September - October - November 2007

Volume XXV #1
"The Folk Arts Forum for Southeastern Virginia"
Tidewater Friends of Folk Music Concert Schedule
Need Tickets or Membership Information Call 757.626.FOLK(3655) or visit www.tffm.org
Mary Gauthier
with Julie
Clark
Sat. October 27, 2007
The Kaufman Theater
Norfolk, Va
$24 ~ $20 TFFM Members
Tickets on sale now!
Gauthier's path has wound through devastation and despair. She has beaten back
demons, lived off the streets, sunk to the bottom of life, turned 18 behind bars,
emerged from darkness, and to completely confuse things, won notice as a
respected restaurateur all before writing her first song.
It can take a lifetime to write even one line like those that thread through Mercy
Now. For Gauthier, that life began in a kind of prison, in which conformity was
the lock in the door and each house was as much a cell as any box of steel and
stone. "I was adopted when I was about a year old. My adopted parents tried, but
their marriage was doomed. They ended up like zombies. Music saved my life."
Mary Gauthier - say it: Go-shay - is in Nashville now, at one of the coffee bars
where she and her fellow songwriters meet to check in on each other. She's wiry
and tough, her speaking voice a little cracked, her laughter quick and easy. When
she talks, she looks you right in the eye and doesn't let go.
Julie Clark
It's her voice that wins you first... surprisingly vulnerable, sincere and somehow comforting. A captivating
sound that leads you willingly into her memorable, acoustic pop/rock songs.
Clark's award-winning songwriting matches the quality of her voice - clear, direct and full of emotion. Her
lyrics paint vivid images of love and lust, heartbreak and obsession, secret yearnings, and the struggle between temptation and commitment.
The Folk Circle
September / October / November 2007
Code Blue
Bluegrass Band
Sat. September 9, 2007
Virginia Beach Central Library
$16 ~ $12 TFFM Members
Code Blue is a high energy bluegrass band playing everything from the standard traditional bluegrass music
and four part gospel music, to doing their own music and doing it their way. Although a relatively new
presence in the Tidewater Virginia area, Code Blue puts in the hard work and has the individual experience
and desire to provide the polish and cohesiveness usually seen in much more seasoned ensembles.
This band has dedicated itself to providing quality music in a hard driving, entertaining way. Code Blue
performs high-energy bluegrass from the rock solid traditionals to their own arrangements and original music,
and derives the drive and intensity of their music from the long experience and dedication of the band members. The band is very fortunate to have three great singers who sing all the parts and take the time to make
the vocals work.
Formed in the late summer of 1996, Code Blue has performed at numerous festival events and private
functions, performing with groups like Dr. Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys, Earl Scruggs and
Marty Stewart, Joe Diffie, Charlie Waller and the Country Gentleman, III Thyme Out, The Seldom Scene,
The James King Band, J. D. Crowe and The New South, Little Roy Lewis and the Lewis Family, The Reno
Brothers, The Strangers, Larry Sparks, The Steven's Sisters, The Churchman, Michelle Nixon and Drive, and
Nothin' Fancy, just to name a few.
The Wiyos
Sat. September 22, 2007
Virginia Beach Central Library
$16 ~ $12 TFFM Members
A trio comprised of three vocals, washboard/harmonica/kazoo,
guitar, and upright bass, The WIYOS transport listeners back to
a time before TV and mass-media were the main sources of
entertainment, to the days when music could be heard on live
radio and at community dances, juke joints and house parties.
The WIYOS perform acoustic whenever possible, or in front
of two condenser stage microphones to preserve a performance
style that is visually stimulating.
Call the Tidewater Friends of Folk Music Hotline at (757) 626-FOLK (626-3655)
The Folk Circle
September / October / November 2007
Bruce Davies
Sat. September 29, 2007
Virginia Beach Central Library
$18 ~ $14 TFFM Members
TFFM 757.626.FOLK (3655)
"...writes and sings about the better side of life; a pleasant
alternative to many of his contemporaries." -- Sing Out
"... a good collection of songs and a beautiful voice to sing
them...can capture a relationship simply in a few words...
earnest and moving vocals..." -- Dirty Linen
Bruce lives in Glenrothes in Fife, on the east coast of Scotland, about 20 miles from St. Andrews,
the "Home of Golf."
He is a singer whose style is very accessible, yet unique, blending the words and melodies of Scotland and
beyond with harmonic influences that betray his Welsh ancestry. His love of the great folk songwriters of the
60's to the present day is also apparent in his presentation and choice of music and his warm, rich voice and
sympathetic 6 & 12 string acoustic guitar technique have received much critical acclaim.
A former winner of the prestigious Edinburgh Folk Club Song-writing competition, Bruce was known for
many years as an interpreter of great songs by great writers. However, his own songs now sit happily alongside those of "the greats" in his performances.
His enthusiasm for the works of Robert Burns, his knowledge and ability to express the history and music of
Scotland as it relates to the rest of the world (particularly North America), combined with his witty introductions and friendly manner, make him a complete performer.
"It's best to light a candle, than stand and curse the dark," words from Canadian singer-songwriter, James
Keelaghan's song, Hold Your Ground , sum up Bruce's attitude to life and to his craft. He sings songs that
move him, and passionately wants his audiences to find the same "magic" as he has found in them.
He has made many TV appearances at home and abroad (including half hour "specials" in California and
Washington DC). Prior to engaging in such a busy schedule as a performer, he was the presenter of 2 weekly
shows on local radio . He has six albums currently available, including the recently released Livin' To Love,
Lovin' To Live which celebrates life, particularly for those of us of a "certain age", and features many gentle
love songs. He also has two CDs that showcase songs of Scotland, a "best of" compilation of his original
songs, a "best of" compilation of songs he wishes he'd written and "Somewhere Down The Road", which features 7 of his original songs and seven written by his friends and heroes.
Check out the Tidewater Friends of Folk Music Website at www.tffm.org
The Folk Circle
September / October / November 2007
Dave Mallett
Sat. October 6, 2007
Virginia Beach Central Library
$20 ~ $16 TFFM Members
TFFM 757.626.FOLK (3655)
“Mallett is one of those songwriters that always has
something worthwhile to say, and always says it in a poetic
way. He comes up with marvelous line after marvelous line.
Unlike many songwriters, his personal songs stretch to a
universality ... and though he has practiced his trade for about
30 years, Mallett’s songs and performance remains fresh and
compelling.” Sing Out!
Life in an out of the way place carries universal import, and people everywhere seem to understand what
David Mallett's songs are about. Although they are rooted in place, they speak to the essential things that move
us all. If you grow up in a small rural town, as Mallett did, you can't help but learn its stories. He knows about
the people who shouldn't have stayed, but did, and those who shouldn't have left, but did. He knows the factory
work, the field work, the memories of summer dances, the loves and losses, and the stunning incidents of courage and despair.
Raised in a musical family, by the age of ten he was touring with his older brother Neil, singing at grange halls
and county fairs. In his early twenties he started his solo career, writing his own songs and eventually performing them across the U.S., Canada and Europe. His songs have received international acclaim, and one of them,
"Garden Song", has been translated into several languages and is one of America's most popular folk anthems.
Other singers who have recorded Mallett's songs include Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Hal Ketchum, Pete
Seeger and even the Muppets. The source of this well-traveled music is life in a small town in rural Maine,
where there still is a main street, and you can still find old barns and tall trees.
The songs Mallett writes and sings are filled with passion, evocative imagery, and a sense of the inevitable passage of time. The loss of American towns and rural landscapes is the subject of many of his songs, as are the
issues of wilderness preservation and the struggle of the common man. When he is not touring, the place where
he makes his songs is in his writing room in an old farmhouse with a view across the field and a tintype of his
great-great grandfather on the wall. "I like to keep reaching out to touch the past," he says, "to connect it with
what's going on now. To me music is one of the few things that is timeless...human emotion is one continual
chain."
"Midnight on the Water" is Mallett's most recent work. The album was recorded live at a series of shows along
the Maine coast in the summer of 2005, and it features 17 of the most memorable songs from his 30-year career.
It features “the Mallett band”, a trio usually only heard in Maine—Mallett on vocals, guitar and harmonica,
Mike Burd on bass, and Susan Crippen on violin and viola. A subtle blending of bass, violin and viola creates an
understated compliment to the mature voice of one of America's most unique and consistent singer songwriters.
Call the Tidewater Friends of Folk Music Hotline at (757) 626-FOLK (626-3655)
The Folk Circle
September / October / November 2007
Red Molly
Sat. October 20, 2007
Virginia Beach Central Library
$18 ~ $14 TFFM Members
"Everything Red Molly sings is delivered with tick-tight arrangements, crystalline vocals, and caramel harmonies. But what is
most striking is the ardor they bring to everything they do, whether snuggling into the sweet parochialism of an old spiritual, or the
gritty pathos of a Gillian Welch tune. They come on less like stars
strutting for their minions than pals sharing their favorite songs.
In the friendly world of the coffeehouse, that remains a starmaking quality." -Scott Alarik, The Boston Globe
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 the old-timey songs of contemporary artists like Gillian
Welch and Alison Krauss. In April 2005, Red Molly released their debut recording, a 4-song EP that enjoyed
enthusiastic reviews from audiences and critics alike.
Doug MacLeod
Sat. November 3, 2007
Virginia Beach Central Library
$18 - $14 TFFM & NBN members
“Doug MacLeod, now there’s a man who can really play the
Blues!” – David ‘Honeyboy’ Edwards, Delta Blues Legend
Doug MacLeod is one of the last remaining Bluesmen who learned from the old masters, lived the music,
survived the life, and now continues to carry forward that valuable tradition. Within the Blues world, MacLeod
is known for his quality recordings which feature superb songwriting, guitar wizardry and warm soulful vocals
and for his wit and unforgettable live performances.
Born in New York and raised in North Carolina, New York and St. Louis, the man overcame abuse and a crippling stutter to emerge as one of the most highly respected Bluesmen on the scene today. Like the old masters
he learned from, Doug’s music expresses life and times on a level that makes the listener feel as if he knows
each person inside out. Doug says it himself – “Makes ya’ think I been reading your mail, huh?”
MacLeod acquired his unique, unorthodox, and powerfully rhythmic style of acoustic guitar playing in the pines
of Virginia. That style was later tempered by his early years as a Blues bass player, and honed by his subsequent
journeys into jazz and electric Blues.
Whether picking or playing bottleneck on his guitar, MacLeod’s relentless right hand, with its churning bass and
intricate finger-picking, prompted James Jensen of Acoustic Guitar Magazine to write, “Real excitement is created by MacLeod’s highly rhythmic acoustic guitar.” This excitement has moved people who dance at his solo
performances to stop in their tracks during some of his moving slow blues.
Check out the Tidewater Friends of Folk Music Website at www.tffm.org
The Folk Circle
September / October / November 2007
Bill Evans
Sat. November 17, 2007
Virginia Beach Central Library
$18 ~ $14 TFFM & TBMA Members
Bill Evans and Banjo in America Workshop
Sat. November, 17th 11-3 at DnD Music
3304 Taylor Rd.Chesapeake, Va (757) 484-6233
Register by calling TFFM 757-538-1959 or email [email protected]
Workshop $40 / $50 Combo Ticket Workshop and Concert
San Francisco Bay Area musician and Virginia native Bill Evans has
been involved with bluegrass music and the banjo for over twentyfive years as a player, teacher, writer and historian. He occupies a
unique niche in the banjo world: celebrated worldwide for his traditional and progressive bluegrass banjo styles as well as his outstanding original compositions, he also enjoys a reputation as an outstanding instructor as well as being an expert player of 19th century
minstrel and classic/parlor banjo styles.
His latest accomplishment is authoring Banjo for Dummies for
Wiley Publications. This book will be available in early August
2007.
TFFM Newsletter-on-Line
It has been brought to our attention that many of you would rather have the Newsletter available on line rather
then through regular mail delivery. Due to raising postage and printing costs the board has agreed that this
would be a great idea making it easily accessible to members at home and at work. You’ll be able to pass the
Newsletter on to friend’s and family right from your computer. Economically it will allow us added funds to be
used in the promotion of our great concerts and workshops. We will still print the Newsletter for commercial
distribution allowing us to expand our ability to spread the word and it will still be available at concerts. The
issue you are reading now will have a test run this month…give it a look see. The Newsletter-on-Line will be
launched with the Dec/Jan/Feb issue due to be released on November 1st. For those who still wish to receive
the newsletter by mail please let us know by calling the TFFM voice mail at 757-626-3655 leaving us your
name and phone number in mailbox #2. We will continue to contact our members by phone asking your preference.
Discounts to TFFM Members
TFFM has just partnered with Birdland Music in Kempsville and DnD Music in Chesapeake to offer our
members a 10% discount on all purchases. Just show your TFFM membership card when shopping. They will
also have our Newsletter and Concert Posters on display in hopes of expanding our membership and audience.
We hope to add more business in the next few months. Any suggestions…please let us know.
Check the TFFM website for info and directions to our new partners.
Call the Tidewater Friends of Folk Music Hotline at (757) 626-FOLK (626-3655)
The Folk Circle
September / October / November 2007
Miche' Fambro
Sat. August 25, 2007
Virginia Beach Central Library
$13 ~ $9 TFFM Members ~ Public Radio Supporters
(Bring WHRO Members Guide for discount)
Library Card Holders
Miche' (pronounced Me-shay) Fambro is a native of
Philadelphia who has spent much of his life in pursuit of artistic
perfection. Over the years, he's undergone several
metamorphoses, each time reaching new heights while
receiving rave reviews from local followers and press.
After seeing Jose' Feliciano during a local broadcast, Miche' became fascinated with the nylon string guitar and
has been in love with it ever since. Miche' has spent the past few years transforming his reputation from the
wildly popular band leader of Miche' and the Anglos to an electrifying solo performer.
Never content to simply imitate others, Miche' has developed an astonishing technique which involves using
the guitar as both a melodic instrument and a percussive accompaniment so that each song is presented with the
energy and full spirit of a band. Add to this a crooner's voice, catchy songs and an engaging personality, Miche'
presents a complete package with amazing appeal to all ages.
This versatile performer knows his way around the recording studio. He's produced a number of Upstate acts as
well as numerous recordings of his own, won an award for a movie short soundtrack in a national contest, performed TV Public service announcements, and accompanied numerous recording artists including Vernon Reid
of "Living Color."
Miche's first acoustic recording, "The Chapel Session," was released under the SLIDD record label and received
glowing reviews in both Rolling Stone and Dirty Linen magazines. The Chapel Session bridges the gap between
classical, folk, and jazz guitar, creating a fresh and soothing sound.
TFFM Coffee House
First United Methodist Church
The First United Methodist Church is located on the corner of Warwick Ave and Main Street in Newport News.
Each session will have a featured performer along with an opening act or two. The Coffeehouse is scheduled to be
held monthly at 7:30 PM. Refreshments will be available for sale.
Anyone interested in performing should contact Greg Anderson at 868-4761 or E-Mail [email protected]
Performers can schedule in advance (preferred) or show up ready to go on stage. Admission is by donation with a
suggested amount of five dollars.
Upcoming shows include:
September - Laura Tsaggaris
October - Jason Konik
November - Doug Fleet
Check out the Tidewater Friends of Folk Music Website at www.tffm.org
The Folk Circle
September / October / November 2007
Quick Reference Guide For September / October / November 2007
Aug. 25th, 7:30
Miche's Fambro
VBCL Member Appreciation Night
$13 - $9 TFFM, WHRO Supporter
(Bring WHRO Members Guide for
discount) or a current Library Card
September 8th 7:30
Code Blue Bluegrass Band
Virginia Beach Central Library
$16 - $12 TFFM
September 22nd 7:30
The Wiyos
Virginia Beach Central Library
$16 - $12 TFFM
September 29th 7:30
Bruce Davies
Virginia Beach Central Library
$18 - $14 TFFM
October 6th 7:30
Dave Mallett
Virginia Beach Central Library
$20 - $16 TFFM
October 20th, 7:30
Red Molly
Virginia Beach Central Library
$18 - $14 TFFM
October 27th 7:30
Mary Gauthier w/ Julie Clark
The Kaufman Theater, Norfolk Va
$24 - $20 TFFM
November 3rd 7:30
Doug MacLeod
Virginia Beach Central Library
$18 - $14 TFFM & NBN Members
November 17th 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Bill Evans - Banjo in America Workshop
DnD Music, Chesapeake Va
$50 with free admission to concert
November 17th 7:30
Bill Evans
Virginia Beach Central Library
$18 - $14 TFFM
Contra Dance Schedule
http://www.norfolk.folkdancer.com
TFFM Coffee House 7:30
Admission by Donation
1st United Methodist Church
Newport News
Sept. - Laura Tsaggaris
Oct. - Jason Konik
Nov. - Doug Fleet
Weekly Events
Sundays - 7:00 PM‑12:00 PM, Folk
Music Radio: WHRV 89.5 FM
Wednesdays ~8:00 PM‑11:00PM, Session at the White Horse Pub, Pembroke Mall
WWOC Watercountry 94.5 FM, a mix
of hardcore traditional Bluegrass &
Gospel and the latest New Grass.
2nd Tuesdays
Sea Shanty Sing-A-Long
Rebel Marina, Norfolk
Saturdays 2-5 PM, Open Jam at
Quality Music, Chesapeake.
Tidewater Friends Of Folk Music
P.O. Box 9606
Norfolk VA 23505
With support and Partial Funding From
Norfolk
Commission the
Arts& Humanities
Call the Tidewater Friends of Folk Music Hotline at (757) 626-FOLK (626-3655)