Molly Andrews

Molly Andrews is recognized as one of the finest interpreters of southern Appalachian music and various genres. Her lineage trails deep into pre-revolutionary southwest Virginia and the 'lost province' of Ashe County, North Carolina; hence a natural affinity for the old songs. She employs her particular combination of intuition and versatility as a traditional a capella performer, interpretive singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter; expressed through the intimate experience of stage performance and recording.

Annalivia

At the cutting edge of acoustic and traditional music, Annalivia fuses old and new world sounds to create an authentic new sound, both steeped in tradition and alive with new energy, innovation and originality.

Drawing from the musical traditions of Appalachia, Cape Breton, Scotland, England and Ireland, the members of Annalivia also write their own material, including inventive, quirky fiddle tunes and lushly arranged songs. Annalivia is made up of seasoned musicians who have toured with the likes of Cathie Ryan, John Whelan, The Glengarry Bhoys, Dewey Balfa, and Adrienne Young.

The members of Annalivia — Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, Emerald Rae, and Mariel Vandersteel (with special guest Corey DiMario of Crooked Still) — are equally at home playing a set of traditional Scottish tunes as they are performing a ballad from the Appalachian mountains.

Claudine Arcand

Claudine Arcand is one of Quebec's leading fiddle players. Her unique and dynamic style is matched with her enthusiasm and passion for traditional Quebecoise music and she is much in demand at workshops and festivals in Canada and North America

The Beans

The Beans, Jim and Cindy Bean and Steve Sullwold have been performing in New England and along the East Coast for over 20 years. They are best known for their traditional, vocal harmonies, be it a rousing shanty, love song, or Gospel tune — both a cappella and accompanied.

Jim and Cindy first met singing Sacred Harp music. Begun in colonial New England, the music is known for its powerful harmonies. It remained alive in the South where Jim and Cindy have travelled to sing with traditional singers in Alabama. Sacred Harp has enjoyed a resurgence throughout the county and there are now singings in most states. Together with other Sacred Harp singers, The Beans will lead a workshop open to all who want to sing or listen.

Amy Black

Amy Black is a Boston based singer/songwriter with storytelling and Southern tradition in her blood. In record time, she's become one of the most sought after acts in New England, sharing stages with Chris Isaak, The Courtyard Hounds, Suzy Boggus and Rodney Crowell. She also played to a packed house at The Boston Music Festival. Black also recently made her mark down south on the live radio show Music City Roots hosted by Jim Lauderdale, as a headliner at The Basement (Nashville) and Eddie's Attic (Georgia) and at the Americana Music Association Conference. The Boston Herald wrote that her "stunning debut" of original music on One Time brims with "beautifully imagined sound and soul"

Jeff Black

Jeff Black writes songs that call to mind Greg Brown, Bill Morrissey, and Townes Van Zandt. His voice can make time stand still and his lyrics are some of the finest in the land. The brave and broken hearted characters in his songs roar and whisper from the journal of a troubadour whose own take on craft and interpretation has earned him a seriously devoted following and critical acclaim worldwide.

It's the truth behind what an artist does and the way they choose to do it that defines their art. And while the ways in which audiences get their music has changed, the reasons why a certain kind of artist makes music have remained the same. Call it an uncompromising commitment, an inspired confidence, or just the need to share with and connect to those who listen. For Jeff Black, it's what's continued to build a career like few other singer/songwriters in the business. It's how he's grown one of the most fervent grassroots followings anywhere.

Benoit Bourque

A versatile artist overflowing with energy and a contagious joie de vivre, Benoit Bourque has been winning the public over for more than 25 years. Charismatic, exuberant, warm, funny, limber and a band's sparkplug are a few words that have been used to describe him. A musician, dancer, singer, and caller, Benoit has been a member of different bands with whom he has toured extensively in North America and in Europe. Éritage, Ad vielle que pourra, Hommage á Alfred Montmarquette, Bourque et Bernard, Matapat, Le Vent du Nord, and presently La Bottine Souriant, are all bands that benefited from his talents and unmistakable charisma.

He is a specialist in Quebec traditional dance and has presented lectures and workshops in many camps and festivals. Benoit has also shared his skill in step dancing and bones playing which is a family tradition as his dad and grandfather were both bones players). Benoit is the recipient of multiple awards including 4 Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy).

This year Benoit will be joined by his son, Antoine, a fine box player and a wonderful addition to Summerfest!

The Boxcar Lilies

Since 2009, Americana trio The Boxcar Lilies have been wowing audiences with their standout marriage of superb songwriting and spine-tingling, innovative harmonies. They are quickly making a name for themselves as they bring their uniquely warm sound and energetic stage presence to venues across the Northeast, including The Iron Horse Music Hall, Club Passim, and Philadelphia's Tin Angel, and opening for legendary songwriters like Bill Staines and Lucy Kaplansky.

Andrew Calhoun

Andrew Calhoun's music is innovative and rooted in tradition. In forty years as a performer he has evolved an increasingly varied repertoire including original songs, Irish and American folk songs, Scottish ballads, African-American spirituals, hymns, historical background, comic songs and poems and songs by writers such as Dave Carter, Mary Oliver and Robert Frost. He has toured internationally, performing at folk clubs and festivals, pubs and house concerts.

In 1992, Calhoun founded Waterbug Records, an artists' cooperative folk label which has grown to 100 titles, bringing some of the brightest singer-songwriters and folk musicians to an international audience. His own recordings have been released on Hogeye, Flying Fish and Waterbug Records. He is working on a new project of original songs after releasing his 11th recording, "Grapevine", a collection of folk songs.

Charlie Cover

Charlie Cover is a singer-songwriter-guitarist who has done shows from Baltimore to Northern Quebec as well as in Europe. His style was once summed up by a reviewer in this way: "Excellent work! It's like a cross between Gregg Brown and Cat Stevens! ...Which is to say genuine, humble and sage – just like the Charlie Cover I know..." His songwriting has received awards from Radio Canada and WGBH, among others.

Truck Croteau & Mary Beth Soares

Truck Croteau has been a string wizard, on guitar, mandolin and bouzouki, since his early days performing at New Bedford's Tryworks Coffee House. He took his music on the road with ClanJamfrey and was a frequent Folk Legacy back-up musician.

Mary Beth Soares only 'came out of the shower' to start singing in the early 90's. She formerly performed with the SouthCoast trio Tesseract, contributing vocals, harmonies and accompaniement on guitar, uke and autoharp.

Truck Croteau & Mary Beth Soares met musically in Calaban, a seven voice a cappella group that specialized in Celtic songs. Now they come together to share some of their favorites: an eclectic musical mix of trad, the familiar 'chestnuts' and new-found treasures.

Catie Curtis

When the singer/songwriter movement boomed in the mid-90s, Catie Curtis was at its forefront. Now a veteran artist with a 15 year career, Curtis has recorded ten critically acclaimed solo albums and has had songs featured in numerous TV shows including Dawson's Creek, Felicity, Grey's Anatomy and Alias, as well as in films such as 500 Miles to Graceland and A Slipping Down Life.

Catie Curtis has toured extensively, playing a number of diverse venues ranging from Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music to the White House. She's also spent that time writing and testing out new material, developing a collection of masterfully written lyrics that serve as the heart of her eleventh record, "Stretch Limousine on Fire".

Dala

Juno nominees and winners of the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala write and sing in harmony best described as angelic. These two best friends met in their high school music class in 2002; they have since released five albums and toured extensively across North America.

Darlings of the Canadian music scene, Dala are now poised to bring their fresh brand of acoustic pop music to the world. Drawing upon influences like The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Dala write songs that are both catchy and insightful. Amanda's ethereal soprano voice blends seamlessly with Sheila's velvety alto, creating the lush harmonies that have become their trademark.

Jeff Davis

Jeff Davis is one of America's most respected collectors and interpreters of traditional music. He has traveled far to visit "source singers" — farmers and miners who remembered the old songs and tunes — and closer at hand to libraries and archives, always look for the best of the music that was once common in out towns and villages. An event with Jeff might include New England ballads sea songs, African–American banjo tunes, cowboy ditties, rare Yankee fiddle tunes and more. You will "meet" singers and players from the North Carolina mountains and coast, Nova Scotia farmers, African–American sailors, New York loggers and many others.

Deadly Gentlemen

The Deadly Gentlemen are one of those bands that exists in the nether regions, somewhere between a typical bluegrass outfit using the traditional instruments they employ, and the crafty, somewhat zany mind of their fearless leader, banjo innovator Greg Liszt. As if the band name wasn't a tip-off... Liszt, who writes and arranges the material, is also known for his work with Crooked Still, of which he is a founding member. There, his role is primarily supportive, serving to both drive their sound as a banjo player would, and provide the rhythmic and chordal backbone like a guitarist — if they had one in the band. With The Deadly Gents, Greg is the lead singer as well, buttressed by some of the hottest young pickers in and around Boston (where the band is based) including Stash Wyslouch on guitar, Mike Barnett on fiddle, Dominick Leslie on mandolin and Sam Grisman on double bass.

John Dipper

A respected and established performer and composer, John grew up steeped in the traditions of Southern England. His unique playing style and his traditionally-spirited compositions convey a deep understanding and passion for the indigenous culture of England. As early as he can remember John Dipper has had a passion for the violin, and the English traditional and vernacular musical repertoire. His deep interest in this field has led to the formation of the English Acoustic Collective. John performs in several different groups and ensembles, as part of Methera, and is a member of La Côte Sud, bringing together music from the South coasts of France, England and Québec.

Joanne Doherty

Joanne Doherty combines her deft and delicate stylings on guitar and ukulele with a rich smooth voice. She spins her own magic on a wide variety of songs selected from an eclectic catalogue of folk, blues and old standards. A former member of the folk trio Tesseract, and the Mighty Choice Tomatoes, she has been featured at countless venues in the Massachusetts/Rhode Island folk music circuit.

Melissa Ferrick

Singer-songwriter Melissa Ferrick caught her first big break when Morrissey was pressed for an opener at a concert and asked her fill in at the last minute. The former Smith's frontman liked her so much that he took her on as an opening act for the rest of the tour. She became an underground success before the tour had even concluded. Two decades and 16 albums later, Ferrick shows no signs of letting up anytime soon.

Fourteen Strings

Fourteen Strings is comprised of Dave Conlon (Guitar/Vocals), Matt Smith (Mandolin/Vocals) and Jason Costa (Bass/Vocals). The trio has musical influences ranging from bluegrass to rock. This will be Dave's fifth year playing at New Bedford Summerfest. He is one of the favorites at the local Café Arpeggio open-mike performing over 200 times there as well as at other area cafés and clubs including the Taunton River Folk Festival. Matt and Jason have been performing, both together and apart, with several traditional and folk groups for too many years to count. The two have played at a wide variety of venues and festivals from New England, through Maryland to Georgia, including our local favorite, The Narrows Center for the Arts, where they have been able to share the stage with both local and national touring acts.

Bob Franke

Bob Franke (it rhymes with "Yankee") is at the peak of his considerable craft; brimming with the wise and spiritually generous songs for which he is best known, along with wrenchingly convincing topical songs and sugared with the hilarious. His are the kind of songs that really do have the power to change the world by being taken into the lives of people. They come to you, these songs. As Tom Paxton says, "It's his integrity. I always think of Bob as if Emerson and Thoreau had picked up acoustic guitars and gotten into songwriting. There are touches of Mark Twain and Buddy Holly in there, too."

Seth Glier

Seth Glier will grab you...if not with his powerful falsetto or his melodic prowess, then with what Performer Magazine calls his "intoxicating groove." The 22-year-old singer, pianist and guitarist — who abandoned studies at The Berklee College of Music after one year because he "decided I should be playing for people and not for grades" — aims straight for the gut & has quickly established himself on the national scene performing over 250 shows a year. Seth has shared stages with such diverse artists as James Taylor, Mark Knopfler, The Verve Pipe, and Edwin McCain. USA Today recently named Seth a "Top 10 Critics Pick of 2011."

Livio Guardi

Livio Guardi was born in Florence, Italy, where he still lives and teaches music. He has been singing and playing guitar, banjo, mandolin and other instruments for about twenty years. Livio has been greatly influenced by American Folk and Blues as well as by Celtic music. He also writes many original tunes which seamlessly bridge the gap between the musical styles of the Mediterranean and those of Northern Europe.

Dave Gunning

There are stories that wash over you like a tide, and then there are stories that grab you by the heart. Dave Gunning has made a point of finding the latter and wrapping them up in song since he broke upon the East Coast music scene in Canada back in 1997. The Pictou County, Nova Scotia born and bred singer-songwriter and working class hero has built up from humble beginnings to a point where his name is regularly included in conversation with artists such as David Francey, James Keelaghan, Ron Hynes, Stan Rogers, Bruce Cockburn and Gordon Lightfoot.

Writing from a sonic menu that includes flavors of Irish, Scottish, French Acadian, folk and country musical styles, Dave Gunning transcends genre with songs that fill your senses and touch your soul.

Thatcher Harrison

Thatcher Harrisonwas born to play guitar. He began playing before the age of two. He started making weekly public performances at the age of five. And, now, at ten-years-old, Thatcher continues to delight audiences with songs by such artists as Simon and Garfunkel, the Beatles, Cat Stevens, Donovan, and James Taylor. And with complex instrumental arrangements of classic rock songs like Stephen Stills' "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" and Queens' "Bohemian Rhapsody." Before you come down to see him play, take a moment to enjoy Thatcher's YouTube video collection at www.youtube.com/user/stanharrison1962

The Kennedys

Inspiration is where you find it — and where it finds you. Open to every moment, the much — traveled married duo of Pete and Maura Kennedy have spun their personal experiences, musical influences and philosophical beliefs into nine previous albums of winsome original songs, frequently seasoned with exquisitely — performed cover tunes, that blend acoustic — based folk, rock, country, pop and secular gospel into an inclusively delightful sound that's all their own.

The story of Pete and Maura Kennedy's personal and professional relationship, now in its second decade, is somewhere between fate and a fairytale. How else can you explain a chance meeting in Austin between two East Coast-born musicians that immediately sparked a songwriting collaboration, a first date at Buddy Holly's grave, an enduring romance, and a creative partnership that radiates warmth, positive energy, and captivating music? After Pete and Maura's fateful 1992 meeting (the subject of their first Appleseed CD's title song, "Half a Million Miles") and several years of touring and recording with Nanci Griffith, the duo seceded amicably from Griffith's Blue Moon Orchestra and became The Kennedys, recording CDs that encompass their favorite musical styles while incorporating the naturalistic, transcendental and mythological teachings of Joseph Campbell, Eckhart Tolle, Walt Whitman, and various Eastern–oriented philosophers into their songs and lives. The body of work The Kennedys have created since their 1994 wedding is a reflection of their musical and philosophical influences and experiences separately and as a couple. Their goal is to live in the moment, appreciating every second of sensation, which imbues their music with a constant sense of wonder and freshness.

Jeremy Kittel

Jeremy Kittel is one of the foremost practitioners among a new breed of fiddlers and violinists who easily navigate a multitude of musical styles and traditions, while cultivating new ground and redefining the role of the instrument.

Jeremy is currently the violist for the Grammy-winning Turtle Island String Quartet. He has toured and recorded with such musical giants as Mark O'Connor, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile, and Darol Anger. He has appeared on the NPR radio show, A Prarie Home Companion, has been a guest performer with multiple symphony orchestras, and has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.

His latest recording, Chasing Sparks (Compass Records), clearly establishes Jeremy as a formidable composer and arranger, as well as a violinist of the highest technical and musical sensibilities. Of course, this is no surprise given that he has previously released three other CD's spanning the musical spectrum from jazz to Celtic, with a strong dose of originality and technical mastery.

Jeremy is a National US Scottish Fiddle champion as well as a multiple winner of Detroit Music Awards and ASTA Alternative Style awards. He has a masters degree in jazz violin as well. He leads his namesake group, The Jeremy Kittel Band, and performs as a duo with the group's cellist, Nathaniel Smith.

Patty Larkin

Acoustic Guitar hails her "soundscape experiments." Rolling Stone praises her "evocative sonic shading." She has been described as "riveting" (Chicago Tribune), "hypnotic" (Entertainment Weekly) and a "drop-dead brilliant" performer (Performing Songwriter).

Patty Larkin is part of the urban-folk/pop music phenomenon that spun off of the singer/songwriter explosion of the seventies, reinterpreting traditional folk melodies, rock, pop, bossa nova, drawing on anything from Dylan (Bob) to Dylan (Thomas). A self-described "guitar driven songwriter," Larkin has wound her way through soundscapes of evocative vocals, inventive guitar wizardry and imaginative lyrics. Her songs run from impressionistic poetry to witty wordplay. "A virtuoso guitar player and mood-shaper...She is also a superb slide guitarist whose mature work is comparable to the best of Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams." (New York Times)

Zoë Lewis

Originally from England, Zoë Lewis now resides in Provincetown, Cape Cod. She plays jazz, jump jive, Latin grooves, swing, international folk and funk originals on anything from the piano to the spoons. She describes her blend of music as "worldbeat-vaudeville." Her music is upbeat, amusing and perfect for all ages. She's a troubadour, storyteller and accomplished musician and has toured internationally, picking up influences along the way. While at once setting listeners off balance with her quirky spin on things she sneaks in simple, potent messages, leaving audiences inspired.

Joel Mabus

Singer, songwriter and instrumentalist Joel Mabus is a maverick in the folk music world. He defies any easy pigeonhole. By turns, he picks a mountain banjo to accompany an ancient ballad, sings a witty song about modern life, plays a sweet Irish melody on guitar, swings a hot jazz number, and then reaches deep for a soulful expression of values in a troubled world. He tops it all with a fiddle tune or old Carter family song — all skillfully blended into a seamless flow. One fan said "Its music from the heart that hits you right between the eyes."

Cassie and Maggie MacDonald

Born in Halifax, with strong roots in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, the Cassie and Maggie MacDonald have been wowing audiences across Canada with their unique blend of original and traditional Celtic music. Cassie's fiddle playing has been described as "sweet and elegant with just the right amount of raw power" while Maggie's piano playing has an "irresistible drive that will leave your foot incapable of staying still" and complements Cassie's playing perfectly.

Together these delightful sisters bring more than your average fiddle and piano duo; Cassie is an award winning highland and step dancer and also sings harmony for Maggie. In addition to her piano playing, Maggie sings lead, plays guitar, banjo, accordion and is also an accomplished step dancer.

Their music fits together seamlessly, encompassing various styles from Cape Breton reels to Antigonish polkas, Quebecois fiddling and foot work to down east standards. Their vocal harmonies are sweet yet powerful and their step dancing exact and exciting, showing off their youthful charm and energy. They are certainly rising stars on the Celtic music scene; their act is exciting, captivating and not to be missed.

Rod MacDonald

A Rod MacDonald concert is an intimate, authentic, inspirational and uplifting experience. From the moment Rod begins to sing he grabs his audiences and doesn't let go. A renowned songwriter, a gifted vocalist and an engaging entertainer in full command of his artistry, his easygoing demeanor resonates an appealing warmth and sincerity that quickly creates an intimate rapport with his audiences. Moving effortlessly between the styles that have deeply influenced him since his early days in Greenwich Village, he masterfully accompanies himself with solid guitar work and exciting harmonica licks. An award winning songwriter whose style defies any genre label, Rod's music is infectious and inspiring, often humorous, sometimes reckless, frequently evocative, usually thought provoking and always compelling.

Grace Morrison and the RSO

Grace Morrison and the RSO bring original covers and covert originals to the stage with the accessible acoustic sounds of Marta Rymer's violin, Ben Moniz and Grace Morrison's guitars, Max Judelson on upright bass and Nate Tucker on cajón. Sweet vocal harmonies and exciting string arrangements of popular R & B, classic rock, folk and original tunes keep the house moving even when the electricity goes out.

Peter Mulvey

"I like making records," reflects songwriter Peter Mulvey, "but my job is the live show: getting up in a room and taking people somewhere." Peter's latest tour is on his 14th CD, Nine Days Wonder. Over the past 20 years, Mulvey has pursued a restless, eclectic path as a writer and musician — immersing himself in Tin Pan Alley jazz, modern acoustic, poetry, narrative, and Americana stylings. Relentlessly touring as a headliner — his attitude is, "When you love what you do, you can work all the time," — he has also shared the stage with luminaries such as Emmylou Harris, Richard Thompson, Ani DiFranco, Indigo Girls, and Greg Brown, and has attracted an audience that stretches from Anchorage to Amsterdam.

The Murdocks

This father and son duo from South Dartmouth, MA has been playing music all their lives. Putnam (son) grew up on diet of bluegrass, folk and country, which was the mainstay of Dock's band, The Centre Streeters. Every Thursday night, father and son would travel to rehearsal. This was music school: people picking guitars and dobros, singing tight four-part harmonies and healing each other with camaraderie and music.

Fast forward thirty years, and The Murdocks have now created their own act, mainly performing songs written by Putnam. With the influences handed from father to son, Putnam's songs are steeped in tradition with a current sensibility. Putnam Murdock is a strong artist for many reasons, the most rare being that his expression is free of the shackles of ego that most artists are completely lost in. With this being taken care of, the music and lyrics themselves become vehicles for change. His latest record, "Brand New Window" is a beautiful album that should please fans of Paul Simon, Jeff Buckley, Tom Waits, and John Prine.

Molly O’Leary

A student at Bishop Stang High School, Molly O’Leary has been playing open mics since she was 13 years old. A guitarist and singer/songwriter who has studied with Rebecca Correia for over five years, Molly has featured at Gallery X, the Narrow's, Empire Cafe, and Cafe Arpeggio’s AHA! Night. Her unique arrangements of covers include songs by Alanis Morissette, Joni Mitchell, Taylor Swift, Kings of Leon, Blink 182, and many more. Molly is currently a member of the Bishop Stang Pep Band and A Cappella Choir, and she also has been performing and writing songs at Dream Out Loud Center for the Arts. Coming back from her debut performance last year, Molly is incorporating many of her own songs, some never before heard, into the set-list for this summer!

Chris Pahud

"Chris Pahud sings with all his heart, and his heart is huge. His voice and songs come from such a beautiful place, I smile every time I hear him sing... and witness him doing what comes so natural to him..."

—Mary Gauthier, Lost Highway recording artist

Chris Pahud ('PAY hood') grew up in Needham, Massachusetts and currently resides in Quincy, Massachusetts. Chris started playing guitar and singing in the local Boston area around a decade ago. Chris's new CD Red Sky in Morning was released this past summer of 2009. Produced and mastered by Seth Connelly, it also includes Seth on bass, piano, mandolin and guitars, Garnet Rogers on guitars and vocals, Youngbloods co-founder Jerry Corbitt on guitars and fretless bass, former Del Fuego percussionist, Joe Donnelly, Jr. on drums, Hatrack Gallager on harmonicas and Steafan Hannigan on whistles, Uilleann pipes, bouzouki and bodhran.

Barbara Phaneuf

Full of bee charm and love of life, Barbara Phaneuf is a local singer songwriter from the Southcoast. Drawing upon many musical styles, her writing and guitar work are infused with a bit of all of her influences- folk, blues, country, jazz, and swing. Along with her solid musicianship, Barb's performances delight audiences with her warmth and witty observations.

Pumpkin Head Ted

Nearly 17 years ago in a downtown haunt named Kricket's Club, a pick-up band consisting of Tom Short, John Neiman, and Mike Lavoie, played the 6-10 songs they all knew, all night long. From these humble beginnings, a New Bedford musical institution was born, soon to be called: Pumpkin Head Ted. Over the better part of 20 years, the band has gone through several permutations in both personnel and repetoire, but has now settled into a core group of members consisting of Tom, John, Jason Smith and Kathy Crowley. A group of superb bass players have taken responsibility for the low end over the last five years, most recently, Giuliio Manfredonia, Matt Wall, and Tyler Kingsland. The band has played all over New England during this time. Though loosely fitting under the Americana genre, Pumpkin Head Ted feeds on a steady diet of blues, jazz, country, swing, Afro-Latin, rock and roll, show tunes, punk, alternative, and any other eclectic sounds that may catch their ear. Though Tom and Jason are from afar a field, heralding from Flint, Michigan, and Long Valley, New Jersey, respectively, the band members make their home in New Bedford and the area. Pumpkin Head Ted had released two CD's, Swamp Yankee from 2000, and The New Bedford Knockabout, from 2010.

Raz-de-Marée

Raz-de-Marée (Tidal Wave) is a unique traditional music ensemble on the Quebecois folk music scene. The band specializes in the rhythms and melodies of French speaking Canada. The band members come from Quebec (Sabin Jacques on accordion and violin Eric Favreau), Acadia (Rachel Aucoin on piano and vocals) and New England (Stuart Kenney on bass and banjo). Raz-de-Marée reveals a deeply rooted music, authentic and heartfelt. Relying primarily on a traditional repertoire, their music is contagiously energetic and sensitive. We dare you to keep your feet still while listening to the joyous music of Raz-de-Marée.

Ian Robb

Ian Robb's musical roots were in choral music; as a boy soprano in London, England, he sang for a couple of years with one of the Westminster abbey choirs. Later, as a teenager in the sixties, he discovered the British folk music revival, and honed his skills as an interpreter of traditional song, not to mention his powerful voice, in the pub-based British folk club environment. Early in the seventies, after he moved to Canada Ian took up the English concertina, and is now recognized as one of North America's premier exponents of the instrument in song accompaniment and dance music. Whether performing in groups such as Finest Kind, or performing solo, Ian has developed a reputation as one of Canada's leading singers in the "Anglo–Celtic" musical traditions.

John Roberts

John Roberts, before coming to the United States in the 1960s, developed his interest in folk songs in high school when he and a group of friends decided to form a folk club. While doing graduate work at Cornell University, John met fellow student Tony Barrand and the two, sharing a common heritage and interest in folk song, began a partnership in 1969 that continues to this day. Their second recording, "Across The Western Ocean" is still regarded as a classic documenting the songs of the transatlantic packet ship trade and together they have numerous recording credits on many compilations in addition to their own releases. As well as performing with Tony, John has also continued to develop his art as a solo performer. With concertina and banjo, he sings the traditional folksongs of his native Britain in a manner that is at once authentic and authoritative, yet highly engaging and entertaining.

Mark Roberts and Andrea Cooper

It was destiny. Andrea was playing Irish flute with her 5-string banjo beside her when Mark first laid eyes on her (with his Irish flute and 5-string banjo in tow). Since that moment Mark Roberts and Andrea Cooper have doubled the fun, playing two flutes, twin penny whistles, and double banjos from Seattle to Cotuit.

Garnet Rogers

Garnet Rogers has established himself as "One of the major talents of our time." Hailed by the Boston Globe as a "charismatic performer and singer," Garnet is a man with a powerful physical presence—close to six and a half feet tall—with a voice to match. With his "smooth, dark baritone" (Washington Post) his incredible range, and thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, Garnet is widely considered by fans and critics alike to be one of the finest singers anywhere. His music, like the man himself, is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful. An optimist at heart, Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of the small victories of the everyday. As memorable as his songs, his over-the-top humor and lightning-quick wit moves his audience from tears to laughter and back again.

Ruckus Brothers

The Ruckus BrothersR breath new life into the jug band, blues and good time music of the 20's and 30's. Russ Mello has spent years studying the guitar styles of the great Piedmont players of that era. With Paul Geremia as a mentor, he has been able to unlock many of the secrets of those great old time players long past. His finger style guitar playing is precise, with just the right amount of grease which leads to some serious toe tapping. Ron Arruda has been playing bass for nearly 40 years. He takes his bass lines far beyond the 1 and 5 thump of many upright bass players. His lines and runs mimic everything from the jugs, washtubs, and horns from those old recordings. Together they bring the great music of the old string bands to today's audience. Come on down, take your shoes off and have a stinkin' good time!

Seamus and Ellie

Seamus & Ellie are an acoustic folk duo with roots in New Bedford and Cambridge, MA. After meeting on craigslist in 2010, they started playing covers and original songs in and around Boston, New Bedford, and Providence. Their music pays quiet tribute to the tradition of several generations of skillful American melodists, with strong melody and subtle lyrics, intimate vocal harmonies, and supportive fingerpicking on guitar.

Nathaniel Smith

Nathaniel Smith began touring professionally as a cellist with Mark O'Connor in 2006. He is a prolific composer and released a compilation of original cello compositions, Arrhythmia, in 2009, as well as The Nathaniel Smith Jazz Project.

Nathaniel has been the cellist for Natalie MacMaster since 2007, touring extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada. He collaborated with internationally renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma on the Grammy-winning recording, Songs of Joy and Peace. Nathaniel has performed with such musical luminaries as Bela Fleck, Abigail Washburn, Sarah Jarosz, Tim O'Brien, Darol Anger, and Mike Marshall. He joined the Jeremy Kittel Band in 2009 and performs as a duo with Jeremy as well.

Nathaniel recently performed on the classical music program, From the Top, broadcast over National Public Radio. He also appeared on the CBC television broadcast of Holiday on Ice along with Natalie MacMaster and several Olympic ice skating medalists.

Hiroya Tsukamoto

Hiroya Tsukamoto is a composer, guitarist and singer from Kyoto, Japan. He began his musical career playing the five-string banjo when he was thirteen, and took up the guitar shortly after. In 1994, Hiroya entered The Osaka University and in 2000, Hiroya received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music and came to the United States to study and perform. His music combines American folk music with Japanese melodic elements. While at college in Japan, he was introduced to a musical and social movement in South America called Nueva Cancion pioneered by musical legends Victor Jara and Violeta Parra and has incorporated this style into his repertoire. He has released three albums and played such venues as the Blue Note in New York and the Lowell Folk Festival.

Art Tebbetts

New Bedford's own troubadour and a cornerstone of Summerfest both as performer and stage host. Art Tebbetts is a seasoned guitarist-singer-performer averaging 200 to 260 gigs a year, who also hosts the Open Mics held at the Café Arpeggio. He plays coffeehouses, festivals, bars, pubs, fairs, and more. His "day gig" is "Music For the Ages" that specializes in playing for seniors in nursing homes, assisted living, senior day care, Councils on Aging, & church gatherings.

Women in Docs

Women in Docs are an independent, folk pop act (with a little bit of country), based in Brisbane, Australia. They have been compared to the Indigo Girls, the Dixie Chicks and The Waifs (Australia).

With a reputation for stirring and humorous live performances and a vigorous touring schedule, women in docs have spent ten years building a fiercely loyal following throughout Australia, as well as touring internationally to win over audiences throughout North America, Europe, New Zealand and China. With their refreshing acoustic style of music, Women in Docs, Roz Pappalardo and Chanel Lucas, are a breath of fresh air at any festival. They are loved by audiences of all ages and cultural backgrounds, worldwide. Get caught up in their ever growing, homespun web of fans.

Peter Yarrow

Peter Yarrow's talents as a creative artist — both with the legendary trio Peter, Paul & Mary and as a solo performer — are frequently directed at using music to convey a message of humanity and caring. His gift for songwriting has produced some of the most moving songs from Peter, Paul & Mary, including "Puff, the Magic Dragon," "Day is Done", "Light One Candle" and "The Great Mandala." As a member of the renowned musical trio, Yarrow has earned multiple gold and platinum albums, as well as numerous Grammys.

Over the years, many issues have moved Peter to commit his time and talent: equal rights, peace, the environment, gender equality, homelessness, hospice care, and education. All have utilized his skills as both a performer and an organizer. Peter Yarrow's life and work — culminating in the founding and leadership of Operation Respect with its "Don't Laugh At Me" initiative — is based on his passionate belief that music, with its power to build community and catalyze change, can be a particularly powerful organizing tool.

Joe & Kevin Zajac

A father and son duo from Freetown, MA have come together to perform an eclectic mix of classic American tunes and original music in an acoustic folk and bluegrass style. Joe has been playing professionally in various bluegrass and Irish folk bands for the past 30 years. His principle influences include Doc Watson, Tim O'Brien and John Hartford. Kevin who started playing guitar and writing songs at the age of 9 has 9 years later become a very accomplished musician with a style heavily influenced by jazz and blues taking inspiration from artists such as Young the Giant, Darrell Scott, and the Punch Brothers. Playing music together has always been a family pastime, including Kevin's bother Dan and sister Colleen, which seems to continually evolve as the years go by.