Unity Centre Shows in 2004

Barra MacNeils Tuesday December 14 at 7:30 pm At the front of the Celtic tide that has swept Canada throughout the past decade has been the Barra MacNeils, a band whose instrumental talent rivals The Chieftains and whose energy compares to the younger Great Big Sea. The Barra MacNeils - Lucy, Stewart, Kyle and Sheumas, with Jamie Gatti on bass - The music comes alive with the pulsating accordion, the crystal-clear dulcet tones of Lucy’s ballads, the foot-stomping traditional instrumentals - the fiddles, the bodhran, whistles, guitars and more. Don’t forget their distinctive harmonies, or those jigs and reels that whirl you right back to Sydney Mines, Cape Breton. Now think about Christmas -A Celtic Christmas! a musical potpourri of MacNeil family favourites gleaned from midnight masses, Christmas ceilidhs and festive frolic. Tickets $15/$10.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals Friday December 3 at 7:30 pm Grace Potter, a 21-year-old Vermont-based pianist and vocalist, leads this eclectic jazz, blues, folk, funk and soul group. "Red Shoe Rebel" her first studio record, displayed impressive collaborations with Vermont artists such as Gabe Jarrett of the Vorcza Trio. Potter's Band of Soul includes Cory Beard on upright and electric bass, Scott Tournet on electric guitar, Cado Burr on drums and Brattleboro's own Jen Crowell on backup vocals. In May, the quintet released its official debut album "Original Soul," which features guest appearances by Tammy Fletcher, Sandra Wright and producer/Hammond B-3 maestro Chuck Eller. The band recently completed a successful tour of Ireland and is currently touring throughout New England. Often considered a cross between Norah Jones and Bonnie Raitt, and a bit of Ricky Lee Jones, Potter and her band produce an eclectic sound, which resonates with identifiable influences, but maintains a persona of its own. Their recently released album, "Original Soul", received solid reviews during tours through Ireland and New England. Listen to a couple of tunes and I think you'll agree that we're getting a young phenom that in a few years we won't be able to afford. Opening for Grace Potter will be Jeezum Crowe. Tickets $15/$10

John McCutcheon Friday November 12 at 7:30 pm John's mastery of American folk music and instruments, complemented by "storytelling that has the richness of fine literature" weave a intimate, insightful and often hilarious canvas on which John draws his vision of America. Pete Seeger says "John McCutcheon is not only one of the best musicians in the USA...he is committed to help hard working people everywhere to organize and push this world in a better direction." Lots more including free MP3 downloads of songs written after September 11th at John's web site Tickets: $18.00

Enter The Haggis Friday November 5 at 8 pm Since its conception in 1996, Enter the Haggis (ETH) has built an international touring and recording career based on its unique approach to Celtic-based music and high-energy performances. Their latest CD Casualties of Retail features the catchy bluegrass-fusion singles "Another Round" and "Gasoline" as well as driving Celtic-rock instrumentals that showcase the group’s arranging and performance talent. The music is primarily a fusion of Celtic, bluegrass and rock, however, elements of Latin, blues and funk can be heard throughout. The instrumental, "Congress", combines a traditional Irish reel played on electric guitar with Latin percussion as well as a section in which drum sticks are played on acoustic guitar. If you caught them at Saltwater Festival, you'll agree that "high-energy performance" is probably an understatement. Tickets $15

DANÚ Sunday October 10 at 7:30 pm DANÚ is an Irish traditional music group, made up of seven young male traditional musicians hailing from counties Waterford, Dublin, Tipperary and Donegal. The group has a strong ethos of loyalty to the tradition from which their music comes and yet still bring a fresh, inspiring approach to their performaces. A wonderfully lively group on stage, a DANÚ concert is a unique experience. Other Irish bands who have performed at Unity Centre (Gaelic Storm, Solas) say that DANÚ is their favorite Irish band. Tickets $17

Lucy Kaplansky Saturday October 9 at 8 pm "New York songwriter Lucy Kaplansky is becoming the troubador laureate of modern city folk. Her latest CD, The Red Thread, (Red House), is a probing, heartful meditation on what home means-- and where it can be found--amid the isolating din of urban life. She looks past the decay, violence, and displacement to find home in community, family, and a purposeful connection to our past and future." -- Scott Alarik in The Boston Globe Tickets $18

Eliza Gilkyson Monday October 4 at 7:30 pm Eliza has recently appeared on NPR's All Things Considered, Austin City Limits and on tour with Patty Griffin and Mary Chapin Carpenter. In February of 2003, she was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame, alongside such luminaries as Willie Nelson, Townes Van Zandt, Nancy Griffith, and others. On her newest album,the critically acclaimed Land of Milk and Honey, Eliza's intimate storytelling expands from personal to more political themes, as in the first track, "Hiway 9," with guest vocals by Slaid Cleaves. The album ends with a previously unrecorded Woody Guthrie song, "Peace Call", aided by friends Mary Chapin Carpenter, Patty Griffin, and Iris Dement. Net proceeds from this performance will go to the county Democratic party's "run to the polls when it's voting time" campaign. Tickets $20

Cynthia MacLeod and Gordon Belsher Friday October 1 at 7:30 pm Prince Edward Island's Cynthia MacLeod has been making waves in Atlantic Canada's Celtic music scene. Now 18 years old, Cynthia has made quite a name for herself. Since her first performance at Avonlea Village in Cavendish, PEI when she was 13 years old, she has performed for audiences throughout Canada. She has performed with the likes of Buddy MacMaster, Wayne Rostad, Slainte Mhath and Ashley MacIsaac, to name a few. Her dynamic, high energy performances and sparkling stage presence, as well as her wildly popular debut CD "Head Over Heels", released in May 2002, have received rave reviews. Gordon Belsher is the Reel thing. On the strength of his "Reel in the Flickering Light" CD, he was honoured with a nomination for "Roots/Traditional Solo Artist of the Year" at the 2003 East Coast Music Awards in Halifax. Together they offer a lively and engaging stage show filled with singable tunes and the pure joy of entertaining.    Tickets $10

Jess Tardy Thursday September 30 at 7:30 pm "12 tracks solidly constructed with fine musicianship...Tardy reminds me a lot of Bonnie Raitt on the opening track, 'Afraid to Fall' and the killer title track. She has a bluesy quality that swaggers through the songs with a confidence that is well-deserved...'Waiting for You' melds all of her musical loves; blues, pop, jazz, soul, and country. She penned seven of the twelve tracks, indicating there is a hot new songwriter on the scene." -Lucky Clark, What's Happening/Maine Today Tickets $12

Concert for Maine Greens Saturday September 25 at 7 pm The bands include The Devil Plays Doctor on Tuesday, a Ska Core Group from the Mid Coast Area; Pozzed, a hard rocking group from the Unity area; and Zalopus, a classic rock group from the Freedom area. This concert is a fundraiser for the Maine Green Independent Party. David Cobb the Green Candidate for President will be speaking at some point during the evening. The doors will open at 7:00 pm. This is a non reentry event. There will be several progressive youth oriented groups tabling during the evening. Tickets $10

David Maxwell with Nicole Nelson Friday September 24 at 8 pm At the forefront of Boston’s latest tidal wave of talent, 26 year old Nicole Nelson proves herself to be every bit as ground breaking as her many influences. Born in Brooklyn, NY into a very artistic family, Nelson was raised by an Irish & Norwegian American Father, and a Trinidadian born mother. She is deeply rooted in the blues, R&B, rock, and classic soul. Possessing a natural voice that caresses like honey and burns like a blaze, swooping from the most delicate whisper to an explosion of soulful passion. Nicole stands upon the shoulders of the all-time greats while forging her own way toward music history. With an expressive multi-octave voice and lyrics spoken straight from the soul, expect Nicole Nelson to knock the wind out of anyone within listening range. David Maxwell has played piano with some of the greatest blues musicians. His style encompasses elements of blues and jazz, but he is best known for his soulful virtuosity. Nicole and David together is a knock out combination. Tickets $15

The Laws Friday September 17 at 8 pm The Laws are Michele and John, husband-and-wife song writing duo from Ontario, Canada. Their songs paint a masterpiece of love, loss, hope and loneliness: a real sound and a compelling blend of harmony and heartfelt lyrics that defies categories. John and Michele began song writing together in 1997, performing together in 2000, and haven't looked back. They are quickly building a huge fan base at home in Canada, the United States and Australia. Their song writing has been recognized by some of the finest songwriters around and The Laws have been invited to tour with some of the best! Canadian legend Randy Bachman, alt-country songwriter Fred Eaglesmith, Texas troubadour Tom Russell and Australia's own Bill Chambers have all invited The Laws to share the stage and tour with them. Canadian song writing legend Willie P. Bennett says if Gram Parsons married Alison Krauss they would sound a lot like John and Michele. Tickets $10

Vague Valentine Friday September 10 at 8 pm This Portland based band has a pop/rock sound with catchy melodies, soulful vocals, and creative harmonies. Ben Burgess, Calvin Goodale, and Josh Seiler cover bass, guitar and vocals. This is a CD release party for the group.

Alex Skolnick Trio Friday August 20 at 8 pm Alex Skolnick Trio is a New York based group consisting of guitar, upright bass and drums. The thing that sets this group apart is their choice of repertoire: Skol Trio is performing music that has never before been done in the acoustic trio context. After years of absorbing the songs of the traditional repertoire (such as "All The Things You Are" "Green Dolphin St. etc..."), Alex wondered would happen if he were to take some of the hard rock tunes he listened to in his youth, reharmonize them and open them up to improvisation? Would it be possible to take these songs out of the arena rock shows of the 70's and 80's, and move them into smoky lounges and nightclubs in the new millennium? The result was a most interesting creation: An early 80's hit song by Scorpions turned into a delicate Bossa Nova; a hard rock anthem by Kiss became a tour de force of swing, funk and Latin. And this was just the beginning. The group has gone on to do arrangements of Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, and the Who which, along with a couple of Alex's original compositions. Since then, the Trio have toured throughout the country to packed houses in such places as Cleveland, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Texas and New York City. Goodbye To Romance recently was awarded 4 ½ stars by Downbeat (March, 2003). Alex, Matt and John are representative of many young players today who, at one time, were mainly interested in hard rock before moving on to explore jazz and other styles. The Alex Skolnick Trio is where the past, present and future come together. Tickets $10

Tom Russell with Andrew Hardin Sunday August 15 at 7 pm Tom Russell is one of America's finest songwriters, depicting the old west and the new realities of life on the underbelly of society with his dramatic lyrical imagery and deep, resonant vocals. Joined by hot guitarist Andrew Hardin, Tom's concerts are always a memorable event. Tom Russell's songs have been recorded by: Johnny Cash, Joe Ely, Suzy Bogguss, Jerry Jeff Walker, Nanci Griffith, Iris Dement, Ian Tyson, Janie Fricke...among others. "Russell leans out over the edge, diving into the artistic, sentimental abyss. Every moment shines." --Paul Zarzyski This is an American classic. Tickets $15

Kevin Montgomery Saturday August 7 at 8 pm With a father who wrote songs with Buddy Holly and a mother who was a backing singer for Elvis, Kevin Montgomery could hardly help falling into the business. It seems he was destined to turn out the way he has - a thoughtful writer of rootsy Americana music. Often compared to Steve Earle and Springsteen, singer-songwriter Kevin Montgomery is one of those hard-to-peg artists who sit in the gray area separating rock from country and pop from folk. The Nashville-based Montgomery has built a thriving career in the UK by teaming up with Mavericks’ Robert Reynolds and Paul Deakin and steel guitar legend Al Perkins. We're lucky to get a rare look at him on this US tour.     Tickets $12

Kruger Brothers Friday August 6 at 8 pm Kruger Brothers performances are exciting, calming, entertaining and spontaneous all-in-one, exhibiting their sheer joy in playing music. Although each of these musicians has earned high credit for his skills individually, it is the interaction of the three together which makes their music so uniquely special. Traditional American Folk and Bluegrass music would come closest to describing the bands’ style of playing. Add to that their personal musical development, along with their Classical European musical influences, and you have acoustic string music performed with a rich new flavor. They were a big hit when they played here two years ago. Tickets $15

Wolfstone Friday July 23 at 8 pm In the 10 years between 1991 and 2001, the Scottish band Wolfstone has released seven highly acclaimed albums, all of which encapsulate the unique and vibrant sound of their New Highland Music. The fiddle of Duncan Chisholm, the acoustic guitar and vocals of Ivan Drever complemented by the electric guitar of Stuart Eaglesham and the keyboards of Struan Eaglesham established Wolfstone as a group of Scottish musicians firmly planted in two musical traditions: Celtic and rock. Their particular genius lay in orchestrating Celtic tunes with rock sensibilities and helped to create a pleasing, complex, and musically very adept repertoire. Their great mix of celtic bagpipes, fiddle and whistles with guitar, bass, drums and vocals proves that rock idioms can enhance and improve Celtic themes. Case in point Elav The Terrible      Tickets $15

Kenny White Thursday July 15 at 8 pm New Yorker Kenny White has been in the music business for more than 25 years as a producer and studio pianist, has worked with Linda Ronstadt, Dwight Yoakam, Gladys Knight, Aaron Neville, Ricky Skaggs, Al Jarreau, Kim Carnes, Marc Cohn, and Shawn Colvin among others. White’s first recorded collection of songs Uninvited Guest in 2002 earned glowing reviews and voted one of the Top 100 Audience favorites in 2002 and 2003. Fans of piano-based singer-songwriters in the adult contemporary tradition of Marc Cohn and Joe Jackson will find themselves right at home with White’s performances, pensive and jazzy excursions centered around White’s piano, organ, acoustic guitar, and vocals, which bear a striking resemblance to those of Elvis Costello. Tickets $15.

Sarah Lee and Johnny Tuesday June 29 at 7:30 pm "Johnny Irion plays mean acoustic and steel guitars and sings like a soulful bird, perfectly matching Sarah Lee Guthrie's sweet and winsome, but sometimes steel-edged voice. This folk duo performs a fascinating, nostalgic and entertaining mix of their own songs and those of others" -- Post and Courier, Charleston, SC Sarah Lee is the youngest daughter of world-renowned folksinger Arlo Guthrie and the granddaughter of the legendary Woody Guthrie. She has embraces the music and lifestyle of her roots, hanging on to the traditional stories and poetry of her past, while defining her own unique elegance in the spotlight. As a third generation singer/songwriter she recently released her first self-titled album on the family owned and operated Rising Son Records. It smokes with eclectic grooves and a style all her own. Tickets $10

The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash Sunday May 16 at 7:30 pm "This four-piece San Diego-based band – acoustic and electric guitar Mark Stuart, bass Clark Stacer, lead guitar Deane Cote and drummer Joey Galvin – confirm with their well-earned honky-tonk and road-traveled musical legitimacy. They’re anything but outcasts. BSOJC, who have the paternal blessing of the man whose name and not genes they carry, under Mark Stuart’s lyrical baton have melded an album reeking of country and well-placed rock slashes. " -- George Peden in CountryReview "These guys love country music but don't make it into some kind of holy church thing; this record shows them taking a page from the master's book, and using the forms and chord progressions of c&w to try to make statements about the America they see. This America isn't pretty ... It's not for nothing that the promo copy compares them to Nebraska-era Springsteen and Steve Earle and Patty Griffin. But when they want to kick it out, like on "Damage Is Done," they can get that done too." -- Matt Cibula in ink19 Opening for BSOJC will be the Dead String Brothers       Tickets $10

Artie Traum Acoustic Guitar Workshop Monday May 3 at 7:00 pm Artie Traum is an award-winning guitarist who has been featured on over 30 albums. His latest release, "South of Lafayette," is a "hip fusion of folk and jazz esthetics," writes Sing Out! Magazine. This workshop/mini-concert, presented by Down Home Music Shop, is geared toward players of all levels and will cover new chords an chord progressions, DADGAD tuning, "moving around the neck," easy to play speed-licks, and lots of useful advice. Admission is free. Seating is on a first come first served basis.

Clumsy Lovers Saturday April 17 at 8 pm They're from Vancouver, BC, Canada, and they're so talented that it's scary. They play what they call "raging Celtic bluegrass rock," or what one reviewer called "speed-metal hillbilly polka." Either way, if they were paid by the note, they'd be very rich. With a sound that is uniquely their own, The Clumsy Lovers take their influences of traditional Celtic, ska, bluegrass and folk, transforming it into their own blend of supercharged folk-rock. Known for their homespun arrangements of classic rock covers as well as their originals, their chemistry of high-energy Celtic-rock dance music seems to be catching on as their grassroots following has grown across North America. Tickets $10

Martyn Joseph Tuesday April 13 at 7:30 pm Martyn's 20 year career has embraced some notable achievements including 5 Top 50 UK chart positions, with such songs as 'Dolphins Make Me Cry', 'Working Mother' and 'Let's Talk About It In The Morning', and appearances and tours with, amongst others, Suzanne Vega, Marc Cohn, Joan Armatrading, Clannad, Chris De Burgh, Jools Holland, Art Garfunkel, and Celine Dion. His touring work and appearances over the years, on both sides of the Atlantic, have helped to establish this gifted and gracious Welshman as one of the foremost singer/songwriters of his generation. Across a 10 year cycle of albums from the Sony days of 'Being There' to his recent two volume live compilation 'Don't Talk About Love, Martyn's song catalogue is an awesomely impressive archive of our times, our tribulations, our wonder and our wounds. Tickets $10

Teada Wednesday March 31 at 7:30 pm Teada (tay-da, "Strings" in Irish) recently hit local stages with a new cd and a burgeoning reputation. Acclaimed as "Best Traditional Newcomers of 2003" by Irish Music Magazine, the quartet's CD lives up to the hype - and exceeds it. Just ask local listeners who caught the band recently at the Blackthorne Tavern, in South Easton, and The Old Court, in Lowell. In Ireland, the U.K., and the U.S., Teada's splendid presentations of traditional tunes with what one reviewer has called a "punkish edge" have captivated an ever-growing legion of fans. Although Teada has only been together for some two-and-a-half years, their music has a sophistication and soulful energy that many bands who have been together much longer seem never to attain. The members of Teada are all in their twenties, but their music is firmly rooted in traditional music. -- Peter Stevens in the Boston Irish Reporter October, 2003 Tickets $8.00

Cathie Ryan Friday February 27 at 8 pm Former Cherish the Ladies lead singer, Cathie Ryan has always possessed a voice that was truly a thing of beauty, infusing songs with warmth and class that were missing before she sang them. Cathie performs with three stellar musicians who have each distinguished themselves in the traditional music field. Along with Cathie's original and Irish traditional songs the band kicks it up with rousing jigs and reels. The musicians Cathie most often works with are Greg Anderson on guitar and bouzouki; Peter Barnes or Brendan Dolan on piano, keyboards, flute and tin whistles; and Hanneke Cassel or Lisa Gutkin on fiddle.

Garrett Soucy Saturday February 21 at 8 pm Singer-songwriter Garrett Soucy will unveil his solo debut Out A Room Through A Door in this special central Maine appearance. Garrett is the lean vocalist/guitarist/songwriter for the critically acclaimed Maine trio Tree By Leaf, who have released three CDs over the last eight years to wide radio play and a growing fan base. Garrett has recently shared the stage with Little Feat, Tracy Grammer, Brooks Williams and others. On this evening Garrett will be joined by a 3-piece band and perform selections from the new CD as well as classic Tree By Leaf tunes. Also appearing is Castine native Juliane Gardner who has just released her debut Packsaddle Road. Tickets $8.

Chris Whitley Saturday February 14 at 8 pm "Riveting and original, Whitley mines roots music not as an imitator but as a visionary who trades on archetypal symbols and classic riffs to fashion his own mythology. There have been noble precedents for Whitley's efforts. And yet there hasn't been music as wise as Whitley's in quite some time." -- Rolling Stone

MAP: Kick In the Eye Friday January 30 at 8 pm MAP was founded in 2002 by dancer/choreographer Brendan McCall, sound artist/director N. B. Aldrich and video/media artist Zach Poff at Bennington College. Since its inception, MAP works have been performed in the United States and Europe. The current production, Kick in the Eye, is a four-part exploration of how choreography, text, sound, video and lighting inform one another in creating a performance piece which questions the sanctity of the individual within the machinery of Modern Society. MAP seeks to challenge traditional notions of authorship, collaboration and compositional values. Whether on stage, on screen, online or in the classroom, the work poses an inquiry into the influence of the media spectacle upon our physical, psychological and cultural body.

The Waybacks Friday January 23 at 8 pm Possessed of dazzling instrumental chops and an absolute mastery of acoustic musical styles, The Waybacks have taken North America by storm in less than a year. Whether mesmerizing audiences at intimate venues or creating a sensation at major festivals, the band has brought its onstage alchemy to enthusiastic fans far and wide. Eclectic in both their influences and approach, The Waybacks embrace multiple genres and put their unique stamp on the lot, rendering them all with characteristic charm, wit and virtuosity. In so doing, they transcend genre altogether, conjuring up musical landscapes that defy boundaries but always find their center at the crossroads of fun and fascination. From newgrass and western swing to jug band and jazz, from folk and fiddle music to improvisational excursions that defy categorization, Waybacks music is wild, energetic and unpredictable. With their stellar musicianship and innate sense of adventure, they stand in good company with the few bands at the forefront of New American acoustic music. Tickets $10/$8

Mike Gentry & Jazzou Jones present Levee Revels Saturday January 17 at 7:30 pm Get ready for a hand clappin', toe-tappin good time when Mike Gentry and Jazzou Jones take the stage with Levee Revels. Featured entertainers aboard the Delta Queen, this dynamic banjo and ragtime piano duo takes you on an all-American journey as they warm your heart with lively classic ragtime and old familiar songs. There's nothing like some genuine old-time riverboat entertainment and sing along tunes to warm up a cold Maine winter night. Tickets $8/$5