Damien Barber (House Concert)

Wednesday, July 5, 2000, 8pm
in Newton, MA
$9.00 for all at the door
Email Suzanne Mrozak for reservations and directions

We are very pleased to present Damien Barber in his first concert for the Folk Song Society on Wednesday, July 5th.

Damien is from Norfolk, England, and although not yet 30, is already known as a pre-eminent collector and interpreter of tradition songs and tunes of this area. He is also a well-known English concertina and button accordion player. His father, Mike, a fine singer is his own right, was involved in the Orchard Garden Folk Club in Norfolk, and Damien was brought up listening to some of England's most respected singers who were regulars there, such as Walter Pardon and Tony Hall.

Damien picked up his grandfather's piano accordion at the age of four, and had moved on to the melodeon by the age of seven. His musical roots lie mainly in his native Norfolk, but he was also brought up with Scottish and Irish influences from his mother's side of the family. (His mother, Sheena, was a highland dancer, his uncle a piper, and his great grandmother was recorded singing many traditional Irish songs.)

It is rare these days to find someone of Damien's age who will perform these old songs, and this traditional repertoire, his excellent musicianship, and his distinctive vocal style, set him apart from other performers. To quote Martin Carthy: "Damien Barber is one of the new breed of singers (and most welcome they are), who sing well and play well. He also puts the two together in a way that makes him truly interesting to listen to."

We hope you will join us in welcoming Damien to Boston! Reservations are required.

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