Pioneer Valley Folklore Society Happenings

January 2024

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Annie Patterson will join January 6 Song & Story Swap in Amherst
Learn songwriting from Pete Nelson
The Secret Chord reprises Leonard Cohen in Jan. and Feb. shows

Folksinger and song leader Annie Patterson will join Jan. 6 Song & Story Swap

Please come share in an evening of music and stories at the Pioneer Valley Folklore Society Song & Story Swap.

Saturday, January 6, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at First Church, 165 Main St., Amherst, MA. Free parking is available in back of the church, and the meeting room is near the front.

Singer and folksong ambassador Annie Patterson will be the featured performer at the January 6 Song & Story Swap.

Annie Patterson is one of America's premiere song leaders. She has been leading singing around the globe for over 30 years and is well known for her work as co-creator/editor of the songbooks Rise Up Singing and Rise Again.

An accomplished folk performer and jazz vocalist, Annie sings old songs and new. She carries with her a suitcase of incredible song knowledge and a repertoire that includes over 2400 songs from many genres, including Americana, contemporary folk, ballads, gospel, country and jazz. She is a master interpreter of songs from the Appalachian Mountains and British Isles, accompanying herself on banjo and guitar. Annie is also a jazz vocalist with the swing band Girls from Mars, and a singer with the funk and R&B band The O-Tones.

Annie's folk recording, Mountain Side, features her stunning vocals along with haunting harmonies by the talented voices of Tracy Grammer, Katryna and Nerissa Nields, Mary Witt of the O-Tones, and Claire Brandenburg. Annie sings in the swing band Girls From Mars, the acoustic trio Dear Ella, and the Joni Mitchell tribute band Big Yellow Taxi. She has also toured with well loved folk musicians Charlie King, Emma's Revolution, and Magpie, to name a few.

Songwriter Peter Berryman sums up Annie Patterson's concerts well: "Her stage presence is infectious; she could get a roomful of store mannequins to break out in song."

Don't miss local artistic treasure Annie Patterson at the First Church in Downtown Amherst on January 6 at 7pm.

This month’s opening round theme is Rising This month's opening round theme is 'Inner Journeys'

The January 6 Song & Story Swap is being held in person at First Church, 165 Main St. in Amherst, Mass., at 7pm. Parking is available in the lot behind the church.

Looking ahead to next month, the February 3, 2024 Song & Story Swap will present acclaimed musician Bill Shontz.

The Song & Story Swap is held on the first Saturday of each month, excepting July and August, and is organized by the Pioneer Valley Folklore Society. Visit the Folklore Society website at pvfs.us.

The Song & Story Swap is open to the public, free of charge with donations accepted ($5 - $10 is suggested).

People of all ages gather to share stories and songs that are traditional, newly written, or of personal experiences. You can tell, sing, or lead everyone in singing, or request a song or story. Listeners are welcome.

For information contact Paul Kaplan, (413)-687-5002 or visit https://pvfs.us.

Learn songwriting from Pete Nelson

Starting on January 7 singer-songwriter and author Pete Nelson will teach songwriting classes at the Parlor Room in Northampton. Both beginner and advanced courses consisting of five classes are offered. Contact Pete for more info.

The Secret Chord will channel Leonard Cohen in local Jan. and Feb. shows

Gordon Kramer announces two upcoming performances of his band The Secret Chord that features the music of Canadian folk legend Leonard Cohen. The group will perform at the Luthier's Coop in Easthampton on January 19 and will do a two-set show on February 2 as part of the First Friday concert series at the Cherry Hill Co-housing community in Amherst.