Folk on
the Edge
Coming Saturday July, 29th
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Rick Reyes, a talented singer-songwriter and musician, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking musical concept named "Latin Americana".
Latin Americana" is a unique fusion of Caribbean mountain folk music with North American folk music, including bluegrass, country, and gospel. Rick's interest in this musical blend began when he realized the similarities in sentiment and stories told in Appalachian folk music to the folkloric music he grew up listening to as a child in Puerto Rico.
With a passion for exploring cross-cultural connections, Rick dove into researching the musical traditions of the US South and Appalachian regions, discovering not just musical similarities but also historical connections to his own cultural background.
The project showcases the exceptional talent of Dick Neal on the mandolin and banjo, as well as Rich Zurkowski on the upright bass, while also incorporating Caribbean instrumentation such as congas and hand percussion to create a truly unique style.
The Lost Tribe is a drum-centered Afro-funk fusion ensemble, led by percussionist Jocelyn Pleasant. As a traditional percussionist and drum kit player, Pleasant wanted to create a group that showcased the drum as a lead instrument and melodic voice. Her goal was also to provide a platform for musicians of different but overlapping communities to come together. She started the group in 2016, with the goal of infusing the djembe ensemble into African Diasporic music like jazz, rock, blues, and reggae.
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In addition to its core members, Lost Tribe performances often include various special guests that reflect the large talent pool of their community. Regardless of the line-up, the staples of a Tribe performance are energy, stage presence and GROOVE. They have opened for international acts Mokoomba (of Zimbabwe), and Trio da Kali (of Mali), were a featured artist at the 2018 Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, and won first place at the 2019 Valley Music Showcase (of Western Massachusetts).
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Their eclectic collection of music is available on Bandcamp and streaming platforms, including the EPs Diaspora and WLCT Radio, as well as two singles released in 2020, Say Their Names and Diaspora Sings.
Emerging from New Haven in 2019, Love n’ Co hopes to push their fans and audience members to shoot for the moon -- to be the best version of themselves, which is a challenging task for most. With unapologetic lyrics and boastful melodies, Love n’ Co delivers powerful sonic waves that caress the soul, aiding in the journey of self-discovery and raw expression.
The core duo of the band consists of Lovelind and Lamar Smith. The band’s sound has been described to have a range, “from high-energy funk to surging pop.” These two are also on their own individual journeys to be the best version of themselves and want to take whoever else they can along for the ride, performing beautiful music all the while.
Love n’ Co currently has a single out on all streaming platforms and is hopeful to get more music out in 2023.
Previously at Folk on the Edge
Amber Anchor is a duo based music group from Southern CT. Featuring a vault of music and eclectic instruments. From old folky favorites to new and original music, with a chance to experience a different version of a song every single show, Amber Anchor keeps the crowd on their toes. Fiddle, mandolin, guitar, dobro, banjo with solid vocal harmonies mixed in will make you want to sing along and go home to dust off the old guitar and start strumming.
The Moon Shells draw from the traditional music of Appalachia, Louisiana, West Africa and elsewhere to try to make something new. Whether performing as an acoustic stringband, a stripped-down trio, or a five-piece making modern sounds on traditional instruments at clubs and festivals, the Moon Shells move hearts and feet. Since forming in 2019, they've released three albums of original songs and two albums of traditional fiddle tunes, and are rolling out a song a month in 2023. All the albums have gotten radio airplay throughout New England and have garnered press notice. The Hartford Courant included Seaside Asylum and Earth— two of the albums of originals—its list of best regional albums for 2019 and 2021, respectively. In 2022 they were nominated for Americana Band of the Year for the New England Music Awards.
African, Caribbean, Funk, Reggae, and Latin grooves meet traditional fiddle music. It's the genre-bending future of the music of the past. The Gaslight Tinkers' blend of global rhythms creates a joyously danceable sound around a core of traditional New England old time and Celtic fiddle music, merging boundless positive energy with melody and song. Since its formation in 2012 the band has lit up the East Coast, the West Coast, and the Caribbean, headlining clubs, dances, and major festivals. Playing what The Valley Advocate describes as “Music that consistently fizzes and pops with unexpected textures and turns,” The Gaslight Tinkers’ shows are packed with delightful surprises, elated crowds, and exuberant musicianship.”
Since the band's formation, they've lit up stages and dance floors from the east to west coast and the Caribbean, even debuting on national TV in Trinidad. Independently, Peter Siegel, Garrett Sawyer, I-shea, Joe Fitzpatrick and Emerald Rae have shared stages, played and collaborated with the likes of Pete Seeger, Soca Monarchs of the Caribbean, Noel Paul Stookey of Peter Paul and Mary, The Alchemystics, Alastair Fraser, and other recognized fiddlers around the world. Together, they are a force that will lift your feet and spirits.African, Caribbean, Funk, Reggae, and Latin grooves meet traditional fiddle music and American roots. It's the genre-bending future of the music of the past.