The next show (sold out) at Chestnut House Concerts is the group SHEL the last day of August.
We’re so happy to have The Maes (formerly The Mae Trio) return, and they will be performing on Monday, September 9, 2019.
Reach Tim at tlehman9@gmail.com to reserve seats for the show. Suggested donation is $15-20 per person – all $ goes to the musicians.
Oliver The Crow
Kaitlyn Raitz (cello, vocals) and Ben Plotnick (fiddle, vocals)
The relationship between the violin and the cello is age-old and has been proven time and time again, but as soon as Kaitlyn and Ben began to play and sing together, it became clear that something was different. Decades of experience as chamber musicians helped them to blend instantly, but it’s their spontaneous, energetic yet subtle approach to folk music that sets them apart.
We learned to know Kaitlyn and Ben when they appeared at Chestnut House Concerts in 2015 with Ozere. They’ve been busy the past two years relocating to Nashville and forming their new band while being involved in other music projects as well.
Preceding all of our shows is a potluck at 6 pm. It is optional but most attendees consider this a time to get to know others from the community, and the potluck has amazing items from hot dishes to desserts. The venue provides the plates/napkins/silverware/glasses.
“Tickets” are 15-20 per person and you can make your donation at the bin near the door when you arrive. All money goes to the musicians.
RSVP with Tim at tlehman9@gmail.com or by texting/calling 717-940-9311. We hope to see you on the 14th!
We select bands for Chestnut House Concerts in a variety of ways. Primarily they are bands we have heard perform live and we know they would fit our house concert venue and would be appreciated by our audience. Sometimes though, they are bands that we’ve only read about and listened to through recordings. I follow the Folk Alliance International Conference and make a habit of reading each year’s reviews and highlights. The Small Glories (performing June 15, 2017) and The Mae Trio (performing July 8, 2017) are two such bands.
The Small Glories show filled up quickly and is now sold out. The combination of JD Edwards and Cara Luft is a show full of energy and magic. We’ll see what we can do about having them return to Lancaster for any music fans who are not able to attend.
I first heard about The Mae Trio in 2014 after reading the reviews of Folk Alliance. They 
were listed as one of the top new acts of the year and after listening for myself, I immediately sent an email inquiry to see when they might be touring the US again. As most good things, booking this band took some time and now over 3 years later we are delighted to host Maggie, Elsie and Anita on Saturday, July 8, 2017. If you would like to attend the show on 7/8, please contact Tim at tlehman9@gmail.com to reserve a seat. As with all our shows there is a potluck at 6:00 pm and the music begins at 7:00 pm. Suggested donation of 15/20 per person.
Both Tim and I name the cello as our favorite stringed instrument. While we’ve heard masters such as Rushad Eggleston and Natalie Haas play at bluegrass/Celtic festivals over the years, it is not common for most Americana/folk bands to incorporate the cello. But finally, our 27th house concert, Harpeth Rising, will feature banjo, violin a
nd….cello.
Cellist Maria Di Meglio is classically trained and as a youth participated in orchestral groups that helped her gain exposure to many types of music. Maria’s mother is from Montenegro which created in Maria an additional awareness of styles of folk music across cultures.
Maria likes the flexibility of the cello – that it can be two instruments in one. The cello is bass-like but also can be lyrical and melodic.
All three members of Harpeth Rising met at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where they all earned performance degrees. With Rebecca Reed-Lunn on banjo, Jordana Greenberg on violin and Maria playing cello, Harpeth Rising produces a fusion of folk, newgrass, rock and classical.
Harpeth Rising will be performing at 7:00 pm on Friday, January 9, 2015. Prior to the show there is a potluck starting at 6:00 pm. Suggested donations are $15/20 per person and an RSVP is required. Contact Tim Lehman at tlehman9@gmail.com or by text/call to 717940 9311. Come meet the cello.
chestnuthouse concerts 