Postcrypt Coffeehouse
Spring 2001 Schedule

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 national and local acts. When we say acoustic, we really mean it: there are no microphones. Columbia is located at 116th Street 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 postcrypt@columbia.edu.

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

Friday 2 February

Pam Bertoli - Known for "sensitive interpretations of Suzanne Vega and Kate Wolf songs," Pamela Bertoli is "also a fine songwriter and a smooth fingerstyle guitarist." New York City residents may know her voice from WFUV-FM; others might have seen her performing with the band Train Wreck. We're very pleased to have her opening our spring season!

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.

Saturday 3 February

Li'l Mo Duo - Evoking the golden age of country music in her twangy vocals, Monica "Li'l Mo" Passin has been delighting New York City audiences for several years now. Her latest album was voted one of the top 10 CDs of 1999 by Country Standard Time. Tonight she's joined by ace guitar picker Doug Walker, who has a few catchy tunes of his own up his sleeve.

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.

Friday 9 February

Nicole McKenna - Nicole McKenna is a New York based singer and songwriter. Her music captures its listeners with guitar driven pop hooks and a hypnotic earful of vocal melodies. One writer says, "Nicole has never disappointed live, her voice is even more effective in the intimate settings of a small venue, making her one of the city's best kept secrets."

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.

Saturday 10 February

Tina Vero - A singer-songwriter who has been making tracks, Tina Vero puts heart-on-the-sleeve lyrics in the keys of intensity and intrigue via her jumbo six-string guitar and the soothing embrace of her vocal rises and falls. Vero graciously leaps into the category of acoustic contemporary pholk, which she explains as "music in which sensitivity shows its teeth and strength learns how to cry."

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).

Friday 16 February

Maj Winfrey - We at the Postcrypt are always excited when we come across a Columbia student with particular talent. It means that we get to invite one of our own up on stage and promote the career of a young artist. Maj Winfrey is such an artist. Echoing Suzanne Vega--herself once a student performer at the Postcrypt--and Tracy Chapman, Maj has a big future ahead of her.

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.

Saturday 17 February

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.

Friday 23 February

Andy & Denise - Andy & Denise are an acoustic pop/folk duo that feature well-crafted songs, rhythmic guitar playing and great harmonies. Andy Fox cut his teeth on the Boston music scene, playing in a number of bands while attending Berklee College of Music. Denise O'Brien moved to New York to pursue acting and now her first love: music.

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."

Saturday 24 February

Butch Ross - Butch Ross is one in a line of storytelling songwriters that starts with Woody Guthrie and ends with Steve Earle, so it's no surprise that Ross' characters shine with realism and humanity. He's been called "a happy Nick Drake with a Bronx backbeat" and "a rootsier James Taylor." He's also the guy who sings "The Day John Gorka Died." This is his Postcrypt debut.

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.

Friday 2 March

Nate Borofsky - Nate Borofsky fuses the sensitive, the angry, and the tongue-in-cheek into his own blend of power folk. Writing with honesty and humor, he ties it all together with melodies that stop you dead in your tracks. Billboard called Borofsky, "part of a new breed of songwriters influenced more directly by Ani DiFranco than Woody Guthrie." His second album, Never Enough Time, has been receiving rave reviews.

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.

Saturday 3 March

Rick Ilowite - Rick Ilowite is one of the premiere fingerstyle guitarists on the folk scene. His repertoire consists largely of the blues, ragtime and gospel music of such legends as Blind Blake and the Reverend Gary Davis. Every Ilowite performance is a unique musical event: a rollercoaster ride through blues classics and original material complemented with a great sense of humor.

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.

***Please Note That the Postcrypt is closed March 9-10 and 16-17 for Spring Break***

Friday 23 March

Open Stage

Saturday 24 March

Eliot Bronson - Last year witnessed the emergence of a fresh new voice on the East Coast acoustic music scene; the voice was that of Baltimorean Eliot Bronson, playing the guitar in an array of alternate tunings and singing about everything from love and philosophy to cookie cutters and urban sprawl. This is his Postcrypt debut.

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!"

Friday 30 March

David Massengill - Long regarded as a leading light of the New York folk scene, David Massengill returns to the Postcrypt with his unique blend of Tennessee tradition and Greenwich Village songwriting skill. Says Stephen Holden of the New York Times, "One of the most talented young singer-songwriters of the Village-based circle, David Massengill is a respected cult figure whose songs are serious and idiosyncratic and whose writing is ambitiously allegorical."

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.

Saturday 31 March

Django Haskins - One magazine says, "Imagine a hybrid between Elvis Costello and Tom Petty and you've got a pretty good idea of what Django Haskins is all about." He's also been described as "Norman Rockwell with a Telecaster." Recently he's been performing non-stop with his band the Regulars, but this will be a special solo performance, celebrating the release in February of his new album, Laying Low and Inbetween.

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."

Friday 6 April

Jackie Tice - WCUW-FM says, "An eloquent storyteller whose songs elevate common experience with subtle layers of meaning, Jackie Tice delivers her messages memorably amid graceful, emotive performances." She's been compared to an early Joni Mitchell, and her songs have been described as "folk-rock with Native American spirituality."

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.

Saturday 7 April

Paddy Kilrain - With three albums to her credit, this Albany-based singer-songwriter is starting to make a name for herself. She's got a serious rocking sound and has been sharing bills with the likes of Pamela Means. This is her Postcrypt debut.

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."

Friday 13 April

Terre and Maggie Roche - These two legendary artists opened our 1999-2000 season; 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. This is a terrific opportunity to hear Terre and Maggie in an intimate space; don't miss these celebrated performers.

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.

Saturday 14 April

Open Stage

Friday 20 April

Special Event: The Best of San Francisco Showcase - For four years now, Ian Brennan and friends have been sponsoring a free Monday night showcase in a San Francisco laundromat. As a non-competitive, collaborative space, the series has become one of the most successful in the city's history and has yielded the three volume Unscrubbed series. Last year, the group came to the Postcrypt and met with some storm troubles, so we're going to try again. Scheduled performers include Dr. Frank (of the Mr. T Experience), Chuck Prophet (of Green on Red), Bonfire Madigan, Noe Venable, Etienne de Rocher Carolene Betty, Tom Heyman and Ian Brennan.

Saturday 21 April

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. An activist songwriter, Bev's show will make you want to go out and change the world!

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.

Friday 27 April

Kyle Shiver - Kyle Shiver writes songs that are vivid, compelling and sometimes humorous pictures of the foibles of modern life. The Boston Noise says, "Those who are fans of Bruce Cockburn, Chris Whitley's Living With the Law album, anything by Ellis Paul and John Mellencamp from about two albums back, can really sink their teeth into him." He's always a pleasure to have at the Postcrypt.

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.

Saturday 28 April

Carl Cacho - Carl Cacho has firmly established himself as one of the most talented and respected singer/songwriters in New England. Drawing from a wide range of influences, his heroes include Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan, Lightning Hopkins, Joni Mitchell and Ellis Paul. His songs have been covered by many of his peers, including Jack Hardy, Kevin So and Jimmy LaFave.

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.

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