Postcrypt Coffeehouse
1999-2000: 35^th Anniversary Season

The Postcrypt Coffeehouse is located in the basement of St. Paul's Chapel on the campus of Columbia University in New York City. We feature live acoustic music from both local and national acts. When we say acoustic, we really mean it: there are no microphones. Columbia is located at 116th St. and Broadway and is accessible by the 1 and 9 subways. Admission is always free and open to all. Performances start at 9 p.m. and generally run through 12:30 a.m. on every Friday and Saturday during the school year.. For more info, call 212-854-1953 or send email to [email protected] Please browse our World Wide Web page at http://www.postcrypt.org

Note: All shows list performers in the order of appearance: 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.

Spring 2000 Schedule

Friday 4 February

Anne Heaton -- Anne O’Meara Heaton has been performing all over New York City since moving to the Northeast from Chicago. She has a great voice, is a terrific piano player and plays a mix of folk, alternative-pop and a little jazz. Over the years, she has studied classical piano and sung with rock bands, a gospel choir, a Latin band and been part of a vocal ensemble with jazz great Max Roach. Her music has been compared to that of Tori Amos and Sarah MacLachlan. She sings emotionally packed tunes that will set your heart aflame.

Erin McKeown -- To experience the music of Erin McKeown is to be invited to penetrate her surface and find your own descriptions. Over the past five years, McKeown has steadily evolved into a dynamic performer, an accomplished guitarist, and an innovative songstress. Using the framework of her own start-up record label, TVP Records of Providence, and an affiliation with Waterbug Records of Chicago, Erin McKeown is making a name for herself, redefining contemporary folk music—her way. She just released her first CD, Monday Morning Cold.

Edie Carey -- According to Richard Cuccaro of The Fast Folk Café, "Edie Carey's soaring voice and breathy vocal attack may remind some of Ani Difranco. However, her growing legion of fans know that Edie's clever lyrics on the inconsistencies of romance fall closer to wry humor that they do to Ani’s angst. Another folk diva has arrived!" She wowed them in July at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival’s New Artist Showcase, where she was chosen from almost 400 performers to be one of 27 who performed. And she wowed you in the fall here at the Postcrypt!

Bill Christophersen, Gil Sayer and Aron Weinbech -- Bill Christopherson lives only a few blocks from the Postcrypt, but the music that he brings with him is rooted deep in Southern, old-time tradition. He is a wonderful fiddler who has played as a member of the Lazy Aces String Band and of James Reams and the Barnstormers. Gil Sayer is a terrific banjo and guitar player, and Aron Weinbech provides some beautiful mandolin. Together, they capture a great old-time string band sound, and we’re very happy to welcome them back to the Postcrypt.

Orrin Star -- Orrin Star is a nationally recognized folk & bluegrass performer and teacher based in Brooklyn, NY. Winner of the 1976 National Flatpicking Championship (the largest bluegrass guitar contest in the country), he plays guitar, banjo and mandolin, sings and performs both solo and with his trio Orrin Star & the Sultans of String. His diverse repertoire featuring old-time, western swing, celtic and original songwriting sounds in addition to more mainstream bluegrass and folk material.

Jen Shankman -- When you listen to singer-songwriter Jen Shankman for the first time, be prepared to catch your breath. With penetrating lyrics, melodies that reach the deepest hidden truths and a voice that rings out from the caverns of her soul, Jen will keep you on the edge of your seat gasping for more. Her joy and pain in facing the daily rhythms of New York City and places beyond come to life in her extensive, original repertoire.

Terence Martin -- Terence Martin is a singer-songwriter with a big future ahead of him. His debut CD, Division Street, was one of the best albums to cross the Postcrypt’s desk this year. He writes great songs, has a wonderful voice and has been playing gigs at The Living Room and The Acoustic Café. Please come see his Postcrypt debut.

Bill Parsons -- Imagine a train wreck between David Wilcox and Elvis Costello. Or a talk show hosted by Dr. Scott Peck and Bill Maher. What would you get? Irreverent spirituality. Enlivening metaphor. Blunt illumination. Playful chit chat. In short, you'd get Bill Parsons: folk music for a post-politically correct world. Playing around since 1993, the New York Times has called him, "an emerging voice on the East Coast folk music circuit."

Rob Messore -- From New Haven, Connecticut, Rob Messore brings with him a type of instrumental mastery. In response to his entry in the singer-songwriter category of the New Haven Advocate "Grand Band Slam" poll, Rob claimed that he didn’t belong there because it was his guitar that did the singing not him. His CD, Gladys’s Glasses, has received positive reviews and airplay. Check out this acoustic guitar wizard.

Andrew Vladeck -- Despite having graduated from Columbia in 1992, Andrew Vladeck remains both a fixture and a favorite at the Postcrypt. Whether he’s twirling his banjo, riffing on his guitar or blowing on his harmonica, Andrew’s music and songs delight audiences.

Leni Stern -- Leni Stern is the two-time winner of the Gibson Guitar Award for Best Female Jazz Guitarist. She released eight albums on various labels and frequently landed in the top 10 of the jazz radio charts. She then released Black Guitar on her own label in the fall of 1997. On it, she "explores dusky timbres and moods with measured wit and irrepressible enthusiasm." Her voice is a terrific complement to her incredible instrumental playing.

Kyle Shiver -- The only son of factory workers, Kyle Shiver was born and raised in Albany, Georgia. He grew up playing with plastic guitars until he got his first real one for Christmas at age 8. His early infatuations were a diverse mix: Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Emmylou Harris, Bill Monroe, Jimi Hendrix. In 1992, he discovered the Atlanta open mic circuit and lay down his roots in acoustic music. Kyle draws inspiration from the grittiness of city life as reflected on his new CD, appropriately titled: From the Concrete Park. The songs are vivid, compelling and sometimes humorous pictures of the foibles of modern life. Please welcome him for his Postcrypt debut.

Andy Polon -- Andy Polon’s guitar harkens back to the sounds of Reverend Gary Davis and also echoes the rag-style of his contemporaries Dave Van Ronk and Frank Christian. His 1997 release, New York on 6 Strings a Day, is a masterful collection of songs old and new. Andy is always a pleasure to see live, as well.

Hugh Blumenfeld -- Hugh Blumenfeld has established a national reputation as being "among the most powerful of the new breed of singer-songwriter." Hugh is a master poet—having taught the subject as several colleges—and is also a master of humor. As Nerissa Nields says, "Hugh is an excellent writer with a musician’s ear, a poet’s eye for visual imagery and a philosopher’s view of every situation, from matters of eternity to the daily details of marriage (sometimes all in the same piece)." You don’t want to miss this Postcrypt appearance.

Alien Folklife -- Consisting of Joan Kosby and Paul Mercer, Alien Folklife combine offbeat humorous material with deeply emotional story-songs. They mix traditional and contemporary folk influences to craft original songs of everyday life. Dirty Linen says they have "unique chemistry…stunning original folk material…with unforgettable characteristics." They don’t make it to New York City often, so please welcome them for their Postcrypt debut.

Dogwood Moon -- Described by the L.A. Weekly as "the hardest working band in the biz," Laurie Gunning and Jonathan Grossman comprise Dogwood Moon, an acoustic duo reminiscent of both Aztec Two-Step and Simon & Garfunkel. The Los Angeles Times says that they offer "solid songwriting and irresistible harmonies." Based mainly in Los Angeles, it’s a treat to welcome them back to the East Coast for their Postcrypt debut.

Wiggins Sisters -- Connecticut-based Mizzy and Casey Wiggins are an acoustic folk duo known for their powerful voices and rich sibling harmonies. (Family lore has it that they both sang before they talked.) They meld folk, roots rock and country blues influences into songs full of intimacy, humor and resonant images. They’ve been featured at the Bluebird Café in Nashville and The Bitter End in New York City. Their most recent CD, Minnesota, came out last year, produced by Lloyd Maines and recorded in Austin, Texas.

Open Stage -- Folk, blues, bluegrass, jazz, reggae: you name it! We also welcome poets, storytellers, actors, comics, and performers of all kinds. Performances start at 9:00; sign-up begins at 8:45. Eight to ten minute limit.

Alastair Moock -- For several years, Alastair Moock has straddled the line between the folk and rock worlds in the Boston area. Moock is at once rootsy, intellectual and irreverent, possessing an uncanny instinct for relating to audiences. His powerful, raspy vocals can draw in almost any room. Please welcome him for his Postcrypt debut.

Michael Veitch -- In 1994, Michael Veitch emerged on the folk scene as the opening act on Shawn Colvin’s tour. Of him, Colvin says, "In addition to being a great topical songwriter, Michael also has to his credit the gift of writing some really great personal songs." He recently released an album, NY Journal, on the Silverwolf Records label.

Colleen Sexton -- Critics have described Colleen Sexton’s songs as "contagious" and her bluesy voice as "alluring." She has been making big waves in the Boston-area scene, where she released her debut CD in 1998 to a sold-out Club Passim audience. The Boston Globe has called her a "very promising new songwriter," who is "very much her own songwriter," yet shares some of her brother Marty’s best attributes. Please welcome her for her Postcrypt debut.

Nicole McKenna -- A rising talent on the New York scene, Nicole McKenna is someone to see now so that you can say how you knew her back "then." Her songs can be flavored with anything from a swing beat to a punk sensibility. Please welcome her for her Postcrypt debut.

Eric Garrison -- The Stamford Advocate calls Eric Garrison "the consummate performer, telling stories and signing his original songs as though he was entertaining in his own living room." Eric has played to rave reviews all over the Northeast. No less an authority than John McCutcheon says, "Eric serves up our frailties, our foibles, our victories and our defeats with a warmth and tenderness rarely found these days. Eric is a talent whose audiences are in for a big treat!" Please join us for his Postcrypt debut.

Jim Infantino -- Jim Infantino hasn’t been with us at the Postcrypt an over a year because he’s been too busy touring with his band, Jim’s Big Ego, to rave reviews across the country. But the band has been in the studio recording their next album and that has allowed us an opportunity to grab Jim for a solo gig. College Music Journal calls Jim a "wry, quirky songwriter…who wields his razor-sharp poetic flair like a weapon." Mixing folk, rap and pop sounds into a majestic whole, Jim Infantino is not an act that you want to miss.

Scott Sylvester with Thad DeBrock -- Scott Sylvester has a talent for writing catchy, lyrically-rich songs. His 1996 debut album, Sign On, met with rave reviews. It’s been a few years since we’ve had him up at the Postcrypt, and we thought it was time to welcome him back. Thad DeBrock will join him on guitar.

Nate Borofsky -- Richard Fox of WCUW-FM says, "An intensely personal songwriter, Nate's lyrics are a stream of introspective images accented with gentle irony and honest reflection. He delivers his words with a smooth and yearning vocal style and emphasizes key phrases with an appealing inflection. Nate's musical heroes range from Beethoven to the Indigo Girls and he has an interest in atonal musical composition. This diversity of styles finds its way into his guitar playing and can create an intriguing contrast between voice and instrument." We agree.

Teddy Goldstein -- A singer-songwriter hailing from the "tough streets of Philadelphia," Teddy moved to Boston where he performed on the streets of Harvard Square and in the subways while attending the Berklee College of Music. He now lives in New York City and can be seen in many of New York’s finer venues.

Neil Scott Johnson Band -- Perhaps the best original country band in New York City, the Neil Scott Johnson Band has been delighting crowds across the city. The band cites influences as diverse as Garth Brooks, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix. The band plays original music written by Neil, his wife Regina McBride, and Neal Shulman, who comes from the folk-rock duo, Aztec Two Step. Please welcome them for their Postcrypt debut.

Dave Hall -- Poet, guitarist, singer, prophet: Dave Hall plays many roles. His debut CD, Playin’ the Man, and his latest CD, Places, have received rave reviews and airplay across the country. Dave rocks in a folky kind of way, and his songs have a certain sophistication to them. OUT magazine calls his voice "strong ‘n’ comfy." Please join us for his Postcrypt debut.

Michelle Nagy -- "A sweetly controlled enigma," according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Michelle Nagy is known for her intimate and passionate singing. In the entertainment world, Michelle is known both as an actress and a singer-songwriter. Her debut CD, Art Museum, is piano-driven folk/pop music with R&B and jazz overtones. This will also be her Postcrypt debut.

Michael Hsu -- According to Rob Reinhardt of Acoustic Café, "Michael has what it takes." He has flowing melodies, poignant lyrics and an electrifying stage presence, all of which have led him to shows throughout Connecticut and New York and opening for some of the folk world’s biggest stars. Michael is a witty and inventive talent, and we hope that you’ll join us for this show.

Sam Shaber -- She loves "walking at night," and we love it when she walks up to the Postcrypt. Sam Shaber has become a perennial favorite of ours. Her voice--decorated in hues of Joni Mitchell and Rickie Lee Jones--pours over her songs like warm honey, inflecting subtle dynamics and gently urging on the lyrics that offer the listener brief, if not vital, glimpses of the world through her eyes.

Tangled Up in Blue -- Once known as Yale’s only non-a capella singing group, Tangled Up in Blue was founded by Nerissa Nields in the late 1980’s. They are still around, constantly recruiting the folk-inclined among the Yale freshman class. They present a "Great Folk Scare" reenactment consisting of a whole gaggle of them up on stage singing songs by the likes of Woody Guthrie, Stephen Foster and Aunt Molly Jackson. We’re not sure if all of them will fit in the Postcrypt, but we’re going to find out.

Dave Kleiner and Liz Pagan -- Dave was raised upstairs from a music store in Califon, New Jersey, absorbing all sorts of music, and tinkering with all sorts of musical equipment. He played in rock bands, country bands, wedding bands and as a solo singer-songwriter. Despite this variety of influences, Dave's unique wit and point of view gives his music a distinctive, often humorous, flavor. Liz Pagan's rich voice adds depth and power to Dave's music.

Bradley N. Litwin -- He calls himself the "Self-made Madman" and describes himself as one of those disobedient rascals who played the guitar six hours a day, instead of doing his algebra homework. Rooted deeply in the blues, Bradley Litwin echoes Blind Blake, Robert Johnson and Bessie Smith. Please welcome this bluesman for his debut.

James Reams -- They call James Reams the "Kentucky Songbird." Coming from Kentucky’s Renfro Valley, he has brought his high lonesome bluegrass vocals and strong guitar playing with him to New York City. He’s played at venues around the Northeast and bluegrass festivals across the country. You won’t want to miss this night of music.

Mary Sue Twohy -- Mary Sue Twohy's smooth and soothing vocals dance lightly above subtle, expressive guitar. Her contemporary folk music occasionally ventures into the realm of gospel or traditional—it is versatile and audience-oriented. Drawing on her distinctive folk roots, her music weaves rhythm and insightful lyrics into a tapestry of hope. The Washington Post says, "Her singing isn’t just inherently good; it’s unquestionably good."

Erik Balkey -- The music of Erik Balkey is reflective, intelligent, tasteful, finessed, sparse. Armed with passion for music, Balkey has captivated audiences with his trademark delivery. His delivery and his songs feature honesty and intimacy combined with an agile voice and slick fingerstyle guitarwork. Richard Cuccaro of the Fast Folk Café says, "Erik Balkey carries the true passion of the poet-wanderer-minstrel in his craft, bringing us tales from the backroads of the American landscape."

KJ Denhert -- When you see Kj Denhert perform you will be drawn in by her artistry as a singer and as a fine guitarist. Each set is a tight mix of rhythm, wit, and passion. For KJ, there is only one adventure more fulfilling than songwriting, and that adventure unfolds on the stage. Her songs are a calling card, always unique and then familiar. It is the honesty of her performance and the love of what she is doing on stage that will move you.

Lisa Cornelio -- Lisa Cornelio plays around New York City, frequently with her companions tonight, Bob Hillman and David Hamburger. She’s a real treat to see live, so make sure that you get here early and find a good seat.

Bob Hillman -- Bob Hillman is a New York City singer-songwriter’s singer-songwriter. His songs can be gritty or touching, sublime or in-your-face powerful. His 1999 release, Playing God, is a terrific showcase of his talents and skills. You don’t want to miss him.

David Hamburger -- David Hamburger is wry and entertaining; his tight original songs with jazz, country and folk influences will turn your ear. He recently released Indigo Rose with his band, the follow-up to his much-lauded King of the Brooklyn Delta. David is always a treat, and you don’t want to miss this opportunity to see him.

Tim Robinson -- Bob Hillman calls Tim Robinson, "One of the best singer-songwriters that I know," and we're inclined to agree. Unfortunately for most of us, Tim seems to concentrate more on songwriting than on getting out to venues to perform his songs. That's why we're so pleased to have him with us for this "rare public appearance."

Jack Hardy -- Few people have been as instrumental in building today's vibrant New York City folk music scene as Jack Hardy. The founder of The Fast Folk Musical Magazine and still the host of regular songwriting circles, Jack Hardy has overseen the development of stars like Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, The Roches and Richard Shindell. The Boston Globe has called him "one of the most influential figures in defining the American folk song." John Gorka says, "Jack Hardy was the first person I met who really worked at writing songs, who took it seriously and went after the songs rather than waiting around for them to show up." His new album Omens just came out--as in on 11 April--on PrimeCD. It's been a while since he's been up at the Postcrypt, and we are delighted to welcome him back.

Frank Tedesso -- Another great performer who has been absent from the Postcrypt for some time (He also appears on the first of the two Postcrypt CDs.), Frank Tedesso's visceral, unpretentious philosophical insights echo everything from Alan Ginsberg's poetry to Van Morrison's soulful mysticism. He's been compared to the likes of Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits. You don't want to miss Frank Tedesso's return to the Postcrypt.

Special Event: Best of San Francisco Showcase -- Tonight’s performers all have a history together: they all use the same laundromat. OK, they actually all play music at the same laundromat and have released two compilation albums on Toy Gun Murder Records to prove it. Performers will include: Noe Venable, Caroleen and Sunshine of WAYCROSS, Eric McFadden, Michael Zapruder, Carmaig de Forest, Ian Brennan!

Bev Grant -- Bev Grant comes from Brooklyn, where she writes moving and political songs about the world around her. Recently she has written songs about sweatshops, the movement to organize strawberry workers and women’s labor history. It’s been a while since Bev has played at the Postcrypt and we’re happy to welcome her back.

Andy Germak -- Love, loss, introspection, politics, observation and doubt—Andy Germak unleashes an uncompromising blend of emotion in every song he writes. A music fan in New York City recently compared one of

Andy's performances to a multi-textured abstract painting full of stunning imagery, color, and contrast. In January, he released his second album, Color through the Smoke.

Paul Clements -- Paul plays at many clubs around the city with regular gigs at the Baggot Inn, Kenny’s Castaways and the Bitter End. He is a skilled guitarist with playful, sometimes surreal songs full of warmth and humor. His songs evoke the classic works of Ralph McTell with their soft texture and extrememly deep meaning. Paul is a Postcrypt regular, and we’re glad that that’s the case.

Mark Humphreys -- Mark Humphreys comes from Los Angeles, where he has releases a series of albums on his Trough Records label. Dirty Linen says, "Humphreys…gets beyond the standard cliches and captures honest emotions," while Sing Out! says, "Humphreys has something to say, and he says it well." This is his Postcrypt debut.

Robert To'Teras -- "Thrown out of a snotty New York music college," Robert To'Teras first played around with the alt-rock band Circus Boy, then played around in Greece, and now he's playing out as a singer/songwriter. From "low-key, clever as hell pop gems" to "two-bounce-a-second smacks in the lower hips with soulful vocals," Robert writes in a variety of styles and has an energetic and entertaining song. Please welcome him for his Postcrypt debut!

Marc Teamaker -- He loves to roam, he loves to explore, and he loves to be at home by the fire with his stream-of-atlas consciousness. "Lust for Wanda," Marc Teamaker’s first full-length recording effort as a solo artist, is a twelve song tale that will captivate your imagination and catapult you through quirky melodies and interesting harmonic changes. In recent years Teamaker has fronted several quirky-pop groups in the Northeast. It’s now 1999 and Teamaker has arrived on his own terms.

Terre and Maggie Roche -- These two legendary artists opened our 1999-2000 season in September; it was the first time that they had played the Postcrypt since 1968. In between, Terre has released over 12 albums, appeared on countless others, toured extensively, appeared as a cartoon on Tiny Toons and gained general recognition and acclaim as a member of The Roches. Recently Terre’s been working with her new band Terre and Her Moodswings and teaching guitar at The New School. This is a terrific opportunity to hear Terre and Maggie in an intimate space; don’t miss these celebrated performers.

Margo Hennebach and Mark Saunders -- Described as "gritty and glamorous, awesome and accessible," Margo Hennebach and her partner Mark Saunders blend world folk, pop, rock and Celtic sensibilities into an exciting folk fusion. Crisscrossing the country with guitarist/husband Saunders, pianist and guitarist Hennebach has captured the attention of critics and fans alike with her wide-ranging vocals, award-winning songwriting and commanding presence. Margo and Mark released a Christmas album, Comfort and Joy, at the end of 1999.

Jeff Cannon -- Rich, warm vocals, memorable melodies, incisive lyrics, a thoughtful and beguiling performer: these are some of the things being written about Bloomington, Indiana-based singer-songwriter Jeff Cannon, one of the brightest and busiest voices to have come out of the talent-rich Boston acoustic music scene. But the Postcrypt came before all of that. There aren’t too many people who can claim to have been around the Postcrypt as long as Jeff; in fact, there isn’t anybody. He grew up here, after his father started the coffeehouse in 1964. He keeps coming back, and we’re more than happy to welcome him back.