September 6, 2024: Julie Gold
Yes, THAT Julie Gold, the Greenwich Village Fast Folk songwriting legend, whose “From a Distance,” as recorded by Bette Midler, won the Grammy for Song of the Year in 1991 and has been played on the radio close to 5 million times! Besides the Divine Miss M, the song has been recorded by Nancy Griffith, Jewel, Cliff Richard, The African Children’s Choir, Judy Collins, The Byrds and Donna Summer.
Other artists who have recorded Julie Gold songs include Patti LaBelle, Patti LuPone, Lea Salonga, Andrea Marcovicci, Carol Woods, Sinead O’Connor and Kathie Lee Gifford, and her jingle “We’re 4 New York” was used by WNBC TV for years. She’s also written books enjoyed by children and adults.
Through it all, she is still a down-to-Earth songwriter from Philadelphia with great stories to tell, songs to sing, who hasn’t let it all go to her head.
June 14, 2024: Mad Agnes
Mad Agnes, Stuart Markus likes to say, is what happens when 3 incredibly creative, talented, classically trained musicians devote themselves to folk music. It ain’t your typical 3-chord songs!
Mad Agnes has won hearts on two continents with their signature intricate harmonies and compelling songwriting. The genre-bending trio—Margo Hennebach, Adrienne Jones and Mark Saunders—weaves contemporary folk with a nod to Celtic, an element of vocal improv and top-notch arrangements into an exciting, inclusive performance.
Lately using only one microphone, early-radio style, they transport and tickle audiences using guitars, mandolin, percussion, an inventive keyboard and three-part harmonies as tight as jeans from the dryer.
Their 5th and most recent album, Likely Story – An Eclectic Collection of Songs for the Soul, hit the Top-10 on the Folk Alliance International Radio Chart this past February. Check out their website here.
The Ethical Humanist Society was thrilled to revive the Our Times Coffeehouse on May 3, 2024, with folk songwriting legend Christine Lavin!
Photos from May 3:
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In our 30+ years of existence, the Our Times Coffeehouse is proud to have hosted many wonderful evenings of music. Following is a partial list of just some of the performers who have graced our stage. Please browse the list, visit their web sites, listen to their music and help support these great musicians.
Siobhan Quinn & Michael Bowers
Brother Sun – Greg Greenway, Pat Wictor, and Joe Jencks
Freyda Epstein
The world of folk music mourns the premature passing of Freyda Epstein
In memory of Freyda Epstein
The Folk Goddesses – Hillary Foxsong – Martha Trachtenberg & Judith Zweiman
House of Hamill
Alice Howe
Matt Nakoa
Joni Mitchell’s Blue – A 40th Anniversary Concert
The Nudes, Walter Parks & Stephanie Winters
Remembering Phil Ochs – Hosted by Sony Ochs
Open Book, Michele & Rick Gedney
Heather Pierson Band
Liz Queler & Seth Farber – The Edna Project
Siobhan Quinn & Michael Bowers
Mark Wahl
and many many more…..