Links and Friends

Links and Friends

www.edalkalay.com Ed Alkalay is one of my very favorite musicians and songwriters, period. Please check him out.

www.marcbernier.com Marc is a member of a number of different ensembles, and is one of the finest entertainers around. He does music from a number of traditions including Irish, Maritime, Fife and Drum, Cajun and others.

www.geoffkaufman.com Geoff is considered the "Golden Voice of New England" and is well worth checking out.

www.mudcat.org Keep yourself up to date on the North American Folk Music Scene at the Mudcat's online forum. This is also a great place to get lyrics to traditional songs.

www.fullgael.com Connecticut based Full Gael (Will O'Hare on flute and bagpipes, Jeanne Freeman on fiddle, and Gary Palmer on guitar) performs a variety of jigs and reels, songs and ballads from Irish, Scottish and American traditions as well as the Canadian Maritime provinces."

Susan McGuire is a Theater Arts Educator who has been affiliated with some of the most prestigious arts and performances organizations in Southern New England, including the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, Eastern Connecticut Ballet, Lyman Allyn Art Museum and others. Currently Susan is accepting applications for students in Creative Drama, Acting for Dancers, Acting out Artwork and others. She can be contacted at 860.443.7859

www.bouzouki.de Andreas Kopke is one of the finest builders of handcrafted musical instruments in Europe. Based in northern Germany, his workshop is rapidly becoming known throughout Europe and his instruments will soon be coming to the U.S.A. He is also a member of the dynamic band "Blind Man's Buff." You can check out his instruments (guitars, mandolins, bouzoukis, banjos and others) and his musical activities at this link.

www.chanteycabin.co.uk Ken and Jan Lardner are based in Preston, England. If you're interested in recordings of sea music from many different traditions this is the place to go.

www.tearsforbeers.com Tears for Beers is an excellent folk-rock band based in Kiel, Germany. One of our favorites.

www.baggyrinkle.co.uk Baggyrinkle is a fantastic group based in southern Wales. Excellent harmonies and great arrangements of sea songs. Check them out.

www.shipn-whales.no Based in Langeund, Norway, Ship N Wales is keeping the sea music tradition alive while maintaining a firm hold on contemporary sensibilities. They are half of the recently formed "supergroup" Northern Link.

www.askyourfather.net Rich and Dee Kelly are performing under the name "Ask Your Father" and have recently released their first CD, "About the Old Songs." The collection is primarily well researched traditional songs, but includes one fine original song from Rich, called "St. Patrick's Day." Dee is an excellent vocalist and Rich a talented multi-instrumentalist. They live in Norwich, CT.

www.weekendkitchenct.com Nancy and David Smith have opened a wonderful shop at 6 North Main Street in Essex, CT. There you can find gourmet foods, tableware, cutlery, gadgets, handmade goods and much more. Check out their website then make the drive over to see the shop in person.

http://searover.stumbleupon.com/ is the website of Mr. Kurt Spitzer. He can't be described. You need to just go to the sites and check him out. It'll be worth the time. You can also check one of his great interests out at http://twaintimes.net

www.themusicbureau.com is the website of the music store in Salem, CT where Rick gives many of his lessons. Matt Bureau and his staff are good eggs. This is both a fine store where you can get a full range of instruments, accessories and printed music, a location for lessons on many different instruments, voice and styles, and also a comfortable place where you can just stop by, hang out, discuss music and play some tunes. The inventory is eclectic and the personalities engaging. Visit the website then get out to the shop when you have a chance.

www.folknotes.org/branfordfolk/ is where you find the Branford Folk Music Society page. One of the great folk music organizations in New England, Branford is the place to hear excellent acoustic and traditional music. Their website has great links to the local, regional, national and international folk music scene.

www.frontporchcd.com For those who are going to be producing a recording and are looking for a duplication service this one can't be beat. Great prices, excellent graphic work, quick turnaround time and the very best in customer service. I can't recommend them highly enough.