Seats are going fast, so if you want one of the 50 seats for the Alathea house concert, I suggest you reserve soon. Besides, don't you want to experience the post-pandemic music and storytelling of Mandi Reilly and Christy Johnson? I do. I recently interviewed the ladies for WORLD's daily podcast, The World and Everything In It. They spoke to me from the Johnson City elementary school where they are artists-in-residence. A school bell rang. We had to take a break while the principal made an announcement over the PA. Mandee wrapped up our time: "It's been a rough couple of years. But spring is about to do what she does. And all that's been planted, all that's happened underneath the mud, is about to come forth." That's hope growing. See you on July 28th. Reserve your seats here.
07/10/2022
07/01/2022
Tickets Going Fast: Reserve Seats for Alathea, Thursday, July 28, 8:00 PM
Seats are going fast, so if you want one of the 50 seats for the Alathea house concert, I suggest you reserve soon. Besides, don't you want to experience the post-pandemic music and storytelling of Mandi Reilly and Christy Johnson? I do. I recently interviewed the ladies for WORLD's daily podcast, The World and Everything In It. They spoke to me from the Johnson City elementary school where they are artists-in-residence. A school bell rang. We had to take a break while the principal made an announcement over the PA. Mandee wrapped up our time: "It's been a rough couple of years. But spring is about to do what she does. And all that's been planted, all that's happened underneath the mud, is about to come forth." That's hope growing. See you on July 28th. Reserve your seats here.
06/25/2022
Reserve Your Seat: Alathea, In Concert, Thursday, July 28th, 8:00
Seats are going, so if you want one of the 50 seats for the Alathea house concert, I suggest you reserve soon. Besides, don't you want to experience the post-pandemic music and storytelling of Mandi Reilly and Christy Johnson? I do. I recently interviewed the ladies for WORLD's daily podcast, The World and Everything In It. They spoke to me from the Johnson City elementary school where they are artists-in-residence. A school bell rang. We had to take a break while the principal made an announcement over the PA. Mandee wrapped up our time: "It's been a rough couple of years. But spring is about to do what she does. And all that's been planted, all that's happened underneath the mud, is about to come forth." That's hope growing. See you on July 28th. Reserve your seats here.
06/14/2022
Alathea: In Concert, Thursday, July 28, 2022, 8:00 PM
At long last, we are looking forward to hosting another house concert with our friends, Alathea, after a long COVID hiatus. This female duo, familiar to many, will give us 90 minutes of story and song. Don't miss it. We'll be limiting seats so as not to be overly crowded. Check out our concert page and reserve your seats here.
12/29/2019
12/05/2019
Claire Holley In Concert 12/29 - Buy Tickets Now!
“Claire Holley is an observer, a romantic reporter from the backyards and front porches of the heartland,” says Acoustic Guitar Magazine. And I could quote more such accolades for this really gifted singer-songwriter and player. She plays well, writes well, and sings well, and it all comes together in a winsome presence that makes you feel right at home.
It also means a great deal that two of her albums are dedicated to and inspired by her late father. Both are collections of Gospel-inspired tunes, whether originals or hymns. Sanctuary was recorded 20 years ago; Every Hour this year, and both resonate with age-old truth.
So sample some of that truth. Join us for a mid-winter's concert with Claire on Sunday evening, December 29th, at 7:00 at Peace Church in Cary and hear some of those songs and more. Doldrums can set in during the lull between Christmas and New Years, and this is a low-key way to enjoy some great music with old and new friends. After the music, there'll be a reception with (free) light refreshments and an opportunity to talk with Claire and visit with others. Christmas carols and lights may even find their way into the evening; is is, after all, Christmastide, and it will only be the fifth day of Christmas. Hang on to the Spirit a little longer.
Save some money. Purchase tickets in advance for $15 here. (They will be $20 at the door). And be sure to share this link with friends and invite them to come along.
11/28/2019
Claire Holley In Concert, Dec. 29th - Only 32 Days from Showtime
I first met Claire Holley over 20 years ago in a Chapel Hill coffeeshop, she was just off her second recording, Sanctuary. I was smitten by the collection of hymns and gospel-laced songs, rendered in her inimitable folk style and honey voice. That wasn't all Claire had to offer musically, as ensuing albums demonstrated, but the two decades since have only matured and deepened her sonic reservoir, bookending Sanctuary with a new collection of hymns and gospel songs, Every Hour.
Claire grew up in Jackson, Mississippi and has enjoyed singing ever since she was a little girl. She began writing songs in college and has released seven full length records and two EPs. Her music has been featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition as well as in films & TV shows. She lives with husband and son in Los Angeles but visits Mississippi a lot.
The Washington Post said, “The charm of Holley’s hummable melodies, imagistic lyrics and vocal prowess suggest she’ll keep bringing crowds in from the cold…” But I like what Image Journal said,“She owes much to the southern tradition of storytelling, and just as much to the southern tradition of charm…”
So sample some of that Southern charm. Join us for a mid-winter's concert with Claire on Sunday evening, December 29th, at 7:00 at Peace Church in Cary and hear some of those songs and more. Doldrums can set in during the lull between Christmas and New Years, and this is a low-key way to enjoy some great music with old and new friends. After the music, there'll be a reception with (free) light refreshments and an opportunity to talk with Claire and visit with others. Christmas carols and lights may even find their way into the evening; is is, after all, Christmastide, and it will only be the fifth day of Christmas. Hang on to the Spirit a little longer.
Save some money. Purchase tickets in advance for $15 here. (They will be $20 at the door). And be sure to share this link with friends and invite them to come along.
11/18/2019
Claire Holley and Band In Concert: Sunday, December 29, 7:00 (On Sale Now)
I first met Claire Holley over 20 years ago in a Chapel Hill coffeeshop, she was just off her second recording, Sanctuary. I was smitten by the collection of hymns and gospel-laced songs, rendered in her inimitable folk style and honey voice. That wasn't all Claire had to offer musically, as ensuing albums demonstrated, but the two decades since have only matured and deepened her sonic reservoir, bookending Sanctuary with a new collection of hymns and gospel songs, Every Hour.
Claire grew up in Jackson, Mississippi and has enjoyed singing ever since she was a little girl. She began writing songs in college and has released seven full length records and two EPs. Her music has been featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition as well as in films & TV shows. She lives with husband and son in Los Angeles but visits Mississippi a lot.
The Washington Post said, “The charm of Holley’s hummable melodies, imagistic lyrics and vocal prowess suggest she’ll keep bringing crowds in from the cold…” But I like what Image Journal said,“She owes much to the southern tradition of storytelling, and just as much to the southern tradition of charm…”
So sample some of that Southern charm. Join us for a mid-winter's concert with Claire on Sunday evening, December 29th, at 7:00 at Peace Church in Cary and hear some of those songs and more. Doldrums can set in during the lull between Christmas and New Years, and this is a low-key way to enjoy some great music with old and new friends. After the music, there'll be a reception with (free) light refreshments and an opportunity to talk with Claire and visit with others. Christmas carols and lights may even find their way into the evening; is is, after all, Christmastide, and it will only be the fifth day of Christmas. Hang on to the Spirit a little longer.
Save some money. Purchase tickets in advance for $15 here. (They will be $20 at the door). And be sure to share this link with friends and invite them to come along.
12/29/2018
12/27/2018
12/25/2018
Don't Miss Burlap to Cashmere - Buy Tickets Now
In just five days Brooklyn's Burlap to Cashmere will be in concert in Cary. I can't describe the energy of hearing this band live - captivating, moving, lyrically provocative. That's a start. Listening to them you hear some deeply thoughtful lyrics delivered with passion and zest. Yet I can't quite describe their Mediterranean-infused folk rock. You have to hear it.
Now that Christmas is over, think about next weekend. What's happening? Not much, right? Avoid the sometimes madness of New Years Eve and come out on the Eve of the Eve for a concert followed by light food and drink. Meet the band. Meet some new and old friends. Sunday, December 30th. 7:00. Peace Church. Cary. Get your tickets here. And check out this fabulous band in an energetic performance below.
12/20/2018
12/17/2018
12/07/2018
See Burlap to Cashmere, Sunday, December 30th, 7:00 PM
"Tonight you had real musicicans." That's what one attendee told me. "Incredible night, incredible venue, one I will not forget." That's what another person told me. And what a concert is was! On both occasions when I have had Burlap to Cashmere in the house, tickets have sold out. 75 people willingly cram together in my home for this popular band. This is a band that really connects with an audience and stays around talking to each person until the very last fan leaves. That's rare.
Now, however, you have a bit more room, better stage and lighting, and a full band for the first time in the area when the band plays at Peace Presbyterian Church in Cary on Sunday, December 30th at 7:00. What are you doing that evening? That's what I thought - nothing! Avoid the NYE crowds and come out on the Eve of the Eve. And hang around for food and drink afterwards and talk with the band. Get your tickets now for this incredible show by clicking here.
What do they play? Songs from their entire repertoire, audience requests, and new tunes from Freedom Souls, their newest release. And a few bonuses: Covers like "Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash, and "The Boxer," by Paul Simon, and perhaps even a little B2C Christmas cheer. Wise cracks. Confessions. "Family" ribbing (Johnny and Steve are cousins, and Teddy may as well be, as he grew up with them.)
And the fans? Many die-hard, some new. All convinced that this is a great band. The first time I hosted this band, one couple called to apologize that they could not make the "drive FROM OHIO due to the rain." Wow. Others drove a couple hours in the rain. But all were excited to be here. What a chemistry this band has, what warmth, what soul, and what heart. Brooklyn and Jersey come South.
HERE'S MORE:
READ: For a band that many wondered what had happened to, the last few years have seen Burlap to Cashmere blow back into the national scene with gusto. In 1998 the band released the critically acclaimed debut Anybody Out There? After a whirlwind of tours, awards and an ever-growing fan base, they did what no one expected. They disappeared. And then, they were back.
In 2010 the band headed into the studio with acclaimed producer Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Tom Waits). The result? A self-titled album of new, organic sounds with faith-tinged lyrics that won't leave your head. And with this year's Freedom Souls,they continue with that same organic sound with just enough tweak to keep us guessing,
With its core lineup intact – singer/guitarist/songwriter Steven Delopoulos, guitarist John Philippidis, and drummer Theodore Pagano — Burlap to Cashmere returned with renewed focus, drive and energy. “There’s something about family and people you’ve known forever that makes the chemistry happen,” Delopoulos says. “There’s a sense of honesty and trust. That’s Burlap to Cashmere.”
This is a band that has a deep and accomplished musicianship and a really distinctive sound. This is particularly apparent in the songs that incorporate their unique approach to traditional Greek rhythms, songs that recall the musical intimacy of Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel, coupled with Delopoulos’ introspective, poetic songwriting. Fans of modern troubadour outfits like the Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons will find common ground with Burlap to Cashmere’s output, with the added textures of the Greek and Mediterranean influences further fleshing out the band’s unique take on 21st Century folk-rock music.
WATCH B2C perform "Closer to the Edge" and check out their other videos on YouTube:
TICKETS: Click here.
11/25/2018
Freedom Souls: Burlap to Cashmere In Concert, Dec. 30th
A couple years ago I wrote a review of Burlap to Cashmere's last album, Freedom Souls. I called lead singer Steven Delopoulous on the phone and had a good chat, distilling this review from listening to him. I think it gives a good insight into the soul of this band.
"I still don't know how to write a song," says Steven Delopoulous, lead singer and songwriter for Burlap to Cashmere. "It's still a mystery, but still something I want to tackle."When Burlap to Cashmere burst into the Christian music scene in the late Nineties, they were in their twenties - a hardworking Brooklyn band fighting for every gig they got. A 1998 Squint/A&M debut, Anybody Out There?, garnered excellent reviews and better gigs, as well as an opening spot on a Jars of Clay tour. Watching a YouTube video of their performance of “Basic Instructions” at Creation Festival in 1999 is to behold a Greek version of an Avett Brothers/ Gypsy Kings mashup, band members full of movement, interacting with the crowd, and enjoying each other. This is family music, soaked in the sounds of the Mediterranean, mixed with a little Cat Stevens and Simon and Garfunkel, and simmered in the stew of what you imagine to be a big, lovable, sometimes loud Greek family, with profound lyrics that won't leave your head.
But while this talented band made a good start, constant touring took its toll. So in the early 2000s, band members each went their own way, some to marry and have families, all to steady jobs. After an incident of road rage left lead guitarist Johnny Phillipidis in a coma for three weeks, it wan’t clear that they would ever perform again. Yet, after a miraculous recovery, in 2011 the three founding members — Phillipidis, cousin Steven Delopoulous, and Theodore Pagano regrouped, releasing a critically acclaimed self-titled album on Sony/Jive. They recently returned with a crowd-funded follow up, Freedom Souls.
OnFreedom Souls Greek rhythms once again appear, whether in the “The Great I Am,” a lyrical statement of faith, or the crowd-pleasing closer, “Dialing God,” which has a rousing three-minute coda of dizzying musicianship. In between, there are familiar folk and country strains, as well as a few departures, as in the title track, with its lounge music vibe. And while their 2011 album was lyrically rich but often veiled in meaning, like fine poetry, Freedom Souls is driven by more overt expressions of belief. The opening track, “I Will Follow,” is both a statement of deliverance from sin and a commitment to follow Christ, with lyricist and lead singer Deloupolous lamenting that “I have followed my bones, I have followed this world/ But in the long run it seems it never cured my woes.” In a way, Freedom Souls hearkens back to the declaratory statements of their 1998 debut, strained through the crucible of life experience.
Deloupolous attributes the lyrical freedom to this being a fan-supported record. With the previous mainstream release, the label wanted him to “dumb down the lyrics, even though I naturally write that way. I enjoy writing faith-based records because it’s freeing for me. There’s a lot of meat and potatoes in a verse out of the Bible, and I like playing with that.”
If there’s a lyrical centerpiece here, it’s likely the folksy mid-album ballad entitled “Passover,” which while not instrumentally incendiary has the memorable musical feel of the last album’s “Closer to the Edge.” With it’s reference to “blood on the door,” Delopulous summons up that familiar scriptural narrative of judgment and deliverance to animate the prayer of the chorus, “Lord, you know my heart so won’t you/ Pass over me.” Elsewhere, themes of exile and pilgrimage abound, with prevalent images of desert and sea, of call and response, of old life and new.
Not that all is new. Some of the songs have percolated for more than two decades. “‘I Will Follow’”is a song I wrote over 20 years ago,” says Delopoulous. “I played it for Johnny when he must have only 14 years old. I was 17. And he said to me, ‘Steven, that’s the worst song you’ve ever written.’ He said “You can do much better. You’re a better writer than that. So I scrapped it. Twenty years later, I don’t know what made me play it, but when I did Johnny and Teddy’s ears lit up, and they said ‘Let’s work on that. Let’s work on that.’"
We can be glad they did.
Don't miss the show. Give them a listen. Get your tickets here.
11/22/2018
Burlap to Cashmere in Concert (FULL BAND): Sunday, Dec. 30th, 7:00 (Get Tickets Now)
"Tonight you had real musicicans." That's what one attendee told me. "Incredible night, incredible venue, one I will not forget." That's what another person told me. And what a concert is was! On both occasions when I have had Burlap to Cashmere in the house, tickets have sold out. 75 people willingly cram together in my home for this popular band. This is a band that really connects with an audience and stays around talking to each person until the very last fan leaves. That's rare.
Now, however, you have a bit more room, better stage and lighting, and a full band for the first time in the area when the band plays at Peace Presbyterian Church in Cary on Sunday, December 30th at 7:00. What are you doing that evening? That's what I thought - nothing! Avoid the NYE crowds and come out on the Eve of the Eve. And hang around for food and drink afterwards and talk with the band. Get your tickets now for this incredible show by clicking here.
What do they play? Songs from their entire repertoire, audience requests, and new tunes from Freedom Souls, their newest release. And a few bonuses: Covers like "Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash, and "The Boxer," by Paul Simon, and perhaps even a little B2C Christmas cheer. Wise cracks. Confessions. "Family" ribbing (Johnny and Steve are cousins, and Teddy may as well be, as he grew up with them.)
And the fans? Many die-hard, some new. All convinced that this is a great band. The first time I hosted this band, one couple called to apologize that they could not make the "drive FROM OHIO due to the rain." Wow. Others drove a couple hours in the rain. But all were excited to be here. What a chemistry this band has, what warmth, what soul, and what heart. Brooklyn and Jersey come South.
HERE'S MORE:
READ: For a band that many wondered what had happened to, the last few years have seen Burlap to Cashmere blow back into the national scene with gusto. In 1998 the band released the critically acclaimed debut Anybody Out There? After a whirlwind of tours, awards and an ever-growing fan base, they did what no one expected. They disappeared. And then, they were back.
In 2010 the band headed into the studio with acclaimed producer Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Tom Waits). The result? A self-titled album of new, organic sounds with faith-tinged lyrics that won't leave your head. And with this year's Freedom Souls,they continue with that same organic sound with just enough tweak to keep us guessing,
With its core lineup intact – singer/guitarist/songwriter Steven Delopoulos, guitarist John Philippidis, and drummer Theodore Pagano — Burlap to Cashmere returned with renewed focus, drive and energy. “There’s something about family and people you’ve known forever that makes the chemistry happen,” Delopoulos says. “There’s a sense of honesty and trust. That’s Burlap to Cashmere.”
This is a band that has a deep and accomplished musicianship and a really distinctive sound. This is particularly apparent in the songs that incorporate their unique approach to traditional Greek rhythms, songs that recall the musical intimacy of Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel, coupled with Delopoulos’ introspective, poetic songwriting. Fans of modern troubadour outfits like the Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons will find common ground with Burlap to Cashmere’s output, with the added textures of the Greek and Mediterranean influences further fleshing out the band’s unique take on 21st Century folk-rock music.
WATCH B2C perform "Closer to the Edge" and check out their other videos on YouTube:
TICKETS: Click here.
11/10/2018
11/03/2018
11/01/2018
Burlap to Cashmere in Concert (Full Band): Eve of the Eve - Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, 7:00 PM
"Tonight you had real musicicans." That's what one attendee told me. "Incredible night, incredible venue, one I will not forget." That's what another person told me. And what a concert is was! On both occasions when I have had Burlap to Cashmere in the house, tickets have sold out. 75 people willingly cram together in my home for this popular band. This is a band that really connects with an audience and stays around talking to each person until the very last fan leaves. That's rare.
Now, however, you have a bit more room, better stage and lighting, and a full band for the first time in the area when the band plays at Peace Presbyterian Church in Cary on Sunday, December 30th at 7:00. What are you doing that evening? That's what I thought - nothing! Avoid the NYE crowds and come out on the Eve of the Eve. And hang around for food and drink afterwards and talk with the band. Get your tickets now for this incredible show by clicking here.
What do they play? Songs from their entire repertoire, audience requests, and new tunes from Freedom Souls, their newest release. And a few bonuses: Covers like "Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash, and "The Boxer," by Paul Simon, and perhaps even a little B2C Christmas cheer. Wise cracks. Confessions. "Family" ribbing (Johnny and Steve are cousins, and Teddy may as well be, as he grew up with them.)
And the fans? Many die-hard, some new. All convinced that this is a great band. The first time I hosted this band, one couple called to apologize that they could not make the "drive FROM OHIO due to the rain." Wow. Others drove a couple hours in the rain. But all were excited to be here. What a chemistry this band has, what warmth, what soul, and what heart. Brooklyn and Jersey come South.
HERE'S MORE:
READ: For a band that many wondered what had happened to, the last few years have seen Burlap to Cashmere blow back into the national scene with gusto. In 1998 the band released the critically acclaimed debut Anybody Out There? After a whirlwind of tours, awards and an ever-growing fan base, they did what no one expected. They disappeared. And then, they were back.
In 2010 the band headed into the studio with acclaimed producer Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Tom Waits). The result? A self-titled album of new, organic sounds with faith-tinged lyrics that won't leave your head. And with this year's Freedom Souls,they continue with that same organic sound with just enough tweak to keep us guessing,
With its core lineup intact – singer/guitarist/songwriter Steven Delopoulos, guitarist John Philippidis, and drummer Theodore Pagano — Burlap to Cashmere returned with renewed focus, drive and energy. “There’s something about family and people you’ve known forever that makes the chemistry happen,” Delopoulos says. “There’s a sense of honesty and trust. That’s Burlap to Cashmere.”
This is a band that has a deep and accomplished musicianship and a really distinctive sound. This is particularly apparent in the songs that incorporate their unique approach to traditional Greek rhythms, songs that recall the musical intimacy of Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel, coupled with Delopoulos’ introspective, poetic songwriting. Fans of modern troubadour outfits like the Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons will find common ground with Burlap to Cashmere’s output, with the added textures of the Greek and Mediterranean influences further fleshing out the band’s unique take on 21st Century folk-rock music.
WATCH B2C perform "Closer to the Edge" and check out their other videos on YouTube:
TICKETS: Click here.
06/28/2017
In Concert: Christa Wells & Taylor Leonhardt (Sunday, July 9th)
Though we have no scheduled house concerts this Summer, two of our regular attenders, Jon and April Schweitzer, are hosting Christa Wells and Taylor Leonhardt in concert on Sunday, July 9th, in Cary. I recommend these singer-songwriters, both from the area. You can find details about the concert and links to their music here.
12/31/2016
Alathea in Concert: Tonight, 7:00, Peace Church
It's not too late to obtain tickets for tonights concert - truly a special event. Go ahead and purchase tickets online, as they are $5 more at the door. The Alathea girls are in town and ready to go! They'll be sound checking this afternoon and we'll start on time at 7:00.
Please be sure and join us for a reception afterwards with some cider and other refreshments. Meet Mandy and Cristi at that time as well.
We hope to see you this evening!
12/30/2016
It's Tomorrow! Alathea, In Concert, 7:00 - Don't Miss It!
I cannot imagine a better way to close out the year than by hearing the acoustic folk-pop and Appalachian melodies of the female duo that make up Alathea. It's fusion music that they make: Using traditional bluzegrass instruments in a modern way, prinicipal singer/songwriter Mandee Radford and band mate Christi Johnson mix it up with guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, and dulcimer, but never in a strictly traditional way. Add Mandee's clear-as-a-bell vocals and Christi's smoky harmonies, and the sound is infectious --- not slick but rootsy. Deep. That depth extends to the lyrics which are rooted in a spiritual perspective that is always pecolating underground. The title of their fourth album, My Roots Grow Deeper, about says it all. It's no wonder that one of the songs off that album, "Hurricane," was a winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
The duo will be sharing songs from their latest Christmas EP (and the former one), new stories of parenthood and otherwise, and their winning humor and smiles. So, avoid the crowds of First Night, pry yourself off the sofa or recliner in front of yet another mix up of pop divas from far away cities, and join us. (You'll still be home way before the ball drops at midnight.) Bring some friends. Close out the year on a good, harmonious note.
Purchase tickets here. And, if you are not familiar with Alathea, check them out in the Appalachian Service projects video here. See you on New Years Eve!
12/27/2016
Don't Miss It: Alathea, In Concert, New Years Eve, 7:00
I cannot imagine a better way to close out the year than by hearing the acoustic folk-pop and Appalachian melodies of the female duo that make up Alathea. It's fusion music that they make: Using traditional bluzegrass instruments in a modern way, prinicipal singer/songwriter Mandee Radford and band mate Christi Johnson mix it up with guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, and dulcimer, but never in a strictly traditional way. Add Mandee's clear-as-a-bell vocals and Christi's smoky harmonies, and the sound is infectious --- not slick but rootsy. Deep. Alathea.PosterThat depth extends to the lyrics which are rooted in a spiritual perspective that is always pecolating underground. The title of their fourth album, My Roots Grow Deeper, about says it all. It's no wonder that one of the songs off that album, "Hurricane," was a winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
This concert will not be in the house this time but at Peace Presbyterian Church in Cary. We'll be able to stretch out a bit more, and there will still be time to mingle over refreshments in a festive setting. The duo will be sharing songs from their latest Christmas EP (and the former one), new stories of parenthood and otherwise, and their winning humor and smiles. So, avoid the crowds of First Night, pry yourself off the sofa or recliner in front of yet another mix up of pop divas from far away cities, and join us. (You'll still be home way before the ball drops at midnight.) Bring some friends. Close out the year on a good, harmonious note.
Purchase tickets here. And, if you are not familiar with Alathea, check them out in the Appalachian Service project video here.
12/22/2016
One Week! Alathea, In Concert, New Years Eve
In little over a week, Mandee and Cristi will load the truck, bid farewell to the family, and make their way down the mountain to the flatlands (relatively speaking) of Raleigh and Cary, but what they carry is more than instruments and equipment. The best part is the new songs they're humming, and the new stories they tell, the poems and prayers and promises (thank you, John Denver) of life experiences --- ones borne out of walking the mountains, raising children, and traveling around.
They're the kind of songs that are "tested and approved for all ages," the kind that make you "tremble. . . in the face of what we can't explain." Listening, they make me want to "keep on the sunny side," or feel like I've climbed into the very "lap of God." But enough ripping song lyrics: you need to hear them sing and tell stories. You need to come.
Get a ticket, or two. Right here. Bring the family. Bring the neighbors. Blow up the tv and get a little country (thank you John Prine). See you on December 31st!
12/17/2016
See Alathea on First Night - Dec. 31st at 7:00-9:00
Do you have tickets for the new Years Eve concert with Alathea yet?
I cannot imagine a better way to close out the year than by hearing the acoustic folk-pop and Appalachian melodies of the female duo that make up Alathea. It's fusion music that they make: Using traditional bluegrass instruments in a modern way, prinicipal singer/songwriter Mandee Radford and band mate Christi Johnson mix it up with guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, and dulcimer, but never in a strictly traditional way. Add Mandee's clear-as-a-bell vocals and Christi's smoky harmonies, and the sound is infectious --- not slick but rootsy. Deep. That depth extends to the lyrics which are rooted in a spiritual perspective that is always pecolating underground. The title of their fourth album, My Roots Grow Deeper, about says it all. It's no wonder that one of the songs off that album, "Hurricane," was a winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
This concert will not be in the house this time but at Peace Presbyterian Church in Cary. We'll be able to stretch out a bit more, and there will still be time to mingle over refreshments in a festive setting. The duo will be sharing songs from their latest Christmas EP (and the former one), new stories of parenthood and otherwise, and their winning humor and smiles. So, avoid the crowds of First Night, pry yourself off the sofa or recliner in front of yet another mix up of pop divas from far away cities, and join us. (You'll still be home way before the ball drops at midnight.) Bring some friends. Close out the year on a good, harmonious note.
Purchase tickets here. And, if you are not familiar with Alathea, check out the official video here:
12/13/2016
See Alathea In Concert, New Years Eve, 7:00
if you're in town on New Years Eve, come to an evening of enjoying music and refreshments with new and old friends. Peace Presbyterian Church is pleased to host the female duo, Alathea, at 7:00-9:00 on December 31, 2016. Who is Alathea? I like what biographer Dave Palmer said about them in conjunction with the release of one of their past albums:
The real substance of Alathea comes from the unexpected, the underground and the out of sight. The duo’s fourth full-length recording, My Roots Grow Deeper, conveys a depth of thought, insight and care that is rare in a surface age, and which puts on display the reason for their continually expanding community of supporters. And that’s what Alathea has developed: community, not fans.
My Roots Grow Deeper is a full and textured record, thoroughly modern yet absent of any cliché, studio trickery or gimmicky hybrids. Led by Radford’s clear-as-a-bell vocals, and complemented by Johnson’s smoky harmonies, the song cycle delivers an emotional and atmospheric ride as dynamic as the mountain view they glimpse from their East Tennessee cabin. That spirit allows Alathea to connect to anyone, anywhere, simply by being invitational in the way they approach their craft and their lives. And while their lyrics display a sharp intellect and grounding in the work of influential artists, it is the unresolved honesty of how the songs are conveyed that marks Alathea’s work.
Doesn't that sound like a sound worth experiencing? Please join us. Get your ticket here
And here is a bit of that signature Alathea sound
12/07/2016
Alathea. New Years Eve. Tickets Now.
Do you have tickets for the new Years Eve concert with Alathea yet?
I cannot imagine a better way to close out the year than by hearing the acoustic folk-pop and Appalachian melodies of the female duo that make up Alathea. It's fusion music that they make: Using traditional bluegrass instruments in a modern way, prinicipal singer/songwriter Mandee Radford and band mate Christi Johnson mix it up with guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, and dulcimer, but never in a strictly traditional way. Add Mandee's clear-as-a-bell vocals and Christi's smoky harmonies, and the sound is infectious --- not slick but rootsy. Deep. That depth extends to the lyrics which are rooted in a spiritual perspective that is always pecolating underground.
This concert will not be in the house this time but at Peace Presbyterian Church in Cary. We'll be able to stretch out a bit more, and there will still be time to mingle over refreshments in a festive setting. The duo will be sharing songs from their latest Christmas EP (and the former one), new stories of parenthood and otherwise, and their winning humor and smiles. So, avoid the crowds of New Years Eve, pry yourself off the sofa or recliner in front of yet another mix up of pop divas from far away cities, and join us. (You'll still be home way before the ball drops at midnight.) Bring some friends. Close out the year on a good, harmonious note.
Purchase tickets here. And, if you are not familiar with Alathea, check out their "Rescue" here:
11/24/2016
Reminder: New Year's Eve with Alathea
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! After the meal, after time with family, after time to thank God, it's a great time to plan ahead for attending the upcoming Alathea Concert on New Year's Eve! I've previewed their new Christmas EP, Comfort & Joy, and you can too, right here. I'll be adding it to my Christmas rotation. . . tomorrow!
I cannot imagine a better way to close out the year than by hearing the acoustic folk-pop and Appalachian melodies of the female duo that make up Alathea. It's fusion music that they make: Using traditional bluegrass instruments in a modern way, prinicipal singer/songwriter Mandee Radford and band mate Christi Johnson mix it up with guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, and dulcimer, but never in a strictly traditional way. Add Mandee's clear-as-a-bell vocals and Christi's smoky harmonies, and the sound is infectious --- not slick but rootsy. Deep. Alathea.PosterThat depth extends to the lyrics which are rooted in a spiritual perspective that is always pecolating underground. The title of their fourth album, My Roots Grow Deeper, about says it all. It's no wonder that one of the songs off that album, "Hurricane," was a winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
This concert will not be in the house this time but at Peace Presbyterian Church in Cary. We'll be able to stretch out a bit more, and there will still be time to mingle over refreshments in a festive setting. The duo (along with Caedmon's Call drummer Garret Buell) will be sharing songs from their latest Christmas EP (and the former one), new stories of parenthood and otherwise, and their winning humor and smiles. So, avoid the crowds of First Night, pry yourself off the sofa or recliner in front of yet another mix up of pop divas from far away cities, and join us. (You'll still be home way before the ball drops at midnight.) Bring some friends. Close out the year on a good, harmonious note.
Purchase tickets here. And, if you are not familiar with Alathea, check them out in the Appalachian Service project video below.
11/06/2016
A New Years Eve with Alathea
I cannot imagine a better way to close out the year than by hearing the acoustic folk-pop and Appalachian melodies of the female duo that make up Alathea. It's fusion music that they make: Using traditional bluegrass instruments in a modern way, prinicipal singer/songwriter Mandee Radford and band mate Christi Johnson mix it up with guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, and dulcimer, but never in a strictly traditional way. Add Mandee's clear-as-a-bell vocals and Christi's smoky harmonies, and the sound is infectious --- not slick but rootsy. Deep. That depth extends to the lyrics which are rooted in a spiritual perspective that is always pecolating underground. The title of their fourth album, My Roots Grow Deeper, about says it all. It's no wonder that one of the songs off that album, "Hurricane," was a winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
This concert will not be in the house this time but at Peace Presbyterian Church in Cary. We'll be able to stretch out a bit more, and there will still be time to mingle over refreshments in a festive setting. The duo will be sharing songs from their latest Christmas EP (and the former one), new stories of parenthood and otherwise, and their winning humor and smiles. So, avoid the crowds of First Night, pry yourself off the sofa or recliner in front of yet another mix up of pop divas from far away cities, and join us. (You'll still be home way before the ball drops at midnight.) Bring some friends. Close out the year on a good, harmonious note.
Purchase tickets here. And, if you are not familiar with Alathea, check them out in the Appalachian Service project video below.
11/11/2015
09/25/2015
09/22/2015
Burlap to Cashmere (Friday, September 25, 2015, 8:00 PM): Reserve Now, Less than 20 Seats Left!
If you're holding out, thinking something else better may come along, don't. It won't. This is an incredible band that rarely makes it our way, and to see the up close is awesome. So, get more info and reserve a couple of the few remaining seats now. Check it all out HERE.
09/21/2015
09/19/2015
09/14/2015
09/11/2015
09/09/2015
09/05/2015
"I Wanna Live on a Boat, and Sail Away With My Children. . ." (B2C in Concert: Reserve Now)
I love Freedom Souls, the newest release from Burlap to Cashmere. One key difference between it and the previous release, which has wonderfully memorable yet often ambiguous lyrics, is its more direct statements of faith. I had a chance to talk with lead singer and writer Steven Deloupolous about this. He attributes the lyrical freedom to this being a fan-supported record. With the previous mainstream release, he said the label wanted him to “dumb down the lyrics, even though I naturally write that way. I enjoy writing faith-based records because it’s freeing for me. There’s a lot of meat and potatoes in a verse out of the Bible, and I like playing with that.”
If there’s a lyrical centerpiece to the record, it’s likely the folksy mid-album ballad entitled “Passover,” which while not instrumentally incendiary, has the memorable musical feel of the last album’s “Closer to the Edge.” With it’s reference to “blood on the door,” Delopulous summons up that familiar scriptural narrative of judgment and deliverance to animate the prayer of the chorus, “Lord, you know my heart so won’t you/ Pass over me.” Elsewhere, themes of exile and pilgrimage abound, with prevalent images of desert and sea, of call and response, of old life and new.
Not that all is new. Some of the songs have percolated for more than two decades. “‘I Will Follow’”is a song I wrote over 20 years ago,” says Delopoulous. “I played it for Johnny when he must have only 14 years old. I was 17. And he said to me, ‘Steven, that’s the worst song you’ve ever written.’ He said “You can do much better. You’re a better writer than that. So I scrapped it. Twenty years later, I don’t know what made me play it, but when I did Johnny and Teddy’s ears lit up, and they said ‘Let’s work on that. Let’s work on that.’"
We can be glad they did.
They'll be here September 25th. Tickets are going fast. For more info and to reserve a seat, go HERE. Invite some friends and join us for a great evening.
08/31/2015
08/25/2015
Reserve Now: Burlap to Cashmere In Concert (Friday, Sept. 25th, 8:00 PM)
At lunch yesterday I was talking with a good friend about the new album by Burlap to Cashmere, Freedom Souls. He had already listened to it ten times and wasn't sure he liked it quite as much as the previous album, so he needed to listen more. Yet the important part of what he said was "ten" and "more." He's a fan. You will be too, if you already aren't, if you hear them live.
Seats are already being reserved for this great house show on Friday, Sept. 25th. If you haven't made a reservation, please do so now, and let your friends know by checking out all the details here. See you on Sept. 25th!
Meanwhile, check out this beautiful song, entitled "Passover," form the latest record.
08/18/2015
Reserve Now: Burlap to Cashmere In Concert (Friday, Sept. 25th, 8:00 PM)
I am really excited to have these veteran musicians return to our home. Since hearing Burlap to Cashmere in concert several years ago at The Arts Center in Carrboro, and then later in Greenwich Village in NYC, I have wanted to have these guys here, close up. Last year, that happened, and what a night it was! If you were there, you know. They have a unique, folk-rock sound, tinged with Medittaranean influences. They enjoy each other and, indeed, grew up playing songs together. And while it's not woship music, you'll detect with clarity the faith in lead singer Steven Delopoulos' lyrics - more pronounced than ever on their new release, Freedom Souls. For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE. Meanwhile, take a peek at this video of that NYC concert I attanded. Wow. What a great song.
About Us
- Brookhaven House Concerts presents the music of singer-songwriters in the intimate setting of a home in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our focus is on introducing intelligent, thoughtful, and spiritually provocative music to our community of friends, old and new. Reservations are required and are confirmed by your artist donation. Check out our upcoming concerts, past concerts, and favorite links. Read more about us here.
Upcoming Concerts
Past Concerts
- Burlap to Cashmere In Concert: Friday, September 25, 2015, 8:00 PM [SOLD OUT]
- Burlap to Cashmere: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, 8:00 PM [SOLD OUT]
- Audrey Assad (The Fortunate Fall Tour): Thursday, September 26th, at 7:30 PM [SOLD OUT]
- Alathea: The Baby Tour (In Concert, April 26th, 8:00 PM) [SOLD OUT]
- Sara Beth Geoghegan & Jessica Campbell In Concert: Feb. 9th, 7:30 (Sola Coffee)
- Add to the Beauty: A Benefit Concert for Amazing Grace Adoptions & Orphan Care With Sara Groves & Special Guest Jane Kelly Williams: February 11, 2012 at Fletcher Opera Theater
- Sara Groves w/ Special Guests Audrey Assad and Jenny & Tyler In Concert: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 7:30 [SOLD OUT]
- Jane Kelly Williams: In Concert, Friday April 8th, 2011
- Audrey Assad: In Concert, Friday January 14, 2011, 8:00 PM [SOLD OUT]
- Sandra McCracken w/ Chelsey Scott In Concert: February 26, 2010 (SOLD OUT)
- Jill Paquette In Concert: January 22, 2010
- Greg and Rebecca Sparks, In Concert, October 10, 2009
- Sara Beth Geoghegan: In Concert, September 18, 2009
- Grace Extended: A Benefit Concert for Orphan Care featuring ALATHEA w/Band: May 15, 2009
- Pierce Pettis: In Concert, February 13, 2009, 8:00
- Jill Phillips w/ Andy Gullahorn: In Concert, March 20, 2009
- Alathea Christmas Concert, December 5, 2008
- Alathea: In Concert, October 3, 2008, 8:00 [SOLD OUT]
My Other Accounts
Acknowledgments
- Sound for our concerts is provided pro bono by Sonic River Productions (Samuel Newby) and lighting and scenic design by Stephen West. Thanks to both of them for their support!