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NOVEMBER
Partial programming support provided by the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission
- The collage exhibit by George Sargent and Diane Dellacarpini will continue in BRT's Art Gallery through November 22. From November 29 to December 14, the BRT Art Gallery will showcase photographs of Ireland by Russell Gusetti.
- Check the Classes link for details about another round of 5-week fiddle classes starting in late October through November 25 and 26! All classes are taught by Cathy Clasper Torch. Our Irish step dance classes taught by Terry Songini will continue on Saturdays and Tuesdays in November through November 25.
- Blackstone River Theatre will hold its annual Homecoming Concert and Silent Auction fund-raiser on November 29th this year! As always, we welcome any donations of artwork, goods or services, or gift certificates from local businesses and individuals who support our mission. Contact russell@riverfolk.org if you'd like to help!
Saturday, November 1, 8:00 PM, $12.00
THE EMERALD RAE TRIO
Emerald Rae was a hit at the 2nd annual Blackstone River Theatre Celtic Festival...don't miss her BRT debut! The Boston Globe says, "If her charismatic debut disc "Contemplaytion" is any proof, Rae may be Boston's next fiddle wunderkind. Her sound is rooted deep in the robust Cape Breton style, but delivered in an enticingly modern and personal way. Her fiddling is technically spot-on, yet elegantly earthy, her bow merrily bouncing along the strings, as though unable to resist joining the dance." Besides having an effervescent stage personae and a flair for writing tunes, Emerald Rae is U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion (2004), and graduate of Berklee College of Music (2006) where she majored in Film Scoring. She is currently completing a Masters Thesis in Early Scottish Fiddle Sources through the University of Glasgow after spending a year researching in Scotland. Emerald is also a talented Cape Breton Step dancer and has danced for such fiddling giants as Alasdair Fraser and Natalie MacMaster. She brings youthful vigor and energy to ancient melodies while forging new pathways for her own clever compositions. Live performances feature an eclectic mix of fiddle styles, pulling influences from Scotland, Ireland and Appalachia and Scandinavia, all delivered with her unique style and grace. Emerald will be joined by two fine musicians, Chris Stevens on accordion and Flynn Cohen on guitar.
Friday, November 7, 8:00 PM, $20.00 advance/$22.00 day of show
ROOMFUL OF BLUES
Advance ticket purchase strongly recommended! This show has sold out in advance the past four times... don't wait to reserve your tickets!
Here's a VERY rare chance to hear this amazing band in an intimate listening
room setting! USA Today says Roomful of Blues plays "marvelous
wall-to-wall grooves... between the wicked guitar work and the brassy horn
section, things never stop swinging." With their masterful combination of
jumping, hard-edged blues and R&B, it's no wonder why the great Count Basie
called them "the hottest blues band I've ever heard." DownBeat said the band is
"in a class by itself." Without a doubt, Roomful of Blues is all this and more.
Since 1967, the band's deeply rooted, horn-driven blend of swing, rock 'n' roll, jump, blues and soul has earned it five Grammy Award nominations and a slew of other accolades, including four W.C. Handy Blues Awards. The band has always boasted great musicianship featuring a stellar horn section - they won two W.C. Handy Blues Awards in 2004: Instrumentalist of the Year - Horns, as well as the coveted Blues Band of the Year. Remaining together for so long is not simply a matter of survival, but rather a testament to Roomful of Blues' commitment to its originality and its ability to evolve. Over the years, Roomful's lineup has changed but the band has always been one of the tightest, most joyful blues ensembles in the world. Currently a 8-piece unit led by guitarist Chris Vachon, the band has never sounded fresher or stronger. With vocalist/harpist Dave Howard, new bassist Bryan "Frankie" Rizzuto, drummer Ephraim Lowell, keyboardist Travis Colby, and baritone and tenor saxophonist Mark Earley along with long-time tenor and alto saxophonist Rich Lataille (the longest-standing member of the group) and new trumpet player Doug Woolverton. Their newest CD "Standing Room Only" swings with urgency and purpose.
Saturday, November 15, 1:00 PM, $5.00 children/$7.00 adults
The Toe Jam Puppet Band Pirate Show - Back by popular demand!
This show played to a standing room only crowd this spring and we sadly had to turn many families away... don't wait this time...order your tickets today!
Ideal for families with children ages 4-and-up. Formed in 2000, the Toe Jam Puppet Band is great with kids, but best when parents are also there having fun with the little ones. The shows are always very active, encouraging kids and parents to sing and dance along with the band as they entertain with a unique combination of original songs, puppetry, storytelling and just plain old fun! Big kids Vinny Lovegrove and Tom Poitras will lead the crowd during Toe Jam's newest theme show - The Toe Jam Pirate Show! Arrrrrrrgh! Dance piratey jigs with the Toe Jam crew like, 'The Skull & Crossbones Square Dance,' and a line dance called 'Pirates Arrrr Funky,' where the kids become dancing lobsters, seagulls and even dancing sharks! Join us in all your pirate gear and climb aboard - a great time for kids of all ages! Face or hand paintings by Ellen will be available 30 minutes before the show and 30 minutes after the show!
SOLD OUT
Saturday, November 15, 8:00 PM, $12.00
A SWING DANCE WITH SUPERCHIEF TRIO
(Beginner lessons from 7-7:30 p.m. with members of Providence Swings)
Tonight we bring back the always zesty Superchief Trio for their first official swing dance at BRT! They'll be co-hosting the event with the amazing Providence Swings, a group of dancers dedicated to the advancement of swing dancing in the RI area. Beginners and experts alike are sure to enjoy themselves and there will be a free beginner's lesson from 7-8:00 p.m. Superchief Trio features Keith Munslow on piano and vocals, Pam Murray on trombone and vocals and Johnny Coté on percussion. Able to leap seamlessly from jump blues to hot swing, ragtime to smooth, sultry ballads, Superchief Trio proves that big sounds do indeed come in small packages. Superchief Trio were named the winners of the Motif Magazine Best Music Poll for Best Local Roots Act (2005) and Best Local Release (2006). A fun-filled night of music with plenty of room to dance!There will be some seats set up along the sides of BRT for spectators, wallflowers and to let dancers catch your breath! Visit www.providenceswings.com.
Sunday, November 16, 7:00 PM, $15.00
BUA
Bua was a big hit at the 2nd annual Blackstone River Theatre Celtic Festival...don't miss their BRT debut tonight! A quintet comprised of some of America's most talented, young musicians (four are All-Ireland winners), Bua have been described by Irish Music Magazine as "the essence of a superb band," their sound "a throwback to the playing of the 1960s and 1970s, keeping the music down the path of tradition" and of their 2006 release, "Live at Martyrs'," "a work without gimmicks, where the musicianship is of the highest quality." It is no surprise then that Bua, lending to its Irish Gaelic meaning of 'innate gift,' have quickly risen to the status of one of America's premier traditional Irish music ensembles. From his upbringing in the Chicago Irish music community, co-founding member Chris Bain not only rooted himself within the fiddle traditions of Ireland but the traditions of Scotland and Wales as well. He toured Europe and North America with legendary Welsh triple harpist Robin Huw Bowen, and currently tours with Robin's band Crasdant. Seán Gavin's ornate, driving syncopations on flute, whistle and uilleann pipes clearly reflects his immersion in Irish music. Born in Detroit to Co. Clare fiddler Mick Gavin (an inductee to the Irish Traditional Music Hall of Fame), Seán is the youngest member of Bua. Co-founding Bua member Jackie Moran, born in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, immigrated to Chicago with his family when he was ten. A highly sought-after bodhrán player, Jackie has toured with Riverdance, the Trinitiy Irish Dance Company and others. Brian Miller's DADGAD backing and song accompaniments have earned him a strong reputation as one of the best guitarists on the scene today. Brían Ó hAirt's evocative voice stands as another hallmark of Bua's unique sound. He is the youngest and only American to become a champion All-Ireland singer. Don't miss a high-energy night of Irish traditional music!
Thursday, November 20, 7-9:00 PM, $5.00
BRT DRUM AND DANCE CIRCLE
Blackstone River Theatre's open drum circle focuses on tribal and multi-ethnic rhythms. Beginners and novices are always welcome... the emphasis is on fun and learning! Since its inception, we have regularly had between 15-30 drummers and on many occasions, members of the bellydance community join in. Bring your own hand drum or rhythm instrument or just your dancing feet!
Friday, November 21, 8:00 PM, $10.00
FOREVER YOUNG plays a tribute to OURSELVES!
featuring Mark Cutler, Becky Chace, Dan Lilley, John Fuzek, Pete Vendettuoli, Jon Amitrano and Phil Hicks
This is the 6th annual show at BRT where audiences get to hear Rhode Island songwriters performing in an "in the round" format. Tonight's show is a little different in that it features seven performers who have been playing together the past three years as Forever Young, performing and interpreting the music of Neil Young. The twist tonight is that these same musicians will be performing their original music instead of cover songs This event is co-sponsored by the Rhode Island Songwriters Association and Hear In Rhode Island
for more info about Forever Young and the members, visit:
www.ForeverYoungNeilYoungTribute.com
www.risongwriters.com
Saturday, November 22, 8:00 PM, $12.00 advance/$14.00 day of show
JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD WITH THE BOHEMIAN QUARTET
Experience an amazing evening of gypsy music! The Bohemian Quartet is a four-piece string band composed of violin, cello, guitar and an upright bass. The Quartet was founded by violinist Stan Renard in 2005. The name "Bohemian Quartet" was borrowed from the original Bohemian Quartet (also known as the Czech Quartet after 1918), a Czech string quartet of international repute that was founded in 1891 and disbanded in 1934. The new Bohemian Quartet performs a vast and unique repertoire revolving around 'Gypsy' or 'Romany' music as well as traditional Eastern-European folk music which has been collected via recordings, transcription, interviews, and has been arranged by Stan. Tonight's show highlights a new aspect of their performance; the ensemble will work in collaboration with narrator and storyteller Steve Lynch. Lynch delights audiences with folk tales, legends and Romany Poems by the famous Polish poet, Papusza, whose words address beautifully the music performed by the Bohemians. French violinist, conductor/arranger Stan Renard is joined by Paul Kolesnikow on gypsy guitar, who teaches at Brown University and performs all over New England with musicians such as Duke Robillard. John DeBossu, upright bass, performs in numerous jazz ensembles throughout New England as well as in the Rhode Island Big Band. Christine Harrington, cello, performs regularly with pianist Joe Parillo and is also a member of the Hartford Festival Orchestra.
Saturday, November 29, 8:00 PM, $18.00
BRT HOMECOMING CONCERT AND SILENT AUCTION
featuring Aoife Clancy, The Atwater-Donnelly Trio, Matt & Shannon Heaton, Bertrand Laurence, Robbie O'Connell, Cory Pesaturo, Pendragon, and John Thibodeau & Barry Brown
Advance ticket purchase strongly recommended!
With family and friends in town for Thanksgiving, BRT's 8thannual fund-raiser features some of the best of Rhode Island's homegrown talent as well as others who now live in the Ocean State. 100% of the proceeds from both the concert and the silent auction will go to support Blackstone River Theatre's programming and operating expenses. Having celebrated their 8th anniversary in September, Blackstone River Theatre has now presented more than 800 concerts, dances, arts classes and children's events in front of 52,000 people. At 7:00 p.m. and during intermission, Blackstone River Theatre will also hold a silent auction featuring CDs, jewelry, original artwork, Christmas items and gift certificates. Pendragon will act as hosts this evening and will perform a set of their Celtic-inspired music. Featured performers, who are all donating their time, include celebrated Irish singer-songwriters Aoife Clancy and Robbie O'Connell, French singer and blues guitarist Bertrand Laurence, and country blues and ragtime performers John Thibodeau and Barry Brown. The Atwater-Donnelly Trio, featuring Aubrey Atwater, Elwood Donnelly and fiddler Cathy Clasper-Torch, will perform Appalachian, gospel and Celtic-inspired folk music and dance. Matt and Shannon Heaton will perform Irish and original music on flute, guitar and vocals and Cumberland native Cory Pesaturo, the youngest ever National Accordion champion, will perform a solo set.
Sunday, November 30, 12-4:00 PM, FREE!
BRT HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR AND FUNDRAISER
Blackstone River Theatre invites the community to our first-ever Holiday Craft Fair! Please come out and support local craft vendors and home-based businesses from the area and support the BRT while you do your holiday shopping locally! We expect to have at least 20 vendors on site and the event will feature door prizes, live music and information about BRT programming and upcoming events. Door prizes will be raffled off from each vendor with the raffle
proceeds to benefit BRT's programming. Refreshments will also be available. Think out of the box (store!)
DECEMBER
Partial programming support provided by the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission
- The exhibit of Russell Gusetti's photographs of Ireland continues in BRT's Art Gallery through December 14.
- Blackstone River Theatre will shut down for the holiday season starting December 15 and will reopen again on January 9. We wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season with best wishes for a peaceful new year!
- Blackstone River Theatre gift certificates make a great gift for friends and family of all ages!
Saturday, December 6, 8:00 PM, $18.00 advance/$20.00 day of show
ATWATER-DONNELLY TRIO and PENDRAGON HOLIDAY SHOW
Advance ticket purchase recommended!
Though Pendragon is celebrating 25 years together in 2008 and Atwater-Donnelly has been together for over 21 years, tonight marks the first joint concert by these two well-known New England groups! Expect the unexpected... songs, poetry, carols, dancing... as each group will perform on their own and also join in on several holiday and winter-themed pieces together. Special guest performers will include Victorian Carolers from Jazz Up Your Party and music and step dancing by Ruby May Miller, Evelyn Miller and Samuel Miller. Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly along with Cathy Clasper-Torch on fiddle, cello and vocals are well-known for presenting engaging concerts of traditional American and Celtic American folk songs, a cappella pieces, dance tunes, and original works. Elwood, Aubrey and Cathy blend unusual harmonies and play guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, Irish tin whistle, mandolin, old-time banjo, fiddle, and other musical surprises while also featuring Aubrey's amazing clogging and step dance. Pendragon, having celebrated their 25th anniversary with the release of a new CD, "Still Standing," features step dancer/percussionist Kevin Doyle, Bob Drouin on fiddle, bouzouki and tenor banjo; Russell Gusetti on guitar and concertina; Josh Kane on flute and whistles; and Mary Lee Partington on vocals.
Saturday, December 13, 11:00 AM, $5.00 children/$7.00 adults
ROSALITA'S PUPPETS - Mrs. Claus and the Ice Queen
Ideal for ages 4-and-up. Rudolph the Red-nosed Dragon is living happily at the North Pole with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Everyone is getting ready to deliver presents for the holidays when tragedy strikes and Santa mysteriously falls ill. Was it the apple pie the stranger gave Santa to eat? Or was it the Ice Queen's evil spell? Will Rudolph be tempted by the Ice Queen to leave the North Pole and work for her? Will the Ice Queen use her gold to turn good hearts cold and spoil the spirit of the Holidays? Can Mrs. Claus save the day and make sure Santa is able to ride his sleigh? Come out and discover the answers to these questions this holiday season as Rosalita's Puppets brings another original show with many of your favorite puppet characters and a few new ones to Blackstone River Theatre. As always, this show includes songs, audience participation and is ideal for the whole family! Face or hand paintings by Ellen will be available 30 minutes before the show and 30 minutes after the show!
Saturday, December 13, 8:00 PM, $18.00/$20.00 day of show
Robbie O'Connell and Aoife Clancy Christmas Celebration
Advance ticket purchase recommended!
Tonight's Christmas show brings together two great voices of Irish music - Aoife Clancy and Robbie O'Connell - joined by fiddler George Keith. Aoife Clancy (pronounced "Eefa") brings a refreshing new voice to folk music, one that ranges from traditional Irish songs to ballads and contemporary folk. Aoife comes from the small town of Carrick-on-Suir, in Co Tipperary, where her musical career began at an early age. Her father Bobby Clancy placed a guitar in her hands at age ten, and by age fourteen was playing with her father in nearby pubs. She later moved to Dublin, where she studied drama at the Gaiety School of Acting. In 1995 Aoife was asked to join the acclaimed group Cherish the Ladies, one of the most sought-after Irish American groups in history. Since 1999, Aoife has pursued a solo career and clearly established herself as one of the divas of Irish and contemporary folk music. Robbie O'Connell was born in Waterford, Ireland and grew up in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary. In 1977, he joined the Clancy Brothers with whom he recorded 3 albums. With the 1982 release of his first solo album, "Close to the Bone," Robbie emerged as an artist of major stature. Soon after, he began touring with Mick Moloney and Jimmy Keane, and also with Eileen Ivers and Seamus Egan in the Green Fields of America. Robbie has taught songwriting at the Augusta Heritage Arts Workshop in West Virginia and has earned international acclaim as a singer-songwriter by making it quite clear that there's more to being Irish than filling stereotypes. Don't miss an amazing evening of songs and laughter as Robbie and Aoife celebrate the Christmas holiday and the traditions they grew up with in Ireland...
Sunday, December 14, 2 PM, $12.00 advance/$15.00 day of show
A Musical Tribute to Conrad Depot
We hope you'll join Blackstone River Theatre as we celebrate the life of Conrad Depot who passed away Oct. 18 at age 86. Conrad was a well-known French Canadian fiddler who ran quadrilles in the area throughout the 1970s, 80s, and early 90s as well as at the Blackstone River Theatre from 2000-2003. All of today's proceeds will go to Conrad's loving wife, Eva. This celebration of French music will feature Conrad's friends and fellow musicians including Fleurs de Lis, Les Joyeux Copains, Pendragon, Jim Chapin, Colette Fournier, Dan Boucher, Don Dextrase and Alan Bradbury and Michelle Kaminsky from Magnolia and French Roast.
Blackstone River Theatre wishes you a very safe and happy holiday season and a peaceful new year! We look forward to seeing you in 2009!
UPCOMING SCHEDULE - More will be announced!
Partial programming support provided by the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission
Friday, January 9, 8 PM, $12.00
THE WIYOS / BERTRAND LAURENCE
Saturday, January 10, 8 PM, $10.00
IRISH SET DANCE WITH THE BROAD STREET CEILI BAND
Saturday, January 17, 8 PM, $14.00
GENTICORUM - Quebecois Music
Saturday, January 24, 8 PM, $12.00
CORY PESATURO & FRIENDS
BENEFIT FUND-RAISER FOR B.A.A.M. (Because Art Always Matters)
Saturday, January 31, 8:00 PM, $15.00 advance/$20 day of show
PENDRAGON
Sunday, February 8, 2 PM, $12.00
THE DIXIE DIEHARDS JAZZ BAND
Friday, February 13, 8 PM, $10.00
RORY RAVEN - Mentalist and mindbender
Sunday, February 15, 8 PM, $15.00
THE ATWATER-DONNELLY BAND
Saturday, February 21, 8 PM, $12.00
MATT & SHANNON HEATON - CD release
Saturday, February 28, 8 PM, $18 advance/$22.00 day of show
LIADAN
Saturday, March 7, 8 PM, $15.00
SUNNY AND HER JOY BOYS featuring DUKE ROBILLARD - CD RELEASE
Sunday, March 8, Time/price TBA
DUKE ROBILLARD GUITAR SEMINAR
Saturday, March 14, 8 PM, $15.00
MALINKY - Music from Scotland
Sunday, March 15, 7 PM, $15.00 advance/$18 day of show
PENDRAGON
Saturday, March 28, 8 PM, $12.00
JOHN THIBODEAU & BARRY BROWN - CD RELEASE
Saturday, April 11, 8 PM, $12.00
LONG TIME COURTING
Saturday, April 18, 8 PM, $15.00
MAEVE DONNELLY with TONY McMANUS
Friday, May 1, 8 PM, $15.00
CHANTERELLE
Saturday, May 9, 8 PM, $12.00 advance/$14.00 day of show
NORTH SEA GAS
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