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Poughkeepsie Chapter News
Volume 19, Issue 2: November & December 1998
Newsletter segments:
Kingston chapter news, Patterson chapter news, Poughkeepsie chapter news, and other articles.by Rebekah Lowden
It was good to be back at Poughkeepsie for a new season in that lovely octagonal space. The open mic set began with Andy Ferraro, doing an energetic "Lady Madonna" followed by an a capella show tune. Then he eulogized John Denver with "This Old Guitar." In a renaissance gown, harper Candace Coates played two improvised pieces and a medley of "Greensleeves" and "Scarborough Fair." David Becker, just turned 7 (yes, Kevin and Carol's son), performed a hilarious stand-up comedy routine then, accompanied by his dad on the guitar, sang "Hudson River Steamboat." Happy Birthday, David! Next up was the popular Irish Rain, with Bill Wemmerus, Steve Otlowski, Barbara Mahon and Tom Walker. They did a rousing chantey, "The Whale," John Prine's "The Hobo," and a foot-tapping version of "Lady of Liverpool." Mike and Emmy Clarke performed three of Mike's originals, "Snow Day" (was that Emmy doing bird songs?), "Fast Food," a lament about the ill effects of cholesterol, and "Hanging."
The featured act was The Hamburger Brothers: Elliot Zucker on guitar, Peter Muste on banjo and other instruments, Frank Tetler on fiddle and mandolin. All the band did vocals, but they informed the audience that we would be required to sing along, no excuses. They even demanded an audience solo verse on that old Folk Guild favorite, "I-M-4-U." The Hamburger Brothers, despite their irreverence, are marvelous musicians with impeccable timing and rich, clever arrangements. Their style had an old-time swing and sometimes cowboy feel (as in "Don't Fence Me In"). Which songs had the funniest lyrics? Its a toss-up between "The Porter's Love Song" and "Albert" (about Einstein's strange habits). The only problem with the Hamburger Brothers' feature was that it was over too soon.
Newcomer Mike Dolan began the second open mic set with a 12 string medley, which included Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." Rose De Siena (also our emcee) sang a lovely "Someday Soon" and "Inspirational Dishonesty." John Martucci (new chapter president) flattered his wife (me) with an original composition on the piano, bearing my name, then played a gorgeous composition by Schubert. A new face, Ray Kludis, presented three original songs, two of them about breaking free, and one unabashed love song, "Stuck on You." A series of single songs concluded the evening. Rande Harris gave us a breathtaking version of Dylan's "The Weight." Jody Annan played an instrumental, "Mr. Bojangles" on guitar. Jay Williams did a naughty Australian song, "Dog's Party." Is it my imagination or did the September coffeehouse have an abundance of comedic songs?
October's coffeehouse departed from the usual open mic format. We were fortunate to book the well-known banjo wizard, Roger Sprung, who brought along his friends for a full performance, followed by a jam session. Accompanying Roger was Hal Wylie on guitar and vocals, Lou Murray on guitar, and Richie Hawthorne on bass. Newcomers discovered that Roger and friends are by no means limited to bluegrass, although they are quite comfortable in that medium. They also played in a number of styles including traditional folk and Irish.
The evening began with the song that Roger deadpanned had received a standing ovation when Roger played (closed for) Willie Nelson - "The Crawdad Song." Next was a mystery song that turned out to be the commercial for Motel 6! After a banjo tune so fast that we didn't hear it, was an Irish tune, "Whiskey Before Breakfast." Two Stephen Foster songs followed: "Hard Times No More" and "Angelina Baker." After Roger opened up the program to requests, the audience, in a fit of whimsy, requested all songs that named a color in the title. We were treated to spectacular banjo solos, some fine guitar solos by Lou, and some real bass slapping by Richie. Those of us who have heard Roger before know that he and Hal Wylie are inseparable and their ensemble seamless.
The jam session filled the second half of the evening. Those who had the courage, joined in with guitars, piano, voices, and an accordion. Jammers chose songs round-robin style as the band fell right in. It was great fun.
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