HSNOI

From: Ralph Litwin <rhlitwin@gmail.com>

Date: Sat, Dec 2, 2017 at 1:39 PM

Subject: HSNOI Annual Report

To: fullboard@folkproject.org

This year we produced episodes # 660 to 671, only 11 episodes due to a combination of last minute cancellations by guest artists, a last minute cancellation by the Cablevision studio tech, elimination of all taping dates in August due to Cablevision staff vacations, technical SNAFUs, and the closing of the studio on Oct. 1. We located a rent-free studio space at Mendham TV and are awaiting FP Board action to fund the equipment we will need to continue production.

660) 1/26/17 Tim Grimm - a Rennaisance man in the performing arts world… He has for the past 15 years, blended his love for songwriting, travel, and the storytelling of acting (theatre, film and television). His most recent recording, THE TURNING POINT, produced the #1 song on Folk radio in 2014-- KING OF THE FOLKSINGERS. It was a particularly gratifying honor given the song is a tribute to Tim's friend and musical icon, Ramblin' Jack Elliott. http://www.timgrimm.com

661) 2/22/17 Vito Natalie – Fusion Folk music singer songwriter born and raised in New Jersey in a town call North Bergen. He is strongly influenced by Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie,Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Bruce Springsteen. He studying songwriting at Paul Simon's Guitar study work shop in New York City. He has a new CD called An introduction to Vito Natale and you can hear his music on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Grove and much more. https://vitonatale.hearnow.com

662) 2/22/17 Helen O'Shea & The Shanakee Project - In 2016, at the release party for her first EP "Mama Told You...", Helen O'Shea put together a 10 piece band to perform her original songs, merging existing rock & bluegrass bands to achieve her unique "AmeriCeltiCana" sound. A smaller version of that band went on to become "The Shanakee Project" - the name derived from the Gaelic word "seanachai" meaning "storyteller", featuring Garry Pearsall, Drew Turock, John Mazzeo & David Ross. https://www.facebook.com/helenosheamusic

663) 3/16/17 Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio - award-winning pianist, multi-genre singer/songwriter, arranger, bandleader, and performer. From New Orleans-style jazz and blues to rousing Americana and poignant folk narratives, Heather’s memorable live performances feature her virtuosity on piano, her bell-tone vocals, and her commanding yet playful stage presence while wielding a tenor banjo, melodica, or acoustic guitar. She performs both solo and with her acoustic trio, featuring Davy Sturtevant on strings/cornet and Shawn Nadeau on upright bass. www.heatherpierson.com

664) 3/16/17 Kate & Paul - passionate and diversely dynamic songwriting team whose sound, driven by melody and emotion, ranges from progressive electric blues-rock to folk-pop/world-beat with a message, and manifested by powerful vocal harmonies, accompanied by cutting rhythm and solo guitar. http://www.kateandpaulband.com

665) 4/20/17 Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches - an eclectic mix of country, bluegrass, western swing, rockabilly, blues, traditional jazz, dixieland, old-time music, folk, roots music, Gullah-Geechee influenced 20s/30s jazz, music of New Orleans, originals and world music; Nick Russo (band leader, banjo, resonator, guitar), Betina Hershey (vocals, guitar), David Pleasant (percussion), Miles Griffith (vocals, percussion) www.banjonickaru.com

666) 4/20/17 Donie Carroll & friends- traditional folk singer & entertainer with musical roots in Ireland & America; based in NYC, Donie is world renowned. He has shared the stage with many legends of traditional folk music; performing with multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Donahue (toured for 5 years with The Chieftains) and fiddler Patrick Mangan (just back in NY from a world tour with Riverdance) www.DonieCarroll.com

667) 5/11/17 The Atlanta Café Band - original band with American roots; the members have performed together for over 35 years www.theatlantacafeband.com

668) 5/11/17 8:00 Mary Bragg – “…naturally sweet and pleasingly plaintive vocals shine against a mixture of country, folk, and rock creating a magnificent collection of Americana.” No Depression Magazine She has been honored in such prestigious songwriting contests as Kerrville New Folk, Telluride Troubadour, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Wildflower! Festival, and the International Songwriting Competition.www.MaryBragg.com

669) 6/15/17 Fendrick & Peck - Full of wonderful spirit, creativity, and heart, Fendrick & Peck’s neo-traditionalist folk music is a brave concoction of mature lyrics with delicate melodies, exquisite harmonies, and a dash of old school. “Talent by soul mates,” said one audience member. With a constantly evolving performance experience, filled with old poems that stir the heart, evocative songs played on aged acoustic instruments, and charming stories, an evening with them is food for the soul. They live and thrive in the awkward space between deep questions and deep knowing with sparkling humor and enthusiasm. www.fendrickandpeck.com

670) 6/15/17 Philadelphia Phil – with Miss Jade on unique combination f Americana, Blues, Western Swing and New Orleans flavors, music that has lit up festival stages from Pennsylvania to Kentucky and Ohio, and venues from Chicago to Lexington, Philadelphia to Kansas City… eclectic blend of original acoustic music, along with interpretations of traditional selections, www.reverbnation/philadelphiaphil

671) 7/13/17 Dave Vargo - native of East Brunswick, NJ, started playing guitar at the age of eight. By the age of 14 he was performing throughout the tri-state area with various jazz, funk, and rock bands. Dave graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston with honors and went on to become a touring artist and session player… has worked with Whitney Houston, Phoebe Snow, Vonda Shepard, and Rupert Holmes… currently performs both solo and as part of an acoustic duo (Kim and Dave). He is also an active session player and songwriter.

Ralph