Photos for 2017
Here are more snapshots of recent performances, taken as we find an opportunity. These smaller shots link to denser, uncropped originals.
Now-local singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn launched our Local Folk Festival on December 9.
The California Revels then previewed their latest performance.
San Francisco singer-songwriter Kelly McFarling and her band rounded out our Folk Festival.
The pictures show first Kelly; then regular band members Tim Marcus, pedal steel, and Nick Cobbett, drums; then guest guitarist Andrew Brennan and regular Oscar Westesson, bass; and finally Kelly again and accompanying vocalist Brittney Powers.
The April Verch Trio appeared on November 11. Fiddler, singer, and stepdancer April Verch brings us music from Ontario’s Ottawa Valley and points beyond.
Rounding out the April Verch Trio are Cody Walters, bass, and Alex Rubin, guitar.
Singer-songwriter Chris Webster and noted accompanist Nina Gerber also appeared on November 11.
Multi-talented Irish fiddler and music producer Gerry O’Connor joined us on October 14. He was accompanied by local guitarist Richard Mandel.
Tony McManus shared his freshest explorations for acoustic guitar on September 2.
Eclectic acoustic guitar great Peppino D’Agostino appeared live on August 19.
Erik Ievins, Patty Cobb, and Annie Turano together are StringFire! They shared their distinctive mix of English country, Scottish country, and contra dance music on July 15.
Harpists Margaret Davis and Patrice Haan were our guests on July 15. They are part of Healing Muses, which provides high-quality, live music to support patient care in hospitals, hospices, and convalescent centers in the Bay area.
Noted bluegrass musician Laurie Lewis and her longtime accompanist Tom Rozum joined us live on July 1.
The Brothers Strong, from Sonora, who appeared on June 3. They are Ian Evans, bass; Stephen Strong, guitar; Shane Strong, banjo; and Owen Ragland, fiddle.
The Stray Birds—Oliver Craven, Maya de Vitry, and Charles Muench—are an original acoustic trio from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who appeared live on May 27.
Also appearing live on May 27 (our program promoting the San Francisco Free Folk Festival), Muse Crossing—Shawn Dohring, guitar; Michèle Voillequé, vocals; and Mark Walstrom, mandolin—are three very different musicians who share a passion for singing. They play eclectic arrangements of folk, popular, and classical songs, always with an emphasis on tight vocal harmony.
David Maloney, veteran singer-songwriter well known as half of the duo Reilly & Maloney, was live on May 27.
Pete Kronowitt was in on May 27 to represent the SF Free Folk Festival.
Rebecca Roudman and Jason Eckl, the core members of local band Dirty Cello, made a return engagement on April 15.
Mick Moloney, who “combines the careers of folklorist, musicologist, arts presenter and advocate, professional musician, and professor of music and Irish studies,” and Athena Tergis, San Francisco native and veteran of the Sharon Shannon Band, Riverdance on Broadway, and much else, made a return appearance to our show in April 1.
Irish accordionist Sharon Shannon and her band were our guests on our post–St. Patrick’s celebration, March 18. Sharon’s bandmates are Jim Murray, acoustic guitar; Sean Regan, fiddle; and Jack Maher, electric guitar.
Sharon Shannon’s appearance was the first since our return to the newly referbished studios at our old location.
The Black Brothers also contributed to our St. Pat’s fest. Shay and Michael Black, left center and right center, were joined by Eamonn Flynn on keyboards and Bobbi Nickles on fiddle.
Valerie Rose and Mark Boronkay completed our slightly late St. Patrick’s Day offerings.
Richard Osborn studied with the legendary Robbie Basho and has emerged as one of the leading exponents of the free raga style of guitar playing. He appeared on January 21.