Jenkins House Concerts

Sara Caswell, Jazz Violinist, on February 11 with Special Guest, Poet Bill Zavatsky

2012-01-29T23:18:00.009-05:00

Sara Caswell is fast becoming one of today’s foremost jazz violinists through her technical facility and gift for lyricism. Originally from Bloomington, Indiana, and now living in New York City, she began playing violin at age 5, made her orchestral debut at 15, earned degrees from Indiana University and Manhattan School of Music, and amassed over 100 awards in the jazz and classical competition worlds. Currently she gives concerts nationwide with her two groups, the Sara Caswell Quartet and the Caswell Sisters Quintet, and has soloed numerous times in Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops Orchestra. Sara has released two highly-acclaimed CDs ~ First Song and But Beautiful ~ and is working on a new CD project with her sister, jazz vocalist Rachel Caswell, and jazz pianist Fred Hersch.

Currently, Sara tours with vocalist Roseanna Vitro as part of Vitro’s 2012 Grammy- nominated album The Music of Randy Newman. During 2010-11, she toured internationally with bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding (2011 Grammy winner for “Best New Artist”) in support of Spalding’s CD Chamber Music Society. Sara has also toured with violinist Mark O’Connor‘s American String Celebration and violinist Darol Anger’s Four Generations of Jazz Violin, and performed and/or recorded with such artists as Gene Bertoncini, Charlie Byrd, Skitch Henderson, Bucky Pizzarelli, Lynne Arriale, and John Clayton, as well as Jon Gordon, Ike Sturm, and the Alan Ferber Nonet and Strings.

Sara’s formidable teaching experience includes the Mark O’Connor String Camps, the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops, the Indiana University String Academy, the Manhattan School of Music College and Precollege Divisions, and a private studio. In addition, she has given numerous jazz string improvisation workshops and masterclasses and is involved with MENC (National Association of Music Education), JEN (Jazz Education Network), and ASTA (American String Teachers Association).

The Sara will perform at the Jenkins House Concert Series on February 11 Her quartet consists of Sara:violin, Ike Sturm:bass, Jesse Lewis:guitar and Ziv Ravitz:percussion.

Poet Bill Zavatsky, will be reading poems from his collection, "X Marks the Spot" preceding each musical set.

For reserved seats and information please contact Sandy at; Sandilion49@gmail.com. If this is your first visit to our blog, the concert location is in Manhattan.

This concert is sold out as of 2/6/12. See you next time

Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem on Saturday, January 21st

2012-01-11T15:49:00.007-05:00

"A tart, smart meld of American folk melody with buoyant splashes of jazz, pop, bluegrass, and blues." -The Boston Globe

The Jenkins House Concert series is pleased to welcome Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem to the Upper West Side. All of roots music is a stage for daisy mayhem, and this four-piece string band loves nothing more than choreographing a jubilant mix of traditional, original, and contemporary sounds. With Arbo's bewitching alto at the helm, stunning vocal harmonies, a 100% recycled drum set, fiddle, guitar, and bass, daisy mayhem "has a grand knack for pumping new blood into old music" (The Boston Globe). Imagine, for example, a pre-civil war song from the Georgia Sea Islands sung over a New Orleans-style groove. Or, an old Irish fiddle tune with new lyrics, capped with a solo on a South American box drum. A Sondheim tune done jug band style? An original Unitarian funk gospel song? You begin to get the idea. With influences from Doc Watson to Django Reinhardt, from Ghanaian drumming to the funky Meters, and from Fiddlin' John Carson to Bob Dylan, Daisy Mayhem celebrates America's rich musical past and brings it into the present with good humor, impeccable musicianship, powerful songwriting, and a clear love of playing together. Here are four musicians who pick up what's lying around—from tin cans to old songs and wry observations of modern life—and create something new.

For reservations and information please contact Sandilion49@gmail.com.

The Brittany Haas and Dan Trueman Band CD Release Concert on Friday, December 9th

2011-11-28T21:55:00.013-05:00

What happens when the grittiness of American Old Time fiddle music meets the ethereal sounds of the Norwegian Hardanger fiddle? In this CD release concert, Brittany Haas and Dan Trueman will share tunes that they've made over the last few years while trying to answer this question. Joining Britt and Dan in this performance are cellist Natalie Haas, guitarist Jordan Tice, and bassist Corey DiMario. In the end, this isn't "cross-over" music, in spite of the initial premise; this is simply what happens when two radically different but adventurous musicians come together to see what they can do, no holds barred, and ask their friends to join in.

Please email;Sandilion49@gmail.com, for information and details. This is a private house concert on the Upper West Side of NYC.

Brittany Haas is a 5-string fiddle player from the Bay Area, currently residing in Nashville. She grew up honing her craft in fiddle camps nationwide and came to her unique sound through the old-time fiddling of Bruce Molsky and the innovative styling of Darol Anger. A prodigious youth, she began touring with Darol's Republic of Strings at the age of 14. She simultaneously studied baboons in the evolutionary biology department of Princeton University and joined seminal chamber-grass band Crooked Still. She has toured with them since, and also performed with Yonder Mountain String Band, Tony Trischka, Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas (her cellist sister), Abigail Washburn and the Waybacks, She played fiddle on Steve Martin's Grammy Award winning CD, "The row" and performed in his band on Letterman and SNL. She released her debut self-titled solo album at 17, produced by Darol Anger and featuring Bruce Molsky, Mike Marshall, Alison Brown and others.

Dan Trueman is a composer and performer, primarily with the Norwegian Hardanger fiddle and the laptop, sometimes together, sometimes not. His ensembles include QQQ, the Princeton Laptop Orchestra (PLOrk, which he co-founded and directs), Trollstilt, post-Post, and interface. He has performed his music with numerous other ensembles, including So Percussion, the Brentano and Daedelus string quartets, and the American Composers Orchestra. As a fiddler, he has performed at folk festivals across the US and in Norway, and he teaches traditional Norwegian fiddle music. Upcoming projects include a laptop-percussion quartet for So Percussion, a record with Old Time fiddler extraordinaire Brittany Haas, and more music for PLOrk and QQQ. Dan has received grants from the Guggenheim and MacArthur Foundations, among others, and he teaches composition at Princeton University.

John Doyle on November 19

2011-10-30T15:37:00.010-04:00

The Jenkins House Concert series is pleased to welcome John Doyle to the Upper West Side while he is on tour of the Northeast. John is one of the most influential and important musicians in Irish music today. He was a founding member of Irish American super-group Solas in the 1990s and recently served as band leader for the Joan Baez band. As a guitarist, he is unparalleled for his harmonic and rhythmic genius. His instrumental prowess contributed to his 2010 GRAMMY nomination for Best Traditional World Music album for his collaboration with fiddler Liz Carroll on Double Play. In recent years Doyle has emerged as an important singer of Irish music as well; his 2010 collaboration, Exiles Return, with Karan Casey won him critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as a world class interpreter of traditional songs.

Please join us on November 19th at 8:00. You can reserve a seat for this performance by emailing Sandilion49@gmail.com for all the details.

The Tres Amigos on October 22

2011-10-08T08:13:00.007-04:00

Quickly becoming a beloved mainstay of the New York folk scene, The Tres Amigos present high-energy original music and forgotten gems in bold, acrobatic performances. Behind those matching mariachi shirts are virtuosic musicians and songwriters, delivering the goods in sunny three-part harmony with all the vibe of your uncle’s old ‘45’s. Every Tres Amigos performance careens from bluegrass to blues, from wild-man jazz to honky-tonk, with a "latin tinge," — a testament to the diverse but interconnected origins of American music. Recent highlights include a 3-night run at The Blue Note in NYC, The Blue Plate Special Radio show in Knoxville TN, the Mountain Meltdown in Olean, NY, Ashkenaz in Berkeley CA, and numerous outreach, education, and college performances across America.

Hailing from the rolling hills of North Carolina, vocalist/guitarist Justin Poindexter is the descendent of a long line of southern storytellers. His songs and guitar pickin’ have been featured in award-winning films and albums, and in hundreds of venues from Georgia roadhouses to Lincoln Center in New York City. Justin is the recipient of numerous grants for his music research and composition, including grants from the Semans’ Art Fund and the Howard Hanson Institute for American Music.

Recently graduated from Columbia Univeristy vocalist/accordionist Sam Reider is to The Tres Amigos what the green chile is to the tamale. An avid scholar of 30's music, his wild and constantly surprising playing has been lighting up stages all across the country. Originally from San Francisco, in 2007 Sam's voice and keyboard stylings were featured on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz on National Public Radio. Since then he has toured extensively with his own band and released two critically acclaimed recordings.

A former resident of Oaxaca, Mexico and an alumnus of the Juilliard School,vocalist/saxophonist/percussionist Eddie Ray Barbash is the virtuosic fuel of The Tres Amigos machine. Winner of numerous awards for saxophone performance, Eddie Ray has performed in festivals all over the world including New Orleans’ Jazz Fest and the Monterey Jazz Festival and worked alongside artists ranging from drummer Chico Hamilton to New Orleans piano giant Dr. John. In his role as percussionist in The Tres Amigos, Eddie wields the Stradivarius of washboards, the Zinc King.

The Tres Amigos are gearing up to release their first radio broadcast. The show, which explores a different American cultural and musical theme each month, will be available first online and then over the good old fashion airwaves.

Please visit http://thetresamigos.bandcamp.com for audio samples.

For information please contact sandilion49@gmail.com

All seats for this show are now reserved. See you next time.

The Bee Eaters Return to West 89th St. on Sept. 23

2011-08-24T14:39:00.009-04:00

The Bee Eaters trace their roots back to musical traditions as diverse as bluegrass, Celtic, jazz and old-time. While today’s new breed often produces an amalgamation of sounds and styles based on a distant view, the Bee Eaters were raised embedded in these traditions… raised to mold, meld, shape them and carry them forward, leaving their own indelible marks in the process.

Brother-sister duo Tristan and Tashina Clarridge, long known and lauded by those steeped in the American fiddle tradition are joined by hammer dulcimer wizard Simon Chrisman and mandolin virtuoso Dominick Leslie.

Tashina Clarridge, the 2005 Grand National Fiddle Champion, has toured with Mark O’Connor, Tony Trischka and Laurie Lewis and has performed at Carnegie Hall as a part of MacArthur Fellow/Grammy-winning bassist Edgar Meyer’s Young Artists program. Multi-instrumentalist brother Tristan is an innovative cellist and 5-time Grand National Fiddle Champion. His talents have been sought by Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Bruce Molsky and Cape Breton fiddle phenomenon Natalie MacMaster. In addition to performing with the Bee Eaters, he tours internationally with Crooked Still.

Hammer dulcimer virtuoso Simon Chrisman brings an unusual style to an instrument that has previously been thought to have limited range and technique. His inventive virtuosic touch and sophisticated rhythmic sensibilities are redefining the instrument and earning the attention of musicians from all over the world. He has performed with Darol Anger and Mike Marshall, opened for Bill Frisell and, at the tender age of 16, was a scholarship guest artist at the prestigious Augusta Heritage Festival.

Though only 21 years old, mandolinist Dominick Leslie has spent every one of those years immersed in bluegrass and acoustic music, and his innovative style and musical curiosity are informed by these deep roots. He has studied with mandolin masters David Grisman, Mike Marshall and Chris Thile, won numerous mandolin championships, and performed in France as a member of Mike Marshall's Young American Mandolin Ensemble. He has toured with Missy Raines, and currently performs with The Deadly Gentlemen and the Grant Gordy Quartet.

Since their formation in 2008 (with original member Wesley Corbett), the Bee Eaters have been on a trajectory of growth, both personal and musical. Their ensemble work has taken on mature, textured and nuanced tones, as their compositions have become more thoughtful and intricate. With Tashina’s delicate fiddle and Tristan’s grounding cello wrapped around Simon’s intricate and ethereal dulcimer and Dominick’s driving mandolin, they have created a never-before-heard sound in American music. No tricks. No pyrotechnics. Four instrumental voices, united in their musical exploration.

Listening to the Bee Eaters is like eavesdropping on a spirited, private conversation. As wonderful as their recorded music is, watching the Bee Eaters in live performance is an exercise in safe danger. They parry and thrust, challenging each other at every moment. Their focus on their music and on each other is tight and complete. Their melodic lines and rhythmic phrases dance (and sometimes roil) over, under and around each other. There is sometimes dissonance but always an ultimate harmony.

With the release of OddFellows Road on Sept. 6, 2011, the Bee Eaters continue to travel the country performing in clubs, concert halls and festivals, evangelists for their new American acoustic sound.

Perhaps Tony Trischka said it best: “Their impressive ensemble work… leaves me breathless. Their music excites, heals and enriches. Listen often."

Please contact Sandy at Sandilion49@gmail.com for information about reserving a seat for this concert.

Inga Swearingen on Saturday, June 4

2011-04-21T19:24:00.008-04:00

Inspired by songs from all over the world with a special nod towards American jazz standards, Inga Swearingen blends her infuences into a beautiful juxtaposition of styles and emotions. Whether putting her personal stamp on a standard or combining the understated grooves of bossa nova with Swedish folk melodies, Inga captivates her audience with her gift of joyful melodic invention.
Please check out her website;www.ingaswearingen.com/

Inga will be joined by Jeff Miley on guitar and Zack Lober on upright bass.

“Melodies unfold like Virginia Woolf’s best sentences, patiently building to an
expected climax before transcending it like a sweet exhalation of air.”
American Songwriter’s March/April 2010 review of Inga Swearingen's First Rain.

If you would like to reserve a seat for this performance, please email Sandy;sandilion49@gmail.com. This is the last house concert of our ninth season. Thank you to all of the hundreds of people in and around the New York City who have supported our concerts over the years. We will be hosting a new series starting in September 2011, so please check back at the end of the summer for the schedule.

Laura Cortese's Acoustic Project on April 16

2011-04-04T06:34:00.003-04:00

Laura Cortese's Acoustic Project
featuring Natalie Haas, Brittany Haas and Mariel Vandersteel

“Ambition often follows talent, and Laura Cortese has an embarrassment of both. Her open-armed approach to her art reveals a determination to spread the word about folk music and dance without watering down their distinctiveness.” John Wenzel, Denver Post

Welding the propulsive grace of ancient fiddle styles to disarmingly open-hearted original pop songs, Laura Cortese has emerged among the most intriguing and versatile, musicians in the bountiful New England post-folk scene. At home in any number of traditional styles, her highly-visible work as a supporting musician (on fiddle, vocals, and bass) includes appearances with Uncle Earl, Tao Seeger, Band of Horses, and - as part of Pete Seeger's 90th birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden - Patterson Hood and Michael Franti. Laura will be touring to support the release of her Acoustic Project featuring Natalie Haas, Brittany Haas and Mariel Vandersteel this spring.

Vibrant young cellist Natalie Haas is a seasoned performer, recording artist, and teacher. She has joined master Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser for festival and concert appearances in Scotland, Spain, France, and throughout the U.S., including Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow, Scotland, the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in France, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. "People may be familiar with the gorgeous, melodic cello sound," says Fraser, "but they're surprised to learn that the cello used to comprise the rhythm section in Scottish dance bands. Natalie Haas unleashes textures and deep, powerful rhythms that drive fiddle tunes.

Brittany Haas' repertoire focuses on Appalachian mountain music played on the 5 string fiddle. She is currently a member of the Boston-based alternative bluegrass band, Crooked Still. She graduated from Princeton University in 2009 and was a member of the Princeton University Band. Previously she was a member of Darol Anger's Republic of Strings. Her first CD, Brittany Haas, was released on Ook records in 2004 and includes guest musicians Bruce Molsky, Darol Anger, Todd Sickafoose, Mike Marshall, and her sister, cellist Natalie Haas.

Mariel Vandersteel, a recent graduate of Berklee College of Music, has studied violin in Ireland with a cultural grant, at a folk school in Norway and at fiddle camps across the United States. She also plays Norway's hardingfele and plays with Blue Moose and the Unbuttoned Zippers, Laura Cortese, Putnam Smith and is currently working on her solo project.

Dean Stevens, At Last, on Saturday, March 12

2011-02-24T20:37:00.006-05:00

For twenty five years Dean Stevens has delighted audiences of all ages throughout the Americas. An exuberant performer of distinctive style and wit, he combines an intricate, self-taught guitar style with a versatile and expressive singing voice. He has established himself as a formidable creator and interpreter of a wide spectrum of songs in English and Spanish. His own material explores a variety of personal and social topics, paints sketches of people and places, celebrates the Earth, and annoys the narrow minded.

Born and raised in Costa Rica, Dean Stevens is a lifelong student of Latin America. He learned Spanish at an early age, and readily absorbed the musical and topical influences of the region. He travels frequently to Central America, and has become known for his humanitarian efforts on behalf of refugees returning to their homes in El Salvador and Guatemala.

Please join us in welcoming our friend, Dean Stevens to New York City. For more infomation or to reserve a seat contact Sandy at Sandilion49@gmail.com

Beppe Gambetta on Saturday, February 5

2011-01-19T17:30:00.008-05:00

The Jenkins House Concert series is pleased to welcome Beppe Gambetta to the Upper West Side from his new home in the hills of western New Jersey. Born in Genoa, Italy, Beppe has long been a student of traditional American roots music. His flat-picking guitar and vocal style reflect this and other influences which make Beppe a truly unique and sought after concert performer. Please join us on February 5 at 8:00.

RSVP to Sandilion49@gmail.com

Reserved seats sell out quickly so please RSVP as soon as possible and we will respond with the details. Some standing room is available for late reservations. This house concert is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

“Beppe Gambetta is an Artist. He inhabits a vantage point and possesses a world view that sets him apart from the crowded phalanx of merely great pickers. But just as importantly, he has the skills with a flatpick to articulate and bring to us the thoughts and feelings of his soul”
- Kevin Stevenson, Flatpicking Guitar Magazine

“His incredible versatility combined with his charm and engaging stage presence make Beppe’s concerts evenings of high quality music and relaxed entertainment. Over-riding all else, however, is the brilliance of his talent...” - Cornish Guardian

“Few players on the planet could so successfully fuse an unwavering allegiance to tradition with impatient, wide-eyed vision, tongue-in-cheek humor with solemn devotion, and folksy song styles with progressive improvisation as Gambetta...”
- John D’Agostino, Wood & Steel

“This was such exciting, varied, satisfying and just downright musical music that I wanted more, particularly of Gambetta in florid Italianate style...”
- Brian Miller, BBC RADIO Scotland

Aoife O'Donovan on Friday, January 7

2010-12-27T12:42:00.015-05:00

Singer Aoife O'Donovan will perform on Friday, January 7, at 7:30 PM, along with her acoustic trio- Jake Silver on bass, Ryan Scott on guitar and Robin McMillan on percussion. Aoife has been called the "voice of the new tradition" by Performer Magazine. Merging American, Irish, klezmer and jazz styles, Aoife's ethereal voice brings mature expression to traditional songs.

Aoife grew up in Newton, MA where she was surrounded by music from an early age. She spent all of her summers in Ireland immersed in the folk music tradition and studying Irish dance. In high school, Aoife became interested in the American folk tradition through artists such as Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, and began playing guitar and singing traditional songs. In 2003, Aoife graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music.

Aoife's main musical endeavor is her work with the alternative bluegrass band Crooked Still. In addition, Aoife has been member of the jazz-bluegrass super-group the Wayfaring Strangers and Sometymes Why, a Jenkins House Concert favorite. Aoife has also performed with Seamus Egan, Darol Anger, the Boston Pops and the Utah Symphony.

"Please go and see Aoife o Donovan, not only is she in possession of a rare and beautiful thing--her voice, but it is all underlined by her intelligent choice of song and her subtle and soulful singing style. Believe me you will be hooked." - Karan Casey

If you are in the NYC area, please email Sandilion49@gmail.com for more information.

Mike and Ruthy, Two in a Million

2010-11-28T10:00:00.007-05:00

Mike and Ruthy, the folk-rock duo formerly of the Mammals, will appear at the Jenkins on Saturday, December 11 at 8:00 PM.

An Americana songwriting duo with a loyal and ever-growing following on the acoustic folk scene, Mike & Ruthy are writing, recording and touring clubs and festivals around the country. With a repertoire of old-timey, folk, and just plain love songs, their heartfelt vocal duets intertwine with lively fiddle, banjo and guitar.

Their most recent duo CD, Million to One, will be available for purchase at the concert.

For a reservation please contact Sandy at:Sandilion49@gmail.com. Concerts sell out quickly these days so please reserve your seats early. There is a voluntary $15 donation, all of which goes to the performer. And don't forget to bring something tasty for the food and byo drink buffet.
Directions for those of you in the NYC area and more information will be provided with your reservation.

All seats for this concert are now reserved as of 12/4/10. See you next time!

Hanneke Cassel, Mike Block & Christopher Lewis on Friday, November 12

2010-10-28T12:23:00.010-04:00

Hanneke has performed at our house concert space many times, and each time we are impressed by her ability to capture the musical hearts and souls of her audience. We also welcome cellist, Mike Block and guitarist, Christopher Lewis. Together they will perform on Friday, Nov. 12th. The door will open at 7:00 and music will commence at 7:30. Please reserve a seat by contacting Sandy at Sandilion49@gmail.com

“One of the most talented and fun-loving young fiddlers you could ever hope to meet! This is fiddle music played with great stylistic integrity and personal flair – definitely a joy to listen to!“
- Alasdair Fraser

“Hanneke Cassel really knows what she wants musically, and on this record she lets us share in her vision of a beautiful world of the violin. Hanneke’s playing is always tremendously expressive, beautifully executed, with a wonderful sense of line and dynamics…”
-Matt Glaser

“She is already a rising star in the Celtic skies…her musical ideas are savvy and sophisticated, but her throaty, gusting style is deeply banked in the Scottish and Cape Breton traditions.”
-Boston Globe

“…the rhapsodic quality of Cassel’s ballads or slow airs evinces a soul’s fully expressed quest …Cassel’s rhythms are tenacious, and they weave through a set of reels with serpentine grace.”
-Boston Herald

“…the sound of Cassel’s fiddle is mature, it also exudes spunk, which makes her music playful and dance-inducing.”
- Fiddler Magazine

“…[one of] the hottest young fiddlers in Boston…Cassel bases her robust, pulsing style on Scottish and Cape Breton strains.”
-Boston Globe

Bruce Molsky, Saturday, October 16

2010-10-10T11:24:00.012-04:00

Bruce Molsky is right around the corner. We have waited for years for Bruce to put a Jenkins' House Concert on his very busy tour schedule. He is one of the unique old-time musicians who is equally a scholar and consummate performer. Bruce performs his solo fiddle, banjo, guitar music all over the world. He is a cherished teacher at fiddle camps all over the country and taught all three of the Jenkins kids at the Ashokan Fiddle and Dance Camp.

Reserved seats are nearly sold out so please RSVP as soon as possible to Sandilion49@gmail.com and we will respond with the details. Some standing room is available for late reservations. This house concert is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

http://www.brucemolsky.com/

Jazz Violinist, Christian Howes, Friday, September 17th

2010-08-20T22:05:00.023-04:00

The Jenkins House Concert series is thrilled to announce that jazz violinist, Christian Howes, accepted our invitation to open our 8th season next month. Reid recently met Chris at the MOC-NYC String Camp where this concert opportunity fell into place. August 10th marked the release of Christian's latest album, “Out of the Blue” on Resonance Records featuring the legendary jazz and blues guitarist, Robben Ford. He has officially begun his ambitious tour of performances and clinics, including over 20 U.S. cities, assorted European dates, concluding with several engagements in Asia by the end of the fall. We welcome Chris to New York's Upper West Side.

Christian grew up in Columbus, Ohio and received a degree in Philosophy from the Ohio State University. After spending 8 years based here in New York City and touring the world, he recently returned to Columbus to reclaim his roots. As an educator, performer and composer, Christian Howes has gained great notoriety and respect from critics and players alike. Christian was a favorite of the late Les Paul, with whom he worked for 11 years. Says Christian of his mentor, ”Les defied categorization in terms of age or genre. His character, approach to life, and musicianship taught me many valuable lessons which I hope never to forget”. In recent years, Howes has become an in-demand violinist on the New York scene, performing and recording with a bevy of jazz artists, including alto saxophonist Greg Osby, pianist D.D. Jackson, guitarists Les Paul , Frank Vignola, and Joel Harrison, drummer Dafnis Prieto, vibraphonist Dave Samuels’s Caribbean Jazz Project, crossover pioneers Spyro Gyra, and a 4-yr chair in Bill Evans Soulgrass. On his recent cd, Heartfelt, the violinist collaborates with pianist-arranger Roger Kellaway, a legendary figure in his own right.

In August, 2009, Christian was ranked (for the third time) as the #2 violinist in the Downbeat Critics Poll “Rising Stars”. Says All About Jazz ,”as a jazz violinist he has no peer”. The Minneapolis Tribune called Christian ”arguably the most intriguing young violinist in jazz”. According to the Chicago Reader, “Not since Jean Luc Ponty has a violinist ranged from pure classical to fuzz-tone rock to convincing jazz with such authority”. An Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music, he is also the founder of the Creative Strings Workshop and Festival, which convenes during the first week of July every year at Otterbein College.

Chris will appear net Friday night with his trio: David Grossman, bass, Donald Vega, piano, and Jordan Perlson drums. For details and reservations please contact Sandy at; Sandilion49@gmail.com

VOCO and The Jenkins Family at Joe's Pub on July 29th

2010-07-06T17:51:00.010-04:00

On Thursday, July 29th, VOCO and The Jenkins Family Band will join musical forces at Joe's Pub located at 425 Lafayette Street in Manhattan. (212) 539-8777 The Jenkinses will open with 30 minutes of some of their favorite tunes including some originals written by our daughter, Cassandra and our son Reid. The set will begin with the trio of Cass, Steph and Reid playing and singing some old-time songs and commence with Richard and Sandy coming to the stage to present some arrangements of some hum-along standards. Then, our friends in VOCO take to the stage to present their mostly a capella numbers with waves of body percussion and vocal harmonies sometimes supported by cello, banjo or accordion. Mark your calendars, call for reservations or get a ticket at the door. Admission is $15, and food is available.
Hope to see you there!

Last House Concert of the Season on June 12th

2010-06-04T19:50:00.005-04:00

Welcoming for the first time musicians Eric Frey and Chas Justus and to welcome back Kristin Andreassen.

We have been trying to coax Eric and Chas’s band The Red Stick Ramblers, a smokin’ Cajun/Western-Swing quintet from Lafayette, La., into doing a house concert for years now, which is why we are so excited for Eric and Chas to finally share some of their original songs with us. You can read about Chas and Eric on The Red Stick Ramblers’ website: http://www.redstickramblers.com/
Kristin has been performing at our house ever since she first clogged on our floor at our very first concert six years ago. Since then she has graced our stage in groups such as old-time trio The Jolly Bankers, and female singer trio Sometymes Why. You can read more about Kristin and her numerous projects on her website:
http://www.yellowcarmusic.com/

For more information or a seat please rsvp:Sandilion49@gmail.com

Lisa Redfern and Randall Williams on May 15th

2010-04-19T21:02:00.010-04:00

Lisa Redfern is an award winning singer-songwriter who recently moved back to Maine from the San Francisco Bay area. She was raised in Maine and first performed with her father, Bob, who taught her to play guitar at age 14. Bob was a folksinger who had his musical beginnings at the legendary Seeger family hootenannies in Washington, DC in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Throughout her high school and college years she honed her talents in a variety of settings such as musical theatre, forming her own folk trios as well as an Andrews Sisters tribute group.

With eight solo recordings to her credit so far (including, “Hushabye, Lullaby” which has sold more than 50,000 copies) she is a singer-songwriter who blends her roots in folk, bluegrass, country, gospel, blues, and swing to create something unmistakably her own. Lisa’s seven recordings have garnered positive critical review, extensive radio play and she has also made several TV appearances. She has added her clear, beautiful voice to dozens of other artists’ projects and song compilations and has performed with many notables including Pete Seeger, Dave Mallett and The Roches.

A versatile vocalist comfortable in many styles, Lisa is also an experienced wedding/church soloist and children’s concert performer. As a voice-over artist she can be heard speaking and singing on several toys for Fisher Price and Play Along Toys. For the past twenty summers Lisa has appeared at the much beloved Sweet Chariot Music Festival on Swan’s Island, Maine and she continues to perform and record. She now produces and performs in the local monthly songwriter series: Songwriters in the Round in Brunswick, Maine.

Two hours after informing his voice teacher that he was leaving the world of classical music, Randall Williams graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Mons, Belgium at the head of his class. He felt that classical music lacked the inclusiveness of folk music, and that the inevitable division between performer and audience was unbearable. And so Randall returned to the world of traveling with his guitar, writing songs in train stations and sleeping on couches, then singing and playing on street corners, cafés, and pubs. For a time he lived aboard a 20' sailboat that he bought for $800, teaching himself how to sail by single-handing through the Baltic and North Seas with his guitar sleeping in the berth beside him at night. He wrote a book about the trip, which begins with the story of almost getting squashed by a tanker before dawn one morning in the North Sea.   He moved to North Africa, then set off across the Sahara by hitching with locals - bouncing through a minefield on the way that made his mother have bad dreams. He loved the adventure, but he missed the music.  

In 2005, Randall returned stateside to scrounge up a career as a performing songwriter, hoping it wasn't too late. So far, it hasn't been. As the "Partial Capo Guy," Randall has written two books for Hal Leonard, recorded a DVD for Kyser Musical Products, and given workshops at some of the biggest festivals in United States. As a performer, Randall has been a finalist in the Founder's Title and Mid-Atlantic Song Contests, A regional finalist at Kerrville, a showcase artist at Northeast and Midwest Folk Alliance, and at the International Folk Alliance in Memphis, and an Audience Favorite at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. His 2007 live release, "One Night in Louisiana" made a respectable dent in the folk DJ charts (One single, "Lebanon," was #8 in May,) and he's generally a nice guy to have around, capos or not.  

Randall is as much at home in a Bangkok slum or a Senegalese village, at the Kennedy Center in D.C. or the Fine Arts Palace in Brussels sandwiched between a twitchy orchestra and a full house, or shoeless on the floor of your living room. Randall has sung in a dozen languages in over 35 countries.  

Lynne Andrews: "When Randall left the confines of classical music largely behind, they lost a great talent, but the world gained a good friend - a friend who will tell its stories with grace, compassion, humility and humor."

Please contact Sandilion49@gmail.com and RSVP for directions and details about this May 15th concert.

Reid Jenkins' Senior Recital, April 25th

2010-04-03T09:00:00.006-04:00

I'll be playing and singing music from many styles--Jazz, Classical & Americana Fiddle, featuring 5 original compositions (i.e. a four minute string quartet, three fiddle tunes, and a song), and a bunch of other stuff. I have a killing band and a killing string quartet, and my family members (all of whom are musicians) will be joining me on a few. It's also in the comfort of my home! Please RSVPASAP cause it's in my living room and it can fill up quickly. HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT!

Sunday, April 25th
3:00 PM

Thanks,
Reid
RSVP: Sandilion49@gmail.com for directions and details

The Evil City String Band to perform on Friday, March 19th

2010-03-07T21:25:00.004-05:00

The Evil City String Band grew out of the vibrant old time music scene that is alive and well, in and around the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, more specifically, Ithaca and Trumansburg. Richie Stearns, singer-songwriter and banjo player, together with Steve Selin on fiddle, Paddy Burke on guitar, and our daughter, Stephanie Jenkins, on bass will perform on March 19th starting at 8:00. Please RSVP Sandilion49@gmail.com if you would like a seat and details will follow.

Rafe and Clelia Stefanini on Sat. February 27th

2010-02-10T09:32:00.005-05:00

RAFE STEFANINI needs no introduction to old-time audiences and musicians. He was born in Italy, and has lived in the US since 1983. His love for Old Time music brought him here first as a visitor in the late 70s, then as a permanent resident. Since then he has established himself as one of the finest interpreters of fiddle music from the South. His dynamic and elegant fiddle and banjo playing was featured in some of the best bands to appear on the scene. Rafe is on the teaching staff at the Ashokan Fiddle and Dance Camp, where The Jenkins met him many summers ago.

CLELIA STEFANINI is following in her father’s footsteps with skills on the fiddle and guitar far exceeding her age of 17, with a style solidly grounded in the older tradition.

Together, the duo presents an entertaining show that includes rousing fiddle duets, old time ballads, songs and banjo tunes. Their new CD “ NEVER SEEN THE LIKE...” will be available at the house concert.

Directions and details will follow your reply to Sandilion49@gmail.com

2010-02-07T11:26:00.006-05:00

Sara Caswell Trio Returns Feb. 6th as a Quartet

2010-01-13T18:58:00.005-05:00

Sara Caswell, jazz violinist, will return February 6th, 2010 with Ike Sturm, bass, Jesse Lewis, guitar and Jared Schonig, drums. Since Sara last performed in our living room two years ago, she has continued to live here in NYC, and has been performing in many jazz venues around the city as well as teaching both at the Manhattan School of Music and the Mark O'Connor string camps.

On July 4th, she was a featured soloist with The New York Pops on NBC-TV as part of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, taped live on the flight deck of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. She performed “Sparks and Smoke: The Clermont,” the third movement from American River Suite, a new orchestral work by composer Stephen Flaherty commissioned in celebration of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s historic voyage. Sara's segment begins at 1:10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJeHkjZDDlA&feature=PlayList&p=4512E198CB822BC8&index=2

Scattered in between these events have been performances and/or recording sessions with some of her favorite musicians, including guitarist Gene Bertoncini, bassist Ike Sturm, saxophonist Jon Gordon, and (of course) her sister Rachel. Speaking of which… Rachel and she have been hard at work on their new CD project with the amazing pianist Fred Hersch. After many hours of mixing and mastering the tracks, the CD will be released soon. Stay tuned!

Voco is returning on January 10th

2009-12-21T21:14:00.003-05:00

Moira Smiley & Voco will be returning to do a Sunday evening concert during their east coast tour. Almost a year ago to the day, Voco packed our livingroom and thrilled everyone present. A vocal band with cello, banjo and accordian, Voco brings the energy of street singing, the risks of improvisation and the precision of a string quartet." Voco will be appearing in the Jenkins House Concert Series on January 10, 2010. Details and directions will be given at the time of your reservation. Please RSVP Sandilion49@gmail.com

Bob Lucas and Chloe Manor on Nov. 21st

2009-11-15T22:03:00.007-05:00

In October of 2003, Bob, and his daughter Chloe, performed at our very first house concert. They set the standard at a very high level and we have not been disappointed since. Over the years, our friendship has deepened and our concerts live on. Please join us for an evening of song and celebration.

Bob Lucas is a songwriter, actor & multi-instrumentalist. He has lived in Logan County, Ohio for the last 20 years working for the nationally famous Mad River Theater Works where he has held the positions of music director and songwriter in residence. While at Mad River, he has written music for and performed in 25 original plays.

Before coming to Ohio, Lucas formed the ground breaking folk group “Eclectricity,” touring internationally with famed actor and singer Theodore Bikel. As a songwriter he has achieved success having his songs recorded by international recording stars such as Alison Krauss, New Grass Revival, Sam Bush and Kathy Chiavloa. His debut solo album, “The Dancer Inside You” received a four star rating from Downbeat Magazine. Recently two more of his songs have been released on the award winning Alison Krauss and Union Station album “New Favorite”.

We are so happy to welcome them back to New York. If you are interested in attending please email Sandy at; Sandilion49@gmail.com

Mike Marshall's Big Trio on November 8th

2009-10-31T15:46:00.005-04:00

On Sunday evening, November 8th at 7:00PM, Jenkins House Concerts will host Mike Marshall's Big Trio including bassist Paul Kowert, violinist Alex Hargraves and multi-instrumentalist, Mike Marshall. They will present an evening of original music-a fusion of jazz, bluegrass and classical. We feel so lucky that these three musicians can play join us here in NYC while on tour.

We met young Alex five years ago at the Valley of the Moon Fiddle Camp (he's only 17 now) and even then he was boldly impressive. Last year we had the pleasure of getting to know Paul Kowert while he occupied our second floor front apartment during his first month of living in NYC. On many occasions I would stop outside of his door and eavesdrop on Paul practicing Bach. So we welcome Paul back to 26 West 89th, along with Alex and Mike and hope you will join us for this very special evening. Please RSVP to Sandilion49@gmail.com. and I will email you back with the details.

The Bee Eaters, formerly known as New Old Stock, return to our nest

2009-09-26T22:02:00.023-04:00

The Bee Eaters, featuring Tristan and Tashina Clarridge on cello and fiddle, along with bandmates, Simon Chrisman on hammered dulcimer and banjoist Wes Corbett, will present an evening of new acoustic music--a mix of bluegrass, Celtic, old-time, and jazz, on Friday, October 23rd.
Check out their website for more information;http://beeeaters.com/HOME.html

For reservations please contact Sandy at: Sandilion49@gmail.com

Teresa Tudury opens our 7th season on Sept. 12th

2009-08-16T08:58:00.008-04:00

Teresa Tudury

Saturday, September 12th, 8pm

Voluntary Donation: $15 All of which goes to the performer

For reserved seats and further information, please contact Sandy at: Sandilion49@gmail.com,

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
A newcomer to our series is Teresa Tudury, songwriter, singer, and "bringer of levity and grace," you will not want to miss this unique evening. Having played along side of Teresa at the Sweet Chariot Music Festival, we look forward to welcoming her to New York City during her East Coast tour.

TERESA TUDURY started writing songs at age 12 and was performing in San Francisco nightclubs by the time she was 15. She has played on and off in the Bay Area for years, and for almost two decades was based in Los Angeles where in addition to music gigs, she wrote comedy and worked as a character actress on stage and screen.

With a deep, sultry voice that magnetizes audiences, and a scathing comedic wit to match, Teresa is a consummate performer who pours out her original songs with power, verve, passion, and disarming humor. Teresa's voice has been described as a cross between Bette Midler and Bonnie Raitt (LA Weekly). Her vocal stylings are perfectly complemented by her bluesy guitar playing.

Throughout her career, Teresa has recorded or performed with such greats as Leonard Cohen, Rickie Lee Jones, Lyle Lovett, Taj Mahal, Leo Kottke and Bonnie Bramlett. Now residing in Sonoma County, Teresa continues to perform and write new material. She recently rereleased her 1992 self-titled solo album, Teresa Tudury, and her 2002 CD, River Of Life. Currently recording a CD of new material for release in 2009, and with a steady stream of concerts coming up, Teresa is a gifted artist in her prime.

See you here!
Sandy Jenkins

Mother-Daughter String Band on May 9, Mothers' Day Eve

2009-04-28T06:44:00.002-04:00

The Mother-Daughter Stringband is Lyn Hardy & Abby Newton and their daughters Ruth Ungar Merenda & Rosie Newton. Fiddles, cello, guitar, National steel ukelele, banjo and lots of singing of old and new folk repertoire. This Mother's Day Weekend, these four women will be joining forces for a very special series of concerts. They'll be singing great mother-daughter harmonies and playing old-timey, celtic and contemporary tunes that they love.

Brief History:

Lyn and Abby performed and recorded together in the 1970's with John Cohen and Jay Ungar in "The Putnam String County Band." It was in this decade that Ruth was born, into a great old-timey string band resurgence in New York's Hudson Valley. In the 1980's, Lyn moved to Western Massachusetts and toured with the all-female folk band "Rude Girls". At this time Abby began playing Celtic music and touring Scotland and the US with Jean Redpath. That's when Rosie was born and she too was raised on many of the same tunes and lullabies that Ruth had absorbed earlier, like Lyn and Abby's beautiful versions of "Black Jack Davey" and "Turtle Dove."

Email Sandilion49@gmail.com for a reservation and details.

Cassandra Jenkins at the Mercury Lounge April 22

2009-04-19T21:49:00.002-04:00

Hi Friends,
I'm very excited to tell you all about an EARLY show this coming Wednesday with two of my dear friends, Stephanie Coleman and Kristin Andreassen.

The Mercury Lounge
Opening for Sara Watkins
Wednesday, April 22nd
6:30 PM, $15

http://www.mercuryloungenyc.com/
http://www.sarawatkins.com/

xo Cassandra

House Concert on Friday, April 24th

2009-03-28T07:06:00.004-04:00

On Friday, April 24th, the Jenkins will host a truly unique trio - Hanneke Cassel, Natalie Haas and Keith Murphy. All three have performed in our living room before, but this is the first time we will have the pleasure of hearing them play together. This is a not-to-be-missed evening. And of course The New Faculty Ramblers will be warming up the program with a few new tunes. Please check out their individual websites:
http://www.hannekecassel.com/biography/biopage.htm;
http://www.nataliehaas.com/
http://blackislemusic.com/keithbio.htm;
Please contact Sandy Jenkins if you are interested in reserving a seat on the 24th at Sandilion49@gmail.com. and she will send you the details and directions to our home.

The New Lost Faculty Ramblers on Saturday, March 7th

2009-02-28T16:39:00.006-05:00

Bob, Fran, Kate, Sandy, Steve & Tim-The New Lost Faculty Ramblers-and a few surprise guests-will be singing and playing their favorite tunes next Saturday, March 7th, here at the Jenkins. Their lush harmonies and colorful instrumentation yield a unique, organic sound. After seeing us warm-up for many of the other performers at the house concerts, members of the audience have requested that we give a concert of our own. This is it folks. Please RSVP to Sandilion49@gmail.com.

Laurel Massé to be featured on February 21st

2009-02-08T20:20:00.003-05:00

Very few artists can claim to have started their career in music at the top, but as a founding member of the universally-acclaimed Manhattan Transfer, that is exactly what Laurel Massé did. With her lush, expressive voice, absolute pitch, flawless diction and ready wit, the statuesque redhead left her indelible mark on the group. “I have never forgotten what I learned in my years with Manhattan Transfer,” says Laurel, and I will always cherish the thrill of being part of that wonderful sound.” She toured internationally with the Transfer for seven years, recording four albums (since certified gold and platinum) and the movie soundtrack of Just a Gigolo, which starred David Bowie, Kim Novak, and Marlene Dietrich in her final screen appearance. Laurel also made numerous television appearances; her favorites include Mary Tyler Moore’s 1974 television special Mary’s Incredible Dream, and in the Manhattan Transfer Show on CBS TV in 1975.

Read more about Laurel at: http://www.laurelmasse.com/

Please contact Sandy Jenkins for more information and reservations. Sandilion49@gmail.com

Punch Brothers at the Livingroom

2009-01-14T22:50:00.007-05:00

PBingo is Punch Brothers' creative process on display at the Living Room every Thursday night that they aren't somewhere else, starting tomorrow night, January 15 and next week January 22, at 154 Ludlow Street from 10-12. Visit their website at: http://www.punchbrothers.com

Voco will bring in the new year on 1/10/09

2008-12-28T18:06:00.008-05:00

Stompin’ rebel-harmony with cello & banjo: Original songs steeped in Appalachia & Eastern Europe.

Moira Smiley & VOCO sing powerful, emotional music with lush harmony and the delicious vaudevillian combo of cello, accordion and banjo. Sprinkled throughout their songs are rompin'stompin' body percussion sets - always a show-stopping pleasure. Voted #1 a cappella band in the U.S., the four members of VOCO create post-folk, improvisation-built songs while digging into old Americana and Eastern European sounds. Original music and new fruits from the old songs... Americana to Bartók, ethereal and gritty."

Voco (Moira, Jess, Jessica and Christine) will be appearing in the Jenkins House Concert Series on January 10, 2009. Details and directions will be given at the time of your reservation. Please RSVP Sandilion49@gmail.com

For further information visit their websites:http://www.myspace.com/vocoinfo and http://www.moirasmiley.com/VOCO_main.html

Our lucky day, Sometymes Why will appear on December 13th

2008-11-09T08:26:00.002-05:00

Kristin Andreassen & Ruth Ungar Merenda & Aoife O'Donovan

Sometymes Why is a mesmerizing trio of modern-day sirens. Their vocal intensity, sparse arrangements, and passionate lyricism whirl into the air and cut a cyclone's path through the heart. Aoife, Ruth and Kristin have honed their recipe for ruthless tenderness with utter disregard for conformity or convention. Their songs tell the secret tales of our own lives and beg us to believe in the power of revelation. Please contact Sandy for concert details at:Sandilion49@gmail.com

Chris and Edgar at Carnegie Hall

2008-11-04T08:10:00.008-05:00

Congratulations to Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer on their Carnegie Hall debut. The spirit of Bach was smiling last Wednesday night as these musical road warriors carried his legacy into the 21st century. Their original tunes were informed by Bach and ranged from lyrical to pyrotechnic-Rabbit Cake being my favorite. The duo was joined by special guest, violinist, Mark O'Connor. All of us at the concert burst with pride for our friends Chris and Edgar.

Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand on November 7th

2008-10-16T19:47:00.010-04:00

The Jenkins Family first met Andrew VanNorstrand at Jay Ungar's Ashokan camp where he was on the teaching staff. When we listened to his CD we knew he and his brother were destined to play at 26 West 89th Street. Between the two of them, Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand play more than a dozen instruments. It may sound overly ambitious, but it all comes together into a seamless blend of jazz, Scandinavia, Irish melodies, Cajun rhythms, and bluegrass. Vocally, the brothers' voices blend as only siblings can. The more familiar you become with the artistry of this quietly powerful duo, the more layers you'll discover within the complexities of their music.

If you are interested in joining us, please send me an email at Sandilion49@gmail.com and we will communicate about the details.

Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand are definitely a force to be reckoned with in the acoustic music world. JK [Bluegrass Unlimited – November 2007 Issue]

When it comes to just about every form of acoustic folk music imaginable, it's hard to identify anybody better at playing this great stuff than New York State's own Andrew & Noah VanNorstrand. These two brothers are fun, talented, and, above all great showmen!
Bill Knowlton, Bluegrass Ramble, WCNY-FM: Syracuse, NY

The VanNorstrands plant their feet firmly in the musical traditions of North America, Ireland, and Scandinavia, but their musical imaginations soar, creating melodies and harmonies that are lyrical, exciting, and original. This is music that really makes me sit up and take notice -- and smile.
Susan Conger, performer, composer, and teacher

Matt & Brittany will open our 6th Season on October 4th

2008-08-16T19:36:00.004-04:00

Matt Brown and Brittany Haas sing and play a variety of music on fiddle, banjo,
and guitar. As a duo, their focus is on traditional Appalachian music, but they
are comfortable in a range of other folk styles including Cape Breton, Irish,
Cajun, and Swedish.

Matt Brown grew up surrounded by Appalachian music, and has studied with some
of the best musicians in the genre including Bruce Molsky, Ginny Hawker, Dirk Powell,
and Bruce Greene. He has performed with Rhythm in Shoes, David Holt, Alice
Gerrard, Flynn Cohen, and has made guest appearances with Tim O'Brien, Uncle
Earl, and Crooked Still. He met Stephanie Jenkins while teaching at Ashokan's
Southern Week and soon thereafter befriended the entire family.

A student of the great Appalachian fiddler Bruce Molsky, Brittany also studied with
Darol Anger and then became a charter member of his ensemble Republic Of Strings.
She has played all over the world with many musical organizations including
Alasdair's Scottish Fiddle Project, Tony Trischka, her sister Natalie Haas, and the
Republic. She currently is playing fiddle with Crooked Still. Brittany is an instructor at
Mark O'Connor's Fiddle Conferences and is currently studying Music and
Biological Sciences at Princeton University.

Along with Matt and Brittany, The New Lost Faculty Ramblers will also perform at the start of each set. Please reserve a seat early for this special concert;Sandilion49@gmail.com. Details will be provided with your reservation.

Vote for Punch Brothers

2008-06-18T15:40:00.004-04:00

Following the Cubs in Tampa game tonight on ESPN, see the Punch Brothers, featuring Chris Thile, play their rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." Punch Brothers and eight other popular musical artists are competing in the Battle of the Bands over the next month. Even though the game is in Florida, every vote counts!! The winners will be announced on July 13th. Good luck boys! If you don't win it's a shame!

Sara Caswell at Symphony Space

2008-05-20T20:21:00.002-04:00

Jazz Violinist, Sara Caswell, will perform in a String Theory Series Concert at Symphony Space this Friday, May 23, 2008 at 7:30pm. She will appear with Jon Cowherd on piano, Ike Sturm on bass and Ted Poor on drums and special guests Gene Bertoncini on guitar and Sara's sister, Rachel Caswell, vocalist. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door the day of the performance.
Sara and Ike did their first Jenkins House Concert in February 2008 and plan to return sometime next year. Now that our season has wrapped up, we hope you will support our friend Sara at her upcoming show. Symphony Space is located at 2537 Broadway at 95th Street in New York.

2008-05-04T18:02:00.009-04:00

Fantastic Finish-New Old Stock brings our house concert season to a close

2008-05-04T13:40:00.028-04:00

A perfect ending to our house concert season, New Old Stock played to a full house following Cassie and Chris' surprise guest appearance, holding to our tradition of a Jenkins' family member opening each house concert for the past five years.
It's difficult to label New Old Stock because they're at the forefront of a new acoustic music genre which has been emerging around the country over the past 20 years or so. Their instrumental repertoire includes complex and finely detailed arrangements of original tunes for fiddle, cello, 5 string banjo and hammered dulcimer. The fiddle and hammered dulcimer often shared a chromatic line played in unison, which was woven in and out of undulating time changes. Their sound is grounded in tradition and artistically sophisticated, not what the titles of their tunes might suggest-Itchy Spoon, Acorn Stomp written by fiddler and audience member, Kimber Ludiker, and Panda & Critter. Originally from California and Washington states, band members, Tristan(cello and fiddle), Tashina(fiddle) Clarridge & Wes Corbett(banjo), have all recently moved to the Boston area, while Simon Chrisman, on hammered dulcimer, resides near Seattle. Tristan will be travelling internationally this summer with Aoife O'Donovan, a past JHC artist, lead singer of Crooked Still.
Many thanks go out to all of you who have supported out house concert series over the past five years. We'll keep on hosting if you keep on showing up for our once a month musical gatherings. Look for a listing of next season's performers starting in September. Laurel Masse will return sometime in October and the New Lost Faculty Ramblers will be hosting a night of their own.

Chris Thile and Fred Newman on Prairie Home Companion April 12th

2008-04-08T20:37:00.005-04:00

Two friends of the Jenkins House Concerts, Chris Thile and Fred Newman, will be featured on Prairie Home Companion this Saturday. The show is presently broadcasting from Town Hall in New York City.

New Old Stock on May 3rd

2008-04-08T20:05:00.009-04:00

On May 3rd, The Clarridges & New Old Stock will present an evening of music. New Old Stock is a powerful, creative force at the forefront of the emerging New Acoustic music scene.

The quartet combines the unique sounds of hammered dulcimer virtuoso Simon Chrisman and banjoist Wesley Corbett with the inimitable sound of brother-sister fiddle duo Tristan and Tashina Clarridge. Tristan, an inventive cellist and 4-time Grand National Fiddle Champion, currently tours with Darol Anger’s Republic of Strings and has appeared with Cape Breton fiddle phenomenon Natalie MacMaster. In 2008, he will tour internationally with Crooked Still whose lead singer, Aoife O'Donovan appeared at our last house concert. His sister Tashina, the 2005 Grand National Fiddle Champion, has toured with Mark O’Connor and performed at Carnegie Hall as part of Grammy-winning bassist Edgar Meyer's Young Artists program. Since starting the banjo at age 16, 21-year-old Wesley Corbett has appeared with the David Grisman Quintet, Matt Glaser, and Crooked still, recently opened for Tony Rice as part of the Lincoln Meyers String Alliance, and currently tours with North Carolina’s bluegrass sensation the Biscuit Burners. Wesley’s longtime musical collaborator, hammered dulcimer wizard Simon Chrisman, has performed at Seattle's Benaroya Hall with the Seattle Central jazz band, opened for Bill Frisell, and at 16 was invited to be a scholarship guest artist at the Augusta Heritage Festival in West Virginia.

Along with New Old Stock, The New Lost Faculty Ramblers will also perform at the start of each set. Please reserve a seat early for this special concert;Sandilion49@gmail.com. Details will be provided with your reservation.

What a Swell Party It Was!

2008-03-29T09:50:00.006-04:00

Laura Cortese returned for her fifth Jenkins House Concert last night for a solo show, accompanied by Aoife O'Donovan on electric guitar, glockenspiel and vocals. Laura featured many original songs from her latest CD release, "Bad Year:Single". She also included tunes that showcased her well-honed Scottish fiddle style. Laura's comfort with a house concert audience is undeniable, but don't underestimate her ability to switch over to a more rock driven repetoire. Laura and Aoife, along with their house mate and friend Kristen Andreassen will be coming to Arlene's Grocery in two weeks, on April 8th. Laura also tours with Uncle Earl on acoustic bass and vocals, and Aoife is the lead singer for Crooked Still. Look for them both this summer at many bluegrass festivals around the country including, Grey Fox in it's new location in Greene County, NY.
Thanks Laura and Aoife for a very special Friday night concert, and thanks for sharing the stage with Reid. You two made a lot of music. David swears it's the best one yet!

Laura Cortese Returns on March 28

2008-03-02T07:38:00.011-05:00

Many of you have asked when Laura will be back. Well, after a phone call last week, I can finally say that she will be back soon, on Friday, March 28th. This will be Laura's fourth concert in our living room where she has appeared with various groups over the past five years, including the infamous Jolly Bankers, and The Fab Four Fiddlers. This time Laura will appear solo, accompanied on glockenspiel, guitar and piano by Crooked Still's lead singer, Aoife O'Donovan. Laura is on tour following the release of her latest CD,"Bad Year:Single" Please note that we are having the concert on a Friday night, instead of our usual Sat. night, and the concert will begin at 7:30, with the door opening at 7:00. Reserve a seat at;Sandilion49@gmail.com. Details and directions will be given at the time of your reservation.
Check Laura's website for more information about her upcoming tour. http://www.lauracortese.com/

Chris and Punch Brothers on Jay Leno this Friday 2/29

2008-02-27T16:04:00.004-05:00

Chris and The Punch Brothers will be appearing on Jay Leno this Friday night, leap year day 2008. After appearing in New York last week, he and the boys took off for a West Coast tour that has taken them from Seattle to L.A. Besides being on the road with his band, Chris is currently working on a recording project with Edgar Meyer and they will be on tour together later this year.

Sara Caswell Burns Down the House-But Beautifully!

2008-02-24T12:03:00.006-05:00

The Sara Caswell Trio, including Ike Sturm on bass and Jesse Lewis on guitar, played to a very enthusiastic gathering of jazz lovers last Saturday night. Their extraordinary musicianship gave us a window into what their instruments could do in the right hands. Sara designed two perfect sets which included selections from the American Songbook as well as some of her own tunes. At the end of the evening, Sara generously shared her band with Ari Messenger, Jonathan Russell and Reid Jenkins for a blues finale. A great time was had by all! Please come back again Sara, Ike and Jesse!

Congratulations Punch Brothers!

2008-02-22T21:20:00.030-05:00

With Central Park as a backdrop and a full lunar eclipse above, Punch Brothers, featuring Chris Thile, presented one of the most memorable evenings of music imaginable. The Allen Room, at Jazz at Lincoln Center, was the perfect setting for the band and an audience well acquainted with acoustic music. Chris' through-composed suite for five bluegrass instruments was the centerpiece of the concert and might have caught a few ears off guard, but was very warmly received. Some of our regular house concert patrons were treated to a preview performance of "The Blind Leaving the Blind," last March 16th, the night of the biggest snow event of 2007. The composition cannot be digested in one evening and invites the listener to return again and again- exactly the point of recorded music. Their new album, "Punch", which includes the four movement suite, was available after the show and will be released to the public on February 26th.
Stephen Holden of the New York Times, writes that the new genre is "an emerging style of what might be called American country-classical chamber music." We just call it "Chris Thile" music. Congratulations to Chris, Critter, Noam, Gabe and Greg from The Jenkins Family.

Today's New York TImes Review; www.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/arts/music/22punc.html

Listen to John Schaeffer's interview with Punch Brothers on WNYC,
www.wnyc.org/shows/soundcheck/episodes/2008/02/19/segments/93677

Sara Caswell, Jazz Violinist, on February 23

2008-01-15T21:46:00.000-05:00

Sara is an award-winning violinist who spent her formative years under the tutelage of internationally-renowned violin teacher, Josef Gingold. She began her violin studies at age 5 and has become a "brilliant world-class violinist...one of the very best of the present generation of emerging young jazz stars," according to David Baker, music professor at Indiana University and director of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. Her second album, But Beautiful, "makes a strong bid to place her at the forefront of jazz violinists."

Sara will be performing with her trio, including bassist, Ike Sturm and guitarist, Jesse Lewis. Please reserve a seat at Sandilion49@gmail. Details and directions will be given at the time of your reservation.

Please check Sara's website for further information; http://www.caswellsisters.com/sara/

Comments about Saturday's house concert

2008-01-15T17:51:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the concert on Saturday night. I really liked the music and the atmosphere you've created there! --Elizabeth W.

Thanks for fitting me into the standing room only crowd. It's always so magical to hear music in your living room. The level of subtlety you can hear was impressive. I bought one of their CDs but it all sounded so much more intense in your house. You'd think that high tech sound studio equipment would deliver something with deeper texture but the intimate Jenkins concert hall is way better. --Cindy O.

I believe it was the most satisfying evening of music I've ever experienced. Your faculty band sounded great with those delicious harmonies, Richard and Rit, Stephanie, Reid, Cassie & Chris,...and then, the icing on the cake-VOCO! They've gotten so tight they breathe in in time. Bless you for generating such a wonderful event. --Richard F.

We were all blown away by the wonderful music in your home last night. We can't tell you how grateful we are to be included in this circle extending from Swans Island to New York and beyond. What can I say about Voco? I had to wipe tears away more than once. They should be famous. We'll work on that...Please pass on the gratitude for sharing your home and your music with us. --Mike W.

Happy New Year 2008

2008-01-01T22:09:00.000-05:00

Our 2008 house concert series will open with Moira Smiley and Voco on January 12th. The door will open at 7:30 and music will begin at 8:00. Please RSVP to Sandilion49@gmail.com to reserve a seat. We ask that you make a donation of $15, all of which goes to the guest performers. Please bring something tasty for the food and beverage buffet. Hope to see you here.

"Voco brings the energy of a street band, the risks of improvisation and the precision of a string quartet."

Stephanie at the Sidewalk Cafe

2008-01-01T22:04:00.000-05:00

Steph J and Matt P., previously featured at several of our house concerts, will be performing original tunes at the SIdewalk Cafe on Sunday, January 13th at 8:00PM.

Chris Thile and Punch Brothers at Lincoln Center

2007-12-24T08:10:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays everyone! We are looking forward to lots of fine acoustic music in our living room in 2008. But there's one outside concert we want you to know about in time to get tickets. On February 20th, Chris and friends, Chris, Eric, Gabe and Noam, will be launching their new band, Punch Brothers, at the Allen Room at the Time Warner Center. (That date just happens to be Chris' birthday) Don't forget to reserve a seat to hear Sara Caswell three days later in our own concert series to Sandilion49@gmail.com

Moira Smiley & Voco on January 12

2007-12-15T11:06:00.000-05:00

"A vocal band with cello, banjo and accordian, Voco brings the energy of street singing, the risks of improvisation and the precision of a string quartet." Voco will be appearing in the Jenkins House Concert Series on January 12, 2008. Details and directions will be given at the time of your reservation. Please RSVP Sandilion49@gmail.com

House Concert this Friday

2007-12-11T17:40:00.000-05:00

On December 14th, The New Lost Faculty Ramblers will host a house concert at the Jenkins. This Friday evening concert will begin a bit earlier than usual, with the doors opening at 7:00 and music at 7:30. Our band members include Fran Cary, Bob Hipkens, Rich Jenkins, Sandy Jenkins, Tim Morehouse, Kate Mulvihill, Steve Rochen and Doug Tobin. There will be guest appearances by Sarah Bonsignore, Reid Jenkins, Stephanie Jenkins, and Rosie Newton. Please join us but don't forget to RSVP if you want a seat. Please bring something tasty for the food and drink buffet.

Comments:

Thank you for the glorious Christmas present -a concert at your house. Your angelic voices and playing send us to the stars. We think you're kingly wise in the songs you choose too. We love gathering under your roof with all the other lambies. Moo, baa, mary, marry, merry Christmas to all, --Nancy & Nick

The New Lost Faculty Ramblers were great. The program was marvelous. We enjoyed it so much. --Carole & Ron

Upstairs at the Livingroom

2007-12-05T10:17:00.000-05:00

On Friday, December 14th, at 7:30, The New Lost Faculty Ramblers will be featured for an eclectic mix of Americana, Bluegrass and Popular tunes at our house concert venue. The band can be seen regularly at the start of every Jenkins House Concert and is branching out this coming Saturday, December 8th, when they will be warming up for Sarah Bonsignore at Googies, upstairs at The Livingroom.

The New Lost Faculty Ramblers

2007-11-28T12:44:00.000-05:00

The New Lost Faculty Ramblers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtkYk2wKFsQ

2007-10-18T18:32:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our first blog and our fifth house concert season. We wanted to create a virtual place where you can check our upcoming concerts for 2007-2008.

We're trying another way to reach all of you who have climbed the 58 stairs to our music parlor and those of you who are about to. All the basics are still in place. About once a month, we host a performer or group in our living room in Manhattan. Our door opens at 7:30, music begins at 8:00 and usually ends around 10:30. We ask that our guests donate $15, all of which goes to the performers, along with something for the food and drink buffet. Dress is casual to hipster.

Please RSVP for our concerts if you would like to sit down. There is always standing room in the kitchen. We have a capacity of about 60. I will send you a confirmation email letting you know that I heard from you. We encourage friends to bring friends and to pass along the word on this unique way to hear acoustic music in the city. Just remember that this is our home, not a business. Producing these concerts is a labor of love and we want you to be a part of it!

We will also publish links to artists websites so that you can read about them and sometimes listen to recordings of the music you will hear. There are always CDs for sale during the concerts and we encourage you to bring along some extra cash to take one or more home.