Folk Song Society audiences have had the pleasure of hearing Steve's and Cindy's music a number of times, most recently when they were on staff at a Fall Getaway Weekend. They are warm performers, who blend traditional music with traditionally-rooted contemporary songs. Performing on guitars, concertina, banjo, and fiddle, they combine dynamic harmonies, beautiful songs, and instrumental virtuosity to create an engaging concert experience.

Steve's musical style reflects his roots in traditional music, as well as in the singer/songwriter movement of the mid-sixties. He plays guitar with a unique style, using a flat-pick and two fingers, and his virtuosity has been compared to that of Doc Watson. In addition, Steve is known as a fine songwriter, whose songs have been recorded by dozens of major artists - including Garth Brooks, John Denver, Waylon Jennings, Linda Ronstadt, and Tammy Wynette. One of his creations, "Darcy Farrow", has gotten frequent airplay in the Boston area and is often mistaken for a traditional song. Several years ago Steve authored SONGWRITING AND THE CREATIVE PROCESS, based on an understanding of how people learn to write successful songs, This is rapidly becoming a key reference book for singer/songwriters, who find it extremely useful.

Cindy interprets traditional music with richness and feeling. Her thoughtful repertoire also includes songs of contemporary writers and original songs, and her compelling voice has been aptly described by one critic as a voice that can warm a New England winter. She accompanies herself and Steve on guitar, concertina, and banjo. In addition to her performances with Steve, she is well known as a member of a talented trio, where her partners in song are Priscilla Herdman and Anne Hills. She has been featured at many major U.S. and Canadian folk festivals, as well as on National Public Radio's All Things Considered and Mountain Stage. Her latest solo album, SONGLINES, was chosen as one of the top ten folk albums of 1993 by the Boston Globe.

Together since 1989, this husband and wife team-as captured by Sing Out Magazine -- "express a deep affection for traditional and contemporary folk music... Whether the song be a 500 year old ballad, an early blues, or an original composition, Gillette and Mangsen combine respect and intuition for a captivating performance".

So come, hear, and enjoy them on April the 4th. They are fine performers who really care about their audiences, and who connect on a personal level.

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