Arts on Elm Street Presents Mighty Sam McClain

Sam

The Seacoast’s own Grammy-nominated Mighty Sam McClain returns from his Norwegian tour and recording session to perform at a special night of music at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Exeter (FUUSE) on Saturday, October 25 at 7:30 PM as part of the continuing Arts on Elm Street concert series at 12 Elm Street Exeter, NH.  After his hip replacement surgeries over last winter (providing him with two new hips) the man who sings from the bottom of his soul is back! After finishing up recording sessions with Norwegian guitarist, Knut Reiersrud, Mighty Sam is excited about a new CD entitled, “Friends”. It will be released in the U.S. in summer 2015. Mighty Sam has also been involved in another recording project entitled “Freedom Songs”. The project was produced and recorded by KKV in Norway. Others on the compilation include Melissa Etheridge and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama.

During the concert at FUUSE, Mighty Sam will be performing acoustically with his guitar player/band director, Pat Herlehy and keyboard player Joe Deleault. Mighty Sam has gained recognition as an authentic voice in the genres of blues, rhythm and blues, and soul. His 2011 collaboration with Norwegian friend and guitarist, Knut Reiersrud earned the two musicians a Grammy nomination. Over the decades, Mighty Sam has continued to wow audiences with his powerful and soulful voice and his messages of peace, love, joy, and gratitude. Last year, Mighty Sam released two collections of music, “Too Much Jesus (Not Enough Whiskey)”, and “A Deeper Tone of Longing”, which is a collection of love duets with Iranian folk musician Mahsa Vahdat. Another project with Mahsa Vahdat is also in the works.

After two years in the studio, the recording project “Up from the Dust” MSM’s next release is nearly finished. This time Sam has also done his own backup vocals – the wonders of technology!! Two other finished projects “Undiscovered – Diamond in the Rough” and “Live in New Orleans -2013” are both awaiting release.

Opening for Mighty Sam McClain are the Chicago blues influenced The Peacemongers featuring vocalist Barbara Benham and Wayne Benham on harmonica. As part of Wayne Benham’s musical career, he made it to the finals in the Boston Battle of the Bands 2013 competition as the harp player for TC and the Benders.
Suggested donation for the concert is $25 for adults/$20 for seniors and children under 12. Tickets will be available at Exeter Music and The Water Street Bookstore or at the door.  For more information, phone: 642-4648 or e-mail: bmoore628@comcast.net.

Arts on Elm Street/ November 1st

Arts on Elm Street does it again….some of the best musicians from Boston will be in Exeter for a stunning concert.  Renaissonics will perform “Such Stuff as Dreams” on Nov. 1 at 7:30 at the First UU Society of Exeter, 12 Elm St. Tickets at the door: $20/$15 seniors

Renaissonics

 

Renaissonics’ electrifying improvisations blend into a musical experience that defies the boundaries of ‘pop’ or ‘classical’.

“A brilliant ensemble.” !

The Early Music Review (London)

The Glory of the Renaissance comes alive in the sparkling performances of Renaissonics. Internationally acclaimed for their artistry, virtuosity and improvisations, Renaissonics performs Chamber Music, Dance Music and Improvisations in programs that delight all audiences.!

 

They are also offering workshops in the afternoon for anyone interested in exploring Renaissance music…keyboard/harpsichordists, wind players, strings, brass, percussion……call Nancy for info and to register for the workshops…603-679-1915

 

Such Stuff as Dreams

Their newest program “SUCH STUFF AS DREAMS” is an enchanting voyage though the Renaissance imagination where the fantasies and genius of the age of Leonardo, Galileo and Shakespeare come alive through their music.!

Renaissonics performs on handcrafted Renaissance lute, violin and ‘cello, eight sizes of recorders (up to 6 feet tall!), crumhorns, pipe and tabor and a gorgeous hand painted Italian harpsichord.

Renaissance music’s expressive freedom derives partly from the music’s being written completely without barlines. This allows each player to ‘speak’ their instrument like a storyteller. A true musical democracy where each voice is equal and free to tell their own individual story all the while intertwining with the other voices in a lush tapestry of sounds that are at once endlessly complex and stunningly beautiful. !

Nancy J. Fiske

“The trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught
to have too much respect for music; they should be taught to love it
instead.” — Igor Stravinsky*

Arts on Elm Street Concert

From Bob Moore
Hi all:

I wanted to let you know about an exciting concert coming up next week that features Brazilian classical guitarist Ulisses Rocha and local favorite North Shore guitarist/composer Scott Ouellette. The show is being held in the Sanctuary at the Exeter UU Church, and details are below. Hope you can make it.

The next Arts on Elm Street concert features Brazilian classical guitarist Ulisses Rocha. Ulisses is recognized as one of the leading solo guitarists of our time. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Ulisses became interested in classical guitar, as well as jazz and Brazilian popular music.
His extensive career as a teacher, composer and performer has brought him to many stages and learning centers worldwide.

Having performed at some of the most popular music festivals in Brazil, Ulisses has shared the stage with the likes of Al Di Meola, Egberto Gismonti, Paulo Belinatti, and Marco Pereira to name a few. As a recording artist, Ulisses has eleven CD’s released under his name, and his music can also be found on the widely viewed platform YouTube.
Ulisses’ contributions to the world of solo guitar and music education are felt worldwide, but we have the privilege and the honor of experiencing his music, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Exeter on Tuesday, May 20th in the Sanctuary.

Local solo guitarist and Berklee College of Music alum Scott Ouellette will open the concert with original music from his recently released CD “Sunrise”, along with new arrangements of popular music and Broadway songs.
With over 30 years performing experience, Scott has performed at some of the most high profile venues in the Boston area, as well as television and on the Internet.
Scott’s music is currently being performed by guitarists around the globe, but is also being recognized by performers of piano and harp. Scott’s style of playing ranges from Bossa Nova to ballads, Latin-American to classical and jazz.
Please join us for an exciting music program on Tuesday, May 20th. The performance begins at 7:30 PM. Tickets will be available at Exeter Music, Water St. Bookstore, and at the door the night of the show. Suggested donations for the concert: Adults: $15, Seniors and children under 12: $10. For more information, visit http://www.artsonelm.org, phone: 603-642-4648 or e-mail: bmoore628@comcast.net.

The First Unitarian Universalist Society of Exeter is located at 12 Elm Street, Exeter, NH. Directions to the church can be found at: http://www.exeteruu.org.
Recordings of Ulisses’ guitar work can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ulisses-Rocha-Oficial/177918455602684. Recordings of guitarist Scott Ouellette can be found at: http://www.scottouellette.com.

Call or e-mail if you have questions.

Take care,

Bob

P.S. Pass on the information to friends if you think they would have an interest.

Exeter concert poster revised

Arts on Elm Street

image002Mighty Sam McClain

Hi all:

Wanted to let you know about another Arts on Elm Street concert featuring the return of blues/soul vocalist and songwriter Mighty Sam McClain. He’ll be returning to the Sanctuary of the Exeter UU Church on Saturday, October 26th. The concert is at 7:30 PM. Opening for Mighty Sam are The Peacemongers featuring Barbara Benham on vocals and Wayne Benham on harmonica. A press release is below that gives some bio information on Mighty Sam, his trio, and also on The Peacemongers. Another concert, not to be missed if you’re in the neighborhood.

Peace,

Bob Moore

“Arts on Elm Street Concert”

featuring Blues and Soul vocalist Mighty Sam McClain

The seacoast’s own Grammy-nominated Mighty Sam McClain is once again scheduled to perform on Saturday, October 26h at 7:30 PM as part of the continuing Arts on Elm Street concert series in the Sanctuary of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Exeter, 12 Elm Street Exeter, NH. In this intimate setting, he performs acoustically with his guitar player/band director, Pat Herlehy and keyboard player Joe Deleault. Mighty Sam has gained recognition as an authentic voice in the genres of blues, rhythm and blues, and soul. His 2011 collaboration with Norwegian friend and guitarist, Knut Reiersrud earned the two musicians a Grammy nomination.

Over the decades, Mighty Sam has continued to wow audiences with his powerful and soulful voice and his messages of peace, love, joy, and gratitude. Last year, Mighty Sam released two collections of music, “Too Much Jesus (Not Enough Whiskey)”, and “A Deeper Tone of Longing”, which is a collection of love duets with Iranian folk musician Mahsa Vahdat. “Too Much Jesus” is a great collection of full-band funk, rhythm and blues, and soul-driving tunes that are inspiring and filled with heart and emotion. “A Deeper Tone of Longing”, is the second collection of love duets recorded with Mahsa Vahdat and blend American roots, soul, and rhythm and blues, with the music rhythms and poetry of the Mideast. The songs feature Mahsa’s haunting voice with Sam’s confident and joyous counter melodies.

The result is world music that is mesmerizing and bridges the connections of the human spirit across cultural boundaries. Sam’s next release due out in 2014 is “Undiscovered-Diamond in the Rough” which features Sam’s strong vocals accompanied by his guitar sideman, Pat Herlehy, on acoustic guitar. Tunes include “Southern Land”, My Everything”, and “Holy Ghost Fever”. Please visit http://www.artsonelm.org for more information on Mighty Sam’s biography, recordings and music collaborations with national and international musicians.

Opening for Mighty Sam McClain are the Chicago blues influenced The Peacemongers featuring vocalist Barbara Benham and Wayne Benham on harmonica, Larry Lusignan on guitar, Mike “Squid” Rush on bass, and John Loud on drums. As part of Wayne’s music career, he made it to the finals in the Boston Battle of the Bands competition as the harp player for TC and the Benders.

Suggested donation for the concert is $25 for adults/$20 for seniors and children under 12. Tickets will be available at Exeter Music and The Water Street Bookstore and at the door. For more information, phone: 642-4648 or e-mail: bmoore628@comcast.net.