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Poughkeepsie Chapter News
Volume 19, Issue 3: January & February 1999
Newsletter segments:
Kingston chapter news, Patterson chapter news, Poughkeepsie chapter news, and other articles.by Rebekah Martucci
Our feature in November was ensemble, Irish Rain, presenting a rich array of traditional vocals and instrumentals. From the audience left to right: Steve Otlowski on vocals, guitar, tin whistle and flute; Barbara Mahon on vocals, guitar and percussion; Bill Wemmerus on banjo and vocals; Tom Walker on...let's see...mandolin, concertina, harmonica, wooden flute, guitar (sang too!). Sea chanteys are a specialty of this group, perfect for Steve's dramatic booming voice and Tom's concertina. The first of these was "The Mermaid," then later a rousing "South Australia." Speaking of shops, Barbara led the vocals in "The Skye Boat Song," then Dylan's "When the Ship Comes In." For a change of pace, she did a fine calypso, "Jamaica Farewell." An Irish instrumental "Boys of Bloom Hill" highlighted Bill's banjo and Tom's multi- instruments. Bill consoled us about getting older in "My Get Up and Go Got Up and Went." Nice show!
The open mic set was packed. Raggedy Crew opened with a Civil War song in lovely harmony, then a solo by Amy. Norman Brahm went "Pop" tonight with "Try a Little Tenderness" and "Up on the Roof." In Mike Clarke's set, we heard about recent goings-on in Washington in his new song "House of Reprehensibles." Linda Breithaupt sang "Sisters of Mercy," then "Watermelon" (complete with slurping sounds). The Martuccis (John and I) sang "Devoted To You." Andy Ferraro rushed up from the sound board to do "Church Street Blues" and another bluesy piece. Vince Sauter and his guitar followed with two nostalgic originals. Stephanie Gleit shared a song lending insight into how women are often honored for their endurance rather than for their accomplishments. She followed with "I Finally Believe." Greg, Carol and Peter brought us another smoothly crafted Dave Wilcox song, then "Makin' Whoopie." Bruce Morrison crooned two original winter love songs. Ron Gluck finished the evening with "Empty Pocket Blues," and an original.
December was an all open mic night. There were sixteen praise-worthy performances, about which more could be said than space will allow. Steve Rhodes began with his skilled picking and harmonica, in "Trouble in Mind" and "Helpless." Lorraine Clara brought smiles and clapping with her accordion in a Polish lullaby and "Just Because." Stuart Kabek gave us two haunting originals about human frailty. Next we had the fabulous Denise Jordan Finley and Joe Murray with two Denise originals "Indigo Blues" and the exquisite "How Fair is My Baby." Brian Sullivan did a rocking "Christmas Morn" and "Silent Night," re-written in folk style. John and David Becker sang "Emmanuel" then "Silent Night," played on John's flute. What a talented pair of boys! Carol Becker insisted on writing and inserting a commentary on Lazy River: 'Lazy River wowed us all with a wonderfully harmonious rendition of "Good King Wenselas" and a swinging "Jingle Bell Rock." The marvelous arrangement by John Martucci showed off Rebekah Martucci's and Barbara Mahon's voices beautifully.'
Rose DeSienna, accompanied by John Martucci on piano, sang "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and a beautiful rendition of "O Holy Night," (a vocal feat). Mike Clarke sang his new songs, "Snow Day" and cleverly phrased "Christmas Crunch." Two lovely duets by Blair Shephard and Greg Neaga, "Hot Buttered Rum" and "Christmas in the Trenches" epitomized the shear beauty of folk style. Ron Gluck moved us with "Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream," then was joined by Greg Neaga in a masterful medley of old time tunes. Greg appeared again with Carol Hotte and Peter Martin in "Down and Out" and a hilarious "Santa Baby," so perfect for Carol's husky style. Lyn Burnstine graciously invited us to sing along on "Garment of Life" and an enchanting piece related to the legend of the Holy Grail. In her strong alto voice, Linda Breithaupt sang a lovely carol and a modern Christmas song, "Mary Did You Know?" Stephanie Gleit ended the evening in her unique and powerful style with a song about one woman's path and another with a very uplifting message, inspired by Yoda of Star Wars.
Since the all open mic night went so well, we'll repeat it in January and February.
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