May 2015

Women in Folk

Friday, May 15 at 8 PM

An evening of music featuring:

Kirsten Maxwell — Lois Morton — Cecilia Kirtland —  Rorie Kelly

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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).