First Night performer biographies

Performer biographies:

Salsa Libre
Salsa Libre presents the exotic flavor of the Caribbean Islands. This sizable Latin dance band is filled with congas, timbales, exciting horns, and flavorful Spanish vocals. Salsa Libre performs traditional and contemporary mambo, cha cha, and merengue classics from stars like Tito Puente, Eddie Herrera, Roberto Roena, Willie Colon, and others.

Walt Michael & Co.
Walt Michael’s various incarnations, including Bottle Hill, Michael, McCreesh & Campbell and Walt Michael & Co. have spanned 40 years and taken him from the coal camps of Appalachia to the White House to the Closing Ceremonies of the 13th Olympic Winter Games. Considered to be a virtuoso of tremendous influence in the revival of the hammered dulcimer, Walt’s wide repertoire ranges from old-time Southern Appalachian, to Celtic, to breath-taking original compositions. Look forward to an evening of top-drawer string band music with Walt Michael & Company.

Dana LaCroix – Murali Coryell
Renowned blues singer and guitarist, Murali Coryell, has performed and recorded with music legends from Joe Louis Walker to Larry Coryell. Gordon Lightfoot calls singer/songwriter Dana LaCroix’s recent CD release “A passionate album by a wonderful songwriter.” Separately, Coryell and LaCroix have delighted audiences all over North America and Europe. Hear them together in this one-night-only acoustic performance.

Catskill Puppet Theater
Catskill Puppet Theater, based in Laurens, is an internationally known and respected touring company that has been selected to perform at such venues as The Annenberg in Philadelphia, The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, The JFK Library in Boston and The Chautauqua Institute. They have been featured in New York City at Symphony Space, The Guggenheim, Colombia University and The Museum of Television and Radio. Their international touring includes Canadian Children’s Festivals in Prince George, Winnipeg, Calgary and Ottawa as well as being chosen by Toho Entertainment to create and perform giant figures at Tivoli Gardens in Kurashiki, Japan. Catskill Puppet Theater has performed at First Night Celebrations in New York City - Boston - Providence, RI - Binghamton and many others. They perform original musical plays for children of all ages!

The Dady Brothers
The Dady Brothers bring a unique variety of Celtic and American folk music to each and every performance. Originally from Rochester, NY, the brothers have shared their music in many diverse venues around the country and abroad for over thirty years. John and Joe are self-styled singers, multi-instrumentalist musicians and composers. They have a solid command of many folk instruments including, but not limited to: guitar, pennywhistle, fiddle, banjo, octave mandolin, harmonica, uilleann pipes, bodhran and ukulele. Their wide repertoire ranges from Irish folk ballads to original contemporary folk, bluegrass, and acoustic blues. They are at ease with their audiences and have a knack for finding humor in the moment and sharing it spontaneously.

Cosmic Karma Fire
Cosmic Karma Fire is a fire performing troupe based in upstate New York but travels “Wherever you need us.” The troupe is driven by passion for performing with the one element known to be uncontrolled by nature. Harnessing the power of fire, Cosmic Karma Fire has created a most amazing show. They thrive to impress, amaze, and astonish their audiences in extreme and unique ways.

The Horseshoe Lounge Playboys
A nationally touring “Backwoods Americana” acoustic roots old time country and bluegrass band, HLP has become one of the area’s home grown attractions. In its short four years, performers/songwriters HLP have toured throughout the Northeast and the Southwest appearing in cities from Phoenix, Denver, Baltimore, Chicago to New York City, produced three albums of mostly original material and composed/recorded the theme song for the film Mineville. 2011 highlights include performing shows with The Levon Helm Band, Arlo Gutherie Band and Steve Earle and his band. HLP won Imprint Radio’s “Best Live Performance” Award in 2009. Original Footstomping Hillbilly music!

Driftwood
Influenced by many traditional American Roots/Rock artists such as Dylan, The Band, Hank Williams as well as modern string band music of today such as Old Crowe and The Avett Brothers. This self proclaimed Shanty Rock band also pays homage to the Pop Rock of the 60’s, the simple straight forward lines of the Classical Period and the more obscure, popular songwriters of today such as Regina Spektor. Whatever the influences or the sounds, the songs from this acoustic quartet are beautiful and the energy off the chart. With a grueling touring schedule spanning from Providence to Nashville to Austin to Portland they have managed to build a fast growing national fan base. With a release date for their new album in November 2011 and a nonstop touring schedule they are busier than ever they are ready to share their songs with the rest of the world.

Alpha Brass Band
Alpha Brass Band is a fun-filled, funky, flavorful celebration of New Orleans music. Using trumpet, trombone, sax, bass and drums, the Alpha B’s bring Mardi Gras to your door. They play colorful songs by artists like Dr. John, the Dirty Dozen, Trombone Shorty, Rebirth Brass Band, and the Meters.

The Brazztet
The Brazztet is a new band to our area featuring a horn section, piano, bass, guitar, drums and vocals.The band plays swing, jazz, 1950’s and 1960’s rock and roll and pop songs, Dixieland, Broadway show tunes and any special requests made ahead of time.

The Rob Hunt Trio
The Rob Hunt Trio featuring jazz vocalist Diane Ducey will present classic songs from the Great American Songbook. Dynamic vocalist Diane Ducey will captivate your ears as veteran pianist Rob Hunt, bassist Lou Smaldone and drummer Joe Tokarowski weave a magical musical landscape. This will be a concert for your listening pleasure.

Hobart Fire Department Pipes and Drums Band
Although it may be cold, they will be dressed in kilts playing loudly and proudly on bagpipes, snare drums, tenor drums and a bass drum. Their repertoire consists of traditional music of the Great Highland Bagpipes including many Scottish and Irish favorites, ending with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne. As they enjoy an educational element to our programs, an opportunity will be given to ask questions about the band’s uniform, music, and instruments played; so bring family members and neighbors of all ages and celebrate the area’s Celtic heritage!

So and So’s Rhythm & Blues Review
So and So’s Rhythm & Blues Review features Sal Salvaggio, guitar, Jen Raphaelson, piano and vocals, Tom Ives, Bass, and Kevin Corkery, vocals. So and So’s will be playing a mix of 60’s rock ’n roll, 50’s Rand B and electric and acoustic blues.

Shunzo Ohnon Jazz Quartet
Shunzo Ohno is a great jazz trumpeter who won Grammy Awards for his recordings with Gil Evans, and with Machito and his Afro-Cuban Orchestra. He will perform jazz standards, blues, and Latin tunes with a quartet which includes Sadiq Abdushahid (drums), Tim Iversen (keyboards) and Chris Wolf-Gould (bass). Shunzo has just returned from touring Japan.

Richie Stearns
Richie is a pioneer banjo player in the string band/roots music field. He began his 35+ year career as a musician with The Horseflies, the first non-rock band to break through the MTV barrier (when it featured music videos) to become nationally recognized. He was an original member of, recorded with and help found: The Horseflies, Donna The Buffalo, Ti Ti Chickapea, Evil City String Band, The Grassroots Music Festival and numerous other significant musical endeavors. He has performed with countless musicians including a recent tour with Natalie Merchant and 10,000 Maniacs.

VelvetVox
VelvetVox is a vibrant trio of vocalists who specialize in tight blend arrangements of compelling classic radio hits, folk-rock and homespun favorites. Several instrumental combinations give this threesome expansive dimension and style that reaches out to most every taste. Come sink your ears into this intensely lush vocal set!

John Scarpulla Band
Josh Hathaway of Blog Critics wrote “there is a truly unique quality to Scarpulla’s music that honors blues, soul, pop and Americana at the same time.” With John are Guitarist Brian Shafer, drummer Sam Doyle, and bassist Michael Sharick, all originally from Stamford, New York. Their third album is expected in July 2012.

Skip West
Skip West gives concerts which involve everyone in the family in great fun including many favorite traditional and popular folk songs. Skip also includes his original music from his Parents Choice Award-winning CD, “Blue Sky City” and his other three CDs for children and families. There is a great deal of participation in the form of singing and dancing and playing of percussion instruments.

The Nellies
An alt-country, Americana trio from the Capital District driven by core singer-songwriter duo, Karen Ann Gilpin (guitar) and Peggy Lecuyer (mandolin), joined by Gene Lemme on the stand-up bass. The Nellies fill their songs with passion and sweet harmony. You will find The Nellies’ energy contagious and their fun-loving stage presence will put a smile on your face.

Story Laurie
World-wise with a home-grown vibe, Story Laurie weaves tales of wonder and sings playful songs with a voice that beguiles young and old alike. An internationally-renowned storyteller has called Laurie “a vibrant, creative performer who moves with the beauty of a jazz note.”

The Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble
The Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble will usher in 2012 with music that is entertaining, inspiring and appropriate to the season: carols, show tunes, dance music, marches and concert band classics. Performed by 35 experienced wind band musicians under the direction of Scott Rabeler.

Khalil Jade
Khalil Jade a local acoustic guitarist, singer/songwriter with a captivating voice and a love for many styles of music. Her performance consists of some beautiful original songs and a wide variety of covers ranging from The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Glen Hansard, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Lady Gaga, Old Crow Medicine Show and many more!

Tinny Wilkens Indonesian Folk Music & Dances
Tinny Wilkens Indonesian Folk Music & Dances: You will enjoy the unique Spice Islands - Indonesia folk music and dances with colorful costumes! Dancers of all ages for the whole family!

Mike the Juggler
Comedy and Juggling show, suitable for all ages with lots of audience participation. Mike the Juggler is happy to be invited to perform by First Night Oneonta since 1999.

Badra Bahiya Bellydance
This unique tribal fusion interpretation of traditional bellydances has been delighting audiences in the Oneonta area since 2007. Performances include dynamic troupe interaction, sword dance, finger cymbals, captivating music and beautiful costuming. Check it out!

The Thrushes
The Thrushes are Eric Ball, Meg Gorel, and Chris Clark; a Catskill area folk-n-roll trio. This is front porch music; an original mix of their own compositions and traditional songs interpreted in an acoustic-based modern folk style.

Wayne Carrington
Wayne is a native of Oneonta and founding member of the 1990s nationally touring rock band Subduing Mara and Dryhill Studios. Wayne is a singer/songwriter and guitarist who will be performing solo. His songs are rich and reminiscent of the great folk and rock artists of the 20th century. He formerly performed with his wife Rebecca in The Carbondale Shafts.

Armanda Brothers
Kota & Isiah Aranda blend the sound of flamenco and rock on classical guitars. This is their last performance in New York, so don’t miss it!

John Colonna
John Colonna presents an evening of original compositions and standard songs. The original compositions range from jazz to classical to pop and are ornamented with John’s unique improvisational abilities. Prepare yourself to be amazed by a never-ending smorgasbord of lightning-fast arpeggios and harmonies that stimulate both the mind and the heart.

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