Artist Profiles:

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October 24th - John Scarpulla CD Release Concert With Tom Wadsworth and Friends Join us for a special event as the Café offers its enthusiastic support for an emerging artist of extraordinary talent. As a singer songwriter, John is in a class by himself. Raised in NYC and now residing in rural Upstate NY, John's songwriting has evolved over the past 15 years to reflect a multiplicity of influences on his life. His music is seamless, moving effortlessly between testimonials of love, discovery, perseverance and redemption. John's style is rooted in blues and has an urbane folk quality which speaks to his uncompromising individuality. His debut album, "Blue Ruin", has been warmly received and is gathering strength as awareness of John's music grows. Come early and be part of a journey that is sure to reach the stars. Featuring free hors'dorves and a special dessert.
www.johnscarpullamusic.com

November 1st (Saturday) - Girlyman Harmonies - if you had to describe the music of Girlyman in one word, this would be it. The story doesn't end there, of course: the band blends modern acoustic, Americana, and folk-rock into a musical recipe The Village Voice has called "really good, really unexpected, and really different." The wide range of instruments - acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, djembe, electric baritone guitar - reflects an eclectic sound, and the band members switch off lead vocals and songwriting duties. But it is the stunning three-part vocal blend that creates the Girlyman magic. "Girlyman's strength lies in its harmonic, multi-instrumental mastery of buoyant, pop-folk numbers with elusive, poetic lyrics." – Washington Post
www.girlyman.com

November 7th - Jonah Smith & the Band It may be no surprise that New York-based Jonah Smith came into his own as a singer/songwriter/pianist in the world's biggest melting pot. Check in with Smith in a subterranean downtown club, sit for a while and listen to him play—his hat cocked sideways, his manner shy, his humor dry—and you'll see that he, like New York, is a little bit of everything: a seasoned player, he's a little bit jazz; a heartfelt vocalist, he's definitely soul; a talented balladeer and storyteller, he's even a little Nashville. Yet, Essentially, at its essence, it's rock and roll. It's what's earned him rave reviews in New York and up the East Coast: "The music industry meets its future," wrote The New York Post. Smith's music was dubbed "striking" by The Boston Globe, and "sophisticated and soulful" by Modern Drummer. "The buzz is strong with this new New Yorker, who's drawing raves for his rich blend of soul and Americana." – MTV.com
www.jonahsmith.com

November 14th - The Toughcats The Toughcats are a three piece acoustic rock & roll band from the Fox Islands in Penobscot Bay, Maine. Though you might peg them as a bluegrass band, the Toughcats have just as much Tom Waits as twang in their sound. Their second album, 2006's "Piñata", combines old-timey picking with a rock edge, all buoyed by a sense of humor, some wicked vocal harmonies and a whole lot of energy. The Toughcats lend a contemporary and interesting feel to Scruggs-style bluegrass, Deep South ragtime, and singer-songwritery folk that shows a great feel for songwriting and fine musicianship. Whether it's branded as enthusiastic bluegrass, new wave folk, or pop sensible country, The Toughcats have shown themselves to encompass aspects of each and everyone.
www.toughcats.com

November 21st - The Kennedys The much-traveled married duo of Pete and Maura Kennedy have spun their personal experiences, musical influences and philosophical beliefs into ten previous albums of winsome original songs, frequently seasoned with exquisitely-performed cover tunes, that blend acoustic-based folk, rock, country, pop and secular gospel into an inclusively delightful sound that's all their own. The Kennedys use their full palette of vocal and instrumental colors to bring their songs to glowing life. Maura's lead vocals range from comforting to yearning, from girlish to womanly, from exuberant to delicate. Multi-instrumentalist Pete provides a vibrant tapestry of chiming, jangling and twanging guitars, as well as mandolin, keyboards, bass and drums, interwoven with Maura's sturdy acoustic rhythm guitar, harmonica and glockenspiel. Meaningful songs, gorgeous vocals, wizardly instrumentation... they all add up to better dreams – asleep or awake – for everyone fortunate enough to hear them.
www.kennedysmusic.com

November 28th - Tom Wadsworth's BONY Trio Perennial favorite Tom Wadsworth returns to grace the café stage. With seasoned side men Tom Wetmore and Ed Lowman, Tom comes armed with tried and true favorites and some new tunes that are sure to please. He is a multi-instrumentalist, shifting effortlessly between guitar, mandolin, and whistle. His flat picking guitar riffs have been honed to a fine edge with time on the road in support of rising star, John Scarpulla. With a broad repertoire including roots, swing, country, traditional Irish, and bluegrass, this trio has something for everyone.
www.tommywadsworth.com

Robin & Linda Williams have crisscrossed the continent (and beyond) for more than three decades, performing a hearty blend of bluegrass, folk, old-time and acoustic country. From The Grand Ole Opry to Austin City Limits, Music City Tonight to Mountain Stage, clubs, festivals and countless other venues, Robin and Linda never cease to wow audiences wherever they go. Their chops don't stop at singing. They are first-class instrumentalists and superb songwriters, able to, as The Washington Post put it, "sum up a life in a few details with moving completeness." It's why their compositions have been recorded by the likes of Emmylou Harris, Mary Chapin Carpenter & Tom T. Hall.

Their association with the popular public radio program, A Prairie Home Companion has landed them on major stages from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl. As half of The Hopeful Gospel Quartet, they have collaborated on several CDs with the show's host, Garrison Keillor, and were prominently featured in the 2006 film "A Prairie Home Companion," directed by master filmmaker Robert Altman.

R&L are in constant demand, along with Their Fine Group, which formed after they teamed up with former Red Clay Rambler Jim Watson on bass, vocals and mandolin. The fourth chair of the Fine Group is currently filled by Jimmy Gaudreau veteran of The Country Gentlemen, on mandolin and mandola.
www.robinandlinda.com

Tracy Grammer In an increasingly widening circle that includes Mary Chapin Carpenter, Joan Baez, Richard Shindell, and the mainstream press, Tracy Grammer is known as one of the finest singers and musicians anywhere. Her pure, captivating voice cuts right to the heart of her audience and her mastery of the various instruments she plays: fiddle, guitar, and banjo, completes an impressive package. Having worked along side of the late, beloved Dave Carter, Tracy has emerged to the harmony of much deserved accolades. She continues to sound fresh yet timeless, reverential but not worshipful. She has become a force in her own right and is well on her way to what will surely be a long and fruitful quest for authenticity through music.
www.tracygrammer.com

Garnet Rogers Hailed by the Boston Globe as a "charismatic performer and singer", Garnet Rogers is a virtuoso on acoustic, slide, and electric guitar. His "smooth, dark baritone" (Washington Post), his incredible range and thoughtful, dramatic phrasing have led fans and critics alike to praise him as one of the finest singers anywhere. Garnet's music, like the man himself, is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful. An optimist at heart, Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of the small victories of the everyday.
www.garnetrogers.com

Teri Roiger Teri is an Adjunct Professor of Vocal Jazz at SUNY New Paltz, Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson, NY) and Williams College (Williamstown, MA). In addition to private students, she teaches jazz workshops and a cappella groups. She is currently working nationally and internationally, performing at festivals, art institutions, concert halls, nightclubs and schools. Roiger co-founded Jazz in the Mountains with bassist/arranger John Menegon, an ongoing concert and workshop series bringing world-class jazz musicians to Woodstock, New York. Teri's live broadcasts include several appearances on Paul Elisha's Performance Place and Dancing on the Air, both on WAMC radio.
www.teriroiger.com

The Wellingtons Scott Petito and Leslie Ritter return to grace the café's stage: this time with some new friends and a jazz repertoire. Leslie's amazing mezzo soprano is earthy & provocative and has backed up such notable artists as Dr. John & Rick Danko. Scott's superb playing (guitar, mandolin & keyboards) has landed him gigs with James Taylor, the Band, Keith Richards and Dave Brubeck. Joining Scott & Leslie are Dave Payette (keyboards) and Chris Carey (drums). Chris and Dave are both regular players in the Sarah Pedinotti band which is all the rage in Saratoga Springs. Dave is also a member of Brian Patneaude's quartet, a Capital District favorite. Combined they generate the kind of soulful jazz that is just the ticket for a relaxing evening after a long work week.
www.leslieandscott.com

Aoife Clancy (pronounced "Eefa") brings a refreshing new voice to folk music, one that ranges from traditional Irish songs to ballads and contemporary folk. Her musical career began at an early age. Her father, Bobby Clancy of the legendary Clancy Brothers, placed a guitar in her hands at age ten, and by age fourteen Aoife was playing with her father in nearby pubs. She later moved to Dublin where she performed at festivals and concerts sharing the stage with some of Ireland's greatest performers. In 1995 Aoife was asked to join the acclaimed group "Cherish the Ladies", one of the most sought-after Irish American groups in history. She has been a featured soloist with orchestras such as the Boston Pops and Cincinnati Pops. Now with seven recordings under her belt, Aoife has clearly established herself as one of the Divas of Irish and contemporary Folk Music. Be sure not to miss this totally enchanting performer.
www.aoifeclancy.com

Joe Crookston Joe's music is deeply rooted in the grand celebration of life. His music draws from his rural Ohio roots and exudes a universal and timeless quality. A multi-instrumentalist who accompanies himself on banjo, accordion, fiddle, and piano, it is his acoustic guitar work that is truly a wonder. Award winner on Falcon Ridge's emerging artists stage and the John Lennon song writing contest, Joe Crookston is a voice to be heard. Now on his fourth release, Joe Crookston's Appalachian tinged folk songs sound both as old as the mountains and as fresh as a as today's sunrise. Come see this man perform and don't be surprised if you go home singing his songs.
www.joecrookston.com

Red Molly This hot female trio plays a variety of stringed instruments, and sings tight 3-part harmony, creating their distinctive rootsy, Americana sound. Red Molly's live performances resonate with warmth, fun, infectious energy, and a love of great American music. This New York Americana trio got its organic start at a late-night jam session during the 2004 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Laurie MacAllister, Abbie Gardner and Carolann Solebello were brought together by a love of traditional American music, old gospel, bluegrass, and old-timey songs. In April 2005, Red Molly released their debut recording, a 4-song EP that enjoyed enthusiastic reviews from audiences and critics alike.
www.redmolly.com