Folk

Banjovillian is Brian Wilson, David Skidmore and Somerville resident Julia Poirier. We play old-time tunes on banjo and fiddle, trading off on melody and harmony and our own individual variations. Sometimes we sing, too; and we encourage audience members to move their feet to the old-time beat. This is what music was like before it became a spectator sport. Y'all come on over and set a spell, or dance to the trance groove of old-time music.

With a knack for smart songs with depth and charm (and sharp harmonies):

Chicago songwriter Heather Styka is not afraid to go where others fear to tread. Beneath “sweet, soulful vocals” (Portland Press Herald) and “nimble fingerpicked guitar” (Dispatch Magazine) lie narratives of vulnerability, strength, and wanderlust, drawn from extensive touring. www.heatherstyka.com

Sorcha, of Portland, Maine, composes stirring music steeped in folk, blues, jazz and soul and performs with a voice of unexpected power. From haunting ballads to funk grooves, her songs unveil “wide-ranging songwriting ability. . . witty verses with smart rhymes.” (Portland Phoenix) www.sorchastudio.com

Informal performances by actual humans

The Group Activity is a collaboration of musicians and listeners experiencing the positive exchange of music and soul. Come play a tambourine, dance, and sing along as The Group Activity entertains with sounds of reggae islands, Motown's soul, backcountry folk roads, and funky jams... This is a Group Activity - we need all of you!

Gritty Titty is not a band with whom one would want to trifle. For as onlookers are dazzled by the Titty, the Gritty is balling up its fist...and you only notice that fist when it's inches away from the bridge of your nose. It's too late to parry or duck. And as the Gritty is shattering cartilage, the Titty is hooking to the body, targeting vital organs. You've been deceived by the dazzle of the Titty. It's too late. The back of your head is dusting the floor. In this scenario, fists are metaphors for rock and roll.

Sprouting up from the Midwestern prairie, Kites & Swans explores all manner of American folk traditions. Led under the fearless auspices of singer / songwriter Eric Johnson (and followed by jack-of-all-instruments / master-of-none Stuart Babcock), we invite you to come to our porch and while away the afternoon to the soothing sounds of acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, and vocal harmonies.

porch covers alllll day. Guest djembe and vocal artist DJ Brett collaborating for an acoustic set in early afternoon. 2nd set in the official 4-6 slot. Led Zep, Hendrix, blue album Weezer, Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor, Bill Withers, Beatles, Nick Drake, Gordon Lightfoot, Black Keys, Allman Bros, RHCP, and other odds and ends.

An alembic is an alchemical still of two vessels connected by a tube used for distilling chemicals; wendy alembic is a very quiet song, a breath of light, a tinkle of windex.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/781870518642861/

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/781870518642861/