Roots Report

Okee dokee folks… I recently performed in Pettaquamscutt Lake Shores Clubhouse At The River-Summer Concert Series, produced by singer-songwriter Mary Pierce Hurwitz. I was amazed by the packed room. The series has been going on for only a year but already has a dedicated and growing audience. As a songwriter, I appreciate a show teeming with people who listen to the songs and want to discuss them with you after the show. These shows are what make being a singer-songwriter worth it.

The next show in the series will be on August 8 and features Women Folk (Mary and her sister Margi Gianquinto, whose harmonies are reminiscent of 10,000 Maniacs/Natalie Merchant) joined by Elias Cardoso and Erin Ash Sullivan. The show starts at 7 PM at the Pettaquamscutt Lake Shores Clubhouse, 50 Woodsia Road, on the water. If you would like to find out more about these shows, visit musicofmarypierce.com.

If you were a fan of the shows and open mics at the Old Vienna Kaffeehaus (OVK) in Westboro, MA, then you will want to check out this event! The OVK closed its doors in 1996. This year, they are doing a revival show. The revival event will be in Hopkinton, MA, on the property of a former performer of OVK. The address is revealed when you register for the tickets. Scheduled to perform at the OVK reunion are Lori McKenna, Christine Lavin, Cliff Eberhardt, Duke Levine, Barbara Kessler, Don White, Deborah Henson-Conant, Peter Mulvey, Diane Zeigler w/ Geoffrey Cary Sather, Jim Infantino, Buddy Mondlock, Paul Della Valle w/ Walter Crockett, Jan Luby, and Emilia Ali. Also in attendance are some of the folks who were friends or involved in the OVK, including Bob Malone, Richard Cambridge, Lydia Hutchinson, Marilyn Rea Beyer, Todd Winmill, Ellen Karas, Robert Haigh, Timothy Mason, and more! According to the OVK revival GoFundMe website, it is an opportunity to “experience a nostalgic journey through OVK’s history with memorable performances, special guest appearances, and heartwarming stories from artists who found their voices on its stage.” RI resident, singer-songwriter, and OVK regular Jan Luby says, “I’m so excited to be a part of the event!” For more, visit 0830club.com/product/ovk-reservation.

The 36th annual Falcon Ridge Folk Festival is July 26-28 in Goshen, CT. It’s three days of music, dancing, and camping. Over 40 performers will appear on four stages, including the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Nerissa & Katryna Nields, Vance Gilbert, The Storycrafters, Richie Furay, Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, Eileen Ivers & the Brigideens, and The Ebony Hillbillies. On Friday, July 26, noon. The Grassy Hill Emerging Artist Showcase will bring new voices to the line-up. Food vendors feature Jamaican, Thai, Middle Eastern, American, vegetarian, and vegan options. You can shop at the many craft booths featuring Peruvian & Kenyan handicrafts, pottery, clothing, batik, tie-dyes, wood, gourd & bark work. Much of it is handmade or Fair Trade or eco-friendly. For more information, please visit FalconRidgeFolk.com.

The Cool Summer Nights Concert Series at Providence Performing Arts Center continues on July 27 with Yachtley Crew. They are a seven-piece Southern California band that burst onto the club scene in 2017, selling out countless local venues before starting a nationwide Yacht Rock craze. The legendary Jimmy Buffett noticed and signed them to his Mailboat Records label. The nautical-suited and captain-hat-clad Yachtley Crew have toured throughout the US and Europe. The group recently released their first EP, Seas The Day, featuring the band’s first original song, “Sex on the Beach,” accompanied by a video and guest appearance by the Access Hollywood & iHeart host, Mario Lopez. Other songs on Seas the Day include fan favorites like Boz Scaggs’s “Lido Shuffle,” Ace’s “How Long,” Robbie Dupree’s “Steal Away,” the Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love,” and the all-time Yacht Rock pioneer Christopher Cross’ “Ride Like the Wind.” Tunes on the set list include “Africa” by Toto, “Brandy” by Looking Glass, and “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes. For more information, sail on over to PPACRI.org.

The Rhode Island Folk Festival GoFundMe campaign is up and running. There is also a Venmo account where you can contribute. The festival is FREE but needs donations to operate. Get the folk over to gofundme.com/f/rhode-island-folk-festival-2024 or @HearIn-RhodeIsland. • That’s it for now. Remember to read Motif to keep up on the latest show additions and other fun events this Summer. Listen to my podcasts at motifri.com/ rootsreportpodcast. You can also find my concert photographs at motifri.com/fuzeksfotos. Thanks for reading and listening.