THE LEONARD LOPATE SHOW and SOUNDCHECK with John Schaefer, among others.
Peter Mulvey
Saturday, April 3rd 8:00pm
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com
"I like making records," reflects songwriter Peter Mulvey, "but my job is the live show: getting up in a room and taking people somewhere." Peter's latest tour is on his 12th CD, Letters From A Flying Machine. Over the past 20 years, Mulvey has pursued a restless, eclectic path as a writer and musician - immersing himself in Tin PanAlley jazz, modern acoustic, poetry, narrative, and Americana stylings. Relentlessly touring as a headliner - his attitude is, "When you love what you do, you can work all the time," Ò he has also shared the stage with luminaries such as Emmylou Harris, Richard Thompson, Ani diFranco, Indigo Girls, and Greg Brown, and has attracted an audience that stretches from Anchorage to Amsterdam.
Sarah Lewis
Friday, March 26th 8:00pm
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com
Her sultry, sweet songs are full of heartbreak and beginnings, with fiery lyrics disguised behind her airy, Norah Jones-like voice. Says songwriter Will Stratton, "Sara's understated songs will carry you away before you even know you're being carried -- like the quietest and most confident of summer breezes." Sara attributes Regina Spektor, Feist, Norah Jones, KT Tunstall, Fiona Apple, and Lisa Hannigan as some of her biggest influences. The 21-year old indie-pop musician Sara Lewis is finally coming into her own as a singer, songwriter and performer in the music industry. Currently, Sara is working on recording and producing her first album, which is expected to be released in the coming months. She plans to go on a tour following its release to promote it, as well as do a great deal of online promotion on social networks and music sites. In the meantime, she is constantly on the search for gig opportunities and working on promoting and selling her two live albums, "Live at Bennington College" and "Live at The Underscore, NYC" at her shows as well as online. She plans to move to New York City after graduation to pursue her music career full-time.
The Prescription Dance Party
Saturday, March 13th 8:00pm
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at door
Their range of genres spans rock and roll, rhythm and blues, Motown hits, soulful ballads, jazz, and big band swing. From a nine piece dance band featuring the Side Effect Horns to the more intimate Catbird Trio.
Toshi Reagon with Fred Cash
Saturday, February 27th 2010 8:00pm
No modern folk artist this side of Ani DiFranco better encapsulates the form's ability to transcend any strictures placed upon it, real or perceived, than Toshi Reagon. She was born to the gig; her mother is Sweet Honey in the Rock founder Bernice Johnson Reagon. Sweet Honey brought serious gospel chops to bear on folk music, in the process bringing Leadbelly to church, so to speak. (For proof, check out the transcendent version of "Sylvie" Sweet Honey offers on the Folkways tribute to Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie.)
Brazztree
Saturday, February 13th 2010 8:00pm
Featuring:
Mazz Swift violin, vocals,
Brad Hammond, guitar,
Alan Camlet , cajßn and percussion.
Marika Hughes, cello
"a sublime, surprising, bristling and hearty stew of Irish lyricism, daredevil jazz aerobatics and punk rock moxie...both the elegance and the energy are off the chain." Greg Tate, Village Voice
Previous shows 2009 Summer Season
Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra
Friday, July 17
Gates open at 5pm
Dance lessons at 6pm followed by music and dancing at 7:30pm
Authentic Puerto Rican fare, Mexican food and ice cream will be available for sale. Please note that state law requires that alcoholic beverages cannot be brought onto Hildene grounds, however Thyme Tables of Shaftsbury will serve libations.
Tickets for the concert only are $14 for adults and $10 for students in advance, $19 for adults and $15 for students at the gate. Children under 5 are admitted for free.
Advance concert/dance lesson ticket package is $24 for adults and $20 for students; at the gate, the concert/dance lesson is $29 for adults and $25 for students.
Previous shows 2009 Fall and Winter Season.
Paul Carlon Octet
Friday, October 24 8:00pm
Tickets: no longer available
A native of rural Central New York, Saxophonist and composer Paul Carlon has been active on the New York City jazz and latin jazz scenes for seventeen years, having performed with and/or composed for Harvie S, Phil Bowler & Pocket Jungle, the Jason Lindner Big Band, the late Afro-Cuban star Juan Pablo Torres, Grupo los Santos, James Hurt, Rumbatap Dance Company, Sonido Isleno, Swingadelic, Gary Morganýs Panamericana, Clave y Guaguanco, and Phil Woods, as well as leading his own groups. Paul recorded with JP Torres on his all-star CD Together Again in 2000, alongside such stars of Latin jazz as Giovanni Hidalgo, HHernandez, Brian Lynch, and Steve Turre.
Paul has performed at regional, national and international music festivals. He has toured, recorded, and performed all over the U.S., the Caribbean (including Cuba), and South America, and has appeared in film, radio and on TV. Paul's appearances on film include the documentaries Latido Latino, made for Spanish public television, and Como se forma una rumba/How to Create a Rumba, by Ivan Acosta (shown at Lincoln Center as part of Latin Beat 2001!). One of Paul's original songs, 'Soul Soliloquy', found a home in filmmaker Kern Konwiser's street basketball documentary On Hallowed Ground, originally aired on the TNT Television Network in May of 2000. Paul also recently completed a Master's Degree in Music Composition at The City College of New York, where he studied with MikeDavid Del Tredici.
Paul's main passions are the history and tradition of innovation and of swing in jazz, and the music of the Afro-Latin diaspora. Navigating where these diverse styles intersect, where the rhythms cross over and begin to speak to each other, has been Paul's fascination for the last ten years, both improvisationally and compositionally. An avowed Ellington/Strayhorn fanatic, Paul is equally captivated by Los Van Van, Pixinguinha, Charles Mingus, Stravinsky, Gene Ammons, Lenine, Eva Ayllon, Muddy Waters, and Gil Evans, among many others. A fluent speaker of Portuguese and conversational in Spanish, Paul has spent time in Brazil and also in Cuba and Colombia, immersing himself culturally and artistically in the search for understanding. His compositions express this wide range of interests, diffracted through the lens of the jazz stylists and composers that have been an obsession from an early age.
Ameranouche
Saturday, November 8th, 8:00pm
Tickets: no longer available
The Ameranouche Trio features guitarists Richard Sheppard, Ryan Flaherty and bassist Xar Adelberg. The nationally acclaimed Gypsy Jazz ensemble plays acoustic hot jazz, both original compositions and unique arrangements by American and Gypsy songwriters. The music is universal and reaches diverse audiences worldwide.
Richard Sheppard plays lead guitar for Ameranouche: "His fingers dart across the strings faster then hummingbirds wings" -proclaims Jon Nolan of the Wire Seacoast Entertainment Magazine. "Sheppard is an aggressor on the guitar, really taking it to its limits. Many of the tunes showcase his ability to make that guitar talk. He forcibly makes the strings resonate, and then he dances across the entirety of the fret board in order to get Ameranouche's gypsy jazz sound" writes Christopher Hislop of the Portsmouth Herald.
Ameranouche performances are patterned with virtuosity, eclecticity and inspiring energy. Audiences are taken aback by Sheppardýs brillant guitar work and the groups ceaseless musicianship.
Debbie Deane
Saturday, December 6th, 8:00pm
Tickets: no longer available
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, the multi-talented Debbie Deane grew up listening to Carole King, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Steely Dan. She found herself driven to explore the fertile ground of music and lyrics. Her older brother introduced her to folk, funk and fusion. She listened to all the great divas in the folk, pop and jazz worlds, and developed an intense interest in groove music and jazz harmony. Music was the ultimate refuge.
After earning a degree in English Literature, Debbie embarked on her music career. She studied jazz intensively at Bostonˆs Berklee College of Music, honing the piano skills that she continues to display as a singer-songwriter. At first her songwriting and singing came as an afterthought, but then took the forefront. In the last five years sheˆs shown impressive development on the guitar as well.
In her performing and recording life, Debbie has had the good fortune to work with top-tier jazz musicians who share her interest in quality songwriting § people like drummer Brian Blade and saxophonist Joshua Redman. Upon moving back to Brooklyn, she lived in a ¶jazz den¾ with some of the cityˆs most promising jazz musicians, including saxophonist Seamus Blake, drummer Marc Miralta and pianists John Stetch and George Colligan. ¶Everyone came through our place,¾ says Debbie. ¶The people Iˆve played with, theyˆre all my friends and theyˆve known me, theyˆve been my roommates and people I went to school with.¾ Their presence on Debbieˆs recordings and at her live shows is a powerful endorsement.
Brazztree
Saturday, January 10th, 8:00pm
Tickets: no longer available
"a sublime, surprising, bristling and hearty stew of Irish lyricism, daredevil jazz aerobatics and punk rock moxie...both the elegance and the energy are off the chain." Greg Tate, Village Voice
NYC-based violin/guitar duo Brazz Tree continues to astound and endear audiences across the country with their new brand of music: New World Acoustic Rock (otherwise known as Music NWAR). Though it draws on traditional forms born in places as far-flung as Ireland and India, Music NWAR remains firmly rooted in the exuberant, questing ethos of the New World.
After releasing their first CD "Quest" (DIY) in 2004 Brazz Tree spent over a year touring and writing before they brought the new songs to producers Alan Camlet and Pete Thompson. With a bevy of guest artists and producer Michael Leonhart (Steely Dan, Lenny Kravitz), Brazz Tree's newest creation "Spiral On" is the next step in the evolution of Music NWAR. With songs like "Out of Time" and "In a Hole" the listener is taken on a musical journey.
Brazz Tree has toured extensively throughout the country and the Netherlands playing colleges and Universities, Theaters, Clubs, and Art Centers. They were selected to perform at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, were on the Relix magazine compilation cd, and in their "Listen Up" section, and have received Radio play from across the country including a spotlight on NPR and Acoustic Cafe (ACAFE) as "one to watch" and performed on the Woodsongs Radio Hour...
Chris Bergson
Saturday, January 24th, 8:00pm
Tickets: no longer available
Brooklyn-based guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Chris Bergson creates his own blend of rootsy blues and soul. Bergson has performed with Levon Helm, Norah Jones, John Hammond, Little Sammy Davis, Ollabelle and Larry Campbell as well as jazz legends Annie Ross and Al Foster. The Chris Bergson Band has headlined at such top New York City venues Joe's Pub, The Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Blue Note, The Living Room, and Jazz Standard. Chris has also performed at the 606 Club (London), B.B. Kingàs Blues Club (NYC), the Highway 99 Blues Club (Seattle, WA), the Regattabar (Cambridge, MA) and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington, DC). Bergson has appeared at NYC's River to River Festival, the Leicester City Blues Festival (UK), the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival (BC, Canada), the Cape May Jazz Festival (NJ), and the Black-Eyed and Blues Festival (Hartford, CT). Bergson has opened for Etta James, Levon Helm, John Hammond, Mose Allison, the Average White Band and Dr. Lonnie Smith.
"Chris Bergson is a serious talent," proclaims LIVING BLUES noting that "Bergson gives early notice to the listener on the album's opening cut, 'Gowanus Heights', of his prowess as both a performer and songwriter. With a horn section that would do the old Stax crew proud, Bergson lures the listener into his world of jazz influenced blues and doesn't let up until the final cut."
Pyeng Threadgill
Saturday, February 7th, 8:00pm
Tickets: no longer available
On her soon to be released third album, Portholes To A Love & Other Short Stories, Pyeng Threadgill explores concepts of reality and magic, humanity and nature. With Pyeng's vibrant, caressing vocals and her band's rolling rhythms and revolving countermelodies listeners are enveloped in the clouds and put under a spell. From the lulling sensation of locomotion, to the secrets of the sea, the hopeless romantic, to the immigrant experience Pyeng uses lyrics lush in metaphor to depict a wondrous universe.
Judging from Pyeng Threadgill's childhood her musical destinations seem a natural outcome. Threadgill was born into an artistic family on the Lower East Side of New York in the 1970's at a time when Polish and Puerto Rican, Black, Chinese, and Jewish were all living in close proximity. Much of Pyeng's childrearing years were spent in black box theatres, community gardens, Jazz night clubs or on the road with her dancer/choreographer mother. These experiences proved just as influential as the early Soul/Jazz stylings of singers like Sam Cooke and King Pleasure that emanated from the stereo. Yet to round it out Pyeng kept her headphones loaded with a good dose of Depeche Mode, Tribe Called Quest, Al Green, and local alternative Rock bands. She went on to Oberlin Conservatory to study classical music. Upon her return to familiar concrete, Pyeng began searching for her own unique sound. She arrived at a new musical plateau which balanced improvisation and an eclectic repertoire with a healthy instrument.
Nowadays Pyeng attributes her vocal/musical aesthetic to her love for all styles of music from around the world. Her training as a teacher in the Alexander Technique (a practice for removing unwanted tension in the body) has greatly affected her journey as a singer. Ms. Threadgill sees her general outlook on life and Portholes To A Love as being part of the same African Diasporic worldview that understands the interconnectedness of all things.
Pyeng Threadgill's music has been heard regularly on radio, in front of audiences as varied as New York's iconoclast downtown venues Nublu and Joe's Pub, The Montreal Jazz Festival, Detroit Institute of The Arts, The Sun Side Jazz Club in Paris and more and even on the big screen. In 2006 Threadgill was asked to be a featured player in the documentary film starring Youssou N'Dour entitled "Retour A Goree" by director Pierre Yves-Borgeaud. Portholes To A Love & Other Short Stories has already earned her a fellowship from The New York Foundation for The Arts in Music Composition. Using impressionistic guitars, hard set grooves, keyboards, and swaggering horns, it is clear Pyeng Threadgill is a compelling storyteller and bandleader.
Ethan Lipton
Saturday, February 28th, 8:00pm
Tickets: no longer available
With his band, the Ethan Lipton Orchestra, he's played all over New York (Joe's Pub, the Prospect Park Bandshell, Rockwood, Barbes, the Living Room, etc.), Los Angeles, (Tangier, Silverlake Lounge, The Derby) and the Northeast (MassMoCA, AS220, Pop!tech). He has released two live CDs on indie label Home Office Records and one studio album on his own Muckraker Records. Ethan's plays have been produced in Los Angeles, New York and Edinburgh. He is the recipient of a 2008 NYFA grant for playwriting, and has been chosen to be part of the Public Theater's Emerging Writers Group for 2008. Born and raised in LA, Ethan now lives with his wife, Heather Phelps-Lipton, and their two dogs, in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
To Be
Saturday, March 7th, 8:00pm
Philp Wofford: Reeds, Brass & Misc.Percussion & Dave Mellinger on drums.
Also that evening, come early 5:30 - 7:30 for the opening reception of Philip Wofford's paintings featured in the Mill Gallery March 7 - July 7.
ALASH (Tuvan throat singers) All ages show
Saturday, March 28th 8:00pm
Sunday, March 29th 2:00pm (all ages show)
Tickets: no longer available
Alash is carrying the proud traditions of Tuvan music into the future. They are among the first of a new generation of Tuvan musicians who have matured in the musically fertile and adventurous post-communist period in Tuva. Having been students not only of well-known musicians such as Kongar-ool Ondar, they are also recipients of the musical knowledge of their own families and regions.
The ensemble was formed in 1999 in the basement of the Kyzyl Arts College under the name of Changy-Xaya and became the resident traditional ensemble at the school. At this time in Alash in 2002 Tuva there was occurring a great groundswell of support for the education of Tuva's "treasures," i.e. its unique artistic traditions especially concerning Xoomei, or throat singing. However, while the lads were playing traditional music on their own time in the damp basement on Kochetovo street, they were learning the ways of harmony, theory, staff notation and western classical music on instruments that were strange hybrids of Tuvan traditional instruments and violins and cellos etc. They found these instruments also appealing, and have now begun exploration in the new sound worlds that arise in their unique, dual musical consciousness.
Howard Fishman
SECOND NIGHT ADDED!
Friday & Saturday, April 3rd & 4th 8:00pm
Tickets: no longer available
Howard Fishman, composer, guitarist and bandleader, has come to be recognized as one of today's most agile interpreters of the American songbook. Whether he is performing his own compositions or drawing on a seemingly endless repertoire of American popular music, it is all filtered through a sensibility and aesthetic entirely his own. Fishman's performances combine the exuberance and spontaneity of jazz with a storyteller's sense of drama, emotional depth and play. The All-Music Guide has called him "an important force in creative music," and The New York Times has written that his work "transcends time and idiom."
Fishman began his musical career on the streets of New Orleans and in the subways of New York before making his debut at The Algonquin Oak Room in 1999. He has since headlined in major venues both in the States and abroad, including The Steppenwolf Theatre, The Blue Note, NJPAC, The Pasadena Playhouse, Joe's Pub, The Bottom Line, and Le Petit Journal in Paris. He made his Lincoln Center debut in February, 2007, when he was presented as part of this season's American Songbook series. Fishman has also been a frequent NPR guest, making feature-length appearances on FRESH AIR with Terry Gross, WORLD CAFE with David Dye, THE LEONARD LOPATE SHOW and SOUNDCHECK with John Schaefer, among others.
An Evening of Blues with The Prescription
Saturday & Sunday, April 17th & 18th 8:00pm
Tickets: no longer available
Featuring Peter King, Kerry Ryer-Parke, Bob Stannard and the Side Effects horn section.
Haale
Saturday, May 9th 8:00pm
Tickets: no longer available
Haale (as in halle-lujah or jalepeno), is a Bronx-born woman of Iranian descent whose name means the 'halo around the moon.' Her songs are trance-inducing, rhythmically propulsive, and lyrically engaging tapestries that draws on both Persian mystical and American psychedelic musical traditions.
She released two mesmerizing EPs in January 2007: 'Morning' and 'Paratrooper' -- and spent the year touring across the country and in Europe, at venues such as the Bonnaroo Festival, SXSW, and the Mimi Festival in France. She performed at David Byrne's Nonesuch-sponsored series at Carnegie Hall, recorded with Sean Lennon (on 'Before the Skies'), and shared the stage with such diverse artists as the legendary Hugh Masakela and Odetta.
While back at home from touring, Haale and producer/percussionist Matt Kilmer went to work on their first full-length debut, 'No Ceiling.' It was released on March 18, 2008, to critical acclaim, hailed "one of the year's most memorable releases," by the Boston Globe. See press page for more 'No Ceiling' press . The album features players Shahzad Ismaily, Mike Gamble, Doug Wieselman, Chris Hoffman, and Johnny Gandlesman and co-writing by Matt Kilmer and Dougie Bowne.
On the breathtaking full-length debut, "No Ceiling" Haale explores themes of transformation and evolution, singing in English and Persian through a riveting soundscape of percussion, psychedelic guitars, and soaring strings.
NEW YORK TIMES
"Percussionists provided driving rhythms...over which Haale's warm, supple voice unfurled like a curlicue of smoke. Her band's amplified rumble served as a reminder of the extent to which rock bands like the Doors and the Velvet Underground turned to the East for their hypnotic efforts; here their borrowings were reclaimed with interest."
WASHINGTON POST
"Haale is...a star on the riseóher raw sound owes as much to '60s psychedelic rock as it does to the ancient Middle East..."
Romashka
Friday, June 19th
Under the Event Tent at Colgate Park
Colgate Park, Bennington, VT Route 9 West
Children under 5 are admitted free.
Doors open at 5:30, Show begins at 7:00pm
State law requires no alcoholic beverages to be brought in.
Tickets: no longer available
Mira Stroika - vocals
Jake Shulman Ment - violin
Ben Holmes - trumpet
Patrick Farrell - accordion
Jay Vilnai - guitar
Reuben Radding - bass
Timothy Quigley drums
Romashka is a driving force in New York City's burgeoning gypsy and balkan music scene, playing gypsy and folk music from Russia, Romania, the Balkans, and beyond. Lithuanian-born singer Inna Barmash fronts a band nine wildly versatile NY musicians, denizens of fertile downtown grounds. At full blast, Romashka has a violin, viola, accordion, guitar, trumpet, clarinet/saxophone, tuba, and percussion.
Like a shot of honey-pepper vodka, Romashka sweetens your lips, hits you heavy in the gut, and induces vertiginous euphoria. Listening to this "lethal dose of gypsy firewater" (DJ Joro-Boro, Mehanata).
Past Show Archives
History
The Basement Music Series (BMS), began in the spring of 2004. It was a music series created to battle the long, cold, winter blues and bring high quality music, the more diverse, the better. It is a time to see old friends, make new ones and to have a good drink.
2004-2005 Season
An Evening of Jazz
Jamie Baum Septet
Tessa Souter
An Evening of Blues
Omar Sosa
Howard Fishman Quartet
Ana Vinagre Fado Music
Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra
2006-2007 SEASON
Omar Sosa
Ameranouche with Deena & Nathan
Morley
Brazztree
Luminescent Orchestrii
Tarbox Ramblers
Syd Straw and Plankton
Howard Fishman
Evening of Blues
Toshi Reagon
ALASH
Electric Junkyard Gamelan
Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra
2007-2008 SEASON
Ameranouche
Omar Sosa
ALASH
WYIOS
Grupos Los Santos
Chris Bergson
Likeness To Lily
Howard Fishman
Luminescent Orchestrii
Evening Of Blues
Brazztree
Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra
2008-2009 SEASON
Paul Carlon Octet
Ameranouche
Debbie Dean
Brazztree
Chris Bergson
Pyeng Threadgill
Ethan Lipton
Wofford & Mellinger „TO BE
ALASH
Howard Fishman
Evening Of Blues
Haale
Romanshka
Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra