Malinky

On September 30, we joined a room full of music fans enjoying the Scottish folk musicians Malinky, at Elysium Arts Folk Club in Rollinsford. Many in the crowd had seen them before. We hadn't, but we'll certainly see them again when they return.

Jonathan Edwards at Prescott Park

I first saw Jonathan Edwards perform when I was in college, more than thirty-five years ago (yikes). I've seen him several times since then, most recently at Prescott Park last evening. His voice is as strong and clear now as it was when he was in his twenties, and he is an engaging and entertaining performer.

The Waybacks at Prescott Park

Last Wednesday the California based band, the Waybacks, played at Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH. The promotional info claimed that they were remarkably good, but even that was an understatement. These guys are accomplished musicians and performers, and the crowd was thrilled with their two fifty minute sets of mostly original music. I hope they return to the area soon!

Richie Havens at Prescott Park

Last evening Richie Havens performed at Prescott Park. Forty years after the world first heard of him playing at Woodstock, his rich voice and expressive guitar playing are as enjoyable as they ever were.

Golden Meadows

Last week I had the pleasure of conducting a little flower photography workshop for the Barrington Bloomers at Golden Meadows daylily farm in Somersworth. It is a spectacular setting, with beautifully landscaped gardens containing over 600 varieties of daylily, as well as many other kinds of flowers. I only brought my little Canon G-10 and a tripod, but I'm pretty happy with the images I got. Next time I'll bring the heavy equipment!

Prescott Park Folk Festival 2009

On Saturday evening we attended the Folk Festival in Portsmouth's Prescott Park. Performers included Lindsay Mac, who plays her cello like you wouldn't expect; the Jason Spooner Trio; the comic musician Christine Lavin; Canadian fiddler Samantha Robichaud; and the remarkable David Bromberg Quartet. Outdoor music by the river on a beautiful summer night - it couldn't get much better!

Tom Rush at Prescott Park

Last evening, Tom Rush was scheduled as the opening musical performer for the Prescott Park Arts Festival. The rain and fog conspired to make the stage inhospitable for valuable guitars and electronics. Tom could have elected to cancel or postpone the concert, but instead invited the soggy audience to join him in the dressing room tent where he planned to perform a few songs to make our trip worthwhile. We squeezed in, and were treated to an intimate concert lasting about 1 1/4 hour. There was no lighting and a minimal one speaker sound system, but Tom sounded great and delighted the crowd with his music and good humor. It is always a treat to see Tom, and we look forward to his next visit.