Hello Coffee House Friends,
Please join us Saturday Sept. 2nd for a concert with
The Press Gang!
I first heard The Press Gang at The New World Music Festival in Randolph many years ago. I was blown away- so excited to have them with us in Ripton!
A bold new sound has emerged in New England’s traditional music scene: The Press Gang fuses the talents of squeezebox player Christian “Junior” Stevens, fiddler Alden Robinson, flute-player and vocalist Hanz Araki, and guitarist Owen Marshall into a high-octane musical partnership. The quartet blends their skill and fluency in traditional Irish music with their curiosity and aptitude for other styles. The joy that these musicians pour into playing music together is unmistakable and infectious. The result is a unique sound; at once energetic and sensitive, innovative and reverent.
“An Irish music phenomenon in America” — Irish Music Magazine
“One of those rare bands that are ingenious, driving, thoughtful and yet have great respect for the tradition.” — John Doyle
“Not unlike new-grass pioneer Nickel Creek’s self-titled debut in that it takes refuge in a tradition, but uses that context to shine.” — The Portland Press Herald
“Outstanding musical expertise, blending of contrasting influences, and finely-balanced, integrated style…pure exhilaration for the ears.” — Folkwords
“…each instrument is aware of its role [and is] played with a gentleness that contrasts with the high paced reels — but still retains the sparkle.” —Irish Music Magazine
More about the members of The Press Gang:
Christian “Junior” Stevens has become an influential member of the Irish Traditional Music community in America; particularly in New England where his proficiency at such a young age on both concertina and accordion was nothing short of phenomenal. Gracing stages across the country with some of the most talented artists in the world, he is an in-demand performer and teacher with an intensely dedicated following.
Alden Robinson learned the fiddle as a child in coastal Maine, and furthered his education in traditional music at University College, Co. Cork in Ireland. He quickly became recognizable as a new voice in Irish-American fiddle music and became a staple of the traditional music scene in New England. Alden continues to travel throughout the U.S. and Ireland to expand his already impressive repertoire; much to the delight of audiences and students of the craft from coast to coast.
Multi-instrumentalist Owen Marshall is one of the most highly sought-after accompanist in the United States. With his unique sense of harmony and rhythm, he has traveled and performed all over the world with many of the top acts in traditional music. A demanding schedule doesn’t interfere with his pursuit of new and innovative sounds as a bedrock accompanist with a style that never grows stale.
Once called “a quintessential world-music musician,” award-winning singer and flute player Hanz Araki has been a prominent figure in the Irish music community in North America and beyond for more than 2 decades. In that time he has released 11 albums, played countless festival stages, toured nationally and internationally, and collaborated with a number of well respected musicians within and outside of the Celtic music genre.
This month's refreshment sales will benefit SURG
Our doors open at 7:00. There are no advance ticket sales.
$10 general
$15 generous- *thank you*!
$3 kids 12 and under
Our evening starts with an open mic at 7:30.
To sign up for one of the four 12 minute open mic slots, call 388-9782.
The featured artist set begins between 8:30 and 9:00 pm
Plan your arrival time accordingly. It's good to arrive early for the best seating!
Thanks, hope to see you there!
The Ripton Community Coffee House.
1305 Vermont Route 125
Information-802-388-9782 or
http://rcch.org
Upcoming concerts:
Sat. Oct 7 Joe K. Walsh
Sat. Nov. 4th Hollar General
Sat Dec. 2 Daddy Longlegs