Annual Concert Calendar

 

January 2006

January

Strings is closed the month of January.

Have a Happy New Year!

February 2006

February 1st

Snake Trio (Jackeline Rago-cuatro, mandolin, percussion, Donna Viscuso-flute, alto sax, Saul Serria-acoustic bass)

True to tradition for the fifth year running we open our 13th season with this world class group. Original music based on the traditions of jazz and South American folk music.

February 8th

Player's Night (Preston Reed, Teja Gerkin, and Joey Lent)

We are thrilled to present Preston Reed with his "..fiendishly intricate blend of blues, rock, country and metal styles.." Also the the Bay Area's own master guitarist Teja Gerkin.

February 15th

Still on the Hill (Donna Henschell-fiddle, vocals, cello, Kelly Mulhollan-guitar, mandolin, vocals)

We welcome back this enthusiastic duo from Arkansas. Original blend of grass roots styles performed with heart, energy and fabulous musicianship.

February 22nd

Marc Silber & Friends

Delta Blues and more performed by one of the very best. An evening that is bound to hold some surprises and is sure to delight all who attend.

March 2006

March 1st

Sambo Ngo (Zack Pitt-Smith Dennis Smith Massengo Constant)

Congolese Soukous great Samba and his group perform world beat music at its best.

March 8th

The Sor Ensemble (Eugene Sor-cello Karen Sor-violin Rem Djemilev-viola Miles Graber -piano)

Master musicians present an evening of classical quartets by Faure and Brahms. Credits include San Francisco Symphony, New World Chamber Orchestra, Arlekin Quartet and many more than is possible to list here.

March 15th

Wishing Chair / Amie Penwell (Miriam Davidson Kiya Heartwood)

Multi-instumentalists "with a passion for the truth". Davidson, Heartland and Bay Area's own Penwell make their debut performances at Strings this evening.

March 22nd

Visual Concert (Hosted by John Pearson)

Master photographer John Pearson hosts this evening of photography to the accompaniment of live music. A multi-media event linking visual and musical talents to create mind-altering tapestries.

March 29th

Craig Carothers

One the most entertaining performing songwriters on tour in the country today.

April 2006

April 5th

Free Peoples (Tim Sawyer Johnny Downer Mike Dipirro Bradley Leach)

We are happy to welcome back Free Peoples. A unique sound and musical style performed with imagination and heart. Blue grass to blues and a whole lot more.

April 12th

Hot Club of Berkeley (George Cole-guitar Julian Smedley-violin Vic Wong-violin Chuck Ervin-bass)

We are happy to welcome back this group: Hot gypsy jazz holding true to the traditional Django and Grapelli virtuoisity with their own distinctive mark.

April 19th

Nate Cooper / Cas Lucas (Opening: Joey Lent)

Two performing songwriters on the cutting edge of contemporary Americana. Exciting, expressive and full of energy. Excellent musicianship.

April 26th

Arauco (Rafael Manriquez-vocals, guitar Jorge Tapia-percussion Fernando Torres-charango, cuatro)

A journey through contemporary original and traditional music and songs of Latin America.

May 2006

May 3rd

The Palm Wine Boys (Tom Chandler Richard Linley Q.B. Williams)

Contemporary Folk with Afro-Carribean influence. A feel good evening.

May 10th

Kleptograss (Eric Thompson Jody Stecher Paul Shelasky Laurie Lewis Paul Kotapish)

Original Americana at its very best. All-star lineup for a truly amazing evening. Surprize guests.

May 17th

Pickpocket Ensemble (Rick Corrigan-accordian Marquerite Ostrovski-violin Tim Fox-guitar Greg Kehret-bass Katja Cooper-percussion)

One of our favorite groups. Eastern European gypsy jazz and so much more.

May 24th

Quijerema (Quique Cruz-charango, kenacho, vocals Jeremy Allen-bass, percussion Maria Fernanda Acuna-percussion)

We are happy to welcome back this fantastic group. Original world music which fuses jazz and South American traditions.

May 31st

Mark Graham Tom Sauber Patrick Sauber

We welcome back Mark Graham (Kings of Mongrel Folk) harmonica and clarinet virtuoso joined by the Saubers for an evening of masterfully played old-time music.

June 2006

June 7th

Carlos Olmeda & Combo / Caren Armstrong

From San Diego, we welcome back multi-octave vocalist Olmeda. Inventive, commanding guitar playing and captivating song writing with multi-cultural influences.. One of the Bay Area's and String's favorite performing songwriters Armstrong shares the evening.

June 14th

Lost Weekend

Don Burnham, rhythm guitar Bobby Black, steel guitar Mark Holzinger, takeoff guitar Bing Nathan, bass Jim Rothermel, sax/clarinet Shota Osabe, piano Pam Brandon, feat. vocalist Rick Alegria, drums Paul Shelasky, fiddle (The very best in Western Swing music) Plus special guests!

June 21st

The Westerleys (Doug Blumer Nancy Terzian Peter Axel)

We are thrilled to present one of our favorite groups. Amazing three-part vocal harmonies. Original songs direct from the hearts and minds of three wonderful performers. A classic evening.

June 28th

Ramon Romero / Carlitos Sermeno

We welcome back master harp virtuoso Ramon Romero from Paraguay. Performing with consumate musician Carlitos Sermeno music from all over Latin America full of fiery rhythms and lyrical feeling.

July 2006

July 5th

Closed. Happy Summer

July 12th

Rupa and Les Poissons d'Avril (Ed Baskerville-cello Adrian Jost-bayan, bandoneon Aaron Kierbel-percussion Kate Isenberg-violin, vocals)

An exotic blend of east and west. Music from all over the world is fused to create their own unique sound. Exciting and beautiful. A wonderful musical journey.

July 19th

Local Gold

This evening is entertainment packed. This is an opportunity to hear some of the amazing talent we have in our Strings community. One of the best shows of the year this is also a benefit for Strings. If you wish to be included in this evening please let Joey know ASAP.

July 26th

Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum

Laurie is one of the pre-eminent bluegrass and Americana artists of our time. Singer, fiddler, performing songwriter and winner of numerous awards. Bluegrass, folk and country at its best.

August 2006

Aug 2nd

John Haley-Walker / Christopher Smith and Dana Hubbard

We welcome back three of our favorite performing songwriters.

Aug 9th

Ya Elah

Artistic Director Bon Singer of Kitka recognized as one of the premier directors of Bulgarian choral music performs with her group. Cantorial, folk, jazz, ethnic and classical genres.

Aug 16th

Megan McLaughlin, Patty Espeseth, Dorothy Betz, Les Adams

One of our favorite duos McLaughlin & Espeseth. From the island of Maui we welcome the original guitar/piano duo Betz & Adams.

Aug 23rd

Matt Lax and Nearly Beloved (Matt Lax, Dave Zirbel, Erik Pearson, Robert Garner, Pete Lax, Dave Rubin-Lax)

Americana Afro-fusion. Great harmonies and exciting rhythms.

Aug 30th

The Sor Ensemble (Eugene Sor-cello Karen Shinozaki-violin Rem Djemilev-viola Miles Graber-piano)

We are happy to welcome back these master musicians for an evening of Brahms and Schumann performed with virtuosity and passion.

November - December 2006

Nov 1st

La Pena Choir Opening Threshold Choir

We are honored to welcome back La Pena Community Choir directed by Lichi Fuentes.

Nov 8th

Geist (Diana Stork, Teed Rockwell, Mika Scott) Triskela (Diana Stork Shawna Spitera Portia Diwa)

A world harp adventure. Moving music that pulses with joy and vibrancy.

Nov 15th

VOCO Moira Smiley, Jessica Basta, Christine Enns, John Ballinger, Jessica Catron

We are thrilled to welcome back VOCO. Easter Euorpean to Irish to Appalachian song.

Nov 22nd Closed. Happy Thanksgiving

Nov 29th

Wishing Chair / Christy McCarthy

Songwriting, singing and musicianship. This evening is not to be missed.

Dec 6th

Steve Seskin

We are excited and delighted to have song master Steve Seskin back at STRINGS.

Dec 13th

Strings Holiday Benefit Party

One of our favorite evenings. If you would like to perform let Joey know ASAP.

Dec 13th

Closed Dec 20th New Season begins February 7th, 2007

February 2007

Feb 7

Snake Trio (Jackeline Rago-cuatro, mandolin, percussion, Donna Viscuso-flute, alto sax, Saul Sierra-acoustic bass)

True to tradition for the sixth year running we open our 14th season with this world class group. Original music based on the traditions of jazz and South American folk music.

Feb 14

Alexander Tsygankov / Inna Shevchenko

We are thrilled to welcome back these two virtuoso musicians on tour from Moskow. Tsygankov on domra and Shevchenko on piano perform classics and originals.

Feb 21

Marc Silber & Friends

Delta Blues and more performed by one of the very best. An evening that is bound to hold some surprises and is sure to delight all who attend.

Feb 28

Carlos Reyes & Friends

Latin harp at its very best. Exciting masterful playing full of fire and immediacy. Carlos will be joined by musicians on violin and percussion. Surprise guest artists.

March 2007

Mar 7

Queens of Boogie Woogie (Virginia Pichner, Geanie Stout, Sue Palmer, Wendy DeWitt)

Strings is proud to host this seventh annual tour of the Queens of Boogie Woogie.

Mar 14

Palm Wine Boys (Richard Linley, Q.B. Williams, Eliyahu Sills, Matthew Lax)

We are happy to welcome back one of our favorite groups. Contemporary folk with Afro-
Carribean influence. Upbeat music that's sure to put you in a good mood.

Mar 21

Craig Carothers

One the most entertaining performing songwriters on tour in the country today. An authentic
voice of our times.

Mar 25

B-B-Q Jam Potluck

Noon to Dark B-B-Q Jam Potluck
Members, musicians and their guests only please.

Mar 28

Visual Concert
Hosted by John Pearson

Master photographer John Pearson hosts this evening of photography to the accompaniment
of live music. A multi-media event linking visual and musical talents to create mind-altering
tapestries.

April 2007

Apr 4

Carol Denney / Eric Von Radics
Skip Henderson

Three terrific performing songwriters. An eclectic evening with music running the gamut from sea chanteys to blues.

gamut from sea chanteys to blues.

Apr 11

Rupa & The April Fishes (Ed Baskerville-cello Aaron Kierbel-percussion
Adrian Jost-bayan, bandoneon
Kate Isenberg-violin, vocals) We are happy to welcome back this exciting group. An unique blend of French cabaret, North African rhythms with fabulous musicianship. Exotic and original.

Apr 18

Samba Ngo (Alex Pike Massengo Constant Baba Tunde Miller) Congolese Soukous. Samba Ngo performs world beat music at its best. A spiritual experience not to be missed.

Apr 25

Eric & Suzy Thompson

Two local favorites perform. Excellent musicianship, entertainment and good vibes. Blues, bluegrass, klezmer and any other kind of Americana you can think of.

May 2007

May 2

Rafael Manriquez / Quique Cruz
Maria Fernanda Acuna / Ingrid Rubis

Master Latin American musicians present an evening of original and traditional music. Moving and exciting.

May 9

The Mitguards

Debbie and Chris Mitguard on tour from Colorado. Original and obscure: folk, roots and Americana. Great harmonies and hot picking.

May 16

Acoustic Eidolon

Joe Scott on custom 14-string double neck guitjo and Hannah Alkire on cello create
Acoustic Eidolon. Blend of classical, celtic and world rhythms.

May 23

Guitar Masters - Hosted by Alex de Grassi

We are thrilled to welcome back master guitarist Alex de Grassi for an evening of guitar appreciation. Bob Bonastre from Italy and more surprise guests.

May 30

Paul Geremia - One of the greatest living blues guitarists and singers. Truly a national treasure.

June 2007

June 6

I See Hawks
Rob Waller / Paul Lacques / Anthony Lacques

Really terrific modern country. Topical lyrics. Currently one of the hottest groups coming out of L.A. This group will have you dancing in your seats..

June 13

Tom Rigney Trio
Joe Weed / John R. Burr

Stellar cajun fiddler Rigney performs with pianist John R. Burr and fiddler Joe Weed. High energy heart-felt music. One of our favorite evenings.

June 20

Strings Under Cover Night

One of the very best shows done at Strings. Songs the performers did not write and that have not received commercial air play. This evening will be a benefit for the Strings sound system.
Artists who would like to perform please contact Joey ASAP.

June 27

Ramon Romero / Carlitos SermenoWe welcome back master harp virtuoso Ramon Romero from Paraguay. Performing with
consumate musician Carlitos Sermeno music from all over Latin America full of fiery rhythms and lyrical feeling.

July 2007

July 4

Closed - Happy Summer

July 11

Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum

Laurie is one of the pre-eminent bluegrass and Americana artists of our time. With partner Tom Rozum they create instrumental duets and vocal harmonies that are as good as good gets. Bluegrass, folk and country at its best.

July 18

Matt Lax and Nearly Beloved (Matt Lax, Dave Zirbel, Erik Pearson, Paul Olguim, Pete Lax, Dave Rubin-Lax)

We welcome back Matt Lax and Nearly Beloved. Americana Afro-fusion. Great harmonies and exciting rhythms.

July 22

B-B-Q Jam Potluck

Noon to Dark B-B-Q Jam Potluck
Members, musicians and their guests only please.

July 25

Ze Manel

We are thrilled to welcome Ze Manel and friends, national treasure of his homeland
Guinea-Bissau. Kriol music with pulsating rhythms and song. Ze Manel is a voice of the spirit behind the human struggle for freedom and integrity so needed in our world today. An evening not to be missed.

August 2007

Aug 1

Caren Armstrong's Birthday Celebration - Opening Joey Lent and Chuck Steed

Please join Caren in celebrating her birthday! A magical evening full of surprises featuring the best of Bay Area talent.

Aug 8

D Squared - Don Charles-guitar, banjo & mandola, Deb Gessner-harp

We welcome back this wonderful duo from Arizona. Music of touching sensitivity and depth with a rhythmic pulse that is truly exciting.

Aug 15

Guitar Masters - Peter Finger, Michael Chapdelaine, Teja Gerkin

Join us for a very special evening with German master guitarist Peter Finger and two of the Bay Area's finest acoustic guitarists. Luthier David Lehrer will display fine hand-made guitars.

Aug 22

Free Peoples - Tim Sawyer, Johnny Downer, Mike Dipirro, Bradley Leach

We welcome back one of the best original americana groups playing today. Bluegrass to blues and a
whole lot more. Imagination and heart.

Aug 29

Kleptograss - Eric Thompson, Tom Rozum, Paul Kotapish, Laurie Lewis, Paul Shelasky

Original Americana at its very best. All-star line-up for
a truly amazing evening.

September 2007

Sept 5

The Pickpocket Ensemble - Rick Corrigan, Tim Fox, Greg Kehret, Katje Cooper, Brian Rice & Chloe Allen

We welcome back one of our favorite groups. Inspired by Eastern European and Flamenco this group creates original music touching the soul with the essence of the timeless cabaret.

Sept 12

The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Music composed by Molly Axtmann, Rachel Durling-violin, David Brin-cello, Lisa Sangita-percussion

The silent film classic starring Lon Chaney (1923) will be screened with live accompaniment. Movie screened with no intermission. Late arrivals not admitted. Come on time!

Sept 16

B-B-Q Jam Potluck

Noon to Dark B-B-Q Jam Potluck
Members, musicians and their guests only please.

Sept 19

Bill Evans / Megan Lynch

Bill Evans, one of the hottest banjo players today performs with national long bow fiddle
champion Megan Lynch. Sizzling musicianship and harmonies. Superb Americana.

Sept 26

Very Hot Club - George Cole, Julian Smedley, Vic Wong Kathy Sierra & Sam Bevan

In the tradition of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli The Very Hot Club creates original songs true to the creative spirit which fuses popular music and art.

October 2007

Oct 3

La Pena Choir

We are very happy to welcome back the La Pena Community Choir. Latin American music and more with wonderful harmonies and exciting accompaniment.

Oct 10

Qadim - Eliyahu Sills, Jason Ranjit Parmar, Rachel Valfer, Faisal Zedan, Bouchaib Abdehadi, Evan Fraser

 

Music inspired by ancient mystical music of the Near East. Accomplished musicians from Indian, Iranian, Jewish, Moroccan and Arabic roots celebrate their common musical and spiritual heritage.

 

Oct 17

Houston Jones - Chris Kee, Peter Tucker, Travis Jones, Glenn Houston, Henry Salvia

 

Contemporary Americana. Blues, country at its very best. Great songs, terrific vocals and some seriously hot playing.

Oct 24

The WIYOS - Joebass, Michael Farkas, Parrish Eillis

 

Vaudevillian, Ragtime Blues, Hillbilly Swing and Old Time Country. Great entertainment.

 

 

Oct 31

Ray Bonneville

 

Bonneville creates his own powerful and unique version of the blues. A legend in his own time

November/December 2007

Nov 8

Visual Concert - Hosted by John Pearson

 

Master photographer John Pearson hosts this evening of photography to the accompaniment of
live music. A multi-media event linking visual and musical talents to create mind-altering tapestries.

Nov 14

Doug Blumer / Christopher Smith / Dana Hubbard

 

Three of our favorite performing songwriters present an evening of song. Great lyrics, top musicianship and entertainment.

 

Nov 21

Closed. Happy Thanksgiving

 

Nov 28

Lost Weekend

 

The 11 piece allstar LOST WEEKEND Western Swing Band rides back to STRINGS for an evening of world-class Western Swing music, featuring Hall-of-Famer Bobby Black, steel guitar; Pam Brandon, featured vocalist; Mark Holzinger, lead guitar; fiddler Paul Shelasky; Shota Osabe, piano; Jim Rothermel, sax and clarinet; Bob Schulz, cornet and vocals; Kevin "Ironman" Porter, trombone; Rick Alegria, drums; Bing Nathan, bass; and "fearless leader" Don Burnham, rhythm guitar and vocals. This most remarkable band enters its 23 swingin' year (founded 1984) with four of the original cast still onboard - LOST WEEKEND has earned its reputation as one of the country's leading lights in Western Swing music. www.lostweekend.ws

Dec 5

No Show this evening

February 2008

All performances begin at 8PM. Doors open at 7:30PM.

Feb 6

The VNote Ensemble - (Formerly The Snake Trio)

Jackeline Rago (cuatro, mandolin, percussion), Donna Viscuso (flute, alto sax), Sam Bevan (acoustic bass), Lali Mejia (percussion)

 

True to tradition for the seventh year running we open our 15th season with this world class group. Original music based on the traditions of jazz and South American folk music.

Feb 13

Steve Seskin

 

We are thrilled to have master performing songwriter Seskin back at STRINGS.

 

Feb 13

Feb 20

Marc Silber / Ray Burl /Larry Hanks

 

Keeping the tradition alive. Three of the best roots musicians anywhere.

 

Feb 27

Matt Flinner / Scott Nygaard Sam Bevin

 

Three of the best bluegrass players on the acoustic scene today. Music with a nod to the past and a vision of the future.

 

Feb 2

STRINGS Work Party SATURDAY February 2: 10:00 AM

March 2008

Mar 5

The Invisible Ensemble

Molly Axtmann, Rachel Durling, Ayla Davila

 

Fritz Lang's sci-fi silent film classic METROPOLIS will be screened to the accompaniment of a new score created by Molly Axtmann. One of the greatest movies of all time.

Mar 12

Palm Wine Boys

Richard Linley, Q.B. Williams, Ariane Cap, Matt Lax

 

We are happy to welcome back one of our favorite groups. Contemporary folk with Afro- Carribean influence. Upbeat music that's sure to put you in a good mood.

 

Mar 19

HillBillies from Mars

Kevin Carr, Ray Bierl, Paul Kotapish, Daniel Steinberg

 

The Hillbillies combine their love and dedication to Celtic and American traditional fiddle music with "folk roots" of rock 'n' roll, swing, Latin and African beats.

 

Mar 26

Craig Carothers

 

We welcome back one of the great performing songwriters of our time. Biting humor with the grace and style of an artist.

 

Sunday March 30

Noon to Dark B-B-Q Jam Members, musicians and their guests only

April 2008

Apr 2

Rafael Manriques, Quique Cruz,Maria Fernanda Acuna, Ingrid Rubis

 

Master Latin American musicians present an evening of original and traditional music. Moving and exciting.

Apr 9

Doug Blumer / Wes Weddell

 

Two fabulous performing songwriters. Country music at its best.

 

Apr 16

Very Hot Club

George Cole, Julian Smedley, Vic Wong, Kathy Sierra, Sam Bevan

 

In the tradition of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli the Very Hot Club creates original songs true to the creative spirit which fuses popular music and art.

 

Apr 23

The Baguette Quartet

Odile Lavault (accordion, bandeon, vocals), Rachel Durling (violin), John Schott (guitar), Rich Trevor (bass)

 

Parisian cabaret. Music heard in Paris from the 20s to the 40s, the golden age of the accordion. Waltzes, tangos, foxtrots, paso dobles and more!

 

Apr 30

Samba Ngo

Alex Pike, Massengo Constant, Baba Tunde Miller

 

Congolese Soukous. Samba Ngo performs world beat music at its best. A spiritual experience not to be missed.

 

May 2008

May 7

San Francisco Guitar Quartet

Mark Simons, Patrick O'Connell, David Duenas, Patrick Francis

 

Master Latin American musicians present an evening of original and traditional music. Moving and exciting.

 

May 14

Houstin Jones

Chris Kee, Peter Tucker, Travis Jones, Glenn Houston, Henry Salvia

 

Contemporary Americana. Blues, country at its very best. Great songs, terrific vocals and some seriously hot playing.

 

Sunday May 18 4PM

Young Composers Concert

 

Talented Musicians ages 12-16 perform their own original compositions. Children welcome.

 

May 21

Blues Piano Evening

Wendy DeWitt, Tommy Thomsen, Sid Morris

 

Three of the Bay Area's top blues performers present an evening of song and soulful hot keyboard playing.

 

May 28

Qadim

Eliyahu Sills, Jason Ranjit Parmar, Rachel Valfer, Faisal Zedan, Bouchaib Abdehadi, Evan Fraser

 

We are happy to welcome back Qadim. Music inspired by ancient mystical music of the Near East. Accomplished musicians from Indian, Iranian, Jewish, Moraccan and Arabic roots celebrate their common musical and spiritual heritage.