The Performers

(in alphabetical order!)

Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band

Located in the heart of central Ma, exposure to the heavy metal content of the Blackstone river has produced a copious amount of fine bluegrass
pickers. ;-) Most notably are the Dick brothers, Bob and Dave, from Sutton. Renowned musicians and celebrated recording artists, this brother combo will WOW you with their award winning picking. The Ken Taylor-Dan Nowlan bass/mandolin combo has been together in numerous bands for over 10 years. With their own distinctive style, these two crank out solid rhythm, and like to have a little fun too! Put these four longtime friends together and you have a group that has excellent musicianship, fine harmonies, high energy and a true love of the music. Breakdowns and Gospel. Fiddle tunes and a Waltz. This is bluegrass! You will not be disappointed!!

website: www.blackstonevalleybluegrass.com

Jim's Blues Jam

Jim Perry brings his legendary blues jam to Freedomsong with two very special guest singers. Scott Bronnes, whose soulful voice creates a powerful mood, and Lisa Marie, who has been blowing away blues bars all around New England for many years. Scott, who has graced New England stages since 1980, has been performing recently with the renowned pianist Matt McCabe, while Lisa Marie has shared the stage with many New England blues greats over the past twenty years. Her shows are never the same, but always loaded with energy. Scott and Lisa will sing a few of their own songs, and then join forces to double the energy level. A can't miss 'one time only' performance.

Also appearing will be Central Massachusetts legend Bruce 'Big Dawg' Reed, plus other noted blues and R&B performers.

Jubilee Gardens

If you are into a very different and original musical experience, then Jubilee Gardens fits the bill. Their music is a kaleidoscope of sounds, pulling Latin American rhythms, the hypnotic grooves of raga music, and the mysterious airs of Arabic music under the umbrella of sophisticated arrangements that fuse jazz, pop and folk elements. Incorporating exotic instruments, such as the oud, violin and cello, Jubilee Gardens takes you on a journey through the sounds of pop songs sprinkled with a myriad of world music influences. Led by singer/songwriter Jubilee Connelly, the band has spent the last 10 years evolving into what is now a very seasoned ensemble. Kick back and go on a musical journey.

website: www.jubileegardens.com

Betsy Listenfelt

"A little Sarah with a little Joni with a lot of Anne & Nancy Wilson all mixed together" is how Betsy Listenfelt describes her sound. Based in Rhode Island, Betsy performs around New England mostly as a solo acoustic act but does appear on occasion with different musicians as a duo or trio and on main events with a full band. She has recently released her second CD called "BE ALIVE" and she is presently in the process of booking shows to promote this work. The CD contains her stirring tribute to our war veterans, "Freedom Song", which has become the de facto theme to this concert series (see main page). Find out more at:

website: www.myspace.com/ynotrock

Ric Porter and Sons of the Soil

Ric Porter is a local legend already. He has nothing to prove. As a founding member of the legendary Zonkaraz, Ric has a pedigree that is hard to beat. Even though Zonkaraz still occasionally comes back for another encore show, Ric recently decided that at this point in his life, he has more to say musically. And so Sons of the Soil was born. A lifelong Bob Dylan fanatic, Ric is modeling his band after the free flowing Americana sound that revolves around good songwriting. To help him do this, he has assembled an excellent band of local veterans of the music scene, and the results are exciting. Mixing in Porter's originals with classic American roots tunes, Sons of the Soil is a must see.

website: Ric Porter on Facebook

V.I.B.E. (Veterans Incorporated Blues Experience)

Announcing a special appearance by a blues band made up entirely of local veterans.

John Caley -Vocals (NAVY); Sean Ruiz - Guitar and Vocals (ARMY); Joe LaJoie - Drums (ARMY,Vietnam War Vet ); Scott Blanchard - Bass Guitar (2 year volunteer at Veterans Inc.), and Glenn Smith - Saxophones (Admissions Manager for Veterans Inc.)

They all have a shared experience which they can express through their music, and what better way than with the blues? Here is a chance for them to share the music with the public, and also say thank you to Veterans Inc. for all of their help with veterans.