The Nields

Friday, September 18 at 8 PM

The Nields – XVII is the Nields’ 17th album, is both their most personal and their most community minded. Well into their third decade as a musical partners and judging by this sublime album at the very top of their game, the Nields turn to meditations on time, and turning points, their roots and community – both musical and personal – but they also express joy in the present, faith in the future, and a whole lot of hope and promise. The Nields’ albums are often an eclectic mix of ideas and music styles, but clear themes emerge. Love and China (2002) was about the fragility of love and relationships. The Full Catastrophe (2012) explored the messy experience of raising a family. XVII has the Nields looking out from midlife, focusing on themes of time, love and community.The primary inspiration behind XVII was Nerissa and Katryna’s hero, Pete Seeger, who died in January of 2014. His love of sharing music and his passion for justice had been a part of their lives since before they were born (their parents fell in love at a Pete Seeger concert). His death affected them profoundly. Pete is clearly on the album in songs like “Joe Hill” and “Wasn’t That a Time,” but the entire album is infused with his spirit. It’s there in the Nields’ delight in sharing music and in using it to build a community. And it’s there in the title XVII: when compared to a career and life like that of Pete Seeger, they’re not even out of their teens.

The songs on XVII are about the lessons we hope to learn by midlife: accepting the passage of time and the choices we’ve made, and being thankful for the moments of grace. They are about knowing where we’re supposed to be, and recognizing that there are many things we may never understand. They’re about having faith in something bigger, be it God, humanity, love, or all of the above. Although many of the songs on XVII have the Nields looking back at their lives and their career, it’s also an album about enjoying the moment: “What a world we get to live in when there are wonders such as this” (“Normandies”), looking ahead to what’s next: “I know the only way is forward; I don’t mind what might have been” (“Treasure”), and embracing in the people around you: “Someone needs to ask for help tonight, and someone wants to lend a hand. We’re all of us, on the bus, sharing our way to trust, we all just walk each other home” (“Dave Hayes”). Written by Nerissa, but with significant contributions from Katryna, the songs show a confident songwriter trusting her voice, willing to take leaps, and able to write songs that are deeply personal. “Nerissa wrote my favorite songs she’s ever written and they were more fun to sing than anything I’ve ever gotten to sing.” The songs give Katryna room to stretch her voice, from intimate whispers to full throated soaring. The sisters’ vocal interplay and intricate harmonies—the duo’s hallmark—are as thrilling as ever.

“I feel like when Pete died,” Katryna recalls “all musicians thought ‘How do I carry on this tradition that he gave us and how do we nurture that.’ The greatest thing you get to do as a musician is create a community; that’s the gift that Pete Seeger gave us more than anything else. It’s our job to just keep singing and to keep encouraging others to keep singing, too.”

www.nields.com

Our Times Coffeehouse, staffed entirely with volunteers, has been presenting live music for 25 years. OTC is dedicated to supporting affordable folk music on Long Island, and over the years has hosted hundreds of outstanding performers in a warm, intimate setting. The Our Times Coffeehouse is a joint project of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island (EHS) and the Long Island Progressive Coalition (LIPC), with the assistance of the Research and Education Project of Long Island (REP-LI).

Fundraising Raffle
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Tickets
July 31st through August 2nd
Pair of 3 day camping & music tickets
(valued at $180 per ticket total value $360)
Raffle Tickets $5/ea.

The Boxcar Lilies

Friday, June 19 at 8 PM

 Jenny Goodspeed, Katie Clarke, & Stephanie Marshall

The Boxcar Lilies have quickly made a name for themselves with their signature mix of folk, country, and bluegrass-tinged Americana music featuring spine-tingling, innovative harmonies and top-notch songwriting. Accompanying themselves on guitar, clawhammer banjo, ukulele, electric bass, and washboard, they have brought their uniquely warm sound and energetic stage presence to venues up and down the Eastern seaboard, including The Birchmere Music Hall, Club Passim, and Philadelphia’s Tin Angel, and opening for legendary performers like Bill Staines and The Seldom Scene. In 2012, they were selected to perform an official showcase at the International Folk Alliance Conference.

Based in Western Massachusetts, The Boxcar Lilies are Jenny Goodspeed, Stephanie Marshall, and Katie Clarke – three singer-songwriters that met through a local musicians’ cooperative and discovered a shared passion for three-part harmony. They joined forces and in 2011 released their debut CD Heartwood, recorded with producer Dave Chalfant (Erin McKeown, The Nields).

In 2013 they released their second studio album Sugar Shack which they recorded with producer Lorne Entress (Lori McKenna, Catie Curtis). The album debuted on the Folk DJ Charts at #2 this May and it was highlighted by both CMJ.com and eMusic.com in their roundup of exciting new releases.

www.boxcarlillies.com

Our Times Coffeehouse, staffed entirely with volunteers, has been presenting live music for 25 years. OTC is dedicated to supporting affordable folk music on Long Island, and over the years has hosted hundreds of outstanding performers in a warm, intimate setting. The Our Times Coffeehouse is a joint project of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island (EHS) and the Long Island Progressive Coalition (LIPC), with the assistance of the Research and Education Project of Long Island (REP-LI).

Women in Folk

Friday, May 15 at 8 PM

An evening of music featuring:

Kirsten Maxwell — Lois Morton — Cecilia Kirtland —  Rorie Kelly

Kirsten Maxwell

A Queens native, currently living in Huntington Long Island, Kirsten Maxwell is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter, recognized by many for her unique voice. Blending a background in classical music with elements of folk, country, and contemporary genres, Kirsten Maxwell sheds new light on the sounds and messages of an earlier era. Often compared to timeless singers like Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell, Kirsten Maxwell earnestly shares her perception of the human experience through a combination of thoughtful lyrics and distinctive melodies.

Lois Morton

Lois Morton is a performing songwriter who has delighted audiences throughout the New York metropolitan area for the last few years with her abundant charm and humorous songs of social commentary. Reinventing herself in retirement, Lois has gone from being an educator and therapist to a singer-songwriter with a rapier wit and a surprisingly contemporary approach. Her show “As I See It” highlights Lois’ original, often hilarious songs which encourage us to laugh at ourselves, while she also brings to life the legendary Edith Piaf in a lecture-cabaret program featuring songs and stories. She has released two CDs of original songs – As I See It and 20th Century Girl.

“Lois Morton is an incredible singer-songwriter and conveyor of songs that strike at the heart of modern society. Her songs, both humorous and serious, are relevant and pertinent. She is hip to today’s world and must be heard!!!
—Jon Stein, host – Hootenanny Café, WTBQ-FM, Warwick, NY

“Don’t be deceived. Underneath Lois Morton’s sweet grandmotherly demeanor lurks a wickedly clever songwriter. The legacy of Tom Lehrer lives on in Lois.”
—John Platt, host – Sunday Breakfast, WFUV-FM, Bronx, NY

Cecilia Kirtland

Cecilia Kirtland‘s latest release, “Heart Like a Buick”, has elements of those who have gone
before, combined with elements so innovative, the result is clearly her own. The New York
Times describes her as “ . . . able to communicate the lyrical essence of a song in a way that is
rare . . . a voice of considerable range and varied texture . . . a sure-handed guitarist who brings crisp technique and a sophisticated ear to her stark, imaginative arrangements.” The new album of eleven original songs includes blues tracks, introspective ballads and contemporary folk-pop, songs about love, loss, resilience, universal truth and New York City.

Born in Manhattan, and raised on Long Island, Cecilia first expressed an interest in playing music at the age of four, started with piano lessons at five, but succumbed to the lure of the guitar at ten. Her career has included opening shows for Dr. John, Kenny Rankin, Holly Near, Buzzy Linhart and Tom Paxton, background vocals on a Rolling Stone pick for Best Folk Album of the Year, an appearance on CBS-TV, as well as countless club and concert appearances. Her influences range far and wide, starting with the classical music she heard most as a small child, moving on through an adolescent interest in traditional Appalachian music, all the singersongwriters of the day, British Invasion, classic blues, and r & b, and the list may never end. The resulting music comes first from the heart and personal experience, and secondarily from all the musical heroes. “. . . soulful and sophisticated . . . music that is at once rich with rhythm and funk, yet soothing to the ears and soul . . . Bending and coaxing notes to suit herself, and, of course, her delighted audience . . . she succeeds in such a diversity of selections because of a truly personal style.” Sunstorm “Many were clearly moved”, says The New York Times.

Rorie Kelly

Rorie Kelly is a small redheaded tornado of sound. Her aggressive acoustic guitar style complements raw, powerhouse vocals to pack a serious punch. First-time listeners often comment, “I can’t believe that voice came out of that body.”

Rorie has been making music since her teenage years and was strongly influenced by the tell-all, stream-of-consciousness songwriting style of the 90s. “Growing up I was listening to Liz Phair, Alanis Morisette, and Ben Folds Five alongside Joni Mitchell and The Beatles,” she says. “That’s where my foundation comes from as a musician.” Over the years, Rorie has been compared to Janis Joplin and Alanis Morisette for her high-powered vocals, and Joni Mitchell and Sarah Bareilles for her catchy-confessional brand of songwriting.

“Her sound was so powerful, she acoustically filled every square inch of space.” – Canvas Magazine

“Independent, free, and full of complexity. Difficult to cage. rorie kelly is that type of indie rock.” – LI Pulse Magazine

Our Times Coffeehouse, staffed entirely with volunteers, has been presenting live music for 25 years. OTC is dedicated to supporting affordable folk music on Long Island, and over the years has hosted hundreds of outstanding performers in a warm, intimate setting. The Our Times Coffeehouse is a joint project of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island (EHS) and the Long Island Progressive Coalition (LIPC), with the assistance of the Research and Education Project of Long Island (REP-LI).

Friday – April 17, 2015

8:00 PM – Doors open at 7:15 PM

Modern Man

From 1998 through 2010 audiences up and down the East Coast and in such far-flung outposts of civilization as Ohio, Florida and Texas, found Modern Man a delightful change of pace.  As Showbusiness Weekly put it: “Buskin, Carlson and Wurzbach should be arrested for being so funny.”  Or as Back Stage put it: “…these guys are the Thomas Alva Edisons of humor.  They’re inventive. You know, the bulb goes on.”

A cross between Crosby, Stills & Nash and the Marx Brothers – David Buskin, Rob Carlson and George Wurzbach are three celebrated singers and songwriters, “terrific instrumentalists with gorgeous voices and hilarious wits.”  Together they quickly redefined something-or-other and delighted audiences as they interweaved themes ranging from God to Godzilla, from manliness to cluelessness, from ESPN to the FBI with a vocal blend that has not been heard since Ella and F. Scott Fitzgerald went their separate ways.

George Wurzbach is retiring from the group, so this is your chance to see one of their final performances with George. Rumor is he’s moving to Florida to swim with the mermaids. They’re more fun than swimming with dolphins, according to George.

In 1998 Rob was performing at New York’s legendary “Bottom Line” for an album of comedy songwriters when he met songwriter David Buskin.  David introduced him to George Wurzbach and the three becameModern Man (joined originally by screen writer Andy Breckman, creator of the “Monk” TV series).  Modern Man went on to win Back Stage Magazine’s “Bistro Award” in 2002 for Best Musical Comedy and the 2008 New York Nightlife Award for best comedy group in New York.  They performed in clubs and cabarets, coffee houses, concert halls and festivals from Maine to Florida plus Tennessee, Texas and Ohio and Canada.  Festivals include the Philadelphia Folk, Clearwater, Kerrville, Falcon Ridge and Summerfolk (Canada).  Concert venues include Lincoln Center, The Bottom Line, Town Hall, The Barns at Wolf Trap and many more.

Their debut CD, The Wide Album, recorded live at New York’s “Bottom Line”, their 2004 CD Modern Immaturity and their 2007 CD, Assisted Living are available on Rob Carlson’s Website.

In 2010, George, David and Rob decided to pursue other interests.  George is teaching at Monmouth State College in New Jersey.  David reunited with his old partner Robin Batteau and until March of 2014, they performed as Buskin and Batteau.  Rob Carlson is now touring with Vin Pasternak and Paul Peyton as Rob Carlson and the Benefit Street Band.

In 2014, David, Rob and George are once again performing together as Modern Man.

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March 20, 2015

8:00 PM – Doors open at 7:15 PM

David Massengill

DAVID MASSENGILL
Singer / Songwriter / Storyteller

By birth a Tennessean, David Massengill “emigrated” to the Greenwich Village folk scene in the mid-70’s, walking the same streets and playing the same storied coffee houses as Dylan and Van Ronk.

Thirty years later, he’s still walking those streets—but now he’s being recognized universally for his pivotal role in keeping the American folk music tradition alive. Called “a master of vivid lyrical imagery”(Boston Globe), David continues to create beautiful and poignant “story songs” that are intimate and relevant and tug at your emotions. Songs like “Rider On An Orphan Train“ a narrative ballad ringing with truth and anguish” (Washington Post), “Number One In America”, a riveting and ironic civil rights anthem” (Boston Globe) and the biting political statement, “The Gambler”, a thing of beauty about all things ugly” (Barry Crimmins).

His songs have been covered and recorded by Joan Baez, The Roches, Lucy Kaplansky, Tom Russell, Nanci Griffith and his mentor, Dave Van Ronk, who said David “took the dull out of dulcimer!” Notes Music Boulevard, “That David made the lap dulcimer his instrument of choice tells us a lot about the soft-spoken native of eastern Tennessee. He accompanies his performance with an instrument indelibly Appalachian, yet conquers even the most urban of musical communities. He does it without losing that remarkable gift for true storytelling.”

David has released six albums, eleven bootlegs and fourteen books to date, including “Partners in Crime”, the debut album of The FolkBrothers, David’s duo project with the late great Jack Hardy.

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February 20, 2015

8:00 PM – Doors open at 7:15 PM

Gathering Time

Gathering Time’s WinterFolk
(a program of special songs for the snow season)

Hillary Foxsong · Stuart Markus · Gerry McKeveny

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Join us for this seasonal performance, Gathering Time’s “WinterFolk”, a special program featuring songs for the snow season. The program will include songs by such luminary songwriters as Paul Simon, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell as well as contemporary songwriters, plus traditional and original songs.

Voted best band runner-up (and top folk band) in the 2011 Long Island Press readers’ poll, Gathering Time is like a high-energy Peter, Paul & Mary or a co-ed Crosby, Stills & Nash, with various parts of The Byrds, Joni Mitchell, the Eagles and America; a head-turning folk-rock harmony trio described recently as “getting a whole beehive-full of buzz” on the northeast regional folk scene.

Founded in 2006 by Stuart Markus, Glen Roethel, and Hillary Foxsong, Gathering Time quickly became a fan favorite. The trio has strong roots in traditional folk as well as ’60s and ’70s folk-rock, and they’ve been known to sprinkle in some of those classics among their original sets.

Bob McKillop of MaineFolkMusic.com writes, “Gathering Time … has perfected two separate but related art forms: three part harmony and having a ball on stage! When they harmonize, some sort of fundamental, cosmic concordance occurs that makes you very happy that you have ears.”

Gathering Time’s 2007 remake of Peter Yarrow’s “Light One Candle” has been spun on stations ranging from NYC’s top-rated WCBS-FM to Israel’s Galilee plains; their 2008 CD “Songs of Hope and Freedom” won wide acceptance on folk stations nationwide. In 2012 the trio’s second CD “Red Apples and Gold” rose to #5 on the Folk DJ charts in September and to #12 on the national Roots Music Report radio charts in October, charting at #76 in the year-end Top 100 Albums. Their third CD “When One Door Closes…” reached #3 on the Folk DJ charts in January 2014.

No less an authority than WFUV’s John Platt has written that they are “among the finest performers in the New York metropolitan area, whatever the size of the venue, from a house concert to an outdoor festival,” with “harmonies that can charm the birds out of the trees, strong original songs, and a savvy repertoire of cover songs, ranging from traditional folk to classic rock. They appeal to audiences of all ages.”

In addition to its concerts of original music, Gathering Time performs specialty tribute shows such as the “Great Folk-Rock Festival,” featuring the acoustic classics of the ’60s & ’70s, “Jews Who Rock,” showcasing the work of famous Jewish songwriters and musicians, and “Songs of Conscience,” focused on songs of social justice.

In March 2013 Stuart and Hillary were joined by Long Island folk luminary Gerry McKeveny. Gerry brings a mellow tenor and unparalleled guitar wizardry to the lineup, and both the band and longtime fans of the trio are excited to move into Gathering Time’s next era.

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Bill Staines

The Our Times Coffeehouse is pleased to present folk troubadour Bill Staines on Friday, January 16, 2015. His annual visit is a 25-year tradition, so join us in welcoming him and celebrating 25 years of live music in an intimate setting.

For more than 45 years, Bill Staines has been on the road singing his songs at the country’s top festivals, concerts, clubs and coffeehouses. His songs have been recorded by musicians including Peter, Paul and Mary, Nanci Griffith, and Jerry Jeff Walker. Staines writes about cowboys, Yukon adventures, fishermen and everyday working people. This is an artist who plays over 200 dates a year and puts 65,000 miles on his car annually. His lovely, infectious melodies, his warm, smooth baritone and his prowess on the guitar make him one of the most popular singers on the folk music circuit.

Bill Staines has recorded 26 critically acclaimed solo albums, including two for children, and in addition to all his performances, he continues to write and release new original music. “Bill Staines has been my hero since 1977,” stated Nanci Griffith. “He carries on where Woody left off—carrying on the tradition of stories and characters you wish you knew.”

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Wishing all of our friends and supporters

Happy Holidays

We’re closed for the season and look forward to seeing you after the New Year.

January 16, 2015

8:00 PM – Doors open at 7:15 PM

Bill Staines

Folk music brings alive history and traditions. We welcome Bill Staines for his annual visit to the Our Times Coffeehouse. Since our founding in 1990, Bill has performed each year and his visits have become a tradition for us. Join us, welcoming in the New Year and celebrating 25 years of music, history and traditions.

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November 21, 2014

8:00 PM – Doors open at 7:15 PM

Sultans of String

“Thrill of improvising makes Sultans a thrill to experience… gripping suspense for both the audience and the musicians Superb!”
– Roger Levesque, Edmonton Journal

The Songwriting, The Sounds, The Magic. Chris McKhool (violin) and Kevin Laliberté (guitar), the songwriters behind the music, take you on a musical journey around the world!

McKhool met Laliberté just as the guitarist was coming off the road from touring around the world with Jesse Cook and cross Canada with The Chieftains. When McKhool (who has performed with Jesse Cook, Pavlo, Club Django) first heard guitarist Laliberté’s rumba rhythm their musical mind-meld created Sultans of String’s sound – the intimate and playful relationship between the violin and the flamenco guitar.  Acoustic strings meet with electronic wizardry to create layers and depth of sound, creating soundscapes that seem impossible to be coming from just two people.

Larger than the sum of its parts, this dynamic duo take you on a journey to hear the horses of Sable Island, underwater to hear the calls of Luna the Whale, and on the silk road through Spain and the Middle East, through the Gypsy-jazz cafés of Eastern Europe, and then back to Canada for a trip to the majestic Arctic.

“Kevin and Chris are two extremely talented and creative musicians. Each of them have an extensive background in various traditions and numerous musical accomplishments to their credit. Their own compositions are … exciting and highly original. They are musicians and songwriters of the highest calibre!”
– Ken Whiteley, Producer

“Virtuoso playing…. An exuberant and infectious sound… Powerful and moving… The Sultans are simply an awesome musical group!”
– Mike Hill, Artistic Director, Mariposa Folk Festival

“An organic mix of rumba, Gypsy, jazz, Middle Eastern and Spanish flavours – they all mix together beautifully… brilliantly executed!”
– Errol Nazareth, CBC Radio One

“I remember the shiver up my spine on hearing the calls of Luna- the west coast killer whale searching for his pod- amazingly recreated on Chris’ electric violin. Haunting, moving and not to be missed!”
– Charles McFarland- Artistic Producer, Centrepointe Theatre

October 17, 2014

8:00 PM – Doors open at 7:15 PM

Heather Pierson & Cathy Kreger

(Double Feature – 2 Separate Performers)

Heather Pierson: is an award-winning pianist, multi-genre singer/songwriter, arranger, bandleader, and performer. From New Orleans-style jazz and blues to rousing Americana and poignant folk narratives, Heather’s live performances move seamlessly and effortlessly from one style to the next, and a growing catalog of wildly divergent CD releases reflects her boundless creativity. She is now finishing up work on her eighth studio recording, Motherless Child, a collection of inspired originals and renditions of blues and jazz standards that promises to be her best release to date. In bringing a Dr.-John-meets-Dave-Brubeck sensibility to songs like “The Gumbo’s Too Hot” and embodying the very meaning of heartache in her Nina Simone infused renditions of classics like “I Loves You, Porgy” and the stunning title track, Heather’s formidable talents as a vocalist, pianist, songwriter, arranger, and bandleader are on full display. Motherless Child is scheduled for a late 2014 release.

Cathy Kreger: “Her voice could make a bulldog break his leash to hug a hound!” says one fanatic fan. Armed with only an acoustic guitar and a voice as clear as cool water, Cathy Kreger delivers more pure music per minute than a bevy of roadhouse rockers. Her irresistible voice and guitar has earned her a place on stage with world-class acts, including: Bonnie Raitt, David Bromberg, The Band, Patty Larkin, Maria Muldaur, Taj Mahal and Aztec Two-Step.

For over 20 years, this girl and her guitar have been touring throughout the Northeast performing in small theaters, bars, churches, colleges and homes, gathering a devoted following. Her musical style is a unique combination of adult contemporary and old blues, with an alternative folk flair. Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul and Mary) once said “No doubt about it. She has a great voice and really has her act together.

Her original songs of true-life stories will pierce your heart, evoking tears and laughter along the way. Kreger turns folk, rock, blues, and pop influences into a lyrical and melodic style that is as passionate as it is polished. She has released four CDs to date. Her latest CD release Pure Imagination has garnered rave reviews, securing her a place in the singer-songwriter/acoustic arena.