The Folk Song Society is having a special showcase concert shared by three of it's most loved member groups: Emerald City, Merle Roesler, and Two for the Show.
Emerald City is a trio of traditional music veterans: Ron Lister, Paul Mulvaney, and Bill Bumpus. These three began playing together in 1995, and by 1996 were wowing local audiences. Their music combines traditional West Clare Irish instrumentals with an infectious urban rhythm. Ron (concertina and mandolin) was a founder of the group St. James Gate. Paul (bouzouki, flute and incidental percussion) is a well-known veteran of many bands, and has performed for dances and audiences here and in Ireland. Bill (lead vocals, concertina and guitar) has performed with Fool's Errand, and is past president of the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston.
Merle Roesler, has one of those beautiful voices that could steer a ship of its course. She hasn't been performing much of late, so it's a rare opportunity to enjoy her beautiful voice and wonderful traditional repertoire. She has a ma University, and has performed with several groups (Rosewood, The Boston Jewish Arts Coalition, and The Sweetest Interval), and at various local venues and festivals, including Passim, and the New England Folk Festival. She accompanies herself on mountain dulcimer and guitar. Merle was also on the FSSGB Program Committee for many years, and is working on trying to establish an FSSGB family concert series in the Boston area.
Two for the Show is a dynamic duo comprised of Ellen Schmidt and Jake Kensinger. Ellen (guitar, bass and vocals) and Jake (guitar and vocals) present traditional songs, country music, blues, standards, and original compositions. They have appeared at festivals, clubs, benefits, radio stations, and, nursing homes, and they host the FSSGB Member's Concert and open mikes at Wellesley Inn and the Colonial Inn in Concord, Massachusetts. Ellen has also been a invited participant at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival. Ellen has been an enormous contributor to the Society as co-president, producer of Bound for Glory, and organizer of community outreach events for many years.
![[PREV]](grf-prev.gif) |