Roy Davis and the Dregs plus Tree By Leaf
Saturday December 20 at 7:30 pm
The sound of Roy Davis and the Dregs is Americana Pop-Rock at it's best, shifting easily from country shuffles to heartbreaking ballads to two-step sing-a-longs. Think Bruce Springsteen's flair for simple poetry meets Neil Young & Crazy Horse after 3 beers. Add the modern touch of the Jayhawks' vocal harmonies, subtract any lyrics about churning butter or shotgun weddings and you've begun to get the picture.
Tickets $7
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Frank Vignola Quintet
Friday December 12 at 7:30 pm
The Frank Vignola Quintet has shattered the barriers between popular music and traditional jazz to create an exciting new sound in acoustic string music.  Mixing high-energy original material with new unique renditions of contemporary tunes by the likes of The Police, Frank Zappa, Black Sabbath and even Slayer, the quintet also taps into the standard songbook, creating unique interpretations of classic jazz tunes. Vignola and the band also tackle new arrangements of Bach and Mozart.
It's a melding of contemporary gypsy jazz, bluegrass, toe-tapping swing, blues and acoustic rock, and great renditions of old standards.
Frank is one of the most accomplished, multi-dimensional players walking the planet today. Monster player, composer and improviser, Frank plays proficiently in every genre, from jazz to bluegrass, and works with everyone and their brother.
Other members of the quintet are Vinny Raniolo on guitar, violinist Aaron Weinstein, Pete Coco on bass , and percussionist Rich Zukor.
"How versatile is Frank Vignola? He's collaborated with Lionel Hampton and Madonna, covers Mozart and Black Sabbath on the same record, and is one of Les Paul's favorite guitarists." - Joan Anderman, Boston Globe 8/29/08
Tickets $15
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Carlene Carter
Sunday November 23 at 7 pm
Born Rebecca Carlene Smith, this prodigal child of country music royalty (granddaughter of Maybelle Carter of
the original Carter Family, daughter of June Carter and Carl Smith, stepdaughter of Johnny Cash) has been making a name for herself since her debut album, "Carlene Carter," on Warner Bros. in 1978. Launched by Emmylou Harris's hit recording of her song "Easy From Now On," the young mother of two left Nashville at 22 to make a record in England with rocker Graham Parker's band, The Rumour. TIME magazine named the album "Tops in Pops" for the summer, and when Maybelle died that fall, Rolling Stone magazine wrote that she "lived to see her granddaughter Carlene merge Nashville with contemporary rock & roll."
Many albums later, Carlene is now carrying the Carter name into the new millennium with her "Stronger" CD, released on March 4, 2008. "It has the kick and luster of Carter's best songs from the '80s and '90s. It's an ironically joyous, even witty CD, filled with the kind of rollicking roots rock that extends the great American legacy that lives in Carter's genes... " -- Jim Farber - New York Daily News
Tickets $25
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Strangefolk
Saturday November 22 at 8 pm
Strangefolk is a rock-oriented jamband originally from Burlington, VT. Since forming in 1991, they have released five studio albums, two live albums and one live concert DVD. The band consists of Jon Trafton (lead guitar, vocals), Erik Glockler (bass, vocals), Luke "Patchen" Montgomery (rhythm guitar, lead guitar, vocals), Don Scott (keyboards, vocals) and Russ Lawton (drums).
At the heart of Strangefolk's songwriting is a seamless blend of narrative lyrical content and inventive melody. Rock, folk, blues, and bluegrass influences converge to create an instantly recognizable sound, which keeps Strangefolk's listeners moving from start to finish. When punctuated with Strangefolk's trademark three-part harmonies and soaring lead guitars, the band's unique songwriting ability develops a natural avenue for the band to extend themselves in a live setting. The result is one of the more gratifying live music experiences around.
Tickets $24
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Al and the Transamericans
Wednesday November 5
Al & the Transamericans are a roots rock, alt country, Americana group hailing from the great northeast.  The music is a nice blend of bluegrass, country, & rock. All of the musicians have 'day jobs' in other bands (moe., Strangefolk, Okemah, the Gordon Stone Trio). These guys all come to this simply for the love of playing a good 3 chord song. Their shows typically feature everything from straight up acoustic bluegrass barnburners to balls out rock.
Heavy country and bluegrass influences abound, with plenty of jammy energy. Grateful Dead with a kick in the pants.
The band is
Al Schnier (vocals, gtr, mando), Vinnie Amico (drums), Kirk Juhas (b3, rhodes, piano, vocals), Eric Glockler (bass, vocals), Gordon Stone (banjo, pedal steel).
Tickets $15
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The Brew
Friday October 31 at 8 pm
The Brew is an energetic quartet hailing from Massachusetts' North Shore. Formed in 2002 when longtime friends Dave Drouin (guitars/vocals) and Kelly Kane (drums) decided to formalize their music careers and team up with brothers Chris Plante (keyboards/vocals) and Joe Plante (bass/vocals).
The music of The Brew is friendly to both home stereos and dancing shoes. The voice of this rising, young quartet can be experienced through tightly crafted songs that contain poignant and often fantastical lyrics, as well as an innate ability to travel and explore within those songs through improvisation.
The Brew appeals to rock, funk, jam, jazz, reggae, and pop enthusiasts alike, and it has been said that their music summons the spirits of artists such as Peter Gabriel, YES, The Police, and contemporaries like Percy Hill. After cutting their first studio album in 2003, The Brew have since released two more, including their 2006 release, The Key.
Tickets $15
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Tree by Leaf
Saturday, October 25 at 7:30 pm
Tree by Leaf will perform a benefit concert for hunger-relief efforts in Waldo County, as part of the second annual Arts for Hunger sponsored by the Unity Area Rotary Club.
Tree by Leaf is the unique synergy and musicianship of Garrett Soucy, whose songwriting taps at the pulse of the soul of human experience, but never dips into journal-entry pathos, Cliff Young, whose keyboards slide from roaring command to a mere hum of electricity, and Siiri Soucy, whose voice could draw a heart right out of its body. Eric Sanders adds the primal rhythm to the new TBL sound.
Influences as divergent as a childhood steeped in church music, hip hop, rap, and the classical education that Cliff Young and Siiri Soucy brought to the band, turned Garrett's ear for melody and undeniable writing talent into something extraordinary.
In addition to the concert, an Art Sale featuring items donated by local artists and citizens will take place throughout October in the UCPA Art Gallery. All proceeds from the Tree by Leaf concert and the art sale will benefit the hunger-relief efforts of the Volunteer Regional Food Pantry, People for People and Open Door.
Patrons are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the concert.
Tickets $10.00
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Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Gang
Tuesday, October 14 at 7 pm
Eddie Shaw has done just about everything in the blues business. He’s been a sideman, singer, bandleader, songwriter, arranger, producer and tavern owner, including acting as bandleader and manager for the late Howlin’ Wolf from 1972 to 1975.
After working for years behind the scenes, Eddie stepped out on his own as a band leader, proving himself to be one of the blues world’s premier horn players and a fine vocalist to boot.
Besides constantly touring for over two decades, Eddie has continued to record prolifically.
Eddie Shaw has been bringing his fat-toned, blues-drenched saxophone to blues fans for fifty years, thirty of them as a band leader and vocalist. He’s won fans all over the world, and continues to perform constantly, carrying on in the Windy City spirit of his mentor Howlin’ Wolf and his friend Magic Sam, but above all as his own man, Chicago’s #1 blues horn player.
Tickets $10.00
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Josiah's Creed & Ignition
Saturday, October 11 at 7:30 pm
Josiah's Creed & Ignition ~ A Contemporary Christian Music Concert for Local Hunger Relief Efforts
Presented by Faith Community Church
All proceeds from the concert will benefit the Volunteer Regional Food Pantry and the Open Door.
Tickets $8 adults/$5 seniors/students & patrons are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the concert.
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Liadan
Tuesday October 7 at 7 pm
Traditional Irish music group, Líadan, weave music and song to form a unique blend of old and new. The distinctive sound of Líadan lies in the deeply traditional essence of their music and in each band member’s ability to shine both instrumentally and vocally. From Galway, Limerick and Dublin, this inspiring all-female band comprises of six members: Síle Denvir, harpist; Deirdre Chawke, piano accordion; Valerie Casey and Claire Dolan, fiddles; Sarah-Jane Woods, flute; Elaine Cormican, whistles.
"Líadan has the instrumental chops, impressive lead vocals, well-executed vocal harmonies, imaginative arrangements, extensive and diverse repertoire, and apparent elan to become the next major global force in Irish traditional music." --
Tickets $15
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Mark Erelli and Jeffrey Foucault
Saturday October 4 at 7:30 pm
For the last 10 years, over the course of six albums and countless miles traveled from coffeehouse to house concert to listening room, Erelli has made himself the veritable James Brown of Unitarian church basements. He’s "the hardest working man in folk business" and one of the most respected singer-songwriters on the circuit.
Beyond his solo career, he has also fashioned himself into one of the most in-demand instrumental sidemen, touring with Lori McKenna and gaining strong attention as a writer, performing in Nashville song circles and backstage pickin’ parties with the likes of Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt and others. Things are working for him. So why is his new album, Delivered, about change? He'll perform some great songs from that album that will have you thinking about it too.
This CHICAGO SUN-TIMES review of Ghost Repeater says it all:
"One of the best albums of the year... Jeffrey Foucault incorporates the best of the Americana, alt-country and roots-rock genres into his third solo album... Those who recall Bruce Springsteen in the pre-"Born to Run" days will hear echoes of the Boss... as well as the best of the Texas troubadours, including Joe Ely and Butch Hancock. But there's nothing derivative about Foucault's haunting allusions... the fundamental truths that emerge are undeniable... Musically, Foucault has created a harmonious minimalist sound that's driven by his acoustic strumming and the economical Mark Knopfler-style electric fretwork of veteran Iowa guitarist Bo Ramsey... there's a tumbling tumbleweeds sensibility to Ghost Repeater reminiscent of the finest Dust Bowl anthems."
Tickets $15
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David Mallett
Saturday September 20 at 8 pm
Life in an out of the way place carries universal import, and people everywhere seem to understand what David Mallett's songs are about.  If you grow up in a small rural town, as Mallett did, you can't help but learn its stories. He knows about the people who shouldn't have stayed, but did, and those who shouldn't have left, but did. He knows the factory work, the field work, the memories of summer dances, the loves and losses, and the stunning incidents of courage and despair.
His songs have received international acclaim, and one of them, "Garden Song", has been translated into several languages and is one of America's most popular folk anthems. Other singers who have recorded Mallett's songs include Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Hal Ketchum, Pete Seeger and even the Muppets. The source of this well-traveled music is life in a small town in rural Maine, where there still is a main street, and you can still find old barns and tall trees.
"Few people could be called the living embodiment of the state where they live.
But what Garrison Keillor is to Minnesota, Mallett is to Maine."-Orlando Sentinel.
Tickets $20
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Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Friday September 12 at 8 pm
The 2007 release This Is Somewhere marks the coming of age of the young, Vermont-based rock band Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.
The album manifests incredible growth in the writing and singing of 24-year-old phenomenon Grace Potter, who has clearly found her true voice in both respects, as well as the instrumental prowess of the band: Potter on the Hammond B3, guitarist Scott Tournet, bassist Bryan Dondero and drummer Matt Burr. On this remarkable record, they make a glorious racket indeed.
The band’s timeless, organic brand of American rock & roll is fully in evidence throughout This Is Somewhere. Potter’s timely and eloquent songs can be intensely personal or politically charged.
Following two years of virtually nonstop roadwork on a national scale sharing the stages with such legends as Taj Mahal and Mavis Staples, including a bravura performance at last year’s Bonnaroo Music Festival (“Touring is a big part of who we are,” says Grace), the band has upped the ante considerably on the aptly titled This Is Somewhere.
Tickets $26
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The Waybacks
Monday September 1 at 7 pm
They draw freely from the old school and the old world, but The Waybacks are no throwback. They've been erroneously pigeonholed as a bluegrass band and celebrated as purveyors of "acoustic mayhem." They are as uninhibited and unpredictable as the eclectic San Francisco Bay area that claims them, and for nearly a decade, their experiments have always proven sharp-witted and musically dazzling. 
A four-piece with a full arsenal of acoustic and electric instruments, The Waybacks have just released Loaded, the boldest, rangiest and most exciting album of their career. Produced by Nashville bassist, composer and consummate sideman Byron House, it's a musical rebuke to anyone who would typecast true artistry.
The folk and roots underpinnings that have long been a Waybacks hallmark are still there, but after years of playing a huge range of venues and festivals, touring with Grateful Dead founder Bob Weir, and reconfiguring themselves around the hot guitar of James Nash and the fiddle virtuosity of Warren Hood, The Waybacks are enjoying a refreshed repertoire – one that's touched by Memphis soul, honky-tonk, Parisian swing, classical music, vintage blue pop and much more besides.
"A near-ideal balance of irreverence, chops, discipline, and originality separate the Waybacks from many bands that share their 'jamgrass' audience." - David Royko, Chicago Tribune.
Tickets $15
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Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade
Saturday August 30 at 8 pm
Miss Tess is a young, Boston-based songwriter, whose “Modern Vintage” sound bridges eras and genres. True to the tradition, her vocals can soar or caress as she strums and picks her way through an array of styles, from ragtime, to blues; country, to swing.  Tess writes songs with the folk sensibilities of a troubadour that engage roots-devotees and newcomers alike. A typical set conjures a cast of dreamers and lovers, down on their luck and charming their ways in and out of trouble, with familiar faces mingling in the crowd, courtesy of folks like Bessie Smith and Tom Waits—perpetual muses to her style.
In 2005, Tess formed The Bon Ton Parade, a dynamic, solo-swapping combo, comprised of sax & clarinet, upright bass, brushes on drums, and backing harmonies. In May of 2007, Tess released her first album with her Boston band, entitled: Modern Vintage, a term she coined to describe her emerging style of contemporary music strongly infused with the flavors of early jazz and its relatives. 2007 also brought When Tomorrow Comes, an album comprised of jazz standards in the vein of Duke Ellington and Fats Waller, alongside two original compositions. Tess was accompanied on this project by a group of six notable DC-based jazz players
This performance is a benefit for Unity Barn Raisers, a non-profit community organization that's been making Unity a better place for 10 years.
Tickets $20
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Watermelon Slim
Wednesday August 20 at 7:30 pm
Is there a blues player with a more intersting biography than Bill "Watermelon Slim" Homans? Slim was born in Boston and raised in North Carolina listening to his maid sing John Lee Hooker and other blues songs around the house. Slim dropped out of Middlebury College to enlist for Vietnam. While laid up in a Vietnam hospital bed he taught himself upside-down left-handed slide guitar on a $5 balsawood model using a triangle pick cut from a rusty coffee can top and his Army issued Zippo lighter as the slide.
Returning home an fervent anti-war activist, Slim has been a truck driver, forklift operator, sawmiller (where he lost part of his finger), firewood salesman, collection agent, and even officiated funerals. At times he got by as a small time criminal. At one point he was forced to flee Boston where he played peace rallies, sit-ins and rabbleroused musically with the likes of Bonnie Raitt. He ended up farming watermelons in Oklahoma – hence his stage name and current home base. Somewhere in those decades Slim completed two undergrad degrees in history and journalism.
In December 2006 Watermelon Slim garnered a record-tying six 2007 Blues Music Award nominations for Artist, Entertainer, Album, Band, Song, and Traditional Album of the Year. Only the likes of B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Robert Cray have ever landed six.
Tickets $15
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Women's Works
Friday & Saturday August 1 and 2 at 8 pm
This is the third year that Unity performing arts will host this evening of unique and original dance works. Women's Works is an evening of comtemporary dance performed by both local artist and choreographers as well as guest artists from Portland, ME and from New York City. The evening offers an intimate journey of dance, exploring modern, ballet, african influence, flamenco, belly dance, contact improv. and more. Local artists and professional dancers Shana Bloomstein, Katenia Keller, Helena Melone and Joan Proadman will all showcase new works and will be joined by choreographer Jesse Phillips-Fein from New York City and teacher and artist Kara Seymour from Portland, ME. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the depths of dance and creative energy.
Tickets $15
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Red Molly
Saturday May 31 at 8 pm
Red Molly was born on a hillside in the pre-dawn hours of the 2004 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. As they sang their camp-mates off to sleep in the darkness, Laurie MacAllister, Abbie Gardner and Carolann Solebello knew immediately they had stumbled into something extraordinary.  Audiences seem to agree. Since that momentous night, Red Molly has brought folk fans to their feet all over the Northeast with stunning three-part harmonies, crisp musicianship and a warm, engaging stage presence. In 2006, Red Molly was voted both Best New Artist at WUMB-FM, Boston and in a singularly appropriate way - “Most Wanted to Return” at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.
In July 2006, Red Molly’s first full-length offering, Never Been to Vegas, was released. Recorded on a chilly December evening before a warm studio audience of fans and friends, Never Been to Vegas is a collection of 14 carefully-chosen songs that span more than a century of great American songwriting. In uncluttered arrangements for three voices, songs by timeless greats like Hank Williams and Billy Edd Wheeler, new traditionalists like Gillian Welch, Patty Griffin, and Red Molly’s own Abbie Gardner mix easily with traditional American folk and gospel. Never Been to Vegas quickly climbed into the top 30 on Radio & Records Americana chart, a rare accomplishment for an independent album. Red Molly's brand new CD, Love and Other Tragedies (2008), is now available!
Tickets $15
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Avi & Celia
Friday April 18 at 8 pm
Avi & Celia, both 22-year-old native New Englanders are filled with spirit, vision, and ambition. Avi Salloway and Celia Woodsmith were brought together while studying at the University of Vermont in 2003. In March 2007 they released their debut CD, Off the Floor. Their original album prompted famed New England music venue Higher Ground to award them Artist of the Month. Avi & Celia have toured the Eastern United States and California in celebration of their new record. Their energetic and inspired nature has made them a popular act on the summer festival circuit as well as several famed venues.
"A bright and energetic combination of folk, country, bluegrass and rock… Each track, including the slower ones, is filled with so much energy… Their EP, Off the Floor is artfully arranged - its pace is perfectly timed, satisfying the listener and creating a twinge of regret when the songs give way to silence. Woodsmith manages to summon the weary wisdom and acquiescence of a woman much older than her own 22 years, while also possessing a wide-eyed drifter sort of sincerity. Salloway's deep, smooth vocals compliment Woodsmith's perfectly, possessing all the rugged richness of an appropriate male counterpart. The instruments mirror their sound obediently, each guitar solo exhibiting the same ability to be warm, mischievous and full of spirit." Performer Magazine
"You can tell right away that this music comes from the very fiber of their souls and it is absolutely spellbinding to listen to."
Rock n' Roll Report
"You can tell right away that this music comes from the very fiber of their souls and it is absolutely spellbinding to listen to."
Rock n' Roll Report
Tickets $15
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The Brew
Saturday April 12 at 9 pm
The Brew is an energetic quartet hailing from Massachusetts' North Shore. Formed in 2002 when longtime friends Dave Drouin (guitars/vocals) and Kelly Kane (drums) decided to formalize their music careers and team up with brothers Chris Plante (keyboards/vocals) and Joe Plante (bass/vocals).
The music of The Brew is friendly to both home stereos and dancing shoes. The voice of this rising, young quartet can be experienced through tightly crafted songs that contain poignant and often fantastical lyrics, as well as an innate ability to travel and explore within those songs through improvisation.
The Brew appeals to rock, funk, jam, jazz, reggae, and pop enthusiasts alike, and it has been said that their music summons the spirits of artists such as Peter Gabriel, YES, The Police, and contemporaries like Percy Hill. After cutting their first studio album in 2003, The Brew have since release two more, including their 2006 release, The Key
Tickets $10
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Morten Hansen: Falling Upwards
Saturday March 22 at 7 pm
Local favorite Morten Hansen returns to the Unity Centre with his amazing one man show. This is juggling like you've never seen it before
Hansen has won four gold medals from the International Jugglers Association and twice set the world record for the most objects ever juggled between two people. (most recently fifteen balls with Ben Jennings of London England in July of 2003.)
Falling Up Words is a blend of juggling, modern dance, comedy, and drama all set to a unique soundtrack recorded for the show. There is an incredibly dynamic visual element that will hold young children mesmerized, but there is an underlying complexity that will appeal to even the most sophisticated audience members. Falling Up Words is truly a show for all ages.
Many jugglers fight gravity. Morten Hansen invites you to celebrate gravity.
Morten Hansen currently makes his home on a small off-grid homestead in Troy, Maine with his wife Michele and their two children: Josiah (6) and Sophia (2).
Tickets: $10 adults $5 children
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Todd Wolfe Band
Friday January 25 at 7:30 pm
Gritty, bluesy and full of fire, Todd Wolfe, former guitarist for Sheryl Crow, favors heavy riffs, wicked phrasing, dirty slide and syrupy tones. There's plenty of distorted guitar on strong originals and classic covers.
The Wolfe Band was born during the downtime from Sheryl Crow tours. They are an edgy, adventurous, boundary pushing quartet who mix original material with Howlin' Wolf and Robert Johnson chestnuts. Wolfe consist of Eric Massimino on bass, Dave Hollingsworth on drums and John Cree on percussion. They have shared the bill with the likes of The Allman Brothers, Black Crowes, Blues Traveler, Dickey Betts, Peter Frampton, and Johnny Winter.
Tickets $15&
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