2020 Season

The Evie Ladin Band ~ March 26, 2020

Cancelled due to COVID-19

neo-trad kinetic roots trio

Tenacious, innovative string musicians and dancers, Evie Ladin, Keith Terry, and Erik Pearson throw down an unusually entertaining live show with three-part harmonies, instrumental chops, and sonic surprises. Grounded in old-time repertoire, writing clever lyrics with mature arrangements, and intermingling music and dance, their performance is a stand-out and unique experience.    evieladin.com

Molly’s Revenge ~ 2 Shows ~ February 28, 2020

Dynamic. Acoustic. Celtic.

The lads of Molly’s Revenge – Stuart Mason, David Brewer, and John Weed – are known for their unique and infectious enthusiasm, and are coming back for their 7th annual SLO House Concert! The classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, and fiddle with a backdrop of guitar, mandola, and bodhran guarantees a most memorable experience for all fans of Scottish and Irish music. Molly’s Revenge has performed at many of the top folk festivals and performing arts events in the USA as well as at prestigious events in Scotland, Australia, and China, and is a perennial SLO House Concert favorite.  mollysrevenge.com     facebook.com/MollysRevenge

The Lonesome Ace Stringband ~ January 18, 2020

three of the most accomplished Old-Time musicians on the planet, the Lonesome Ace Stringband does a masterful job melding their talents -Brad Kolodner (WAMU)

Three Canadians lost in the wonderful traditional music of the American South, Chris Coole (banjo), John Showman (fiddle) and Max Heineman (bass) are each journeyman musicians and veterans of some of Canada’s top roots music acts. The Lonesome Ace Stringband is an old-time band with bluegrass chops that plays some righteous folk and country music. There’s a depth of groove and sense of space not often heard in bluegrass, with a level of instrumental interplay and vocal blend uncommon in old-time, and an on-stage rapport that transcends it all. Photo Credit: Jen Squires  lonesomeace.com  www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNueZQ2tLRQ   

2019 Season

John Doyle & Mick McAuley ~ December 15, 2019

John Doyle and Mick McAuley’s nearly telepathic musical connection began in the early ’90’s in the truly groundbreaking Irish-American band, Solas.  Now, both have flourishing high profile solo careers and periodically come together to brush off some Solas standards and lots of their individual material, played together, for these magical musical offerings. We have presented them both as solo acts in the past and are delighted to have them back as a duo. ‘Twill be an evening to remember!  johndoylemusic.com    mickmcauley.com    The Silver Spear Set

Kevin Burke ~ November 7, 2019

Lyric, fluid, and precisely as tricky as he needs to be…probably the greatest Irish fiddler living. ~The Village Voice

Kevin Burke’s fiddle playing has been at the forefront of traditional music for over 30 years.  Whether solo or accompanied, on record, or in concert, Burke is an immensely engaging performer. During his long musical career Kevin has earned international acclaim as a solo performer, a teacher, a story teller, and as a member of some of folk music’s foremost groups including the The Bothy Band and Patrick Street. The National Endowment for the Arts awarded him a National Heritage Fellowship, the USA’s highest honor for excellence in the folk and traditional arts. In Ireland he was given the prestigious Gradam Ceoil award, acknowledging him as a master of the tradition. (photo credit: Keith B)  kevinburke.com

Compton & Newberry ~ October 24, 2019

A return to the roots of bluegrass

Both masters of the bedrock instruments of old-time music, Compton & Newberry collaborate with a vision that is both modern and ageless. As virtuosos of old-time mandolin, banjo, and guitar, they dig deep into early country music and blues with a seemingly limitless library of brother duets. Audiences can expect to hear their favorite tunes along with traditional instrumentals, mother ballads and award-reaping originals. And, Mike Compton and Joe Newberry are just plain FUN! We are honored to have them back–don’t miss this one! (photo credit: David Bragger) comptonandnewberry.com    Columbus Stockade Blues

New World String Project ~ 2 Shows ~ August 17, 2019

98 strings. Mostly true stories.

Four highly skilled and well known multi-instrumentalists – Stuart Mason,  Lisa  Lynne, Aryeh Frankfurter,  and John Weed – have joined forces to create an exciting weave of music rooted in the Celtic, Nordic, and American folk traditions. Ancient and modern sounds mingle freely on Swedish nyckelharpa, Celtic harp, fiddle, guitar, cittern, mandola, and more. Join the New World String Project for a musical ride that will shake your boots, uplift your spirit, and warm your heart. This will be their second SLO House Concerts appearance–the last time they sold out so fast that we added a second show this time.  newworldstringproject.com

Andrew Finn Magill with Cary Novotny ~ April 18, 2019

A fiddler in full flight and at complete ease with the music. -Kevin Crawford (Lúnasa)

Finn Magill  grew up in an Irish musical household in Asheville, North Carolina studying with many of the world’s best traditional American and Irish fiddlers at The Swannanoa Gathering music workshops. He has built his career in Irish music playing with John Doyle, Liz Carroll, the Paul McKenna Band, and Martin Hayes among other Irish luminaries. He has performed at Milwaukee Irish Fest, Celtic Connections, and other prestigious festivals and venues. Cary Novotny has been actively involved in the Irish music scene for over 20 years. His trademark sound has made him one of the most in-demand guitar players in Irish music today. With unerring rhythm, boundless energy and versatility, he varies from breakneck speed to delicate finger-style in the blink of an eye. This will be Cary’s second SLO House Concert appearance.  andrewfinnmagill.com     facebook.com/andrewfinnmagill

Richie and Rosie ~ March 29, 2019

Out of Ithaca, NY, Richie & Rosie is the project of banjo player Richie Stearns (Donna the Buffalo, The Horse Flies) and fiddler Rosie Newton (The Mammals, The Duhks). Performing mostly Appalachian-styled originals and traditional tunes, they blend their signature driving, spooky-raga instrumental arrangements with sweet harmonies to create a sound all their own. In 2018, they appeared at MerleFest, RockyGrass, Philadelphia Folk, Watermelon Park Festivals, and the Los Angeles Old-Time Social last Spring, along with the Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival.  richieandrosie.com      www.facebook.com/richieandrosie

Molly’s Revenge ~ 2 shows ~ March 1, 2019 

Dynamic. Acoustic. Celtic.

The lads of Molly’s Revenge – Stuart Mason, David Brewer, and John Weed – are known for their unique and infectious enthusiasm, and are coming back for their 6th annual SLO House Concert! The classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, and fiddle with a backdrop of guitar, mandola, and bodhran guarantees a most memorable experience for all fans of Scottish and Irish music. Molly’s Revenge has performed at many of the top folk festivals and performing arts events in the USA as well as at prestigious events in Scotland, Australia, and China, and is a perennial SLO House Concert favorite.  mollysrevenge.com     facebook.com/MollysRevenge

Cillian Vallely & Kevin Crawford ~ January 13, 2019

Flute player Kevin Crawford and uilleann piper Cillian  Vallely are two of the most well-known musicians on the Irish music circuit. These two rarely make it out to the West coast to perform as a duo and we are thrilled to welcome them back. They were last here in 2015, and are both long-time members of Lúnasa–one of the most acclaimed and influential bands in the recent history of Irish music.

lunasa.ie    facebook.com/lunasaband

2018 Season

Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands ~ November 18, 2018

Leading Lady of West Coast Folk & Bluegrass

Grammy Award-winning musician Laurie Lewis is internationally renowned as a singer, songwriter, fiddler, bandleader,  producer and educator. She was a founding member of the Good Ol’ Persons and the Grant Street String Band and has performed and recorded since 1986 with her musical partner, mandolinist Tom Rozum. Laurie has twice been voted IBMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year and has won the respect and admiration of her peers. Since her debut in 1986, Laurie has recorded nearly 20 albums in a number of musical formats. Her latest album with her band the Right Hands (Tom Rozum, Brandon Godman, Patrick Sauber, and Haselden Ciacco), The Hazel and Alice Sessions, was nominated for Best Bluegrass Recording Grammy in 2017.

laurielewis.com    facebook.com/laurielewismusic

Joe Newberry & April Verch ~ October 30, 2018

Banjo. Guitar. Fiddle. Feet. Song. Tradition.

Joe Newberry and April Verch are masters of their traditions. Tunes, ballads, step dancing, and original songs by way of the Ottawa Valley in Canada and the Ozarks in Missouri ring like silver and shine like gold. With beautiful harmony singing, breathtaking instrumentals, and exquisite dancing, these two hit the stage in perfect rhythm, making audiences remember why this music existed in the first place. And “while they never lose sight of their own unique traditions, their work together also serves to craft an entirely new musical aesthetic, one with its own melting pot integrity.” (Barry Poss, founder of Sugar Hill Records)

aprilverch.com/about/newberry-verch

Steam Machine ~ September 25, 2018

AJ Srubas (fiddle), Aaron Tacke (banjo, vocals), Rina Rossi (guitar, vocals),  and  Nokosee Fields (bass) are old-time and early bluegrass fanatics who love to play and spread their excitement about this music wherever they can. Based in Minnesota,  Steam Machine likes to highlight unique and beautiful midwestern repertoire alongside tunes and songs from Appalachia.  Their music combines clean, powerful fiddling with driving three finger banjo, raw unprocessed vocals, and a rhythm section that keeps your tractor going.  In 2017, at the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop, WVA, after a 5-way tie for first place, they took 2nd place in the string band competition!

www.steammachinemusic.com      www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKwPptOmu5Y

Cajun Country Revival ~ June 28, 2018

Two Cajuns and an old time stringband walk into a bar…

Spanning generations from across the nation, the Cajun Country Revival is a veritable supergroup of American roots musicians. Comprised of Cajun musicians Jesse Lége and Joel Savoy along with Sammy Lind and Nadine Landry, of Foghorn Stringband, this group presents a music that seems to embody all of the things that make life wonderful! They’ve delighted audiences around the world by celebrating rather than “performing” the music that brought them together: Cajun music and early Country music. This will be their second SLO House Concert and we are delighted to have them back!   jesseandjoel.com    nadineandsammy.com

John Doyle ~ June 4, 2018 

Doyle on guitar has risen to a level occupied by him alone. No one in Irish traditional music is a better guitarist than he is right now. —Earle Hitchener, Wall Street Journal

A founding member of Solas, John Doyle is impossibly in demand in the studio and on the road, immensely talented, and blessed with an acute ear, a wicked sense of rhythm, and a seemingly endless stream of magic in his playing, singing, composing, and producing.  He has solidly established himself as one of the most versatile, creative, and prolific voices in folk and traditional Irish music today. John has performed internationally to sold out audiences, been a part of the prestigious Transatlantic Sessions, and appeared on many television and radio programs, including NBC’s The Today Show and A Prairie Home Companion.  johndoylemusic.com

Little Black Train ~ April 27, 2018

The train is back!! This SOLD OUT show was a refreshing fusion of vintage fiddle tunes, blazing mandolin, and songs of old-time Americana with Kenny Blackwell (mandolin and guitar), John Weed (fiddle), and Stuart Mason (guitar, banjo, and mandola).  From Depression-era gospel and blues to Appalachian and Celtic dance tunes, they dig up the roots of bluegrass that traveled to America from Ireland and Scotland in the 19th century and combine new words and melodies with traditional songs and music. And, they are just plain fun to listen to and laugh along with during their upbeat entertaining performances. (Photo credit: Mike Melnyk)  littleblacktrain.com     Wayfaring Stranger video

Molly’s Revenge ~ 2 shows ~ March 2, 2018

Dynamic. Acoustic. Celtic! The lads of Molly’s Revenge – Stuart Mason, John Weed, and David Brewer – are known for their unique and infectious enthusiasm. The classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, and fiddle with a backdrop of guitar, mandola, and bodhran guarantees a most memorable experience for all fans of Scottish and Irish music. Molly’s Revenge has performed at many of the top folk festivals and performing arts events in the USA as well as at prestigious events in Scotland, Australia, and China, and is a perennial SLO House Concert favorite.   mollysrevenge.com

Ryan McKasson & Eric McDonald ~ February 11, 2018

Ryan McKasson and Eric McDonald are masters of the Celtic music tradition who purposefully explore the dark corners floating on its edges.  The result is an alluring complexity, full of spontaneous musicality. Pulling from parallel strands of influence, they create a swirling level of intensity that traverses darkness, light, and everywhere in between. The music this duo creates is to share, and live performance is their forte. Their mutual attitude stretches beyond the music. The two have been good friends ever since they met and this becomes apparent in their live performances, which are full of organic banter and good humor to go along with the music.  mckassonandmcdonald.com

The Press Gang ~ January 16, 2018

A bold new sound has emerged in New England’s traditional music scene: The Press Gang fuses the talents of squeezebox player Christian “Junior” Stevens, fiddler Alden Robinson, flute-player and vocalist Hanz Araki, and guitarist Owen Marshall into a high-octane musical partnership. The quartet blends their skill and fluency in traditional Irish music with their curiosity and aptitude for other styles. The joy that these musicians pour into playing music together is unmistakable and infectious. The result is a unique sound, at once energetic and sensitive, innovative and reverent.  pressgangmusic.com

2017 Season

December 11, 2017 ~ Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms 

We are thrilled to be able to present Reeb Willms and Caleb Klauder — one-half of the old-time super-group Foghorn Stringband — who deliver some of the finest, most pure and emotional old-time and country music that America has to offer today. Their music sparkles with a purity of emotion that is rare in today’s world and results in a special duet that is subtle, powerful, and compelling. Join Caleb and Reeb on a journey through early American country music grounded by Reeb’s rock-solid guitar and elevated by Caleb’s lyrical mandolin and authentic old-time fiddle. They will take us from the Carter Family to the Louvin Brothers, from The Stanley Brothers to the present with Caleb’s own original songs, and include mandolin and fiddle tunes from regional traditions across America. This will be a night to remember! calebklauder.com

November 15, 2017 ~ Mick McAuley

Mick McAuley is an Irish musician, composer, and songwriter who has recorded and toured internationally for many years. A long-time member of the Irish-American ensemble Solas, he is now touring as a solo musician with his music rooted firmly in the tradition of his homeland of County Kilkenny. A fine singer and multi-instrumentalist known for his brilliance on the button accordion, he is equally at home on guitar, melodeon, concertina, and whistles. Mick’s concerts are a perfect blending of stories and songs that engage the mind and heart and tunes that evoke the enchantment that is Ireland.  www.mickmcauley.com

October 20, 2017 ~ Joey Abarta and Nathan Gourley

Boston-based Uilleann piper Joey Abarta and fiddler Nathan Gourley are two of  America’s great young trad musicians. They were here to celebrate their debut duo album, Copley Street, with its unique settings of well-known tunes and beautiful but obscure pieces and an undeniable chemistry and understanding of each other’s playing. Owen Marshall, who is also featured on the album playing Greek bouzouki, joined them on this tour. copleystreet.com

Sept. 18, 2017  ~  Eamon McElholm and Johnny B. Connolly

Solas members Eamon McElholm (vocals and guitar) and Johnny B. Connolly  (button accordion) set out as a duo this fall as that renowned Irish-American group takes a hiatus. Playing side-by-side for the past three years with extensive world-wide touring, the two friends have forged a rare musical connection whether firing on reels and jigs or blending in breathtaking accompaniment to Eamon’s brilliant singing. Both from Ireland, Eamon is  from County Tyrone and Johnny was born and raised in Dublin, and lives in Portland, OR.

kvmrcelticfestival.org/eamon-mcelholm-johnny-b-connolly

August 25, 2017 ~ The New World String Project

May 31, 2017 ~  The Colleen Raney Band

We are thrilled to welcome back Colleen Raney, who has been described as an extraordinary voice in the Irish tradition. After three years of touring with various groups including The Hanz Araki Trio, Story Road, and Solas, Colleen will be back on the road with her own band playing a mix of traditional and contemporary songs in the Irish tradition. Joining her for her California dates will be Ryan Davidson (upright bass, bouzouki, vocals) and Stuart Mason (guitar, mandola, vocals). colleenraney.com

April 20, 2017 ~  The Greg Blake Trio

West Virginia native Greg Blake provides powerful Appalachian vocals steeped in heritage with an authentic sound developed from a lifetime of singing bluegrass, gospel, and country. Twice nominated for the SPBGMA’s Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year award, Greg has also earned nine nominations and five consecutive wins as SPBGMA’s Guitarist of the Year. He will be joined by Oregon native and festival favorite Ellie Hakanson on fiddle and vocals, and veteran musician and champion multi-instrumentalist Isaac Callender on bass. The house concert will include a range of bluegrass, old-time, gospel, classic Country, and original tunes. gregblakemusic.com

March 3, 2017 ~ Molly’s Revenge ~ 2 Shows

Back again by popular demand to help us usher in St. Patrick’s celebration with 2 shows! Stuart Mason, John Weed, and David Brewer are known for their unique and infectious  enthusiasm. Their classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, and fiddle with a backdrop of guitar, mandola, and bodhran guarantees a unique musical experience for all fans of Scottish and Irish music. Molly’s Revenge has performed at many of the top folk festivals and performing arts events in the USA and prestigious events in Scotland, Australia, and China. MollysRevenge.com

February 10, 2017 ~ Tricia Spencer & Howard Rains

Together, Tricia Spencer & Howard Rains have performed and taught nationally and internationally, preserving and building upon the traditions of their region. This out-standing husband and wife duo is known for their twin fiddle harmony, a product of the influence of midwestern Scandinavian fiddlers Tricia heard as a child.  At the same time,  Howard’s distinct repertoire reintroduces listeners to the pre-contest styles of Texas fiddling. That same sense of harmony is in their vocals as well, which they pull from all manner of American folk music. Both multi-instrumentalists, they are steeped in tradition and are dedicated to the preservation, performance, and teaching of old time music.  spencerandrains

January 20, 2017 ~ The Fire 

The Fire is a high energy pure-drop Scottish music band with world class fiddling in combination with bagpipes, guitar, bodhran, whistle, and bouzouki. The group includes International Scottish Fiddle Champion Rebecca Lomnicky, multi-instrumentalist David Brewer of the popular Celtic band Molly’s Revenge, and Adam Hendey on guitar and bouzouki. The Fire performs captivating Scottish music which bridges the gap between the fiddle and bagpipe music of Scotland—two worlds united, into a heartfelt and rousing musical experience. firescottishband.com

2016 Season

December 8, 2016 ~ Beverly Smith & John Grimm

One of the most respected guitar players in old time music today, Beverly Smith is also in demand as a singer, fiddler, and dance caller. She has been a featured guest on A Prairie Home Companion and has toured extensively in the US, Canada, Europe, and the UK. John Grimm is an award winning fiddler and multi-instrumentalist who has played with many old time bands such as The Georgia Mudcats, The Georgia Potlickers, and Rural Radio Company. Together they create a dynamic authentic old time music experience you’ll long remember. smithgrimm.com

November 16, 2016 ~ The Slocan Ramblers

The Slocan Ramblers are Canada’s young bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative, and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans (2015 Edmonton Folk Fest Emerging Artist Award recipients), have quickly become a leading light of Canada’s roots music scene, built on their reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and their uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan. slocanramblers.com 

October 21, 2016 ~ Jeni Hankins with Craig Eastman

Jeni Hankins lives in Nashville and is from SW Virginia. She performs original Appalachian song, story, and dance that takes you back to sitting on the front porch, watching the fire flies.  Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist and New England Fiddle Champion, Craig Eastman joins Jeni with creative, inventive, and sometimes spontaneous instumental back-up.

jeniandbilly.com   craigeastman.com

September 16, 2016 ~ Mason & Weed: Ireland to Appalachia in Music

John Weed and Stuart Mason explore the musical connections between Ireland and America, both ancient and modern. On fiddle, guitar, mandola, and banjo they bridge the Atlantic to summon toe-tapping, dancing-in-your-seat musical magic. An accomplished traditional-style fiddler, John Weed has lived in Ireland and immersed himself in the regional styles of Clare and Donegal. Stuart Mason was born in West Virginia, grew up in Ohio, and later returned to West Virginia where he traveled around the state learning firsthand the oldest forms of Appalachian music. stuartmasonmusic.com/mason-weed

July 28, 2016 ~ Bill Evans: The Banjo in America 

May 27, 2016 ~ One Lane Bridge with Ashley Broder

One Lane Bridge is a trio of seasoned musicians based in Santa Cruz, California. Grammy Award winning guitarist William Coulter, cellist Aria DiSalvio, and fiddler John Weed mesmerize and delight their audiences with performances of unique, artful arrangements of traditional, classical, and contemporary music. Mandolin virtuoso Ashley Broder, known for her elegant, understated playing style, is a member of the national touring contradance band The Synchopaths.  williamcoulterguitar.com/onelanebridge

April 21, 2016  ~  Amber Cross 

“Raw, powerful, old-mountain vocal alchemy.” Amber Cross has a strong and clear voice that delivers honest, compelling lyrics. She has been compared to Nanci Griffith, Iris DeMent and Hazel Dickens, all of whom have influenced her music. Amber is accompanied by Gary Arcemont and James Moore who play a variety of instruments to support her songs: fiddle, banjo, harmonica, mandolin, and upright bass, along with offering vocal support and harmonies. ambercrossmusic.com

March 16, 2016  ~  Mike Compton & Joe Newberry

Modern masters of Bluegrass and Old Time music, Compton & Newberry collaborate with a vision that is both modern and ageless on mandolin, clawhammer banjo, guitar, and vocals. These two traditional music veterans love to play together, and it shows. Joe Newberry performs frequently  on A Prairie Home Companion and Mike Compton is a renowned mandolin player who appears on the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack album.   mikecompton.net    joenewberry.me

March 4, 2016  ~  Molly’s Revenge ~ 2 Shows

January 8, 2016  ~  The Fire

2014 Season

November 9, 2014 ~ Johnny B. Connolly, Lisa Ornstein, & Dan Compton (Portland, OR)

   October 10, 2014 ~ Hanz Araki Band (Portland, OR)

2013 Season

October 24, 2013 ~ Colleen Raney Band (Portland, OR)

August 29, 2013 ~ Joey Abarta Band (Boston)