Summer Concerts 2004 ~~~ Schedule

July 10; 5:30pm ~~ BROOKS TEGLER & HOT JAZZ

This Washington-area band has performed swing era music since 1979. Professional musicians, they are well-versed in history and styles of the Swing Era. Drummer/leader, Brooks Tegler was influenced primarily by Gene Krupa as well as other drummers from the 1930s and 1940s. The Brooks Tegler band was one of only two bands that were included in the 'National Geographic' film presentation about Swing. The band's travel history and qualifications are quite extensive, including many trips to Europe, Japan and across the US. This band will be particularly appealing since there has been an active swing dance community class conducted throughout the spring.

A notable singer/songwriter, James McMurtry, from Austin, TX, was born into a storytelling tradition. McMurtry has produced a small but growing body of work that has captured the attention and admiration of listeners across the country. His songs often highlight spare, finely etched portraits of people dealing with ambivalent, often contradictory, emotions in a minimalist landscape John Mellencamp produced McMurtry's debut album in 1989. McMurtry won awards at the New Folk song-writing contest, a prestigious competition associated with the Kerrville Folk Festival. He's appeared on "Mountain Stage," and "Austin City Limits." McMurtry tours with Daren Hess, drums and Ronnie Johnson, harmony, vocals/bass.

The premier Piedmont blues guitar and harmonica duo. John Cephas & Phil Wiggins keep that gentle, melodic blues style tradition alive by infusing it with their own originality, vitality, and, most importantly, fun. They have performed at blues festivals across the world and are recipients of the W.C. Handy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album of the year. In 1989 John Cephas received a National Heritage Fellowship Award, the highest honor the United States government offers a traditional artist.

Robin and Linda Williams, from Middlebrook, VA, perform a robust blend of bluegrass, folk, old-time and acoustic country that combines wryly observant lyrics with a wide-ranging melodicism. Popular performers and gifted songwriters, they have the devotion and deep respect of their musical peers. They have appeared on "The Grand Old Opry," "Austin City Limits," "Music City Tonight," "Mountain Stage," and "The Prairie Home Companion." In addition to Robin and Linda, they tour with their band comprised of: Jim Watson (bass, vocals, and mandolin), and Jimmy Gaudreau (mandolin and mandola).

The Massacoustics, from Massachusetts, put a new and powerful twist on the term acoustic duo. Andy Thompson on guitar and vocals and Matt Thompson on bass, percussion and vocals produce a sound that seems too big to be coming from two people. With a long resume of performing with a variety of bands, they have toured as a duo since 2001.

Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, from Takoma Park, Md., are 2004 Grammy award winners for Best Musical Album for Children. These two remarkable entertainers have managed to blend elements of music and comedy, instrument making, history lessons, creative conflict resolution and trick roping into one of the most contagiously high-spirited children's and family shows around. Cathy & Marcy were interactive long before "interactive" was a buzzword. Their live performances have set the standard for family participation and fun.

Randy Barrett, from Falls Church, VA, is a top-shelf songwriter, award-winning vocalist, and master player on guitar and banjo. Randy's rich and soulful baritone has collected five Washington Area Music Awards for Best Male Vocalist in Bluegrass and Traditional Folk as well as the 2002 Bluegrass Album of the Year for his latest album. Barrett performs with three additional band members.

The Woodticks, from Morgantown, WV, is a traditional old-time string band. Their traditional songs have stirring harmonies both sweet and discordant and a driving, infectious rhythm. Their music is a high-energy balance of fiddle, banjo, and guitar mixed together with soulful singing and even a little humor - perfect for dancing along. The band is comprised of: Keith McManus (fiddle & vocals), Karen Wade (guitar & vocals), Jeff Bush (banjo, tenor guitar & vocals), and Bob Spangler (upright bass).