Artist Profiles:
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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
