Hasee Ciaccio – Bluegrass Bass

On Sunday, December 3, 2017 Hasee Ciaccio will be at Chestnut House Concerts with three fellow musicians providing an evening of music called WINTER JUBILEE:  MUSIC & MEMORIES FROM THE MOUNTAIN SOUTH.  Winter Jubilee will feature Tyler Hughes (banjo), Sam Gleaves (guitar), Emily Mann (fiddle) and Hasee (bass).

Potluck at 6 pm, Music at 7.  RSVP with Tim at tlehman9@gmail.com.

Hasee, now touring with Molly Tuttle, previously performed at Chestnut House Concerts with The Barefoot Movement.  Here’s a video of Hasee and bass player Billy Gee.

Oliver The Crow – 10/14/17

Oliver The Crow

Kaitlyn Raitz (cello, vocals) and Ben Plotnick (fiddle, vocals) 

Oliver-The-Crow-1-EA

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!

 

The Law & the Lonesome

The duo The Barn Birds was the perfect band for our inaugural Chestnut House Concerts show in 2012. Tim was familiar with Chris Kokesh from the Portland music scene and her songwriting, fiddle playing and crystal clear vocals paired nicely with Jonathan Byrd‘s magical storytelling.

One of my favorite Jonathan Byrd songs is the title track from his 2008 album, The Law and the Lonesome. Jonathan is deliberate and introspective as he sings:

Christ on his hilltop and the cop at the truck stop are both only doing their jobs.
You’ve got a double-cross to bear. Now you’ve lost the last friend that you had to lose.
He’s in the ambulance. You’re in the cruiser, with a fatal case of the sucker-punch blues.

You took the wrong way home.

On Sunday, April 23, 2017 the Toronto-based Slocan Ramblers will be playing at 7:00 pm. They cover Jonathan Byrd’s The Law and the Lonesome tune, but as a more straight, fast-paced bluegrass version.  I included videos below of both bands.  slocanRamblers

To hear The Slocan Ramblers at Chestnut House Concerts on April 23, contact Tim at tlehman9@gmail.com or call/text 717-940-9311 to reserve seats.  Suggested donation of $15-20 per person; all money goes to the musicians.

Potluck at 6, music at 7.

Cloyd

John Cloyd Miller is a is a twelfth generation North Carolina native and the grandson of pioneering bluegrass fiddler Jim Shumate.  Some of our Chestnut House Concertgoers may recall banjoist Riley Baugus of  Old Buck that performed in April, 2014.

Here’s what Riley has to say about John Cloyd of Zoe & Cloyd:  shapeimage_2

“John’s music reminds me of being in the Blue Ridge Mountains, high on a hill all alone
and hearing the sound of the mountains coming from all around and filling your soul with the feeling that everything is just right in that place. His voice is strong and pure and hearkens back to a time when there was no need for electronic enhancement and tuning adjustments. In short, John is the real thing and is just incredible.”

Riley Baugus

Zoe & Cloyd will be performing at 7:00 pm at Chestnut House Concerts on Friday, September 9, 2016.  There’s a potluck at 6:00 pm before the show.  If you would like to attend please contact Tim at tlehman9@gmail.com or call/text 717-940-9311.  Requested donation of $15/20 per person.

March Music from Boston Bands

Next month Chestnut House Concerts is hosting two bands from Boston. 

IMG_5540

On Saturday, March 5, Wrong is Righta three piece band that met through a love of roots music at Berklee College of Music in Boston will play at 7:00 PM.  Wrong Is Right is the blend of mandolin (Jake Howard), fiddle (Sumaia Jackson) and upright bass (Mike Gaisbacher). We had the chance to hear this band at Greyfox Bluegrass Festival in July, 2015. Influences of classical, jazz and bluegrass shine through their original tunes.  I was particularly impressed with this group’s harmonies and the high level of technical skill from each musician.  Their first album, an EP titled “Wrong is Right”,was released in July 2015; all songs are original tunes.

 

On Friday, March 18, Chestnut House Concerts will squeeze Boston-based The Lonely Heartstring Band into our listening space. If you love the traditional 5 piece bluegrass sound with guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and upright bass, you don’t want to miss this band.

3f8827_41d614957565456a8f55df72bcf1ad43

Both events will begin with a potluck at 6 pm and the music will start at 7 pm.  Contact Tim to save seats at tlehman9@gmail.com or by a call/text to 717 9409311.  The suggested donation is $15/20 and you pay when you arrive. Check the About page for more details.

 

 

Jess Gold of the Steel City Rovers (1/5)

jessJess Gold is the percussionist for the Steel City Rovers from Hamilton, Ontario. Jess has been playing drums for over seven years,and although her playing style is often described as electric funk, she loves to perform all types of music. Jess truly comes alive when entertaining an audience. At our house concern venue Jess will not use a full drum kit but will add percussion with the cajón and other rhythm instruments.  She currently attends Humber College for the Bachelor Degree Program in Music. Her aim is to create a solid foundation on which she can build a lifetime full of music.

img-6715-2The Steel City Rovers will appear at Chestnut House Concerts on Thursday, June 18, 2015.  Potluck at 6, Show at 7. Suggested donation of $15/20. RSVP with Tim at tlehman9@gmail.com or call/text 71794-09311.

What a Way to Close Out Your July 4th Weekend!

On Sunday July 6th Jake Lewis & the Clergy with Special GuesImaget Dirty Dollhouse will perform at Chestnut House Concerts.

Chestnut House Concerts holds an optional potluck prior to every show.  If you’re interested in the potluck arrive at 6:00 pm with something to share with others – food or beverage (alcohol ok).  Paper plates, napkins and silverware are provided.

If you can’t make the potluck, arrive by 6:50 for the 7:00 pm show.  To reserve a seat text/call Tim at 717-940-9311 or by email at tlehman9@gmail.com.

 

 

Don’t Judge a Song by Its Title

 

Image

In planning for the house concert on Wednesday night I’ve listened to the Birds of Chicago’s CD as well as songs by both JT and Allison’s earlier work (JT and the Clouds / Po’ Girl).    

I found myself skipping  “The Moonglow / Tapeworm”  on their album – simply because of the tapeworm reference.  Shallow, I know – but how good could a tapeworm song really be?  

It’s good.  It’s so good I might even request it.  Maybe.  

We have a few seats available for Wednesday night.  Potluck at 6:00, show at 7:00.  Email tlehman9@gmail.com or text/call 717-940-9311.  

Today’s the Day

We received this lovely message from The Barefoot Movement…

Image

…and delayed erasing it for as long as possible.  

But today’s the day Chestnut House Concerts welcomes The Stacks for an evening performance.  A pork shoulder is roasting in the oven for pulled pork sandwiches – Potluck at 6:00 pm, show at 7:00.  We might be able to squeeze you in even if you have not called ahead – give us a call/text -Tim at 717-940-9311.  Image

 

 

House Concert Potluck

Image

House Concert Potluck

People who are new to house concerts often have questions about the potluck prior to the show. We invite people to arrive any time after 6 pm and to bring beverage (alcohol is ok) or food to share. We do not assign food items, and it magically comes together – from pesto pasta salad and baked chicken legs to key lime cheesecake and fresh apple pie. Bring whatever you enjoy, or if you are pressed for time, grab a bag of chips. Sharing food and meeting new people is part of the charm of the house concert venue.

May 17 we’ll be hosting Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys. Potluck at 6:00, Show at 7:00.

Memorial Day, May 27 get ready for The Barefoot Movement. Weather permitting we’ll have the grill ready.  Arrive around 5:30 pm for a pre-concert picnic – show starting at 7:00 pm.