COMMON FENCE MUSIC has announced that it will present its first-ever TRADITIONS FESTIVAL, an evening of traditional music from New England to Ireland, on Saturday, March 10, 2018, 8pm. Doors will open at 7pm. The concert will take place at Common Fence Point Hall, 933 Anthony Road, Portsmouth, RI. Tickets to the show are $20 in advance, $22 at the door. Tickets and information may be obtained at CommonFenceMusic.org, or at BrownPaperTickets.org by searching Common Fence Music. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.
Fans of traditional folk music and CFM’s retired Fiddlers & Fishermen event are sure to enjoy this evening of traditional songs from New England and Ireland, performed by both local and international artists. Award-winning concertina player Brenda Castles will join us from Ireland. Though currently based in Dublin city center, Brenda was raised is County Meath, where she developed the talent and skill that earned her several All Ireland Fleadh titles, in both solo and group competitions. Performing with her will be harpist, vocalist and composer Niamh Ní Bhríain from County Limerick. Steeped in the rich musical traditions of their respective home counties, the duo will share some of their favorite tunes from home.
Also performing will be Warren, RI-based mandolin and bouzouki artist Otis Read. Known as the creator of the New England Christmastide series for North Star Records, and as a founding member of folk group The Gnomes, Otis is also a researcher of traditional music, including that composed by local ancestor, Daniel Read. Otis will be joined by expert fiddle player Cathy Clasper-Torch and acoustic guitarist Jim Corwin in a set of tunes from around New England.
Young Rhode Island duo The Vox Hunters – Armand Aromin (fiddle, voice) and Benedict Gagliardi (concertina, vocals, guitar) – complete this stirring lineup of artists. Touted as strong tradition-bearers for their generation, The Vox Hunters present an exciting and eclectic repertoire of traditional folk songs from American and British traditions, including driving dance tunes, percussive footwork and other musical varia. Their continuing research into old local music has yielded an ever-increasing focus on songs and tunes from their home state. They will share some of these tunes with the audience, including rarely heard Ocean State broadside ballads. We hope you will join us for the joy and warmth of this evening dedicated to the songs of old!
The Common Fence Point Hall is located at 933 Anthony Road, Portsmouth, RI. Per tradition, all shows at CFM’s Portsmouth venue are BYOB & Picnic. Concert-goers are invited to bring food and beverages to enjoy during the performances. Seasonal soups, homemade refreshments and soft-drinks will also be available for purchase. The hall is fully accessible. Ticket prices vary. For more information about Common Fence Music, please visit CommonFenceMusic.org, or call (401)683-5085.