Note: All shows list performers in the order of appearance: 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.
Deirdre Flint - "With peppy and sarcastic songs about the boob fairy, the king of the rollerama and belly dancing to please an inattentive lover, [Philadelphia] folkie Deirdre Flint comes off like that wiseass friend whose goofy jokes helped you get through homeroom." We loved her in the Falcon Ridge Showcase this summer and are pleased to welcome her for her Postcrypt debut.
Anne Heaton - Over the past several years, Anne O'Meara Heaton has become a favorite at the Postcrypt, in New York City and indeed all over the country. She has a great voice, is a terrific piano player and plays a mix of folk, alternative-pop and a little jazz. Her music has been compared to that of Tori Amos and Sarah MacLachlan.
Elena Skye and Boo Reiners - Elena Skye founded The Demolition String Band with musical partner Boo Reiners in the early 90's. A true alternative hybrid, from their cow-punk origins, they are an amalgam of retro, honky-tonk, Western swing and cowboy jazz. And Reiners flatpicks like nobody's business!
Bill Christophersen - Though he lives only a few blocks from the Postcrypt, Bill Christophersen's music 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. He'll be bringing some friends with him, and we're always happy to welcome him back to the Postcrypt.
Chris and Meredith Thompson - Finalists in the Lilith Fair Talent Search for New York City, Chris & Meredith Thompson are one of the most enchanting acts in today's acoustic/folk scene. Best known for the unique blend of their nearly identical voices, the Thompsons weave vocals, flute, guitar and percussion to create a sound that is beautiful, powerful and compelling.
Sister Monk Harem - Returning to Columbia for the first time since 1993, when they wowed a packed house at the West End Gate, this band of ecstatic gypsy funksters are ready to make their Postcrypt debut. Several members have long had connections to Columbia, and all members are master practitioners of the healing arts. Let their unique music soothe you.
Tristan Kromer - Tristan Kromer is not afraid to explore a variety of genres: blues, folk, north Indian raga, funk, hard rock and industrial. He has studied classical and north Indian music theory, has taken lessons in opera and raga and studied poetry. He is the musical director of Deridian, a group that performs eclectic world music.
Pamela Means - Of Pamela Means, the New Haven Advocate writes, "Guaranteed to make the thin skin over your backbone shiver." Ani DiFranco has said to Pamela Means, "You've got such a deep groove... I can't get out. And I wouldn't want to." She's always a favorite at the Postcrypt (and anywhere else that she goes).
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." Susan Werner says, "Michael writes songs that are like good architecture, beautiful structure, well built, and wonderful to be inside, and, oh yeah, they matter."
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, Hardy has overseen the development of stars like Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, John Gorka, The Roches and Richard Shindell. His song craftsmanship is unsurpassed, and his ability to remember his entire oeuvre is remarkable. A true pleasure to see in the intimate confines of the Postcrypt.
James O'Brien - According to the New England Folk Almanac, Boston singer-songwriter James O'Brien has a "unique raspy tender/aggressive voice and an aerobic guitar style that guarantees he'll never need to pay dues at a health club." In June 2000, he released his first studio album, Life Underwater.
Marc Teamaker - A maze of engaging sound and harmony splashed against a landscape of sophisticated, wandering tales; subtle, but threatening; cryptic, jaded and desperate; a calm masquerade that just can't hide the urgency: this is Marc Teamaker! Asks WFUV-FM, "Why isn't Marc Teamaker better known? Like Cliff Eberhardt before him, he's distilled the Beatles' songwriting craft for a new generation of singer/songwriters."
Robert To'Teras - According to the Baltimore City Paper, "Robert To'Teras has an innovative sound that combines the best of blues, rock, and folk into a funky melange. He sounds like your best friend's boyfriend, sitting on the other side of the couch, guitar on his knee, playing music so genuine and real that you wore out a copy of his scratchy demo tape. To'Teras' songs are simple and free of gimmicks." And his voice always threatens to crack ceiling tiles at the Postcrypt, which is why we love him.
Jim Allen - How does a native of the Bronx get mixed up in blues and country music? Why would a right-handed man play guitar left-handed, upside-down with five strings, in a self-invented tuning? Exactly what does Charles Baudelaire have to do with Merle Haggard? These questions can only be answered by listening to the music of Jim Allen, which is like the bastard offspring of Leonard Cohen and Waylon Jennings.
Tim Robinson - Jack Hardy says that Tim Robinson is "one of the best songwriters in the country." Acoustic Live calls Tim Robinson "flat-out, without-a-doubt, one of the greatest lyricists around." He's trying to perform more, and we're glad that he's doing it at the Postcrypt. Rumor is that he may even have a CD with him.
Patti Rothberg - Patti Rothberg released her first album, Between the One and the Nine, in 1996; Billboard called it "the most inspired debut in recent memory," while USA Today declared that she was "one stop from stardom...a new name triumph...a mix of urban folk and full-tilt rock." Her new album is called Candleabra Cadabra.
Terence Martin -- Born in London and raised in Los Angeles, singer-songwriter Terence Martin is a recent transplant to Larchmont, New York. His musical background includes work as a double bassist in the Burbank Symphony and in several rock bands. Currently a teacher of English literature, his work as a poet is recognized in the anthology, Four Valley Poets. His songs have strong Americana roots that make for a great sound.
Andrew Vladeck - As a member of the Columbia University Marching Band, Andrew Vladeck used to play a box of macaroni. Now he plays guitar, banjo and some wicked harmonica (and the occasional box of macaroni, too). Described as "a musical analog of Being John Malkovitch" and "like a dog riding with its head out the window," Vladeck is making big waves in New York City. But the Postcrypt is still the place he calls home.
Laurie MacAllister - Laurie MacAllister writes beautiful songs, and sings them with her beautiful voice. Her sweet, natural style draws the listener close, and she is generous, hiding nothing, holding nothing back. Her songs, voice, and performance have a rare quality, captured by one simple word: honesty. Also a Postcrypt debut.
Erik Balkey - Philadelphian Erik Balkey has captivated audiences with his trademark delivery--honesty and intimacy. His performance features an agile voice and thoughtful lyrics accompanied by sparse and deliberate acoustic guitarwork. The Two River Times has said, "He's definitely got something going on... it's his simple, raw nerve, emotional honesty. Erik Balkey shines!"
Sandy Ross - Sandy Ross is a veteran contemporary folk and acoustic blues coffeehouse performer of the late 1960's, a Peter Yarrow new writer pick of the mid-70's and a Fast Folk Magazine artist of the 80's. Her songs are rooted in the blues but contain great social and political commentary. Sing Out! has called her "the real thing--a gifted, versatile songwriter and a powerful singer who always sounds committed to her material."
John Wright and Maurice Dickson - Straight from the U.K., John Wright and Maurice Dickson have been touring the U.S. together, presenting engaging shows filled with traditional British music and their own amazing compositions. Both are highly regarded folk performers, and this special New York City appearance is not to be missed under any circumstances.
Michael Hsu - The Fairfield County Weekly says, "To say that Michael Hsu sings and plays the guitar is inaccurate. Michael and his guitar become a singular vessel, and for a moment, the boundaries between lyric and song, performer and performance are indistinguishable. The evocative and intricate guitar work, reminiscent of [Michael] Hedges, becomes part of the poetry in the same manner as Hsu's agile and expressive voice."
Dave Hall - Poet, guitarist, singer, prophet: Dave Hall plays many roles. On his most recent album, True, Hall has put together another set of masterful pop tunes wedded to insightful lyrics. He rocks in a folky kind of way, and his songs have a sophistication to them. OUT magazine calls his voice "strong 'n' comfy."
Matthew Abelson - A wizard on the hammered dulcimer, Matthew Abelson is a versatile and exciting performer. Abelson plays a variety of musical styles. Although he started with primarily Irish tunes, his repertoire now includes traditional American music as well as classical, renaissance, jazz, and original works. His performances are engaging and entertaining--weaving together traditional stories, personal anecdotes and humor to compliment the music. This is his Postcrypt debut.
Edie Carey - "Edie Carey has the voice, the songs, and the presence that will take her right up alongside such stars as Shawn Colvin and Ani DiFranco," says Matt Smith of Club Passim. But Edie still loves to play small coffeehouses like the Postcrypt where she can engage the audience in an intimate, musical version of truth or dare. And that's not a game that you want to miss.
Christopher Williams - Says WUMB-FM, "Christopher Williams manages somehow to be insightful and sensitive without a whiff of sugar or sentimentality. This is refreshing stuff in a world of over-the-top, aren't-I-just-so-deep young writers." The latest album from this Boston-based musician, The Silence in Between, is receiving rave reviews. We're very pleased to welcome him back to the Postcrypt.
Teddy Goldstein - Acoustic Live says, "The singer onstage is sweating profusely and his face is flushed. The veins in his neck are standing out. His strum hand moves rapidly and the area around the sound hole is worn from the thousands of pick strokes whipped across the strings. Teddy Goldstein doesn't just sing; he explodes. It isn't that his songs are violent. They're filled with wry humor. It's the energy in their expression that's explosive."
Paul Clements - Using a variety of alternate guitar tunings, slide and percussion techniques, Paul Clements playing brings to mind artists like Leo Kottke, Ralph McTell and Michael Hedges. Since coming to New York from his native U.K., Clements has been playing non-stop. It's always a pleasure to welcome him back to the Postcrypt.
Hugh Blumenfeld - Hugh Blumenfeld came to songwriting through poetry, and his songs reflect the years he has spent studying the literary tradition. Blumenfeld has been described by Guitar Extra as one of the most compelling of the new generation of song poets. His unique brand of folk and acoustic rock mixes haunting ballads, political satire and comic improvisations. He's spent the past year serving as the State Troubadour for Connecticut.
Sandy Opatow - For years, Sandy Opatow has been playing the Postcrypt with the group Petronella. Recently she's been playing around town on her own, and we're very excited to welcome her back to the Postcrypt for this special evening of music.
Richard Bryant - A gifted and quirky singer-songwriter with a wry since of humor, Richard Bryant is a skilled instrumentalist and a great harmonica player. Sandy and Bev will join him for a few numbers, as well. This is his Postcrypt debut.
Sam Shaber - Tom Neff writes, "Sam Shaber is the soul of New York folk. She walks a high wire between lyrical high-rises of raw, open emotion and brash NYC 'tude--and does it with an infectious energy and joy in every note. That's what music is about for me." She's been touring around with the Live from New York musical revue, and we're pleased to welcome her back to the Postcrypt for the final weekend of the season.
Cindy Kalmenson - Cindy Kalmenson is a fresh new voice in Nashville weaving deep sentiments with honesty and humor. Inspired and influenced by her favorite artists: Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams, Neil Young, Joan Baez and Emmylou Harris, Cindy has developed a unique and heartfelt sound very much her own. This will be her Postcrypt debut.
Lisa J. Cornelio - Lisa Cornelio can be tough to find sometimes, but we try to get her up to the Postcrypt at least once per year for a show. And we've succeeded yet again. She has a rapacious wit and a song or two up her sleeve at all times.
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. A longtime member of Jack Hardy's songwriting circle, he is consistently honing his craft. His 1999 release, Playing God, is a terrific showcase of his talents and skills.
Please call 212-854-1953 to confirm performers and times.