Lucy Kaplansky at Driftwood Folk Cafe on November 17th!

Driftwood Folk Café Presents Singer/Songwriter Lucy Kaplansky’s CD Release Show on November 17^th

Driftwood Folk Café proudly presents Lucy Kaplansky on Saturday, November 17th. Red House Records is pleased to announce the release of “Reunion”, the highly anticipated new studio album from Lucy Kaplansky. Hailed by the Boston Globe as the “troubadour laureate of modern city folk,” she shines on this roots-infused, alt- country tinged collection of songs about family and friends.

The title song “Reunion” celebrates Lucy’s pioneering immigrant grandmother and her journey from Poland to Toronto, where the matriarch and business woman founded the Health Bread Bakery chain in the early 20th century. Depicted on the album cover in a painting by noted political cartoonist Avrom Yanovsky (one of the original bakery workers and father to Lovin’ Spoonful’s Zal Yanovsky), the bakery was the center of the Kaplansky family’s life. Although raised in Chicago, Lucy attended many family reunions in Toronto, reuniting one last time with her cousins in 2011 after the passing of her parents, aunts and uncles.

“It’s inevitable that as you get older and your life deepens you find more ways of connecting to an even larger circle of people,” says Lucy. “This album is largely about reunions with family and deepening social connections with friends and audiences through my music. I find myself clearer about my priorities, my purpose, my politics and my faith.”­­

Like the title track, each song on Reunion tells its own unique story. Lucy and co-writer Richard Litvin connect us to our common humanity through songs of family, origins, loss and discovery--from watching parents pass on (“I’ll See You Again” and “Sleep Well”), to witnessing a daughter blossom (“Mother’s Day”), to chronicling the journey of an abandoned child refugee (the radio-friendly “Scavenger”). These poignant originals are woven with unique covers of Woody Guthrie/Slaid Cleaves, Eliza Gilkyson, Amy Correia and The Beatles. Together these tracks create a tapestry that is at turns deeply moving, joyful, meditative and rollicking, Sure to be a favorite on Americana, folk and AAA radio Reunion is the album that fans have been waiting for.

Lucy Kaplansky is a rare vocal talent, “a truly gifted performer...full of enchanting songs” (New York Times). Blending country, folk and pop styles, she has the unique ability to make every song sound fresh, whether singing her own sweet originals, covering country classics by June Carter Cash and Gram Parsons or singing pop favorites by Lennon/McCartney and Nick Lowe. Lucy’s iconic voice has has been featured in film and on television, including commercials like Chevrolet’s iconic “Heartbeat of America” jingle. A Billboard-charting singer and one of the top-selling artists on Red House Records, she has topped the folk and Americana radio charts and has been featured on shows throughout the world from NPR’s Weekend and Morning Editions to BBC Radio to CBS Sunday Morning. One of the most in-demand harmony singers, Lucy has sung on countless records, performing with Suzanne Vega, Bryan Ferry, Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin.

Driftwood Folk Café is a volunteer-run, 501(C)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Shows are generally held on the 2nd Saturday of the month at Plymouth’s Unitarian Universalist First Parish Church, downstairs in Kendall Hall, at 19 Town Square in Plymouth MA.  Café-style seating as well as home-baked goods, a variety of tea, soft beverages, and, of course, delicious coffee help to ensure a tasty, intimate concert experience. In order to provide the highest quality listening atmosphere for all, this is an alcohol-free and non-smoking venue.  Children are always welcome with adult supervision, provided they are attentive and courteous. Tickets may be purchased for $20 in advance or $23 at the door the day of the show (if available), doors open at 7:30 pm.

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This press release is available at www.driftwoodfolkcafe.com.  For additional information on shows, sponsorships or to schedule artist interviews please contact Lynn Holdsworth at (508) 224-7024 or email Lynn at lynn@driftwoodfolkcafe.com. 

Gretchen Peters at Driftwood - October 13th!

Hello and Happy Fall!

Well, we're full swing into another Driftwood season, and so looking forward to our next show, which features Grammy-nominated songwriter Gretchen Peters, with opening act Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli on October 13th! Tickets are $20 in advance (plus $1 per ticket service fee) or $23 at the door the night of the show.

You may not have heard of Gretchen Peters, but you have more than likely heard some of her songs, such as "Independence Day" recorded by Martina McBride,"You Don't Even Know Who I Am" recorded by Patty Loveless, and "On a Bus to St. Cloud" recorded by Trisha Yearwood. Additionally, "Indepence Day" received the Country Music Assocation's song of the year award.

Her songwriting accolades and credits are longer than your arm, but she is now recording and performing her own material, having released 7 solo albums to date. Her most recent release "Hello Cruel World" has received praise from around the globe. Gretchen has played to sold-out rooms in support of the new record.

The album of her career.

- NPR All Things Considered

Stunning from start to finish! Each song drips with vivid details, which her voice brings to life. - John Platt, WFUV, New York City

Has mastered (the craft) so completely, she can do anything she likes. - London Times

The music has the sweet ache of 1970s Tom Waits while the lyrics pack an extraordinary amount of story-telling into five minutes. - Financial Times (UK)

Bostonian Lori Diamond and New Yorker Fred Abatelli, have been creating and performing music together in New England since their "destined" meeting on Myspace in 2007. Lori, an award winning songwriter (finalist, Great American Songwriting Contest 2010, Best Female Vocalist, Pulse Magazine 2011), combines alluring, soulful vocals and seasoned piano playing that are a perfect match for Fred's solid finger work and clever phrasing on both bass and guitar. Fans of Norah Jones, Sarah MacLachlan, and Joni Mitchell quickly become fans of Lori & Fred as they explore Jazz, Acoustic, Folk, Pop, Gospel and Blues influences and gently infuse them in a flavorful Adult Contemporary style that's all their own.

We are so honored to be able to present such amazing talent like this to our community, and would love to see you at this show!

Many thanks!

Carlyn, Lynn, and all of the Driftwood volunteers

Annie Wenz, Danielle Miraglia, and Amy Petty on Sept. 15th!

Hello Everyone!

We at Driftwood Folk Cafe hope that you all had a wonderful summer, and that you are excited to help us usher in a new season filled with incredible music (and fabulous home baked goods)!

Our first show is on Saturday September 15th, our first "in-the-round" show which will feature Annie Wenz, Danielle Miraglia, and Amy Petty! We are excited to have Danielle and Amy back to Driftwood, and are equally excited to bring Annie in to her first Driftwood show. It is guaranteed to be a very unique and entertaining experience for us all!

For those of you not familiar with the in-the-round, it means all three artists will be on stage at the same time, and will take turns playing their songs as opposed to playing individual sets. The beauty of this format is that one never knows what the other will play or when, and quite frequently there are spontaneous harmonies and musical accompaniment during the evening. With as talented and versatile as these women are, I think you can be sure that there will be some incredibly magical moments!

Tix are available online now at www.driftwoodfolkcafe.com, $18 in advance (plus $1 service fee per seat), but will be $21 at the door the night of the show.

ABOUT ANNIE WENZ:
As a multi-instrumentalist with a love for American & world roots music, and good ol' classic rock, Annie is known for her unique way of blending textures & funky instrumentation. She accompanies herself (and others) on guitar, percussion instruments from all over the world, Native American & indigenous flutes, & piano. Her music has been compared to the likes of Joni Mitchell and Richard Thompson amongst others.

ABOUT DANIELLE MIRAGLIA:
Danielle Miraglia comes armed with a strong steady thumb on an old Gibson, an infectious stomp-box rhythm and harmonica. Her tunes range from heart-felt to socially conscious and will move both your heart and hips. Danielle's latest release “Box of Troubles” a bare-bones expression of all these attributes, explores the highs and lows that life has to offer and has already received rave reviews.

ABOUT AMY PETTY:
Amy Petty’s sound and songwriting is a compelling, complex and original soundscape that weaves a lush tapestry of folk, pop, rock and blues ballad. Art, mystery, and spirituality influence and infuse her poignant, evocative and sensual songs. These sonic canvases showcase the heartfelt emotion behind her lyrics and provide a foundation over which her voice and choral harmonies soar. Amy has a signature voice and style both familiar and stunningly rare.

We hope you will join us for this special show. If you cannot make it, be sure to check out the rest of our fall schedule listed at the bottom of this page.

Many thanks!

Carlyn, Lynn, and all of the Driftwood volunteers

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DRIFTWOOD IS SOCIALLY NETWORKED!
Did you know that one of the best ways to get quick updates about our series is on Facebook and Twitter? It sure is, and in 140 characters or less! You can follow us on Twitter, be our friend on Facebook, or like our Fan Page! Don't be left out of hearing our latest news and announcements, so check out the links and please help us spread the word about our music series. We would not be able to present these concerts without your continued support!

                             

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Fall 2012 Season:

September 15: In-the-Round with Annie Wenz, Danielle Miraglia, and Amy Petty - $18 in advance/$21 at the door night of show

October 13: Gretchen Peters with opening act Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli - $20 in advance/$23 at the door night of show

November 17: Lucy Kaplansky with opening act TBA - $20 in advance/$23 at the door night of show

Season Finale: May 12th featuring Melissa Ferrick!

Howdy Folks!

Well, it's that time of year again - the announcement of our last show of the season, and a big & warm THANK YOU for all of your support during 2011-2012!

We hope you will join us for our season finale this Saturday night May 12th and welcome Melissa Ferrick back to the Driftwood stage! Tix are available online now at www.driftwoodfolkcafe.com, $25 in advance (plus $1 service fee per seat), but will be $28 at the door the night of the show.

ABOUT MELISSA FERRICK:

Melissa Ferrick

Melissa Ferrick has a great deal to show for two decades in the music industry. There is the expansive body of work, mapped out over the sixteen albums that comprise her career to date, nearly all of which she distributed herself. There are the stories of the crisscrossed world and the things she has both gained and lost in her wake. There is the fervent fan-base that has grown with Ferrick, which has waited patiently for her latest opus for the preceding three years. Above all there is the sound, a voice burnished by breakdowns and breakthroughs, refined over the twenty years she has been doing this.

And now, there is Still Right Here, the sum of these hard-earned parts set to music, Ferrick’s gorgeous purpose unspooling over the ten tracks that comprise the album. “This is the record I’ve wanted to make for a long time,” explains Ferrick. “The sound of it – the songwriting is definitely a step above where I was a few years ago.”

The growth reflected on Still Right Here is a direct result of the emotional topography of Ferrick’s life, shaped by the events of the past few years. After touring in support of 2008’s critically acclaimed Goodbye Youth, Ferrick found herself back in her Massachusetts base, home for the longest time in nearly two decades. “After [that album] came out I think I just needed to stop and figure out what I needed to do.” Shortly after returning home, Ferrick embarked on a professional and personal reckoning that would find her better off three years later, with the emotional travelogue of Still Right Here to show for it.

“I’m glad I’ve gotten as far as I have. I’m glad I’ve survived the industry and its changes, that I can still make a living playing shows and making records. And whenever I start to think maybe I shouldn’t do this, I try to remember that it’s no accident that I’ve written 150 songs, and people are still coming to shows,” says Ferrick. “I’ll just keep doing this until I’m not doing it anymore.”

Do not miss this show! If you have not seen Melissa play live, this is a great venue to see her at her best. We expect this show to sell out, so purchase in advance to guarantee your seat!

See you at the show, and thank you all from the bottom of our Driftwood hearts. We are so incredibly grateful for all of your support!

Carlyn, Lynn, and all of the Driftwood volunteers

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DRIFTWOOD IS SOCIALLY NETWORKED!
Did you know that one of the best ways to get quick updates about our series is on Facebook and Twitter? It sure is, and in 140 characters or less! You can follow us on Twitter, be our friend on Facebook, or like our Fan Page! Don't be left out of hearing our latest news and announcements, so check out the links and please help us spread the word about our music series. We would not be able to present these concerts without your continued support!

                             

Catie Curtis @ Driftwood Folk Cafe on Feb. 11th!

Driftwood Folk Café proudly presents a night of music with the incredible musical talent of Catie Curtis in a special solo performance on Saturday, February 11th.

The Boston-area folk music scene is a vibrant one, boasting a variety of diverse artists. But if pressed to name the region's defining musician, it would have to be singer-songwriter Catie Curtis, who has called it home for nearly all of her twenty-year music career. Since the release of her last album in 2009, Curtis has toured extensively, playing a number of diverse venues ranging from Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music to the White House. She's also spent that time writing and testing out new material, developing a collection of masterfully written lyrics that serve as the heart of her newest record, Stretch Limousine on Fire.

On the new album, Curtis, a Lilith Fair alum who's been dubbed a "folk-rock goddess" by The New Yorker, delivers some of the finest material of her career: ten original songs that push at her own musical boundaries and explore "the difficult edges of passing events" in life, harsh realities that are tempered with moments of fleeting beauty. This temporary nature of life is a theme that pervades the album from the first notes. Opening song "Let It Last, which features folk powerhouse and former tour mate Mary Chapin Carpenter singing harmony, finds Curtis pleading "I know it can't last/And all I ask is let it last a little longer."

The sound, like the subject matter, is rawer than Curtis' previous work, which has been featured on episodes of Grey's Anatomy, Dawson's Creek and several other hit shows. "There's a lot of texture that makes you feel like you're really close to it," she explains.

That vibe is spirited, unique, and best embodied by the album's title track. "Stretch Limousine on Fire" is an infectious song whose central image takes on the idea that "when bad things happen, you sometimes take comfort in realizing they happen to everybody." It's this portrayal of universal life experiences, wrapped in Curtis' brand of evocative songwriting that won her the 2006 International Songwriting Competition, that appeals to her legions of dedicated fans.

With her Aspire to Inspire Endowment providing musical instruments to seven youth-oriented music organizations, a busy schedule officiating nontraditional weddings, and the fulltime job of raising two daughters with her partner, Catie Curtis is stretching her own boundaries to ensure that, despite the rough edges in life, there will always be those moments of beauty.

Driftwood Folk Café is a volunteer-run, 501(C)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Shows are generally held on the 2nd Saturday of the month at Plymouth’s Unitarian Universalist First Parish Church, downstairs in Kendall Hall, at 19 Town Square in Plymouth MA.  Café-style seating as well as home-baked goods, a variety of tea, soft beverages, and, of course, delicious coffee help to ensure a tasty, intimate concert experience. In order to provide the highest quality listening atmosphere for all, this is an alcohol-free and non-smoking venue.  Children are always welcome with adult supervision, provided they are attentive and courteous. Tickets may be purchased for $22 in advance or $25 at 7:30 pm at the door the day of the show (if available). Upcoming shows include Antje Duvekot, a co-bill featuring Tracy Grammer and Dan Navarro, and Melissa Ferrick.

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This press release is available at www.driftwoodfolkcafe.com.  For additional information on shows, sponsorships or to schedule artist interviews please contact Lynn Holdsworth at (508) 224-7024 or email Lynn at lynn@driftwoodfolkcafe.com.

Reminder - Kris Delmhorst at Driftwood Folk Cafe Jan. 14th!

Hello Everyone!

Just a quick reminder that our next show is this coming Saturday, January 14th featuring Kris Delmhorst with opening act Bethel Steele! Tix are available online now at www.driftwoodfolkcafe.com. The doors open at 7:30 and the show starts promptly at 8. We serve a variety of homebaked treats as well as an assortment of hot and cold beverages by donation before the show and during intermission.

Singer and songwriter Kris Delmhorst was raised in Brooklyn, NY. She trained in classical cello early on, then used her skills to land work with jazz bands and folk singers in the area. A move to Maine -- and a very long winter -- gave her time to learn to play the fiddle and guitar. In 1996, she relocated to Boston, MA, and was nominated for Outstanding Female Singer/Songwriter twice by the Boston Music Awards.

Kris Delmhorst's arresting 2008 album Shotgun Singer began as an act of solitary creation. Holed up in a rural cabin with minimal recording gear and a houseful of instruments, Delmhorst recorded her new songs alone and off the clock, in late night sessions that yielded layers of intimate vocals combined with nylon string and electric guitars, cellos, keyboards, and percussion. She treated the work like oil painting, allowing the canvas to breathe and change over the course of many months until the picture emerged. With the core of each song patiently assembled, she brought in a diverse cast of players to add sparse backing lines of drums, keys, guitar, and vinyl-based samples, and then signed on co-producer Sam Kassirer (Josh Ritter) in arrangement and mixing, enlisting him meanwhile to play keyboards and percussion on several songs. The result is collection of songs fully realized and even lush at times, but retaining a hushed intensity, a spirit of lo-fi intimacy and unhurried exploration.

With Shotgun Singer, Delmhorst has trained that voice on a series of gracefully open lyrics and figures that transcend genre, ranging into the borderlands between indie-rock and folk, that nameless territory inhabited by such hard-to-classify artists as Juana Molina, Feist, Iron & Wine, and Laura Veirs. Adventurous, elegant, lucid, and haunting, the record is the work of a musician at full stride who has found a musical language equal to her vision.

Bethel Steele has been writing music and playing guitar since the age of 14, but it wasn’t until a move to a small town outside of Poughkeepsie, New York at age 21, that Bethel began to perform with regularity. At a small dive bar, you’d find Bethel playing covers of songs by Ani DiFranco, the Indigo Girls, Josh Ritter and Susan Werner alongside Bethel’s own originals to a crowd that grew each month.

In addition to an eight-song EP, Beautiful Woman, Steele has also released a full-length self-produced studio album in 2009 entitled Come Home, which was the result of many musicians bringing in their own sound and adding it to the soulful lyrics and driving rhythmic guitar that has become a trademark of Bethel's music. The album has tastes of a country upbringing, dashes of pop and rock, but is nailed in the folk genre.

Bethel is currently back in the studio, working on a much-anticipated sophomore record that is scheduled to be released next Spring. This will be Bethel's first album working with producers and is a fan-funded project.

We recommend you guarantee your seat and buy in advance for $20 +$1 PayPal service fee. If available, seats will be $23 at the door.

All the best, and we hope to see you Saturday night!

Carlyn, Lynn, and all of the Driftwood volunteers