On a Sunday night in September 1967, Phil Shapiro made his first Ithaca broadcast on WVBR's Bound for Glory, presenting folk music of all sorts and kinds to the Central New York listening audience.
Now, forty years and more than 1,200 concerts later, WVBR's Bound for Glory continues to provide free, live folk concerts on over thirty Sunday evenings per year. Stop by the Cafe at Anabel Taylor Hall on the Cornell University campus, or tune in on WVBR, in Ithaca or on the Internet. The show runs from 8 to 11 pm (ET) and there are three live sets at 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30.
The start of the 30th year marked a change for BFG. A group of supporters of the show have created an organization called the Friends of Bound for Glory, Inc., with the intent to raise funds from the community to upgrade the Bound for Glory equipment, much of which was years out of date. Those interested in more info or in making a contribution can write the Friends of Bound for Glory, Inc., PO Box 173, Ithaca, New York 14851. You can now donate online via Friends of Bound for Glory web page.
This fall, we mark the start of BFG's 42nd season! WVBR's Bound for Glory and our own Phil Shapiro have gotten lots of media coverage, and we're delighted! If you've just heard about us in the news, welcome. Join us on an upcoming Sunday night in the live audience, or listen online, as the 42nd season begins!
Upcoming live shows on Bound for Glory...
AUG. 30 SADIE GREEN SALES RAGTIME JUGBAND. These guys are so much fun. They've been on Bound for Glory off and on for maybe 25 years, playing the entire Hardware Orchestra, from musical saw to washboard to tuned 6 pack. David Driskell will surely play two clarinets at once. At the end of the evening, you'll sport a wide, goofy grin.
SEPT. 6 LESLIE LEE AND STEVE GRETZ. This lively and eclectic duo has recently moved to New York State from New England. This will be their Bound for Glory debut. They play a wide variety of music, old and new, with a definitely traditional flavor. Their voices go well together, their song selection is excellent. Please welcome them.
SEPT. 13 MARK RUST. Time to welcome back an old Ithaca favorite. Mark Rust is a completely charming singer, songwriter, and yarn spinner. A lot of his songs were written in or about Ithaca, and about the Ithaca Festival. You'll find choruses to join in on, a sparkle and a smile.
SEPT. 20 JOE JENCKS. Been trying to get Joe Jencks on the Bound for Glory show for quite a few years now. He's a social commentator who doesn't always take himself seriously. He brings people together, and he has many a story to tell. Plus he's got a great voice. We're pleased to finally present him on Bound for Glory.
SEPT. 27 ERICA WHEELER. Erica Wheeler is a fine and delightful contemporary singer-songwriter, with a wry sense of humor, and a magical way with audiences. Her songs paint pictures, and she'll surprise you with quirky good humor. It's been too long since her last Bound for Glory appearance. Don't miss her.
OCT. 4 MIKE AGRANOFF. Mike Agranoff is by now a Bound for Glory regular, known for his amazing, appropriately dreadful parodies, intense but funny recitations, and wild good humor. But look between and you'll find that he is an excellent guitarist with an ear for a good serious song as well. Always a worthwhile evening.
On OCTOBER 11, Bound for Glory will be Albums from the Studios, as Cornell takes Fall Break, and the Cafe at Anabel Taylor is closed. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121.
OCT. 18 ROD MacDONALD. It's been a long time. Rod MacDonald is a social commentator, with a wry good humor. A writer of strong songs, he tells stories from unusual points of view, and will leave you alternately thinking and grinning. Nowadays he lives in Florida, so his Bound for Glory visits are less frequent. Don't miss him.
OCT. 25 ELLIS PAUL. If you list all the contemporary acoustic singer songwriters performing in America today, surely Ellis Paul will be on your short list. He's a riveting, charismatic performer, with songs that take unusual twists and turns. Ellis Paul is always welcome back to Bound for Glory, and so are you.
NOV. 1 ZOE MULFORD. These days Zoe Mulford lives in England, so her visits are infrequent. She's a lovely, gentle singer songwriter whose songs tell unexpected stories. She has a vivid imagination, and a charming ability to share her creativity with her audience. Her power sneaks up on you. Delightful.
NOV. 8 ROY BOOK BINDER. When someone writes the definitive book on the blues and ragtime revival, Roy Book Binder will rate an entire chapter. He studied with the Reverend Gary Davis, and got to know a lot of his blues elders before they passed away. His energy is contagious. He's a one of a kind performer. This is Good Time Music.
NOV. 15 AMY GALLATIN AND STILLWATERS. They look like a bluegrass band, and their licks are hot like a bluegrass band. But their eclectic songs come from all over. Amy Gallatin and Stillwaters are a bluegrass band with a lot to say, and stories to tell. They're welcome back anytime.
NOV. 22 COSY SHERIDAN AND T.R. RITCHIE. Cosy and T.R. are both fine singers and songwriters, approaching music and life with rare good humor, alternating with deep seriousness, with dashes of nostalgia. They are both wonderfully good at connecting with the Bound for Glory audience. A special evening indeed.
NOV. 29 Albums from the studios. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121.
DEC. 6 JOHN SPECKER. He plays the fiddle. Oh boy, does he play the fiddle. Wild and raw and fierce and amazing. And he sings the good Old Timey songs and throws in some surprises as well. John Specker has more than a little to do with creating the Old Timey music revival. What a great way to end our season.
From DECEMBER 13 through JANUARY 17, Bound for Glory will be Albums from the Studios. Catch the Winter Solstice/Chanukah show on DECEMBER 13, the Holiday special show on DECEMBER 20, and the New Year's special on DECEMBER 27. Holiday songs you won't hear in the shopping malls. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121. Next Live Bound for Glory? JANUARY 24, 2010.
JAN. 24 JOE CROOKSTON AND THE BLUEBIRD JAMBOREE, with Peter Glanville. Joe Crookston is one fine songwriter, and one magical performer. He's one of the best things to happen to the Ithaca music scene in recent years. His guitar playing is imaginative and flexible, his songs tell great stories, and he just sparkles. Don't miss this show. http://joecrookston.com
JAN.31 LEE KNIGHT. Please welcome traditional mountain music performer Lee Knight, up from the mountains. Which mountains, you ask? Well, nowadays he hails from Western North Carolina, but he grew up in the Adirondacks. Let's just call it mountain music. Banjos and dulcimers, stories and songs. Delightful. http://leeknightmusic.com
FEB. 7 TRAONACH. Welcome back Traonach, the Ithaca area's wonderful traditionally oriented Celtic band. They arose from the Ithaca Irish Session, and now they take their music all over the place. Fiddle and accordion, concertina and bouzouki and percussion. Lively tunes and excellent songs. http://www.myspace.com/traonach
FEB. 14 MUSTARD'S RETREAT. By now they're old friends of Bound for Glory, past winners of the Best of Bound for Glory award. Mustard's Retreat is living room music writ large. They're comfortable companions for an evening, good songwriters, humorists, yarn spinners. In from Michigan. http://mustardsretreat.com
FEB. 21 MARK ERELLI. It's been too many years. It'll be the second live Bound for Glory show for Mark Erelli, a contemporary acoustic singer songwriter with a knack for telling stories in his songs. He's an excellent writer whose songs have strength and power, and an excellent performer as well. http://markerelli.com
FEB. 28 JIM GAUDET AND THE RAILROAD BOYS. They look like a bluegrass band, and to some extent they sound like a bluegrass band. But Jim Gaudet is a fine and quirky songwriter, covering a lot of ground in his songs, and his band is a strong accompaniment, full of good energy. http://jimgaudet.com
MAR. 7 SEAMUS KENNEDY. Seamus Kennedy is a Bound for Glory favorite who has been on the show several times. He sings the music of his native Ireland... and a surprising amount of other stuff as well. He's both charismatic and very funny, and will grab and hold everyone's attention all evening long. Superb. http://www.mcnote.com/seamus
MAR. 14 BREAD AND BONES. Been trying for a while to set up a date with this talented and flexible Vermont-based trio. Homemade songs that feel like they are part of the folk tradition, and real traditional songs as well, performed with verve and excellent harmonies. http://bread and bones.com
On MARCH 21 and 28, Bound for Glory will be Albums from the Studios. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121. Later on this Spring: PEARLS AND SWINE, JEFF DAVIS AND DAVE RUCH, DAN BERGGREN and more.
APR. 4 PEARLS AND SWINE. What happens when you take ROSIE NEWTON and STEPHANIE JENKINS of the Pearly Snaps and bring in STEVE SELIN, from the Hogwashers, among other bands? You get a great Old Timey trio, with close harmonies and high energy. Please welcome them to Bound for Glory.
APR. 11 BEAUCOUP BLUE. This father/son duo from Philadelphia plays a sophisticated style of blues, old blues from the twenties and thirties, new songs of several styles, and homemade ones as well. They're both powerful and gentle. They've got a good sparkle to share, and we're pleased to have them back on the show. http://beaucoupblue.com .
APR. 18 JEFF DAVIS AND DAVE RUCH. Jeff Davis explores the American Folk Tradition, finding the power in the old songs, playing fiddle, clawhammer banjo, mandocello, mandolin, and guitar. He's a great singer and a lot of fun. Jeff is joined by Dave Ruch, performing the traditional songs of New York State. It'll be an excellent evening. http://www.harbourtownrecords.com/Jeffdavis.htm
APR. 25 PAT WICTOR. What a delightful performer! Pat Wictor plays the slide guitar, with a bit of bluesy flavor and a unique musical approach. He's a fine songwriter and a strong performer, and we are honored to have him back on the show. http://patwictor.com
MAY 2 DAN BERGGREN. Dan Berggren grew up in the Adirondacks. He writes songs about his world and the people around him, and sings some of the old songs as well. He's a charming performer, making you feel like you're sitting in his living room sharing songs with him. Excellent. http://berggrenfolk.com
MAY 9 BOB FRANKE. Poignant and bluesy, sacred and profane, sometimes very funny. Bob Franke is one of North America's best singer-songwriters, one whose songs often travel before him. It's been many years. Welcome him back for a wonderful end to a strong Spring season. http://bobfranke.com
From May 16 through June 20, Bound for Glory will be Albums from the Studios. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121. Next Live Bound for Glory folk concert broadcast? June 27. There are six live Bound for Glory shows in the summer. We will welcome, among others, TOBY WALKER, BILLY ELI, and JEREMIAH MCLANE AND DAVID SURETTE.
SEPT. 6 LESLIE LEE AND STEVE GRETZ. This lively and eclectic duo has recently moved to New York State from New England. This will be their Bound for Glory debut. They play a wide variety of music, old and new, with a definitely traditional flavor. Their voices go well together, their song selection is excellent. Please welcome them.
SEPT. 13 MARK RUST. Time to welcome back an old Ithaca favorite. Mark Rust is a completely charming singer, songwriter, and yarn spinner. A lot of his songs were written in or about Ithaca, and about the Ithaca Festival. You'll find choruses to join in on, a sparkle and a smile.
SEPT. 20 JOE JENCKS. Been trying to get Joe Jencks on the Bound for Glory show for quite a few years now. He's a social commentator who doesn't always take himself seriously. He brings people together, and he has many a story to tell. Plus he's got a great voice. We're pleased to finally present him on Bound for Glory.
SEPT. 27 ERICA WHEELER. Erica Wheeler is a fine and delightful contemporary singer-songwriter, with a wry sense of humor, and a magical way with audiences. Her songs paint pictures, and she'll surprise you with quirky good humor. It's been too long since her last Bound for Glory appearance. Don't miss her.
OCT. 4 MIKE AGRANOFF. Mike Agranoff is by now a Bound for Glory regular, known for his amazing, appropriately dreadful parodies, intense but funny recitations, and wild good humor. But look between and you'll find that he is an excellent guitarist with an ear for a good serious song as well. Always a worthwhile evening.
On OCTOBER 11, Bound for Glory will be Albums from the Studios, as Cornell takes Fall Break, and the Cafe at Anabel Taylor is closed. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121.
OCT. 18 ROD MacDONALD. It's been a long time. Rod MacDonald is a social commentator, with a wry good humor. A writer of strong songs, he tells stories from unusual points of view, and will leave you alternately thinking and grinning. Nowadays he lives in Florida, so his Bound for Glory visits are less frequent. Don't miss him.
OCT. 25 ELLIS PAUL. If you list all the contemporary acoustic singer songwriters performing in America today, surely Ellis Paul will be on your short list. He's a riveting, charismatic performer, with songs that take unusual twists and turns. Ellis Paul is always welcome back to Bound for Glory, and so are you.
NOV. 1 ZOE MULFORD. These days Zoe Mulford lives in England, so her visits are infrequent. She's a lovely, gentle singer songwriter whose songs tell unexpected stories. She has a vivid imagination, and a charming ability to share her creativity with her audience. Her power sneaks up on you. Delightful.
NOV. 8 ROY BOOK BINDER. When someone writes the definitive book on the blues and ragtime revival, Roy Book Binder will rate an entire chapter. He studied with the Reverend Gary Davis, and got to know a lot of his blues elders before they passed away. His energy is contagious. He's a one of a kind performer. This is Good Time Music.
NOV. 15 AMY GALLATIN AND STILLWATERS. They look like a bluegrass band, and their licks are hot like a bluegrass band. But their eclectic songs come from all over. Amy Gallatin and Stillwaters are a bluegrass band with a lot to say, and stories to tell. They're welcome back anytime.
NOV. 22 COSY SHERIDAN AND T.R. RITCHIE. Cosy and T.R. are both fine singers and songwriters, approaching music and life with rare good humor, alternating with deep seriousness, with dashes of nostalgia. They are both wonderfully good at connecting with the Bound for Glory audience. A special evening indeed.
NOV. 29 Albums from the studios. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121.
DEC. 6 JOHN SPECKER. He plays the fiddle. Oh boy, does he play the fiddle. Wild and raw and fierce and amazing. And he sings the good Old Timey songs and throws in some surprises as well. John Specker has more than a little to do with creating the Old Timey music revival. What a great way to end our season.
From DECEMBER 13 through JANUARY 17, Bound for Glory will be Albums from the Studios. Catch the Winter Solstice/Chanukah show on DECEMBER 13, the Holiday special show on DECEMBER 20, and the New Year's special on DECEMBER 27. Holiday songs you won't hear in the shopping malls. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121. Next Live Bound for Glory? JANUARY 24, 2010.
JAN. 24 JOE CROOKSTON AND THE BLUEBIRD JAMBOREE, with Peter Glanville. Joe Crookston is one fine songwriter, and one magical performer. He's one of the best things to happen to the Ithaca music scene in recent years. His guitar playing is imaginative and flexible, his songs tell great stories, and he just sparkles. Don't miss this show. http://joecrookston.com
JAN.31 LEE KNIGHT. Please welcome traditional mountain music performer Lee Knight, up from the mountains. Which mountains, you ask? Well, nowadays he hails from Western North Carolina, but he grew up in the Adirondacks. Let's just call it mountain music. Banjos and dulcimers, stories and songs. Delightful. http://leeknightmusic.com
FEB. 7 TRAONACH. Welcome back Traonach, the Ithaca area's wonderful traditionally oriented Celtic band. They arose from the Ithaca Irish Session, and now they take their music all over the place. Fiddle and accordion, concertina and bouzouki and percussion. Lively tunes and excellent songs. http://www.myspace.com/traonach
FEB. 14 MUSTARD'S RETREAT. By now they're old friends of Bound for Glory, past winners of the Best of Bound for Glory award. Mustard's Retreat is living room music writ large. They're comfortable companions for an evening, good songwriters, humorists, yarn spinners. In from Michigan. http://mustardsretreat.com
FEB. 21 MARK ERELLI. It's been too many years. It'll be the second live Bound for Glory show for Mark Erelli, a contemporary acoustic singer songwriter with a knack for telling stories in his songs. He's an excellent writer whose songs have strength and power, and an excellent performer as well. http://markerelli.com
FEB. 28 JIM GAUDET AND THE RAILROAD BOYS. They look like a bluegrass band, and to some extent they sound like a bluegrass band. But Jim Gaudet is a fine and quirky songwriter, covering a lot of ground in his songs, and his band is a strong accompaniment, full of good energy. http://jimgaudet.com
MAR. 7 SEAMUS KENNEDY. Seamus Kennedy is a Bound for Glory favorite who has been on the show several times. He sings the music of his native Ireland... and a surprising amount of other stuff as well. He's both charismatic and very funny, and will grab and hold everyone's attention all evening long. Superb. http://www.mcnote.com/seamus
MAR. 14 BREAD AND BONES. Been trying for a while to set up a date with this talented and flexible Vermont-based trio. Homemade songs that feel like they are part of the folk tradition, and real traditional songs as well, performed with verve and excellent harmonies. http://bread and bones.com
On MARCH 21 and 28, Bound for Glory will be Albums from the Studios. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121. Later on this Spring: PEARLS AND SWINE, JEFF DAVIS AND DAVE RUCH, DAN BERGGREN and more.
APR. 4 PEARLS AND SWINE. What happens when you take ROSIE NEWTON and STEPHANIE JENKINS of the Pearly Snaps and bring in STEVE SELIN, from the Hogwashers, among other bands? You get a great Old Timey trio, with close harmonies and high energy. Please welcome them to Bound for Glory.
APR. 11 BEAUCOUP BLUE. This father/son duo from Philadelphia plays a sophisticated style of blues, old blues from the twenties and thirties, new songs of several styles, and homemade ones as well. They're both powerful and gentle. They've got a good sparkle to share, and we're pleased to have them back on the show. http://beaucoupblue.com .
APR. 18 JEFF DAVIS AND DAVE RUCH. Jeff Davis explores the American Folk Tradition, finding the power in the old songs, playing fiddle, clawhammer banjo, mandocello, mandolin, and guitar. He's a great singer and a lot of fun. Jeff is joined by Dave Ruch, performing the traditional songs of New York State. It'll be an excellent evening. http://www.harbourtownrecords.com/Jeffdavis.htm
APR. 25 PAT WICTOR. What a delightful performer! Pat Wictor plays the slide guitar, with a bit of bluesy flavor and a unique musical approach. He's a fine songwriter and a strong performer, and we are honored to have him back on the show. http://patwictor.com
MAY 2 DAN BERGGREN. Dan Berggren grew up in the Adirondacks. He writes songs about his world and the people around him, and sings some of the old songs as well. He's a charming performer, making you feel like you're sitting in his living room sharing songs with him. Excellent. http://berggrenfolk.com
MAY 9 BOB FRANKE. Poignant and bluesy, sacred and profane, sometimes very funny. Bob Franke is one of North America's best singer-songwriters, one whose songs often travel before him. It's been many years. Welcome him back for a wonderful end to a strong Spring season. http://bobfranke.com
From May 16 through June 20, Bound for Glory will be Albums from the Studios. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121. Next Live Bound for Glory folk concert broadcast? June 27. There are six live Bound for Glory shows in the summer. We will welcome, among others, TOBY WALKER, BILLY ELI, and JEREMIAH MCLANE AND DAVID SURETTE.
Past Shows
2009
JAN. 18 KEN KOLODNER AND FRIENDS. Ken Kolodner is one of America's very best hammered dulcimer players and a fine fiddler as well. He makes his Bound for Glory debut, bringing along some fine musicians, some of whom you may know. We'll have old timey tunes, beautiful waltzes, French Canadian tunes, and a whole lot more. Fun. Coming up from Baltimore.
JAN. 25 CLAUDIA SCHMIDT. For many years Claudia Schmidt was a mainstay of America's singer-songwriter scene, a fine performer who makes a wonderful connection with her audiences. Then she retired, for about ten years, back to Michigan. Well, she came back on the circuit. Hooray. Let's make her very welcome.
FEB. 1 JAMES GORDON. Please welcome back James Gordon to the Bound for Glory stage. Coming to us from Guelph, Ontario, James is one of Canada's best exports, a fine writer who can be intense and poignant one moment, and the next moment incredibly funny. Many remember him from the band Tamarack.
FEB. 8 LONG JOHN AND THE TIGHTS. Old Timey mountain music at its best, music to get your toes tapping. Most of the members of Long John and the Tights are familiar to Bound for Glory audiences, because they live around Ithaca, but this is actually the first time that this particular band has played the show. Traditional music to warm up a Winter's night.
FEB. 15 MUSTARD'S RETREAT. Mustard's Retreat? I guess by now they're old friends of Bound for Glory. They're past winners of the Best of Bound for Glory award. A Mustard's Retreat show is living room music that's up on stage, and it feels really good. Contemporary folk, good humor, and some real sparkle. In from Michigan.
FEB. 22 JIM GAUDET AND THE RAILROAD BOYS. It's been many years since Jim Gaudet appeared on Bound for Glory. He's an Albany based singer songwriter who writes songs with interesting twists and turns. This time he's got an excellent band with him. The Railroad Boys are at the intersection of folk and bluegrass, and they're good.
MAR. 1 BOB WHITE AND KEVIN MAUL. This will be one of the most unusual shows of the year. Bob White is a traditionally oriented folksinger who was very influential back about thirty years ago... which was the last time he appeared on Bound for Glory. Kevin Maul is a hot dobro player, most famous for playing with Robin and Linda Williams. Let's see what happens when they get together.
MAR. 29 GARNET ROGERS. Garnet Rogers, in from Ontario, is, plain and simply, one of the best performers on the folk scene today. He's a fine songwriter, a magnificent singer, and an extraordinarily imaginative guitarist. He's a great yarn spinner and a very funny man. And a past winner of the Best of Bound for Glory award.
APR. 5 DANA AND SUSAN ROBINSON. Dana and Susan start with the American folk tradition and see where it takes them. Old songs and new, good humor, new songs that really get to the heart of every subject. Old tunes that make your feet tap. A quirky and delightful evening from Bound for Glory favorites.
APR. 12 The DIAMONDBACK RATTLERS. Bluegrass with many a twist. This most excellent bluegrass band can sail right into a bluegrass standard or a breakdown, but they also turn bluegrass inside out with great good humor, and songs that you'd never expect. An evening of stories and smiles all 'round. Welcome them back.
APR. 19 DENNIS STROUGHMATT AND ESPRIT CREOLE. The music of Upper Louisiana. That's right, the music of the French settlements of Missouri and the Illinois country, sung in French. Music most of us didn't know existed. Dennis Stroughmatt is a superb fiddler, with an excellent band. A show that's clearly different from any other.
APR. 26 JACK WILLIAMS. Jack Williams has appeared on Bound for Glory just once before, almost exactly a year ago. And he immediately won the Best of Bound for Glory award. This bluesy singer- songwriter is a knockout guitarist and singer. He comes to us from Arkansas.
JUNE 21 ANNE HILLS. It's been a lot of years. Anne Hills has been one of the major forces in American folk music for several decades now. She's got an amazing voice, some wonderful songwriting skills, and a willingness to go look for other people's songs that she can make her very own. A great start to our season.
JUNE 28 TOM PACHECO. Tom Pacheco has been around the track a few times. He's been a mainstay of the Woodstock music scene when he's here, but he usually lives and tours in Europe. He writes quirky songs that tell fascinating stories. A little country, a little bluesy, a lot of sparkle and magic. Welcome him to Bound for Glory.
JULY 5 NANNE AND ANKIE. From the Netherlands. This great sounding duo tells their stories in English, but sings in Dutch. And Frisian. And, believe it or not, Esperanto. They're in the US for the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's famous visit, and we're very lucky that they'll be coming to Bound for Glory.
JULY 12 ERIC TAYLOR. Eric Taylor is one of the best known Texas songwriters. His songs show that he's quite the yarn spinner. And a super guitarist as well. Bound for Glory has been attracting a number of folks from the Southern folk circuit, folks who don't usually play in these parts. Let's see what happens. Good stuff coming.
JULY 19 JENI AND BILLY. Jeni was born in the coal fields of Southwestern Virginia. She comes by mountain music honestly. Jeni and Billy do new songs written squarely in the mountain tradition, flavored by Old Timey, Bluegrass, and Blues. They've been getting quite a bit of attention lately. Glad they'll be joining us.
JULY 26 THE BELLES TRIO. The Belles Trio: Mara Levine, Marie-Elena and Caroline Cutroneo, with special guest James Brennan. Three women with beautiful close harmonies, doing everything from traditional songs through some wonderful, but seldom remembered, songs from the '60's and '70's, to contemporary folk and a few homemade songs as well. A wonderful end to an excellent Summer on Bound for Glory, and to our 42nd year.
2008
JAN. 20 BILL STAINES. Can't think of
a better way to start Bound for Glory's 41st Winter season. Bill Staines is one
of America's finest, and best known, folk singer-songwriters, an inspiring,
magical performer whose songs have been sung by untold numbers of people, many of
whom have no idea who wrote them. Come sing on the choruses. This past Fall,
Bill won the Best of Bound for Glory award. He comes to us from New
Hampshire.
JAN. 27 TRAONACH. Join us for a fine session
with Ithaca's wonderful Celtic band. Traonach is as good as they come, with
lively dance tunes and traditional Irish songs as well. It'll be hard to keep
your toes from tapping. Welcome them back to Bound for Glory.
FEB. 3
STEVE GILLETTE AND CINDY MANGSEN. It's been way too long. It's time
for a return visit from this marvelous, good humored folk duo, in from Vermont.
Some of the songs are traditional, some are homemade. Their performances just
sparkle. Surely there'll be some good choruses to sing along on.
FEB. 10 THE POWDER KEGS. The Powder Kegs are a young,
exciting Old Timey string band from the Hudson Valley, playing the songs and tunes
of the Southern mountains, plus a lot of music that string bands seldom touch.
Don't be surprised to hear a Leadbelly song, or Woody Guthrie. The Powder Kegs
will leave you with a big grin.
FEB. 17 MUSTARD'S RETREAT.
Mustard's Retreat are old friends by now. They're past winners of the Best of
Bound for Glory award, a couple of guys from Michigan who always turn the Cafe at
Anabel Taylor into their living room, and invite you all in to share some songs,
old and new. Plus, they're wonderful storytellers. A truly fine
show.
FEB. 24 FOUR SHILLINGS SHORT. It's been too many
years. Four Shillings Short is a delightful, extremely quirky neo-Celtic folk
duo. He's from Ireland, she's from California. They play an incredible variety
of instruments, including, yes, the sitar. Let's make them glad they came back
to Bound for Glory.
MAR. 2 HOWIE BURSEN AND FRIENDS. Back in
1967, Howie Bursen was one of the very first performers on Bound for Glory. He's
still making wonderful music, traditionally flavored folk on banjo and guitar.
He's a great singer and yarn spinner. Let's see who he brings with him this
time. From Connecticut.
MAR. 9 SMALL POTATOES. Small
Potatoes is another past winner of the Best of Bound for Glory award, a highly
eclectic, wildly whacky contemporary duo from Illinois. Small Potatoes comes
complete with a highly infectious smile that everyone can share. Their most
recent CD was recorded live on Bound for Glory. There's good reason for
that.
On MARCH 16 and 23, Bound for Glory will be Albums from
the Studios. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121. Next Live Bound for Glory? MARCH
30. This Spring we'll be welcoming COSY SHERIDAN WITH T.R. RITCHIE, JACK
WILLIAMS, and other fine musicians.
MAR. 30 ANNIE AND ROD
CAPPS. It's a Bound for Glory debut for this fine country-flavored
contemporary folk duo, whose new CD is getting serious national recognition.
Annie has a wonderful voice, and the homemade songs are full of both delightful
word play, and serious, to the point clarity. Get to know Annie and Rod
Capps.
APR. 6 MARIA DUNN. Maria Dunn comes to us from the
Canadian prairies, Edmonton, Alberta. She's got a grand voice, and writes songs
squarely in the folk tradition, songs that tell distinctively Canadian stories.
Maria Dunn is a social commentator who is able to write from the perspective of
folks who don't often get written about. Great stuff.
APR. 13 JAY
SMAR. Jay Smar comes to us from the Pennsylvania coal country. It's his
second visit to Bound for Glory. He's got really good stories to tell, and he
sings both American traditional songs and some of his own as well, with a lot of
strong energy. Welcome him back.
APR. 20 COSY SHERIDAN AND T.R.
RITCHIE. Cosy and T.R. come to us from Moab, Utah. Cosy can be one of the
funniest social commentators on the folk scene, and the next minute she'll hit
you with a song that'll really make you think. T.R. writes sneakily clever
songs, and plays a fine ragtime- flavored guitar. They mesh perfectly
together.
APR. 27 ADAM MILLER. First time around for Adam
Miller on Bound for Glory. This is a fellow who can really play the autoharp, a
rare talent. His songs are a collection of the best traditionally flavored folk
songs, some old, some not so old, but written in the tradition. We'll get some
magic going with Adam Miller.
MAY 4 JACK WILLIAMS. We have
wanted to bring Jack Williams to Bound for Glory for a really long time. He's a
Southerner who seldom comes through these parts. He's a bluesy singer and
songwriter, with a knockout guitar style, who gets major attention wherever he
goes. What a great ending to a superb Spring!
JUNE 22 MAC
BENFORD, JOHN HOFFMAN, RANDI BECKMANN AND FRIENDS. Banjos, fiddles, guitars,
and yes, keyboard, Old Timey String Band music at its very best. Let's welcome
back some of the folks who have spread the Old Timey sound to so many people in
the last few years. See you there.
JUNE 29 TOBY WALKER.
Toby Walker plays the Blues on Bound for Glory. It's the second time around for
this amazing good-humored guitarist, yarn spinner, and wonderful character. Toby
Walker plays traditional blues and writes his own songs in an older style, with
many a wry twist. Delighted to have him back on the show.
JULY 6
JOE CROOKSTON AND FRIENDS. Joe Crookston has certainly grabbed Ithaca's
attention these last couple of years. He's a singer-songwriter with a highly
distinctive and magical guitar style. But he's more than that. Joe Crookston is
one of the most magnetic performers we've ever had on Bound for Glory. Plus, he
brings his friends along.
JULY 13 THE SILLANPAA FAMILY, from
Finland. We are so glad to have gotten to know the Sillanpaa Family over these
last few years. They sing, mostly, in English, writing and sharing songs with an
American Country flavor. The harmonies are tight. The instrumentals are of the
very best. And they're completely charming.
JULY 20 DAVID OLNEY
AND SERGIO WEBB. David Olney is a singer-songwriter from Nashville who can
best be describes as... Fierce. His amazing songs grab you, and bring you down
beneath the surface of the world, to show you what's really happening. A
magnificent performer. And Sergio Webb plays a rockin' guitar.
JULY
27 MICHAEL JERLING. Michael Jerling's been writing and performing for a
quite a few years now, writing songs that are full of surprises. Michael calls
his songs "Little Movies", small slices of life that get to the core of his
memorable characters. It's been too long. Welcome him back to Bound for
Glory.
From AUGUST 3rd through the 24th, Bound for Glory will
be Albums from the Studios, as Cornell resumes its Summer Break, and the Cafe at
Anabel Taylor, is closed. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121. The 42nd year of
WVBR's Bound for Glory starts on August 31st.
AUG. 31 KIM AND REGGIE HARRIS. Music in the AfricanAmerican folk tradition. It's a
Bound for Glory debut from thisoutstanding duo. They not only sing traditional songs. They're also songwriters and social commentators, presenting a performance of quiet power. Excellent.
SEPT. 7 CINDY KALLET AND
GREY LARSEN. Another Bound for Glory debut, from two remarkable
instrumentalists and singers. You'll hear both traditional and contemporary
American dance tunes, and lovely songs, both homemade and borrowed. Separately,
Cindy and Grey have been mainstays of the American folk scene. Together they're
wonderful.
SEPT. 14 JOHN CADLEY AND THE LOST BOYS.
Bluegrass. We haven't been having enough bluegrass on Bound for Glory, but
that's about to change. John Cadley is a well respected bluegrass songwriter.
The five piece band is tight and great fun, and we're going to have a high
energy, high smiles evening.
SEPT. 21 SEAMUS KENNEDY. Welcome
back this rollicking Irishman. Seamus Kennedy sings songs in the Irish tradition,
with a sprinkling of recent material as well. His story telling and delightful
good humor are famous, and he just sparkles on the Bound for Glory stage. One of
our very best performers.
SEPT. 28 AZTEC TWO-STEP. Back
about 35 years ago, Aztec Two-Step was the hottest thing in folk rock. And they
never stopped. Rex and Neal still write super songs, and perform them with great
energy and style. There is nothing like an Aztec Two-Step evening, as we all will
find out once again. Don't miss them.
OCT. 5 ANNIE AND THE HEDONISTS.
Annie and the Hedonists are four fascinating musicians who are equally comfortable
with an old Bessie Smith tune, a country song, or a folk song. They have a
fascinating and extremely eclectic repertoire, and Annie's got a great voice.
We're delighted to welcome them back to Bound for Glory.
On OCTOBER
12,Bound for Glory will be Albums from the Studios, as Cornell takes Fall Break,
and the Cafe at Anabel Taylor is closed. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121. There
will be seven more live shows in the late Fall, starting OCTOBER 19, including
visits from Sparky and Rhonda Rucker, and Small Potatoes.
OCT. 19
PIERCE PETTIS. Pierce comes to us from the deep South, but not very
often. This will be the third Bound for Glory visit from this amazing, sturdy,
powerful songwriter and singer. Pierce Pettis is a strong and exciting performer,
who has a great deal to say and the skill to say it very very well. He'll even
be selling pre-release copies of his upcoming 2009 album, "That Kind of
Love."
OCT. 26 ALIZE (pronounced ah-lee-ZAY). The music of
Brittany and of France. Alize plays and sings tunes that go back many centuries,
and some new ones as well. Alize is Ithaca's Laurie Hart, Gordon Bonnet, and
Julia Lapp. They'll make majic for us, Breton and French style, on their first
Bound for Glory appearance.
NOV. 2 PHIL SHAPIRO AND CARRIE
SHORE. Yes, Phil is the host of Bound for Glory, and every few years he and
musical partner Carrie Shore get up on stage at Bound for Glory. Carrie is an
outstanding, flexible fiddler, and Phil plays a fine finger style guitar.
Traditionally oriented folk songs with wonderful choruses. Come sing!!! By the
way, Mark Anbinder will host the show for this evening.
NOV. 9
SPARKY AND RHONDA RUCKER. Music in the African American folk
tradition, blues, and Southern Mountain Music, both black and white. Sparky and
Rhonda are real scholars of the history of American music, but they never forget
to have a good time. A fun, high energy show from long time Bound for Glory
favorites.
NOV. 16 JACK HARDY AND DAVID MASSENGILL -- THE FOLK
BROTHERS. What a surprise! Two prominent downstate singer-songwriters,
both well known to the Bound for Glory audience, have teamed up and formed a duo
that's traveling the whole country. They'll sing some of their own songs, some
from other writers, some traditional material, and we'll have some marvelous
interplay between seasoned, good humored folk singers.
NOV. 23 SMALL
POTATOES. Small Potatoes is a past winner of the Best of Bound for Glory
award, a highly eclectic, wildly whacky contemporary duo from Illinois. Small
Potatoes comes complete with a highly infectious smile that everyone can share.
Their most recent CD was recorded live on Bound for Glory. There's good reason
for that. They were snowed out last March. Let's make them especially welcome
this time.
NOV. 30 Albums from the studios. Give Phil a call at 607-273-
2121.
DEC. 7 LISSA SCHNECKENBURGER AND HER BAND. What a great
end to 2008! Lissa Schneckenburger is a knockout fiddler and a great singer. Her
music is traditionally based, and very danceable, and her band is one of the best
going. The last live show of the year will be filled with sparkle and magic.
From DECEMBER 14 through JANUARY 11, Bound for Glory will be Albums from
the Studios. Catch the Winter Solstice show on DECEMBER 14, the Holiday special
show on DECEMBER 21, and the New Year's special on DECEMBER 28. Holiday songs
you won't hear in the shopping malls. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121. Next
Live Bound for Glory? JANUARY 18, 2009.
2007
AUG. 26 MAGPIE. Welcome back
this marvelous duo from the DC area. Greg Artzner and Terry Leonino own the
tightest harmonies. They are sturdy social commentators, they sing songs with
great choruses, and they are an important force in North America's folk scene
today. A wonderful start to our new season. Don't miss them.
SEPT. 2 JEFF WARNER. Jeff Warner is a traditional singer
extraordinaire. Many of his songs were collected 50 or 60 years ago by his
parents, Frank and Anne Warner, and he has set out to keep the old songs alive. A
charming and lively performer, coming back to Bound for Glory for the third time,
from New Hampshire.
SEPT. 9 ELLIS PAUL. If you list the
very top contemporary acoustic singer-songwriters in North America today, Ellis
Paul will be on your list. He's a riveting performer, a fine poet, a
communicator of magic. It's been too many years. He comes to us these days from
Virginia. Be a part of this show.
SEPT. 16 GARNET ROGERS.
Garnet Rogers is one of Canada's finest folk writers and performers.
He's a past winner of the Best of Bound for Glory award, a painter of musical
pictures, some full of smiles, some dark and thought provoking. Garnet Rogers
tours the continent, and we're honored to have him back on the show.
SEPT. 23 MARK RUST. If ever Ithaca has taken a performer to heart,
it's Mark Rust. Even though he moved away a long time ago, we're still
delighted to hear his songs and his delightful, slightly twisted stories. A Mark
Rust concert comes complete with a guaranteed smile. See you there.
SEPT. 30 MATT AND SHANNON HEATON. Tunes and songs old and new, with
a strong Celtic flavor, flute, guitar, excellent vocals as well. Welcome back
this charming duo, who really know how to get to the heart of a song or a tune.
Excellent performers.
On OCTOBER 7, Bound for Glory will be
Albums from the Studios, as Cornell takes Fall Break, and Cul de Snack, the Cafe
at Anabel Taylor, is closed. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121.
OCT. 14 DAKOTA DAVE HULL. We're really pleased to welcome back one
of the most tasteful guitarists you've ever heard. Dakota Dave has been
incredibly influential in guitar circles for many years. He's not the flashiest
guitarist, but he's one of the best, because he knows exactly what notes NOT to
play. A charming, good humored performer.
OCT. 21 CHRISTINE LAVIN.
It's Christine Lavin's second Bound for Glory visit, but the first one
was a long, long time ago. She's incredibly funny, with her own brand of
slightly twisted humor that's made her a major act in the folk world. But she's
also got a serious side. What a wonderful show, always full of surprises.
OCT. 28 APRIL VERCH AND HER BAND. April Verch is an impressively hot
fiddler from Ontario's Ottawa Valley, and a fine singer as well. The music has
both a traditional and a bluegrass flavor, and the hot licks just don't stop.
Surely she'll do some step dancing, and we'll mike the stage so the radio
audience can pick up all the magic and sparkle. Welcome her back to Bound for
Glory.
NOV. 4 THE CHICKEN CHOKERS. Old Timey music at its
finest. The Chicken Chokers have gotten back together after 20 years, and
they're coming back to Bound for Glory. Unvarnished, primitive American music.
Incredible energy, raw, powerful, great fun. Don't miss this show.
NOV. 11 BEAUCOUP BLUE. A Bound for Glory debut from a father/son duo
from Philadelphia. They play the acoustic blues, with a bit of jazzy flavor,
great energy and style, and respect for the blues tradition. Beaucoup Blue is
making quite a splash in the world of folk music, and we're really pleased to
welcome them.
NOV. 18 EVE GOLDBERG. Third time around for
Eve Goldberg, in from Toronto. She's a folk singer, and a singer songwriter.
Her music sounds like down home mountain music except when it sounds like jazzy
city music, except when it's sweet, except when it's strong. She has an
understated style that will sneak up on you. Great stuff.
NOV.
25 Albums from the studios. Cornell is on break, and The Cafe at Anabel
Taylor is closed, so Phil will be playing folk CD's and LP's from the WVBR
studios. Give a call at 607-273-2121.
DEC. 2 CLIFF EBERHARDT.
We'll end our 41st fall season in fine style with an amazing performer.
Cliff Eberhardt is a very funny man, though a lot of his songs are serious. He
writes his own, contemporary folk, bluesy, jazzy. What's between the songs is
something else entirely. A great end to a super season.
From
DECEMBER 9 through JANUARY 13, Bound for Glory will be Albums from the
Studios. Catch the Winter Solstice show on DECEMBER 16, the Holiday special show
on DECEMBER 23, and the New Year's special on DECEMBER 30. Holiday songs you
won't hear in the shopping malls.
Directions & Parking Information
