Click on the image to download our poster.

Joel Mabus will be performing on Wednesday May 6 at 7:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth, ME. This is a benefit for Community Radio WERU 89.9 FM presented by the Downeast Concert Collective.

Suggested donation is $15 for the general public, $12 for WERU members. Free for those under 16. All profits from this concert go to WERU 89.9 FM

Doors open at 7 PM. No advance reservations are required. For more information call 207 667 7825.

WERU FM’s Friday AM Host, Denis Howard, did a phone interview with Joel last Friday May 1st, 2009. Click here to listen

Joel Mabus may be called a singer-songwriter, but he doesn’t sound like one. He’s the son of a 1930’s old time fiddle champ and a banjo-pickin’ farm girl. His performing career began in college during the Vietnam era, where he studied anthropology and literature by day and played coffeehouses by night. One critic writes, “Joel Mabus knows his way around the English language and American culture just as well as he knows his way around a fretboard.”

Born in 1953 in the southern Illinois town of Belleville, Joel has recorded 19 solo albums of original and traditional music since his recording career started in 1978.

The Banjo Monologues, Joel’s unique blend of old-time banjo and storytelling, placed #6 in the Folk Radio charts for 2007.  He placed #4 in the same charts for 2008 with his latest, Retold — some of his original songs revisited.

A one-off in the folk world, Mabus defies any easy pigeon-hole. His palette ranges from mountain banjo to jazz guitar — from sensitive introspection to wicked satire. He’s both picker & poet, and from coast to coast over the past 30 years this Midwesterner has brought audiences to their feet, wanting more.

“His songs are tastefully made and witty; timely and memorable. Joel’s innovative songs speak of those small moments in life that lodge in our memories: experiences like viewing the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, or using duct tape. He treats his subject gently, with empathy and grace, allowing his mellow voice to color the lyrics just enough to make you feel privileged to have heard his viewpoint. That’s a rare talent for ANY performer. Joel Mabus is the type of folk artist who will be around for a long time to come, and we will all be much richer for the experience” - THE KENT STATE FOLK FESTIVAL

“Joel is one of those quintessentially Midwestern American artists. He lives in Lansing, Michigan, but he has a style we will always associate with Will Rogers or Mark Twain, and a great sense of humour which compliments, rather than contradicts, some very serious material. Joel can reduce us to tears with a song about the Vietnam War Memorial, Touch A Name On The Wall, and then make us laugh hard with a song like Hitler Was A Vegetarian. He has perfected the art of being entertaining without pandering, he teaches without lecturing, and does it all with great style. ” - VANCOUVER FOLK FESTIVAL

* For more information about Joel Mabus visit http://www.joelmabus.com/
* For more information about the Downeast Concert Collective visit http://downeastmusic.org/
* For more information about the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth visit http://uuellsworth.org/
* For more information about WERU 89.9 FM visit http://weru.org/

Press Release: 07/16/08

WERU-FM Community Radio (89.9 Blue Hill, 102.9 Bangor) throws a big party every year. That party is called the Full Circle Fair and it happens the last full weekend in July. This year, the 2008 Full Circle Fair is July 26 & 27 at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds in Blue Hill, Maine. In addition to celebrating Community Radio, the Fair will also be helping the station to celebrate 20 years of operation.

The Full Circle Fair is a two-day, family event that includes music, speakers and children’s events. There are hundreds of vendors including artists, crafters, a wide variety of foods and non-profit exhibitors.

There are two stages of music and speakers. Some of the confirmed acts include Buddy Holly’s Original Crickets, blues guitarist Debbie Davies, folk singer, Ellis Paul, Slaid Cleaves, Prince Edward Island’s Vishten, indie rockers Maggi, Pierce & EJ, and folk/protest singers emma’s revolution.

WERU is pleased to have Teri Blanton as our keynote speaker. Teri is survivor of a Superfund toxic waste site near her home in Harlan County, Kentucky and her courageous stand against the abuses of coal companies has won her notoriety within her state. An active member of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, Teri’s personal mission is to reach out to her community about the issue of mountaintop removal mining. In addition to being our keynote speaker, she will sit for a portrait with Robert Shetterly for his “Americans Who Tell the Truth” series

Other speakers at the Fair include Humble Farmer, Margaret Micolichek from The Restorative Justice Project, Ruth Lockhart from The Mabel Wadsworth Women’s Health Center and a panel discussion about Sears Island and the Federal Wetlands Mitigation Bank.

There’s a whole children’s area and a number of performers for the kids including Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers doing their “Everybody Loves Pirates”, Jay Mankita, Tom Neilson and Ellis Paul all doing music sets for the young and old alike. Sara Yasner will lead a sing-along in the Children’s Area as well.

Other features include an open mic, a second hand fashion show, a techno dance and special events like open community drum jams.

The Fair is planned, organized and run by volunteers.

Part of WERU-FM’s mission is to be a “voice of many voices” and to provide programming to the community that cannot be heard elsewhere. The Full Circle Fair reflects that mission through its performers. In the past, the Fair has had Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, Helen Thomas, a former White House correspondent, Jim Hightower, and Dahr Jamail.

The 2008 Full Circle Fair is July 26 (10am-9pm) & July 27 (10am-6pm) at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds. Tickets are: 1-day $10 for members/seniors/students, $15 for general public; 2-day $12 for members/seniors/students, $20 for general public. Kids 16 and under FREE! For more information, visit http://fair.weru.org or contact the Fair Coordinator at fair@weru.org

Four Shillings Short will be performing on Friday June 13 at 7:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth. Doors open at 7:00. This is a benefit for Community Radio WERU 89.9 FM presented by the Downeast Concert Collective.

Suggested donation is $15 for the general public, $12 in advance and for WERU members. Free for those under 16. All proceeds from this concert go to WERU 89.9 FM

Get advance reservations by contacting WERU at 469-6600 or info@weru.org. You can also just show up at the door.

Travelling musicians with a carload of instruments is nothing new in the world of folk music, but what if one of those instruments is a sitar from India or a Renaissance Crumhorn? Going out on a musical limb is common for the group Four Shillings Short. With an ever-increasing array of instruments (over 20 at last count), including hammered dulcimer, mandola, mandolin, tin whistle, woodwinds, sitar, banjo, percussion and vocals, their music is always varied and captivating.

In a single night, Four Shillings Short perform traditional Irish tunes and airs, Indian ragas, folk ballads, old-time songs, medieval & renaissance instrumentals and a cappella numbers as well as contemporary folk and original compositions. Their sound has been described as “wondrously diverse”, “truly refreshing” and “alternative neo-Celtic folk of the first order”.

* For more information about Four Shillings Short visit www.art.net/~4ss/
* For more information about the Downeast Concert Collective visit downeastmusic.org/
* For more information about WERU visit weru.org/
* For more information about the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth visit uuellsworth.org/

Singer-Songwriter & Political Activist Tom Neilson will be performing on Saturday May 10 at 7:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth, ME

This is a benefit for Community Radio WERU 89.9 FM presented by the Downeast Concert Collective. 

Suggested donation is $12 for the general public, $10 in advance and for WERU members. Free for those under 16. All proceeds from this concert go to WERU 89.9 FM

Get advance reservations by contacting WERU at 469-6600 or info@weru.org. You can also just show up at the door.

Folksinger, songwriter, activist, historian, and educator, Tom provides a voice for all who believe in the power of music to effect change. His award-winning songs of humor, compassion and political affairs have been performed in 19 countries on 5 continents. His lyrics are celebrated for their sophistication, political astuteness, and wit. At the Kerrville Folk Festival, he was referred to as the “Jon Stewart of folk music”

• For more information about Tom Neilson visit http://tomneilsonmusic.com/
• For more information about the Downeast Concert Collective visit http://downeastmusic.org/
• For more information about WERU visit http://weru.org/
• For more information about the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth visit http://uuellsworth.org/

Found this at: http://utahphillips.blogspot.com/2008/03/concert-for-utah.html and wanted to share it here.

A Benefit Concert for legendary singer, songwriter, longtime WERU radio personality, labor activist

U. Utah Phillps

A Gathering of Maine and New England performers in support of Utah, who has undergone extensive heart surgeries, and is no longer able to perform. For more than 40 years, his songs have been sung by thousands of people from hobo campfires to the Grand Ole Opry, from Red Square to the Washington Monument. Join us in support of this good man who has given so much to so many for so long.

Featuring:

• Gordon Bok
• Michael Cooney
• Kendall & Jackie Morse
• Scott Alarik
• Becky & Rob McCall
• Allison Dibble
• Shawn Mercer
• Jay Peterson
• Geoff Warner
• and others

No advance ticket sales. No one will be denied admission for lack of ability to pay, but the intent is to raise funds to help Utah and his family in their time of need! For more information call 207-359-5559 or email signsong@earthlink.net. If you are not able to attend but wish to contribute, please send a check to Utah Phillips, P.O. Box 1235 Nevada City, CA 95959. Thanks to WERU Community Radio , 89.9 fm in Blue Hill and 102.9 in Bangor for their help in publicizing this event.’

Download copies of the poster for this event here: PDF (color), PDF (B&W), JPEG (color)

We currently have no shows scheduled. We may pick some artists for April or May, or may take a break until next fall. We are looking for local volunteers who want to help us organize shows and pick artists, if you’re interested then contact us.

We will continue to use this site and our mailing list to promote other local concerts that may be of interest to our members. We recommend folks keep an eye on WERU.ORG and DEFFA.ORG for concert announcements.

WERU and the Downeast Concert Collective present an evening with Maine’s own

DAVE ROWE TRIO
with special opening act Shawn Mercer

On Friday December 7th, 2007 @ 7:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth, ME.

This is a benefit for Community Radio WERU 89.9 FM presented by the Downeast Concert Collective. http://downeastmusic.org/

Suggested donation is $15 for the general public, $12 in advance and for WERU members. Free for those under 16. All proceeds from this concert go to WERU 89.9 FM

Get advance reservations by contacting WERU at 469-6600 or info@weru.org. You can also just show up at the door.

The Dave Rowe Trio is a high-energy musical freight train that blends in-your-face, three-part harmony with hot guitar pickin’, jaw-dropping fiddling, and dry Downeast wit. The result is a show that grabs an audience and makes them hold on for dear life through the final chord of the encore.

The band started soon after Dave Rowe’s father passed away in 2004. His dad, Tom, was a founding member of the revered folk group, Schooner Fare, and was also Dave’s bandmate in the roots band, Turkey Hollow. Needing some uplifting and a new direction, Dave asked Kevin O’Reilly and Ed Howe to join him to become the Dave Rowe Trio. They held their first rehearsal on St. Patrick’s Day in 2004 in front of a live audience. After this trial by fire, the trio started on a path of CD production and live shows all over the country, recording five critically-acclaimed CDs in three years and leaving audiences from Maine to Milwaukee gasping for air. At the same time, the boys found themselves performing on stage with some of the brightest stars in folk and acoustic music including Christine Lavin, Tommy Makem, Noel Paul Stookey, The Shaw Brothers, Bill Morrissey, The Nields, Gordon Bok, Tom Paxton, and Schooner Fare.

Shawn Mercer is a local singer / songwriter who delivers a lively blend of blues, rock and folk. He’s also the organizer of Over the Bridge Productions a new music series in Bucksport that will be artists very similar to those we’ve hosted over the past 7 years.

For more information about Shawn Mercer visit http://shawnmercer.com/

For more information about the Dave Rowe Trio visit http://www.daverowemusic.com/

For more information about the Downeast Concert Collective visit http://downeastmusic.org/
For more information about WERU visit http://weru.org/
For more information about the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth visit http://uuellsworth.org/

WERU FM Presents politically charged singer-songwriter DAVID ROVICS on Sunday 10/28 at at 7:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth. Doors open at 7:00 PM.

Suggested donation is $15 for the general public, $12 in advance and for WERU members. Free for those under 16. All proceeds from this concert go to WERU 89.9 FM

Get advance reservations by contacting WERU at 469-6600 or info@weru.org. You can also just show up at the door.

Who is David Rovics ?

David Rovics has been called the musical voice of the progressive movement in the US. Amy Goodman has called him “the musical version of Democracy Now!” Since the mid-90’s Rovics has spent most of his time on the road, playing hundreds of shows every year throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Japan. He and his songs have been featured on national radio programs in the US, Canada, Britain, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Denmark and elsewhere. He has shared the stage regularly with leading intellectuals (Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn), activists (Medea Benjamin, Ralph Nader), politicians (Dennis Kucinich, George Galloway), musicians (Billy Bragg, the Indigo Girls), and celebrities (Martin Sheen, Susan Sarandon). He has performed at dozens of massive rallies throughout North America and Europe and at thousands of conferences, college campuses and folk clubs throughout the world. He has loads of MP3’s available for free download on his website, www.davidrovics.com, along with CDs, links, etc. More importantly, he’s really good. He will make you laugh, he will make you cry, and he will make the revolution irresistable.For more information (and lots of free music) visit David’s website at www.davidrovics.com/

For more information about the Downeast Concert Collective visit downeastmusic.org/
For more information about WERU visit weru.org/
For more information about the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth visit uuellsworth.org/

WERU and the Downeast Concert Collective present an evening with musical humorists Lou & Peter Berryman, at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Ellsworth at 7:30 p.m on Friday November 2. Doors open at 7:00 PM.

Suggested donation is $15 for the general public, $12 in advance and  for WERU members. Free for those under 16. All proceeds from this  concert go to WERU 89.9 FM

Get advance reservations by contacting WERU at 469-6600 or  info@weru.org. You can also just show up at the door.

Who are Lou and Peter Berryman ?

Lou and Peter Berryman are musical humorists who have delighted nationwide audiences for more than twenty years. Frequent comparisons to Tom Lehrer, Flanders and Swann, and Burns and Allen notwithstanding, these two are originals, blending Midwestern culture with intelligent observation in a whimsical and wonderfully accessible performance. They have produced twelve albums and three song books of their original and hilarious, quirky, yet oddly profound songs, and have toured the US and Canada to rave reviews. Berryman songs are being sung around the world, by a legion of professional musicians, including Peter, Paul & Mary, Peggy Seeger and Garrison Keillor, as well as shower singers everywhere.

For more information visit Berryman’s website at www.louandpeter.com/

For more information about the Downeast Concert Collective visit   downeastmusic.org/
For more information about WERU visit weru.org/
For more information about the Unitarian Universalist Church of  Ellsworth visit uuellsworth.org/

WERU and the Downeast Concert Collective present an evening with the popular singer songwriter Cliff Eberhardt, at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Ellsworth at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 PM.

Suggested donation is $15 for the general public, $12 in advance and for WERU members. Free for those under 16.
Who are Cliff Eberhardt?

Red House recording artist Cliff Eberhardt knew by age seven that he was going to be a singer and songwriter. As a child Cliff taught himself to play guitar, piano, base and drums. In his teens Eberhardt was fortunate enough to live close to the Main Point (one of the best folk clubs on the East Coast), he cut his teeth listening to the likes of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Bonnie Raitt, and Mississippi John Hurt - receiving an early and impressive tutorial in acoustic music. At the same time, he was also listening to great pop songwriters like Cole Porter, the Gershwins, and Rodgers and Hart, which explain his penchant for great melodies and clever lyrical twists.

A driving force of the Greenwich Village New Folk movement and well known among his peers, Cliff’s songs have been covered by the likes of Ritchie Havens, Buffie St. Marie, Erasure, Lucy Kaplansky and the folk superstar band “Cry, Cry, Cry” (Dar Williams, Richard Shindell, Lucy Kaplansky).

For more information visit Cliff’s website at http://www.cliffeberhardt.com/

WERU and the Downeast Concert Collective present an evening of socially and politically conscious folk music with the popular duo of Pat Humphries and Sandy O, known as Emma’s Revolution, at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Ellsworth at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 PM.

Suggested donation is $15 for the general public, $12 in advance and for WERU members. Free for those under 16.

Get advance reservations by contacting WERU at 469-6600 or info@weru.org
Who are Emma’s Revolution?

In the spirit of Emma Goldman’s famous attribution, “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution”, emma’s revolution brings their uprising of truth, hope and a dash of healthy irreverence to concerts and peace and justice events across the country. Pat and Sandy’s songs have been called “bold, profound, moving, hilarious and transformative”. They have been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered and Pacifica’s Democracy Now!. Their song, “Peace, Salaam, Shalom” is sung around the world. Said Pete Seeger, “The powers that be can control the media, but it’s hard to stop a good song”. Pat’s songs will be sung well into the 22nd century.

For more information visit http://www.emmasrevolution.com/

A quick summary of our fall lineup. Note - All of these concerts are benefits for Community Radio WERU FM.

• 09/14/07  -  emma’s revolution - 7:30 PM - Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth - For reservations call WERU - 469-6600 or e-mail Cliff Eberhardt - 7:30 PM - Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth
• 10/28/07 - David Rovics & Attilla the Stockbroker - 7:30 PM - Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth
• 11/2/07 - Lou & Peter Berryman - 7:30 PM - Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth
• 12/07/07 - Dave Rowe Trio - 7:30 PM - Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth

David Surrette & Susie Burke

Friday June 8th, 2007 at 7:30 PM

Unitarian Universalist Church, Ellsworth, ME

Doors open at 7 PM.

Tickets are $10 each, children 16 and under admitted free.

We will have a variety of snacks available and Susie & David will also have a number of their recordings available.

About Susie & David

Susie Burke and David Surette have made a name for themselves as one of the finest acts on the lively New England folk scene. Together since 1988, Susie and David have built a steady following for their own blend of contemporary, traditional, and original folk and acoustic music. Burke’s vocal style is at once stunning and heartfelt, and is matched by Surette’s fluid fretwork. Both are well-respected within the folk music community, as is demonstrated by the fact that they have appeared as backing musicians on numerous recordings. Many of these have come out of the New Hampshire Seacoast area, where Susie and David are based, and which has a well-deserved reputation as a haven for folk and acoustic music. Susie Burke has been singing on Seacoast stages since the early 80s, as a soloist, a member of several local bands, and in several duos, including one with guitar whiz Harvey Reid. Her musical tastes and influences are varied and many, encompassing contemporary and traditional folk, swing, country, topical songs, and acapella singing, with detours along the way for Broadway showtunes and classic ballads. “She posesses one of the finest, purest ballad sopranos heard in folk music today” writes Scott Alarik in the Boston Globe, noting that “her phrasing is unerringly devoted to the lyric” and that “Burke displays a gift for pulling honest emotional chords - all too rare in these clever and cynical times.” Before devoting her energies to music full-time, Burke worked as a day-care teacher, and her love of kids is evident in her wonderful participatory children’s concerts. David Surette has been performing in the Seacoast area since the mid-80s, both with Susie and with a number of other groups and musicians. He is well-known as a top-notch accompanist in New England’s contra dance and Celtic music circles, and is also in demand as a studio musician. As a multi-instrumentalist, David brings a variety of stringed sounds to the duo; Folk Roots magazine notes that his “bouzouki, guitar, and mandolin playing is exemplary.” In addition to performing and recording, Surette maintains an active teaching schedule, and is head of the folk department at the Concord (NH) Community Music School. He was awarded an NEA travel grant in 1994 to study the traditional music of Brittany, France, and has written a book of Celtic guitar arrangements for Mel Bay Music. Recipients of Individual Artist Fellowship awards from the NH State Council on the Arts in 1993, Susie and David are also on the Council’s Touring Arts roster. They have released five albums since 1990 on the Madrina Music label, to positive response from both critics and audiences. Their latest recording, a duo effort titled Sometimes in the Evening, was released in early 2000. Together, they bring skill, taste, feeling, and pure enjoyment to their music, and are bringing their music to an ever-widening circle of listeners.

For more information visit

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Maine songwriter and stringed-instrument virtuoso Harvey Reid will appear in concert with singer/fiddler/songwriter Joyce Andersen
at
Last Friday Coffeehouse–Winter Harbor ME
Friday, May 25, 2007  at 7:30pm
(Hammond Hall 427 Main St)

Reid & Andersen have combined their talents to create one of the most potent duo teams in acoustic music. They are both gifted instrumentalists, strong & versatile singers, prolific songwriters, and are comfortable in a dizzying array of styles of roots & Americana music. They have recently released their 3rd duo CD. Expect their usual mix of original & traditional music, razor-sharp harmonies and peerless instrumental work. This will be a rare area appearance, and they will perform together and separately.

Tickets $10/ kids under 12 free

Call 207-963-7670 or 963-2569 for tickets or information.

WEBSITE–> http://www.schoodicarts.org E-mail for info–> dubber@midmaine.com for tickets or information. Doors open 6:30pm, no reserved seating.

From:   olh at midmaine dot com
Subject: Butch Hancock is Coming
Date: May 4, 2007 5:21:02 PM EDT

On Saturday, May 19 at 7pm at Neighborhood House in Northeast Harbor, Butch Hancock will return for his first appearance here in 9 years and  his only solo Maine appearance this year.

Hancock is a true Rennaissance man-  He has had EmmyLou Harris name an album for one of his songs-Bluebird.  He was one of the original members of the legendary Flatlanders,  He is an artist with a show opening in New York on Oct 18 of this year- curratted by the great Terry Allen.  He is a photographer, an architect, and a river guide on the Rio Grande, living in the ghost town of Terlinga in his house made of hay bales.

But most importantly he is a master singer- songwriter  whose work in quality rivals that of  Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark.  And he is one of the few performers labelled as ” A Genius Entertainer” by the dean of Texas music critics Jophn Conquest.

Butch’s latest CD War and Peace can be discussed in the same breath with Neal Young’s and Eliza Gilkyson’s recent work–he never disappooints as person or as a performiong artist.  We are profoundly honored to present him

Tickets available now at Music Bar in Bar Harbor, Grasshopper Shops in Ellsworth and Bangor and via Ticketmother  at 288-4740 and at the door-only 200 available.  Kids 12 and under are free-as we always try to make family evenings.  You may bring your own beer and wine and snacks.  More info at 288-4740 or 288-4365

Best Lee and Dee and  Norman and Ticketmother

The following is a copy of the note from Garth Cormier who is hosting this next show at his home:

Hi folks -

Well, I guess we just cannot go a year without putting on a show of some sort… and this year is no different! The good folks at Downeast House Concerts (www.downeastmusic.org) asked us if we would be willing to host a show next month and we couldn’t resist. So, on Friday April 20, 2007 we’ll be hosting a show with Dana and Susan Robinson (http://www.robinsongs.com/). In the past, Shelley and I have had the wonderful pleasure of hosting shows in our home with the likes of Jon Pousette-Dart, Dana and Susan Robinson, Brooks Williams, Aztec Two-Step, Darryl Purpose and Tom Dean (Deveonsquare). If you recall, we hosted a show with Dana and Susan 3 years ago and they were certainly a crowd favorite. In a Dana and Susan Robinson concert you’ll hear two rich, intimate voices, intricate and powerful guitar and banjo playing with a handful of fiddle and mandolin thrown in. Dana writes songs and tells stories about America, the land and its people. They bring to their performances an understanding of America’s musical heritage and convey its significance to our culture.

Who: Dana and Susan Robinson
Where: 73 Congress St. Bangor ME
When: Friday April 20, 2007 (Doors open at 6pm and show starts at 7pm)
Cost: $10 at the door with all proceeds going to performers
BYOB

** Please note that in previous years we had our finished basement available for children/babysitters. Unfortunately, that space is currently unavailable. As always, we encourage you to bring your kids, we only ask that you respect the performers and other guests by being as quiet as possible during the show.

As all previous shows have “sold out” you are highly encouraged to make reservations ASAP as we have a limited number of seats (45ish). You can make reservations by calling us at 947-2871 or on-line at http://www.gobangor.com/3tt.asp

~ Garth and Shelley Cormier

“Many songwriters have been heralded as modern day Woody Guthries or keepers of the American rural spirit, but that mantle might be better entrusted to musicians like Dana Robinson who embody both the heart and the soul of folk music.”

- Dirty Linen

“…rural America explored with elegant simplicity. Their music and cleanly poetic songwriting bring to mind the great folksingers of our times.”

- Asheville Citizen-Times

In a Dana and Susan Robinson concert you’ll hear two rich, intimate voices, intricate and powerful guitar and banjo playing with a handful of fiddle and mandolin thrown in. Dana writes songs and tells stories about America, the land and its people. They bring to their performances an understanding of America’s musical heritage and convey its significance to our culture.

TWO SHOWS!

We are excited to announce that Billy Jonas will be returning to our series once again on Friday March 30th @ 7:30 PM for a general audience show at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth. Martin Swinger will open for Billy. Tickets are $10/each for this show and 16 and under are admitted free.

Kids & parents should note that the next morning (Saturday March 31, 2007) at 11 AM Billy will be performing his acclaimed family show at The Grand. This show will be a benefit for WERU & The Grand and tickets will only be $5/each. Martin Swinger will be opening for this show also. Billy’s family show is not to be missed, his interactive sing-a-longs get the whole audience involved, everybody’s in the band!

More about Billy Jonas

A Billy Jonas performance is an explosion of energy. In singalongs, bangalongs, whisperalongs, as well as improvised songs, his primary instrument is the audience. Everyone becomes part of a performance that reaches out and “. . . touches even the most hardened of hearts.” (Fayetteville Morning News)

Concerts begin with a simple “tuning” of the audience; from there a whimsical trajectory carries listeners through stories of life, love, and triumph over ‘Murphy’s Law.’ Jonas’ original pieces are played on fanciful “industrial re-percussion” instruments made from found objects. He sings in a clear tenor voice; his guitar work is adventurous, alternately percussive and lyrical.

In addition to his work with adult/general audiences, Jonas has generated an enthusiastic following for his family show. His CD “What Kind of Cat are You?!” caters to this audience, and received multiple awards including a First Place/Gold from AFIM (American Federation of Independent Musicians), and a Parent’s Choice Gold.

Jonas also has released 2 video/dvd’s for family/young audiences: “Everybody’s in the Band!” and “Bangin’ and Sangin.’” Both have garnered critical acclaim, including Parents Choice Awards; “Bangin’ and Sangin’” received a New York Times “Best” listing.

Billy Jonas’ performances will inspire, inform, and enlighten. His work is born out of respect and reverence, and seeks to honor the creative energy in everyone.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BILLY JONAS AND HIS MUSIC PLEASE VISIT billyjonas.com

Friday, February 16, 2007 at 7:30 PM

Ellsworth Unitarian Universalist Church, Ellsworth, ME
$10/tickets. 16 and under admitted free
Bill Gawley Opens

Doors open at 7:00 and we will have a variety of snacks available at no charge.

Jud & Bill will also have a number of their CDs available for purchase.

Jud Caswell is a very particular kind of Maine singer-songwriter. He comes from that place where the two Maines meet: where ex-hippies play cribbage with fishermen and a kind of rural poetry is infused with no-nonsense Yankee pragmatism. He grew up on a little farm in Morrill, Maine, picking carrots and milking goats; listening to records by Cat Stevens and the Beatles and readings from Kahlil Gibran.

This perspective keeps him grounded even as his songs reach deeper. Praised as “emotionally resonant, deeply affecting and superbly crafted,” his songs approach social commentary and simple pleasures with the same integrity and genuineness that he brings to the stage, captivating audiences and making friends as well as fans.

In 2006, Jud won the legendary Kerrville New Folk Contest, the Wildflower Performing Songwriter Contest, the Boston Folk Festival Songwriting Contest, and showcased at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.

For more information visit http://www.judcaswell.com/

The Downeast Concert Collective, in partnership with Community Radio WERU-FM 89.9 (Blue Hill) & 102.9 (Bangor), present Bobbi Lane & Phil Kell on Friday December 8, 2006 at 7:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth, on the Bucksport Road, Ellsworth, ME. All profits from this concert go to benefit WERU-FM.

Tickets are $10 each and kids 16 & under are admitted free!

Doors open at 7:00 and we will have a variety of snacks available at no charge.

Bobbi & Phil will also have a number of their CDs available for purchase.

Bobbi Lane and Phil Kell…that dynamic downeast duo! This time they are bringing the holiday spirit to life like never before. Both, great musicians on thier own, have teamed up once again to perform a holiday concert of classics and …well…not so classics. There is something for everyone at this show; 26 strings, 88 keys, and incredible vocals and a great sense of humor. Dont miss it.

The Downeast Concert Collective, in partnership with Community Radio WERU-FM 89.9 (Blue Hill) & 102.9 (Bangor), present

Dakota Dave Hull with special guest Jay Peterson
Friday November 3, 2006 at 8PM

at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth,
121 Bucksport Road, Ellsworth, ME. (directions)
All profits from this concert go to benefit WERU-FM.

Tickets are $10 each and kids 16 & under are admitted free!

Seating is limited and reservations are suggested. You can reserve a seat by either calling WERU at 469-6600 or by e-mailing info@weru.org with your name and phone number.

Doors open at 7:30 and we will have a variety of snacks available at no charge.

Dave will also have a number of his CDs available for purchase.

Who is Dakota Dave Hull?

Hailed by everyone from Dave Van Ronk to Doc Watson, from the Washington Post to downbeat, Dakota Dave Hull’s guitar style spans a wide musical geography to create an infectious, uniquely personal blend of jazz, ragtime, folk, blues, Western swing, and vintage pop. Dakota Dave is a restlessly curious, adventurous traveler along the broad highway of America’s music. In his playing the masters speak, but in a vocabulary that is Dave’s alone: alternatively mirthful and moving, always melodic.

A gifted composer as well as a strikingly original interpreter of older tunes, Dakota Dave calls what he does “classic American guitar.�? Folk legend Van Ronk called Dave “one of the best guitarists in the world.�?

Most of all, Dakota Dave’s music is great fun. As Douglas Greene (Ranger Doug of Riders in the Sky) puts it, “There is an imp within Dave Hull that always expresses itself on the fretboard; a witty, intelligent yet respectful imp who frolics in his music, an imp Dakota Dave neither fights nor lets take control, but simply absorbs into the heart of his style.�?

On stage or in the recording studio Dave has performed with Utah Phillips, Doc Watson, Robin and Linda Williams, Dave Van Ronk, John Renbourn, Paul Geremia, Spider John Koerner, Cam Waters, Sally Rogers, Butch Thompson, Peter Ostroushko, Garrison Keillor, and Norman Blake, among others. His albums include three with early performing partner Sean Blackburn and five solo efforts (the acclaimed Hull’s Victory and Reunion Rag, both on Flying Fish) with three more, New Shirt, Sheridan Square Rag and The Loyalty Waltz on Arabica Records. His three albums with guitar and mandolin ace Kari Larson (also on Arabica) have become legendary.

At the urging of Van Ronk, among others, Dave released his first album of solo fingerstyle guitar tunes in 2002. He followed it up with another two years later and should have a third before too long. Watch for a live album, too.

You can find out more about him on his website at http://www.dakotadavehull.com/

We hope to see you at this show, please spread the word.

-Matt

Kim and Reggie Harris
Friday October 13th, 2006 8:00 PM
at the First Congregational Church UCC, 35 Church Street, Brewer, ME
Admission: $10. 16 and under admitted free.
No reservations required. Doors open at 7:30
Kim and Reggie Harris are two vibrant, superbly talented and engaging performers whose captivating stage presence has inspired audiences around the world for over 25 years.As singers, songwriters, storytellers, educators, historical interpreters and cultural advocates, they have used their remarkable voices and their unique talents to bring new insights to the entertainment and educational spectrum.For more information visit Kim & Reggie’s website: www.kimandreggie.com

Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen Friday May 5, 2006 at 8:00 PM.
at the First Congregational Church UCC, 35 Church Street, Brewer, ME
Tickets $10/each. No reservations required. Doors open at 7:30

Steve Gillette
In a musical age created by the singer-songwriter, Steve Gillette is one of the finest. His music has inspired glowing reviews from the critics and the deep loyalty of his fans. Since Ian and Sylvia first recorded Darcy Farrow in 1966, Steve’s songs have been sung by dozens of major artists including Garth Brooks, John Denver, Nanci Griffith, Waylon Jennings, Anne Murray, Tony Rice, Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Spanky and Our Gang, and Tammy Wynette. Since their marriage in April of 1989, Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen have been traveling, performing and recording together.