Mohawk River
                                   Schedule for Canalfest 2010

                                August 14-15            12 noon - 6 pm            

               
FREE ADMISSION through the generous support of Alpin Haus

                                             Times

                                   Saturday, Aug 14

12 noon -   Beaucoup Blue
1:30 pm -   Christopher Shaw
3 pm -        Kevin & Katie McKrell
4:30 pm -   Sloan Wainwright

                               Sunday, Aug 15

12 noon -   Kyle Miller
1:30 pm -   Lost Radio Rounders
3 pm -       Woods Tea Company
4:30 pm -  Quickstep with John Kirk, Trish Miller, and Ed Lowman
 


Christopher Shaw   (www.chrisandbridget.com)

Christopher Shaw has a novelist's sense of time and place; one can practically
smell the Adirondacks in his songs and stories: Old Songs Festival of
Traditional Music and Dance, Altamont, NY

"Christopher Shaw is a balladeer with a gift for penning nature-rich portraits

of his native Adirondacks." - Boston Globe

"Shaw has succeeded in uniting contemporary and traditional folk music

followers with his uncanny ability to create contemporary songs which have the
feel of traditional folk music." The Chautauquan Daily, Chautauqua , NY

"If the Adirondacks have a voice, it sounds like Chris Shaw."- The Daily
Gazette,   Schenectady, NY




Chris Shaw grew up, the son of the son of a steamboat pilot in the Adirondacks, before there was an Interstate that opened up that great wilderness to the throngs that enjoy it today.  He learned his stories on the docks, in the hunting camps, and in the cabins of friends and relatives. He has brought those stories, in song and narrative to concert halls, coffeehouses, and audiences all over the world.
 
Chris has nine recordings to his credit including his 1988 debut, Adirondack, which has been entered into the Library of Congress Folk Archives. Performers who have contributed to Chris' recordings include such acoustic innovators as Artie Traum, John Sebastian, Garth Hudson (The Band), Vassar Clements, Cindy Cashdollar (Asleep at the Wheel), Tony Trischka, Jay Ungar, Steve Riley, and more.  Early in 2007, Chris wrote the soundtrack and was “the voice of Seneca Ray” on the television special Seneca Ray Stoddard: An American Original seen coast to coast on PBS.              

Chris' latest solo effort, Adirondack Serenade, is a celebration of the musical styles and traditions of his native Adirondack Mountains. With the exception of two traditional songs, this is a collection of Shaw penned ballads that reflect Chris’ devotion to and affection for the people of the mountains. In classic self-sufficient Adirondack style, Chris wrote, played, sang, and produced nearly every track on the recording. Currently, he is working on an album with multi instrumentalist, and long time collaborator John Kirk, and Adirondack singer songwriter Dan Berggren.               

Chris has been featured on a number of public television documentaries and specials including Songs from the Heart of the Adirondacks, Christmas in the Adirondacks, Adirondack Storytellers, Things that Aren’t there Anymore, and Seneca Ray Stoddard: An American Original, and most recently, Chris Shaw: Live in Concert! He has been the spokesperson for the I Love NY Adirondack region television commercials. His Millennium Stage performance at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC was simulcast over the Internet and is archived by the Kennedy Center. 

Married since 1984 to singer/songwriter Bridget Ball Shaw, Chris currently lives south of the Adirondack Park in rural Rensselaer County. Chris and Bridget have two children, Christopher Donald "Tinker" Shaw, born March 3, 1995, and Silas Henry Shaw, born March 6, 1998.
 
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Sloan Wainwright  (http://sloanwainwright.com)

Folk-pop artist Sloan Wainwright belongs to a musical dynasty of impossibly gifted singer-songwriters. Her family tree (brother and folk-music luminary Loudon Wainwright, sister-in-law Kate McGarrigle, nephew Rufus Wainwright, nieces Martha Wainwright and Lucy Wainwright Roche) reads like a who's who of contemporary folk music. Sloan's incredible gift is not only her unique songwriting ability but her dramatically voiced rendition of her original songs.

"She's folk-influenced, obviously (you can't grow up in the First Family of Folk and not be, one imagines), but the real star here is her voice. Warm and smoky and smooth, it makes her earthy, ominous lyrics seem all the more intense."

Defying standard categorization, singer/songwriter Sloan Wainwright consistently demonstrates her easy command of a variety of American musical styles -- pop, folk, jazz and blues -- held together by the melodious tone of her rich contralto. The end result, a unique and soulful hybrid. With a solid and impressive discography of 7 original CD releases to her credit, Sloan continues to write, sing and perform live. In addition, Sloan has written numerous musical compositions for theater and dance and teaches at many of the best-known master songwriter series and workshops. Sloan's open spirit and first-hand experience is welcome --year after year-- in the musical classrooms of such prestigious song camps as The Swannanoa Gathering, Summersongs, Wintersongs, WUMB Radio's Summer Acoustic Music Week (SAMW) and Lamb's Retreat.

Sloan is an independent artist making grown-up girl music in the truest sense.

"...A lot of singer-songwriters are whitebread. Sloan is whole grain." WFMT Radio, Rich Warren

"...Sloan Wainwright, whose regal voice could fell a redwood." The Boston Globe

"...one of those singers whose performance is a force of nature." Sing Out Magazine

" ...earth mother voice that she pours into unexpectedly sensitive blends of folk, jazz, blues and funk." -The New York Times


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Beaucoup Blue     (www/beaucoupblue.com)

Beaucoup Blue is the Americana Philadelphia based duo of David and Adrian Mowry. Father and son have been performing their roots based music nationally and internationally as a duo, quartet, and, on occasion, quintet. Bridging many gaps in American music, their soulful traditional and contemporary styles mesh into an innovative and authentic sound. Although blues is a staple in their repertoire, they base their love in music from Folk, Soul, R&B, Jazz, Country, and Bluegrass. All these interests and influences come out in their original song-writing in a unique way. A handsome range of instruments such as six and twelve string guitars, slide guitar, round neck resonator guitar, combined with two soulful voices, encompasses a rich and honest feel, noticeably influenced by familial ties.

Beaucoup Blue had previously released two albums: Out Of  The Woodwork, 2003, and Hearts At Home, 2005. The long awaited third album, Free to Fall, is produced by Grammy nominated Jim Salamone. The project features a world class rhythm section including Jeff Sheard on drums, Bill Zinno on acoustic upright bass, and the extraordinary talents of a few friends. A guest appearance by Universal recording artist Melody Gardot and the Americana Angels of Red Molly contributed their voices to this important work in classic proportion.

Gene Shay of WXPN in Philadelphia says of Beaucoup Blue :...They are one of the best and most exciting new acts to come along in years. I love their sound and their songs.

Sarah Craig of Cafe Lena, America's Oldest Continuously Running Coffeehouse, says of Beaucoup Blue: ...This powerful yet gentle father-and-son duo gets their audience lost in reverie with arrestingly soulful blues-based music. Their original songs blend folk, R&B, jazz, country, and bluegrass together in songs that might be classics, or might just sound like them.

Sing Out! Magazine....Their voices work superbly together, frequently attaining a mesmeric panache that must be thrilling to view in person. Beaucoup Blue is a versatile, imaginative team that has something to say and say it with an adventurous sense of personality from the bottom of their hearts.

Richard Cucarro from Acoustic Live NYC says....David's slide guitar is the first thing you notice. In tandem with Adrian's deft finger-picking it's precision and grace is the aural equivalent of a hot fudge sundae.

City Paper Rochester, NY....Beaucoup Blue is riveting and haunting, with that kind of beauty you can still hear long after the last note fades away. Hear for yourself two generations coming together for the common good of great music everywhere.

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Woods Tea Company ( http://www.woodstea.net )



 
          
Howard Wooden: Vocals, bass, guitar, bodhran    
         Tom MacKenzie: Vocals, hammered dulcimer, banjo, guitar, ukulele, keyboard
          
                   Patti Casey: Vocals, guitar, flute, penny-whistle, and clogboard
 

Woods Tea Company is an acoustic group that performs Celtic tunes, sea shanties, American folk and novelty songs with ease and skill. All members are fine vocalists and audiences often leave in awe of their wonderful harmonies. During a performance they use as many as a dozen different instruments.  After building a solid reputation in New England, Woods Tea Company started touring on the concert circuit nationwide, eventually playing in all the lower 48 states. Notable performances include New Yorks Lincoln Center (twice), the Chautauqua Institute (three times), appearances on PBS and National Public Radio, who labeled them “Vermont's hardest working folk group.” Folk Music Quarterly described them as “one of the hottest up and coming acts,” saying “sidestepping pretension and going for the grit, this New England group gives a lusty performance, every time.” A few years ago, the Irish Heritage Foundation honored the group with their “Outstanding Innovation Award, in appreciation and recognition for their creative contributions to Irish music.”   

Woods Tea Co has seen many changes in the past few years, starting with the tragic deaths of Rusty Jacobs and Chip Chase. Following these losses came two bright spots: In 2007, former bandmate Tom MacKenzie rejoined the group, and Patti Casey signed on in 2008.  

In May of 2010, Woods Tea Company will see the retirement of inimitable band member Mike Lussen. In light of all these changes, Woods Tea Company returns to the stability of their roots – a solid trio. The band spent most of its nearly 30 years performing as a trio, and now more than ever, with its wealth of instrumental and vocal combinations, a trio makes sense.

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  Kevin & Kate McKrell    

(http://www.kmckrell.com/home.html)


Kevin McKrell has been working the regional, ( upstate NY), national and international music scene for many years....probably 30 but who needs to hear that. He has been a member of Donnybrook Fair, The Fabulous Newports, Hard Times, and The McKrells. His songs have been recorded and or performed by The Kingston Trio, The Fureys Brothers and Davey Arthur,North Sea Gas, Woods Tea Company, Hair of The Dog,Pat McKernan,Seamus Kennedy. He has performed at Folk,
Bluegrass and Celtic Festivals around the world.  The  WinterHawk Bluegrass festival, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Irish 2000 Festival, Celtic Music Festivals in Milwaukee, Syracuse, Savannah, Chicago, Detroit, New York City, Brooklyn, Boston, East Durham, Leeds, Buffalo, and Toronto. Kevin has performed on the stages of some of the worlds most prestigious venus, Carnagie Hall, Troy Music Hall, Berklee Performance Hall, Cafe Lena, Godfrey Daniels, The Towne Crier, and The Night Eagle Cafe.

Kate McKrell is a high-energy singer-songwriter who first took the stage at five years old, singing with her Dad's band, and has been performing ever since. Katie's songs are sometimes hard-hitting, sometimes witty, but always thought provoking, and all with her own special view of the world around her. Together Kevin and Kate weave tight vocal harmonies with high-energy performance and their particular, sometimes peculiar, but always witty view of the world.

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Kyle Miller

I began playing the guitar several years ago and began playing harmonica soon after that. After cutting my teeth on classic rock and the like I discovered folk and blues music. The discovery opened up my eyes to what I consider the bedrock of american music: folk, blues, rock n' roll, and country. My interest in those genres would ultimately lead to my many attempts at writing my own songs. In 2008, I released an album of original songs entitled "Better Off." Since that disc I have continued to write songs but have not compiled another disc. I hope to do so soon and I also hope to put a band together of like minded, capable musicians. This search is proving difficult however. I have also been continuing to perform in order to develop my own distinct style as both writer and performer. I hope that you enjoy what you hear on my myspace. For more music/updates or to better stay in contact with me, find me on facebook and purevolume. Above all, thanks for listening! CD Available NOW! $5 for Kyle's 9 song disc! Message me, email me, or let me know in person if you are interested. I'll be selling CD's at most posted gigs.


www.myspace.com/kylemillerblues

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Quickstep            Traditional & Original Songs & Fiddle Tunes


John Kirk, Trish Miller, and Ed Lowman

Lively fiddle tunes, folksongs and fancy footwork are featured from  John, Trish, & Ed, a versatile stringband from upstate New York. In concert, they liven up the place with quick pickin’ tunes and sentimental songs in harmony. After many years of playing together, these musicians have developed a diverse repertoire and their shows appeal to all ages. Fiddlers, John & Ed lead the way playing selections from Americana, Canadian and Celtic styles. Trish rounds out the sound with guitar, banjo and fancy footwork.  These multi-instrumentalists interchange instruments, adding occasional mandolin, ukelele or bass to the mix.  Their selections range from Celtic tunes to ballads. Some feature original stories tied to their northeastern home. They are all neighbors from Greenfield Center, NY, near Saratoga, and they have been making music together for over twenty five years.

John Kirk is known for his lyric voice and versatile instrumental skills.  On fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo and tin whistle, John demonstrates a vast knowledge of musical traditions.  He is also a composer, dancer and dance caller. Sing Out magazine has said "John Kirk is a fine player on all his instruments and he sings quite well. With such a widely varied repertoire, there’s really something here for everyone. This is one that’s worth seeking out.”  In addition to his work with Quickstep, John works with the Vanaver Caravan and the Susquehanna Stringband The Dixie Chicks recorded his song, “Long Roads”.  John and the band, Quickstep, have their own recordings; the newest of these is titled, “Shuffle About”. In addition to performing, John teaches music at Bennington College in Vermont, and at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Trish Miller  has been teaching and performing Appalachian clogging since 1980. She  plays guitar, banjo and a little ukelele. Trish is a dance caller and country dance choreographer.  Her stepping style is rooted in the southern mountains mixed with some steps from tap and Celtic repertoires. As a member of  the Green Grass Cloggers,  from Asheville, N.C., she toured throughout the U.S. & internationally. Trish and John are teaching artists in school music and dance programs. They lead dances for all ages at festivals & parties. Trish  teaches banjo at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Ed Lowman is a multi-instrumentalist and singer. Old-time and Cajun fiddling, yodeling, early country songs, guitar, bass and carpentry are his trades.  In addition to working with John Kirk and Trish Miller since 1984, Ed has appeared with several groups including Dan Berggren and the St. Regis Stringband.  For thirty years now, Ed has been the coordinator of summertime square dances in the Adirondack village of Schroon Lake

              For more information see the website:    www.johnandtrish.com

John, Trish and Ed often appear with two other fiddlers, Sara Milonovich and Cedar Stanistreet  for a larger fiddle ensemble, this band is also called, Quickstep. Recordings: Fiddle Tunes of the North Country, John, Trish, Ed, Sara , Cedar & friends, instrumental tunes; these others are a mix of tunes and songs, an example of a concert featuring these performers: Fly Around, John, Trish, Sara, Linda Schrade & David Kiphuth;  Big Rock Candy Mountain, John, Trish, Ed, Linda & a good kids chorus; Quicksteppin’ John & Trish; and At Home with John Kirk. Credit card orders through: A Gentle Wind, 1-888-Fun-Song (1-888-386-7664)

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Lost Radio Rounders

            
             “Do the radio boogie

               All over the dial
              With a solid kick and a red hot lick
              And some Tennessee style”

Lost Radio Rounders make music from another time and another place.

Before the days of MP3s and file sharing; before the days of “American Idol” and MTV; heck, before the days of Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan, Americans found their music on the radio, played live and as part of the fabric of everyday life. Even earlier than that, Americans made their own music, finishing work, eating a hot meal and pulling a fiddle or banjo off the wall as the evening sun went down.

Lost Radio Rounders play those songs, from the Great Smoky Mountains, from the Mississippi Delta, from the plains of Texas, from the 1850s to the 1950s. It’s Saturday night music and Sunday morning music, live from the Philco Cathedral. Twirl the dial and let the magic happen.

Is it Hank Williams on the Louisiana Hayride? Is it Woody Guthrie and Lefty Lou on KVFD, out of California? Is it Uncle Dave Macon on the Grand Ole Opry? Bradley Kincaid on the National Barn Dance? Cousin Emmy & Her Kinfolk on KMOX? The Carter Family coming in on 50,000 watts out of Mexico? No, it’s Lost Radio Rounders.

Lost Radio Rounders are Tom Lindsay and Michael Eck. Lindsay and Eck have been playing Historic American Music together for over 25 years, beginning with the popular Albany NY electric roots band, Chefs of the Future. It’s all acoustic now, with the duo accompanying themselves on guitar and mandolin along with flashes of dobro, ukulele, strumstick, autoharp and banjo. Eck and Lindsay take this stuff seriously, but they have lots of fun.

In addition to their lives as musicians, Lindsay teaches a music history course and Eck is a nationally-respected music writer. Lost Radio Rounders is a natural extension of Lindsay and Eck’s fascination with the myriad sounds and styles of American folk music as first recorded in the early 20th century. But instead of a scratchy 78 rpm disc, Lost Radio Rounders audiences experience the thrill of the music firsthand. And thanks to what folklorist Alan Lomax called “the deep river of song,” no two performances are exactly alike.

In addition to concerts, club shows and, yes, radio appearances, Lost Radio Rounders also present a number of more style/artist specific programs, including “The Gospel Train: Historic American Spiritual & Religious Music,” “Lincoln And Liberty: Songs From The Time Of Honest Abe,” “Wildwood Flower: Songs Of The Original Carter Family” and “American Favorite Ballads: Songs From Folkways.” All are marked by the same fervor, the same joy and the same need to “do the radio boogie, all over the dial.”

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A Property of the Schenectady County Historical Society
Mabee Farm Historic Site
1080 Main Street  (Route 5S)
Rotterdam Junction, NY 12150

(518) 887-5073
mabeefarm@gmail.com