KINGSTON EARTH FAIR
May
11
10:00 AM10:00

KINGSTON EARTH FAIR

earth day.jpg

SLOOP CLEARWATER SAILS TO KINGSTON… PRESENTING PERFORMANCES ON TWO STAGES AT KINGSTON’S 10TH ANNUAL EARTH FAIR - ON THE WATERFRONT!


GUY DAVIS MAGPIE EMMA’S REVOLUTION SUNDUB ARM-OF-THE-SEA PUPPETS PIEDMONT BLUZ PULSO de BARRO THE RIX TAINA ASILI & ENSEMBLE B2S
SONGS OF PETE SEEGER

Food Kid’a Activities Clearwater Sloop Tours Green Exhibitors Face Painting Clean Energy Local Farms E-Bike Test Rides Keegan’s Root Beer Floats Homespun Merry-Go-Round

Solaris Tour Boat Electric Vehicles Showcase Fine Local Restaurants Sustainable Living Info Crafts Recycling Food Vendors & more!

Tickets: FREE [yes, believe it!] Rain or shine
Location: TR Gallo Park, 30 Rondout Landing - on the Kingston waterfront

Festival by the City of Kingston with Hudson River Maritime Museum & More

Music by Radio Kingston, The Eighth Step & Radio Kingston

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SALLY ROGERS / CLAUDIA SCHMIDT / EMMA'S REVOLUTION
May
5
7:00 PM19:00

SALLY ROGERS / CLAUDIA SCHMIDT / EMMA'S REVOLUTION

Claudia Schmidt, Sally Rogers, Emma’s Revolution (Sandy O, Pat Humphries)

Four of Contemporary Folk’s Finest Voices Unite & Ignite!

**LIVE & LIVESTREAM

Sally Rogers: “Sterling guitar-banjo-dulcimer work…achingly sweet voice imbues her ballads with classic poignance” WASHINGTON POST

Claudia Schmidt: ”Talent and the fire of genius” BOSTON GLOBE

Emma’s Revolution: “Fervent and heartfelt” NEW YORK TIMES

Boundless energy and truth-telling lyrics on original and borrowed songs from four of folk music’s finest and most outspoken musical voices…

Soaring harmonies and sterling instrumentals abound in a concert celebrating mothers as women, artists and change-makers, part of the foursome’s second annual “Every Day is Mother’s Day” tour from New England to the West Coast. The group banded together to “lift up mothers and foremothers, trail blazers and hell raisers of all kinds,” says Pat Humphries. “The actions we can take and the songs we can sing to make this world a better place are the focus of our lives’ work and will take center stage," says Sally Rogers.

Performing with Rogers & Schmidt has deep meaning to Humphries. She relishes this tour as an opportunity to showcase women’s contributions to music, remembering the specific effect on her as a young aspiring musician. “When I was in college considering music as my full-time career, Jean [Ritchie] and Hazel [Dickens] and Alice [Gerrard] were busy breaking ground for women in a field full of male performers. These women carved the path for the next generation of singers and songwriters. That’s where I found Claudia Schmidt and Sally Rogers. Seeing Claudia and Sally among the names on concert series and festival rosters gave me hope there might be room for me. Both drew from the rich traditions of the past and carried that influence into their own writing - through the lens of their current life experience. Their example paralleled my trajectory and helped propel me forward in pursuit of my place on that continuum. Sandy & I are excited to be sharing the stage with Claudia and Sally.”

For all their different styles, the four accomplished, award-winning singer-songwriter-instrumentalists share a passionate dedication to humanity and social justice, creating luscious harmonies backed by stellar instrumentals: guitars, dulcimers - and with a nod to Humphries’ mentor Pete Seeger, maybe a little banjo.

Exuberant, joyful, warm, magical. Join us!

**Use Code Step for $5 off General Admission tickets - live show only!

CLAUDIA SCHMIDT & SALLY ROGERS: With heart-opening harmony and musical chemistry like no other, they have long been weaving their voices, dulcimers and guitars into uniquely lush music, singing with a joy that audiences find so irresistible they frequently join right in. Each a solo master of her craft, together they tell story-songs and rich vignettes set to stellar instrumentals. Time has deepened and enriched the music created by these long-time friends and performing partners.

EMMA’S REVOLUTION (Pat Humphries & Sandy O): They are known for fearless lyrics and melodies you can’t resist singing whether at a protest or a concert. Their inspiring songs - from hard-hitting cultural commentary to ringing anthems - have travelled around the world, sung for the Dalai Lama, praised by Pete Seeger and covered by Holly Near. The dynamic pair’s signature sound soars with harmonies and ringing acoustic instruments on songs that span folk to jazz and funk to rock.

TICKET NOTE: Gold Circle includes front center section seats & 6:00 pm Artist Reception Onstage
Location: GE Theatre at Proctors

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DAVE GUNNING - CD Release: The Same Storm
Apr
19
7:30 PM19:30

DAVE GUNNING - CD Release: The Same Storm

Gunning is the next big thing in the True North of Song, an artist as compelling, as assured and attentive to every nuance of the writing process, as Lightfoot, Cockburn and Stan Rogers before him
— TORONTO STAR

The Same Storm marks another career milestone for one of Canada's most inspiring and accomplished singer-songwriters, a captivating performer currently nominated for two Canadian Folk Music Awards including Best Solo Artist. Self-effacing and very, very funny, he is a master of his craft: his knack for perfectly timed on-stage banter and gracious storytelling has endeared him to audiences and fellow performers alike. He has shared the stage with legends like Ron Hynes, Rita MacNeil, Stuart McLean, and Stompin’ Tom Connor and of course, J.P. Cormier, with whom he performed a blockbuster show on our stage last season..

His knack for connecting with audiences is lifelong, preceding the skills and experience he’s earned on the road—Gunning shares the same sort of relationship with music as an eagle does with the sky. From a very young age, music has been Gunning’s way of interpreting the world around him, the lens through which he sees it, and the medium by which he engages with his community and his audiences.

He has never needed to look far beyond his Pictou County, Nova Scotia backyard for inspiration. That’s where the characters live. That’s where the stories come from. Often shining a light on the well-deserving underdogs, he’s never shies away from tougher topics, staying true to the folk music tradition. In recent years, those topics have tended to be more social and environmental in nature - causes that he holds near and dear. Nowhere has that been more evident, or public, than Dave’s strong stance against a local bleached kraft pulp mill - a proven polluter in the community.

Called “a voice of Nova Scotia,” Gunning combines a finely-tuned balance of sincerity and impeccable performance that makes him one of the country’s most engaging entertainers.

The Same Storm continues along a similar path similar to its predecessors - celebrating moments big and small, lending a voice to the folks that need it most, and indulging in a bit of nostalgia on the way - but always with an eye toward the future and the stories it will bring.

Tickets: $27 Advance / $29 Day of Show / $40 Gold Circle 
Location: Addy Theatre

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UKRAINE, UKRAINE!
Apr
13
7:00 PM19:00

UKRAINE, UKRAINE!

Performers gather for a tribute to Ukraine, its people, its culture and to its heroic struggle for freedom - with John McCutcheon & more surprise guests via video!

JOHN KIRK & TRISH MILLER(music of Peter Ostroushko)

JONNY & ANNIE ROSEN (of Annie & the Hedonists)

MAGPIE (Terry Leonino & Greg Artzner)

VALERI & SVITLANA BILOSHAPKO

ALINA SERDYUK

MARINA SERDYUK

LUI COLLINS

With thanks to longtime Step friend Carol Coogan for the poster image!

Proceeds will provide medical supplies & other humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

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JAMCRACKERS!
Mar
23
7:30 PM19:30

JAMCRACKERS!

“Bring fresh arrangements and brilliant harmonies to traditional and original songs” DAILY GAZETTE

Beautifully crafted songs, powerful vocals, and tight arrangements
— ADIRONDACK MUSEUM
They will win you over with their front porch style style picking and charm, [but] there’s much more
— SINGOUT!

DAN BERGGREN, PEGGY LYNN & DAN DUGGAN conjure the essence of our still-remote, forever wild pine and lake-studded Adirondack Mountain wilderness (without the blackflies)…

The dynamic Jamcrackers trio brings strong songs, tight harmonies, and lively tunes to the stage through Peggy and “the Dans” energy and warm voices: rich in tradition, full of heart and humor.


The three uber-talented, veteran musicians are reminiscent of - well, three Adirondack streams merging to form one mighty river:

National hammered dulcimer champion Dan Duggan is known for his wizardry on the instrument, as well as his flat-picking guitar licks. Peggy Lynn sings in her bluesy alto about strong women and life in the North Country. Dan Berggren's songs and stories give voice to the spirit of hard-working folks and inspire care of our beautiful planet.

The Jamcrackers at once bring us back to the days of mountain men, strong mountain women, settlers and Gilded Age visitors, and take us forward to tomorrow's issues shaping the future of our beloved mountains and beyond. Join us!

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REGGIE HARRIS & PAT WICTOR
Feb
24
7:30 PM19:30

REGGIE HARRIS & PAT WICTOR

HARRIS: “Dances between genres without hesitation and rides the highs and lows of each song's content with a confident wisdom that only comes from a lifetime of studying folk music.” WFUV-fm

WICTOR: “Can fingerpick like the best of them…an absolute madman on the lapsteel. Unquestionably, anyone who has ever heard a Wictor show will permanently place him in the company of the best in the genre.” THECOUNTRYBLUES.COM

REGGIE HARRIS is a magnificent performer on intricate guitar and soaring vocals, a singer-songwriter, storyteller, recording artist and world-renowned song-leader, a passionate, engaging and inspirational entertainer. He focuses new and needed energy on the important role of music in discussions of contemporary racial inequities, and addresses the struggle for human rights by bringing to life the lessons of history as he has experienced them in his own colorful life. He criss-crosses the country inspiring joy, unity, tolerance and peace through the powerful medium of live music.

PAT WICTOR burst on the folk and acoustic scene as an innovative slide guitarist known for fresh and memorable interpretations of traditional and contemporary songs. Since then, he has made his mark as a singer-songwriter penning lean and poetic songs that honor and extend rural blues and gospel traditions. For seven years he toured as one third of Brother Sun, the powerful harmonizing trio with Joe Jencks and Greg Greenway, garnering critical acclaim, two #1 CDs on the Folk DJ charts, and a continent-spanning tour schedule.

**Tickets: $28 General Admission / $26 Advance / $40 Gold Circle [zpriority Seating & 6:30 pm Artist Reception onstage     


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SING SOLSTICE! (STREAMINGTHRU 1/1/24)
Dec
21
to Jan 1

SING SOLSTICE! (STREAMINGTHRU 1/1/24)

Eighth Step favorites for decades, weaving Gospel, blues and folk traditions into a quilt of sound and spirit...exploring history through harmony
— NIPPERTOWN
Magical interplay of voices
— DIRTY LINEN

SING SOLSTICE! online: From Solstice through New Year’s Day, December 21, 2023-Jan 1, 2024 - with 48 hour replay!

Hear KIM & REGGIE HARRIS and MAGPIE (Terry Leonino & Greg Artzner) create a vibrant and joyous evening of four-part harmony, video recorded at The Eighth Step (GE Theatre at Proctors) on Dec. 9! Camaraderie, love, warmth and light - at your convenience!

This concert will be broadcast on Vimeo at a cost of $10 per person our gift to the community that has loved and supported our artists, and helped so generously to keep the music playing on our stages.

Scroll down for information on Sing Solstice! and our four fabulous artists. For sure, we couldn’t have asked for finer musicians to fill the stage with festive energy and greet Mother Nature’s New Year!

(Recorded 12/9/23 in live concert, 8th Step at Proctors (GE Theatre).

Watch on your phone, or computer or streamed to your Smart TV.

Magical interplay of voices
— DIRTY LINEN

The weather outside is frightful, but Sing Solstice is so delightful! On Winter Solstice - the shortest day and longest, darkest night of the year, come spend an evening with the irresistible foursome of Kim & Reggie Harris and Terry Leonino & Greg Artzner (Magpie) - a bright, warm and wonderful musical celebration of nature’s Season of Light that from ancient times to the present inspired such Midwinter celebrations as Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hannukah, Yule and more in cultures around the world. We’ll welcome the gradual lengthening of days that will begin at dawn the following day - its Midwinter, and we turn toward Spring - it’s Mother Nature’s New Year!!

The enormously talented and charismatic foursome creates a transcendent, often otherworldly sound with stunning harmonies & instrumentals, alternately powerful, touching, funny & charming. Who better to greet the light?

Significant in early times, the Solstice was viewed as a mystical omen of hope. It reminded us that every year our darkest days inevitably give way to light - especially meaningful in view of Ukraine, Washington, global warming, school shootings, recent midterms, Covid and people in distress around the world and here at home. May we achieve peace - and live in the light.

Now the days grow a little longer, a little shorter each night

Touch this flame to another candle in this season of light

With lights in every window on our houses and trees

We’ll push away the darkness for a new year of peace.

-Magpie

The longest, darkest night of the year broke into a new dawn, lighting our way to Spring and Summer: fertility, new growth and rejuvenation, warmth and new chances. Tune in wherever you are for laughs, harmonies…light!

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SING SOLSTICE! Kim & Reggie Harris and Magpie
Dec
9
7:30 PM19:30

SING SOLSTICE! Kim & Reggie Harris and Magpie

LIVE, IN GE THEATRE AT PROCTORS!

Magical interplay of voices
— DIRTY LINEN

Baby, it’s cold and dark outside! Come celebrate the lengthening of days to come at Sing Solstice! Spend an evening with the irresistible foursome of Kim & Reggie Harris and Terry Leonino & Greg Artzner (Magpie) - a bright, warm and wonderful musical celebration of nature’s Season of Light that from ancient times to the present inspired such Midwinter celebrations as Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hannukah, Yule and more in cultures around the world. We’ll welcome the coming - and very welcome! Winter Solstice with music and laughter - its Midwinter, and we turn toward the light of Spring -join us to celebrate Mother Nature’s New Year!!

The enormously talented and charismatic foursome creates a transcendent, often otherworldly sound with stunning harmonies & instrumentals, alternately powerful, touching, funny & charming. Who better to greet the light?

Opening the concert: Pokingbrook Morris Dancers, in full medieval costume, performing the mesmerizing “Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, which originated in the ancient Cotswold region of England!

Gold Circle: 6:30 pm Meet & Greet onstage

Significant in early times, the Solstice was viewed as a mystical omen of hope. It reminded us that every year our darkest days inevitably give way to light - especially meaningful in view of war and unrest around the world and here at home. May we achieve peace - and live in the light. We’re keeping the ticket prices low, our Solstice gift to you - join us!

Now the days grow a little longer, a little shorter each night

Touch this flame to another candle in this season of light

With lights in every window on our houses and trees

We’ll push away the darkness for a new year of peace.

-Magpie

On Solstice, the shortest day and longest, darkest night of the year will soon break into a new dawn, lighting our way to Spring and Summer: fertility, new growth and rejuvenation, warmth and chances for renewal.

THIS LIVE CONCERT WILL BE VIDEO RECORDED AND BROADCAST ON SOLSTICE NIGHT: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 6 PM - DETAIL TO COME.

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THE KLEZMATICS: HAPPY JOYOUS HANUKKAH!
Dec
2
7:30 PM19:30

THE KLEZMATICS: HAPPY JOYOUS HANUKKAH!

The Klezmatics aren’t just the best band in the klezmer vanguard; on a good night, they can rank among the greatest bands on the planet.
— TIME OUT NEW YORK
In the years before World War II, thousands came from all over the world, elbowing their way into the bumptious and beautiful babel of Brooklyn. In 1942, an unlikely chronicler came from an unlikely place, falling in love with a woman, a family and a community.

Woody Guthrie, known for writing “This Land is Your Land” and songs of the American West, also lived in Brooklyn in the 1940s. Now unrecorded lyrics he wrote during his years there have been put to music by The Klezmatics.
— ROOTS WORLD

**Gold Circle tickets include Priority Seating & 6:30 pm “Meet the Klezmatics” onstage.

For Hanukkah, the foremost and best loved klezmer band offers an evening of their Grammy-winning collaboration with Woody Guthrie’s recently discovered lyrics. The Klezmatics bring their hip, East Village sensibility to this favorite time of year, when candles and family warmth light up the dark nights.

Here Klezmer meets American Folk — focusing on Guthrie’s newly discovered Hanukkah songs, lyrics in English with Eastern European musical flourishes.

Folk icon Woody Guthrie - itinerant champion of workers, rider of the rails who wrote “This Land is Your Land” - wrote Hanukkah songs? Indeed he did, and in a pairing as richly diverse as Guthrie’s life itself — from the plains of tiny Okemah, Oklahoma to the cultural stew of post-war Brooklyn — his evocative lyrics are the perfect match for the music of the Klezmatics. This concert has already become an enduring addition to the holiday canon, with tracks penned by the songwriting legend and music from the premiere ambassadors of Yiddish culture.

Guthrie’s Jewish lyrics (previously unknown) can be traced to the unusual collaborative relationship he had with his mother-in-law, Aliza Greenblatt, a prominent Yiddish poet and confidant of Guthrie during his tenure in Coney Island. Guthrie’s Jewish lyrics came as a surprise to Nora Guthrie, Woody’s daughter (and the album’s Executive Producer), who learned of Woody’s Judaism connection in a chance encounter with the Klezmatics and Itzhak Perlman after a concert. Guthrie was introduced to Perlman as “Aliza’s granddaughter.” She recalls, “All my life, I’ve been introduced as Woody’s daughter…but this was the first time I’d ever been introduced as ‘Aliza Greenblatt’s granddaughter!”

The deft wordcraft, endearing playfulness, and fiery progressive worldview of Guthrie’s lyrics are in good hands with the adventurious and virtuosic playing of the Klezmatics. Trumpeter Frank London says, “The words are all his, but the diversity of musical styles is quintessentially Klezmatic.” London says that some songs lent themselves to overtly Jewish klezmer music, others to more American forms, like classic dust-bowl country tunes. The band’s influences in setting the lyrics to music ranged from sacred (Hasidic nigunim –wordless tunes often used in prayer – and Gospel) to secular (freylekhs – traditional dance music – and hoedowns).”

In an “A” review of the Grammy-winning CD that inspired this concert, the Chicago Sun Times says the music “skips merrily our of the speakers and becomes the life of the party.” Now, it makes its 8th Step-Proctors debut on December 2nd!

“…a complete joy…Guthrie’s lyrics are transformed from dust-gathers to living, breathing, vital pieces of music…Woody’s Jewish in-laws would certainly have been proud”   ALL MUSIC GUIDE

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CHERYL WHEELER with Kenny White
Nov
11
7:30 PM19:30

CHERYL WHEELER with Kenny White

"A rare artist...strong poetry, complex melodies, clever wit”      SING OUT!

SHE’S BACK: a perennial audience favorite, she comes onstage in simple jeans and shirt. She’s droll, irreverent, completely unselfconscious, poignant and hilarious…in short, absolutely brilliant.

It has always seemed as if there were two Cheryl Wheelers, with fans of the New England songwriter relishing watching the two tussle for control of the mic. There’s Poet-Cheryl, writer of some of the prettiest, most alluring and intelligent ballads on the modern folk scene. And then there’s her evil twin, Comic-Cheryl, a militant trend defier and savagely funny social critic.

Her plain-spun songs have been hits for such mainstream stars as Suzy Bogguss and Dan Seals, recorded by everyone from Bette Midler to Maura O’Connell, Peter Paul & Mary, Juice Newton and Garth Brooks; then on to Kathy Mattea, Holly Near and Melanie. While not strictly an activist performer, her smash song “If It Were Me” has gotten much airplay in this era of school shootings.

Her appearances on 8th Step stages have included several album release concerts, a sellout duo with Christine Lavin, and as part of the blockbuster On a Winter's Night with Patty Larkin, Cliff Eberhardt and John Gorka.

Wheeler is wonderful on CD, radio or YouTube - but Wheeler LIVE is - and we mean this - not to be missed.

KENNY WHITE comes to the world of the touring singer-songwriter following a long and successful musical journey. Long List of Priors, his aptly named newest album, collects his latest original songs - snapshots of the human condition from heartwarming to humorous. Radio favorites are “Cyberspace,” and “A Road Less Traveled” featuring David Crosby on harmony vocals.

Hailed by reviewers from The New York Times to the San Francisco Chronicle for his thrilling and unique piano playing, talented singer-songwriter White is also a successful NYC-based record producer. He has written, performed, and produced music for hundreds of TV and radio commercials, and film soundtracks including four by independent filmmaker John Sayles. He has toured with stars Judy Collins, Stephen Stills and Tom Jones, among others, and appeared on dozens of recordings by other musicians.

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JOE JENCKS & DEIDRE McCALLA
Nov
4
7:30 PM19:30

JOE JENCKS & DEIDRE McCALLA

Jencks: “Resonant, honey-rich voice...open-hearted humanity” WFUV-fm

McCalla: "Alluring contemporary folk…both inspired and inspiring" ROOTS MUSIC REPORT

**Tickets: $29 General Admission / $27 Advance / $40 Gold Circle      
Location: The Addy Theatre at Proctors

DEIDRE McCALLA: Her songwriting reveals an unyieldingly honest perspective expressed with a lyric touch, celebrating the power and diversity of the human spirit. A Black woman, mother, lesbian, and feminist, her songs embody hope and celebration, struggle, loss and longing.

McCalla grew up around the folk scene in New York City’s MacDougal Street, where she started her career in its coffeehouses. Moving on to California into the epicenter of the Women’s Music movement, she put out three records on the prestigious Olivia Records label. She has shared the stage with a long list of notables including Suzanne Vega, Tracy Chapman, Holly Near, Odetta, Cris Williamson, and Sweet Honey in the Rock. In short, she has long been in the forefront of Black musicians ‘redefining how Black folk do folk,’ as she puts it.

Her phenomenal current release Endless Grace (2022), her first in several years, soared to #1 on FAI folk radio charts both as an album and for its song “Shoulder to the Wheel” - a total of three songs from the album were charted. Meanwhile, numerous reader and listener polls around the country ranked Endless Grace among their ten best folk albums of 2022. “Shoulder…” went on to take IAMA’s 2023 “Best Folk/Americana/Roots” award. Welcome back, Deidre!

“Crafts winsome melodies that suggest deeper currents running alongside her carefully observed lyrics” -Berkeleyside

JOE JENCKS

International touring musician, award-winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist, brings performances of musical beauty, social consciousness and spiritual exploration. Or to put it more informally, he is one hot singer!

Merging conservatory training with his Irish roots and working-class upbringing, Jencks delivers mesmerizing musical narratives fleshed out with heart, soul, groove and grit. He blends his well-crafted instrumentals and vivid songwriting, serving it up in a lyric baritone voice with the edgy richness of a good sea-salt caramel. 

A founding member of the folk superstars Brother Sun, he has penned several #1 folksongs including the ever-relevant and gorgeous “Lady of The Harbor,” Jencks has become a fan favorite throughout North America and most certainly here at The Step, where his Spring ‘23 show-stopping version of “What A Wonderful World” with Susan Werner still echoes.

“Tells our stories, his story, and the untold stories, as an American folk master can - with heart and unfettered perfection.” SIRIUS XM RADIO


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WHISPERING BONES: An Evening of Ghost Stories
Oct
31
7:00 PM19:00

WHISPERING BONES: An Evening of Ghost Stories

“Creepy and chilling tales told by some of the region’s best storytellers…a great mix of classic legends, new stories and whispered folktales…spooky, eerie and fantastical”
— POST STAR

Professor Erastus Betterov-Underhill & his Cult of Storytellers return to celebrate 13 lucky years of Whispering Bones:

Tanya Gorlow, Jeannine Haas, Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm, Kelvin Keraga, Tony Malinowski & The Snickering Witches!

It's Halloween, the night when ghosts and spirits roam the Earth…

Once again Dr. Betterov-Underhill and Friends will haunt the halls of the Eighth Step with a new mix of creepy, comic, and thought-provoking ghost stories. Dr. Betterov-Underhill will shamelessly market his fine line of Dead People Products, including his world-renowned Crème-de-menthe embalming fluid. Join us on a spooky and sometimes silly journey to the dark side of our imagination.

COME IN COSTUME FOR A FREE GOURMET DESSERT!!

Halloween's origins date back more than2,000 years. On what we consider November 1, Europe's Celtic peoples celebrated their New Year's Day, called Samhain (SAH-win).

On Samhain—what we know as Halloween—spirits were said to walk the Earth as they traveled to the afterlife. Fairies, demons and other creatures were abroad, intermingling with humans just this one night of the year.

For hundreds of years storytellers have taken us by the hand and led us into old houses filled with apparitions: phantoms woven from memories and dreams, exploring the dark core of our humanity.

These tales reflect our souls, where characters cross the line between life and death, caught in situations that often draw out their deepest emotions. The supernatural explore the natural: frailty and strength, loss and recovery. Behold the nurturing power of imagination!

Tickets: $15 Adults, $7 Children Under 12
Location: The Addy Theatre


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LUI COLLINS & BOB FRANKE
Oct
28
7:30 PM19:30

LUI COLLINS & BOB FRANKE

Lui Collins: “One of New England’s clearest and most distinctive folk voices, with unusually piercing lyrical insight” HARTFORD CURRENT

“Franke songs are often devastatingly simple, joyfully anthemic, just plain quirky or wonderfully suggestive—but always, unforgettable” CHICAGO MAGAZINE

A rare night with two of our finest singer-songwriters, much-loved solo performers (and old friends). Lui Collins and Bob Franke have thrilled us from our days along Albany’s Washington Park to the present at Proctors. Yes, a solo concert by either is always an event. But bringing them together promises a truly magical night!

BOB FRANKE ranks among the most prolific and important folk songwriters of our times. Many of his songs, like “Hard Love,” “For Real,” “Thanksgiving Eve,” and “The Great Storm Is Over” are beloved to folk audiences, guaranteed to be heard sung onstage by a musical colleagues too numerous to count, around folk festival singalongs after dark, but more widely, sung by church choirs.

Franke’s truly a songwriter’s songwriter, and his songs have been recorded by Peter, Paul, and Mary, Kathy Mattea, John McCutcheon, Garnet Rogers, and David Wilcox, among others.

In concert, his intimate songs and potent ballads are interspersed with revealing anecdotes – sly blues about bicycles, computers, and cagey catfish; daffy ditties about manic monkeys, psychedelic polkas, and adjusting to our loved ones’ foibles. His voice is warm, soft and familiar; he’s a superb guitarist but never a show-off; he wants to meet and befriend his audience, neighbor to neighbor, friend to friend.

LUI COLLINS: “One of New England’s first and brightest stars,” said The Boston Globe, while the Boston Herald dubbed her a “folksinger for our times.” Onstage she’s enthralling, her voice clear and warm and rich, her performance transporting. Her lyrical and lush songwriting inspired the irascible Dave Van Ronk to call the multi-instrumentalist “one of the best guitarist-arrangers I have heard in years.”

She has been delighting audiences, writing and recording for over 40 years, her early Philo and Green Linnet recordings earning international acclaim. She has performed with Pete Seeger, Bonnie Raitt, Stan Rogers, Garnet Rogers, Dar Williams, John Gorka; and with Garnet Rogers on our stage..

Guitarist/Grammy-nominated producer ANAND NAYAK accompanies Collins in a wide range of styles and languages; more than a decade of creative collaboration shines in their fluid musical dialogue onstage.

Join us for a very specia night!


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TOM PAXTON & JOHN McCUTCHEON - CD Release
Oct
27
7:30 PM19:30

TOM PAXTON & JOHN McCUTCHEON - CD Release

Paxton: “Perceptive…clever…right up there with The Beatles and Bob Dylan” NEW YORK TIMES

McCutcheon: “The multi-instrumentalist wonder, a master at leading into a song with a story” THE SUN

Tom Paxton & John McCutcheon release Together

Two prolific masters of Folk Music in one very special night! Musicians, storytellers and cultural icons, they celebrate the release of Together, their brand new album of jointly written songs!

Folk music legends and dear friends get Together for their first joint album due out 10/13/23!

What happens when two of folk music’s most beloved and prolific songwriters join forces? Songs about history, the news, baseball, cowboys, America, love, the remembered, the forgotten. From the stirring “Ukrainian Now” to the hilarious “Same Old Crap,” the immigrant story of “In America” to the heart stopping finale “Together,"“ each song shines - as would be expected of this partnership.

John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton have been pals for decades, but it was COVID and Zoom that turned them into a songwriting team. Every Monday at 2PM they’d tell jokes, reminisce about old friends, and, of course, talk lots of sports. Eventually one would say, “Well, guess we better write a song, huh?” And off they’d go, two old warhorses pulling the plow. Now, a hundred songs later, they’ve gathered fourteen for their first joint recording, the aptly titled Together.

**GOLD CIRCLE TICKETS INCLUDE PRIORITY SEATING & 6:30 PM MEET & GREET TOM PAXTON & JOHN McCUTCHEON ONSTAGE.

Grammy Lifetime Achievement honoree Tom Paxton has been a force in the folk music world since the 1960’s, penning songs made famous by Peter, Paul, & Mary, the Kingston Trio, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Pete Seeger, Judy Collins, and more. His song “Last Thing on My Mind,” is “one of the best damn songs ever written,” declares McCutcheon.

John McCutcheon is a part of the generation of folksingers that grew up singing Tom Paxton songs. His own impressive catalog of songs spans forty-four albums, six Grammy nominations, numerous awards and accolades and the citing of his song “Christmas in the Trenches” as “one of the 100 essential folk songs,” by Folk Alley.

Together, they have seeded the folk music landscape with hundreds of songs, sung by thousands for decades. With the album Together they add another bunch of great new ones to the repertoire of our time. And, given the bounty of those Monday afternoons, this is only the beginning.

1 Ukrainian Now

2 This Campfire

3 Do the Work

4 Invisible Man

5 Same Old Crap

6 In America

7 Letters from Joe

8 The Fan

9 Complete

10 Everything

11 Life Before You

12 Christmas in the Desert

13 Prairie Star

14 Together

Hear songwriters Paxton & McCutcheon sing their poignant and beautiful “Ukrainian Now” in person on Friday, October 27th; meanwhile, here it is sung by an all-star folk cast:

Can’t resist adding this beautiful cut:

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TOM RUSH w/ Seth Glier, piano
Oct
14
7:30 PM19:30

TOM RUSH w/ Seth Glier, piano

“It was summer entertainment at its quintessential best, evergreen, ever-growing vet…Rush’s extraordinary stage presence captivated the audience. His distinctive baritone simply skimmed over the hushed crowd toward the open sea” BOSTON GLOBE

“Superb, triumphant” SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER

“Fluid, gorgeous, ravishing, ditsy, inventive, gritty elegant. The music cast an intimate spell” BOSTON HERALD

Folk legend, contemporary singer--songwriter-guitarist-storyteller and clear audience favorite, Rush began his long, celebrated career as performer at a Harvard Square Open Mic as a student in 1960s Boston, championing the songs of Joni Mitchell, Jackson Brown and more as well as his own. James Taylor counts Rush as am major influence on his music.

Tom Rush’s impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the ’60s and the renaissance of the ’80s and ’90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. Not only James Taylor but Emmylou Harris, Tom Petty and Garth Brooks have cited Tom as major influences. His early recordings introduced the world to the work of Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne and James Taylor. Subsequently, he brought attention to emerging artists such as Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin...

After more than five decades writing and playing on stages worldwide, he still does what audiences love him for…passionately, tenderly…knitting together the musical traditions and talents of our times.


BONUS: GRAMMY NOMINEE SETH GLIER ON PIANO!

Grammy-nominated Seth Glier is a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. NPR describes his voice as “otherworldly” while praising him as “an engaging performer and storyteller.” His critically acclaimed, emotionally dense catalog of work often draws upon traditional roots music, experimental instrumentation, and moody atmospheres that result in soulfully intelligent stories that can alternatively fight the power or break your heart.

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MAGPIE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
Sep
30
7:30 PM19:30

MAGPIE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

MAGPIE: Terry Leonino & Greg Artzner Celebrate 50 Years!

with Special Guests Rolly Brown, guitar & Ralph Gordon, acoustic bass

“The breadth of their musical tastes, the depth of their commitment to humanist ideals, the precision of their chamber-folk arrangements and, above all, the graceful sympathy of their vocal harmonies...refined over the years to an effortless rapport” WASHINGTON POST

"Tumultuous applause and a standing ovation” SPOLETO FESTIVAL

Marking their 50th anniversary, we celebrate singer-songwriters, multi-instrumentalists and musical activists Terry Leonino & Greg Artzner [Magpie] for their remarkable musicianship, stunning close harmony on songs both original and borrowed, and their activism. Onstage, they touch poignantly on important subjects, then cut loose on classic swing numbers for great fun along the way.

The duo, with backing by longtime musical friends Rolly Brown (guitar) and Ralph Gordon (acoustic bass), will include songs from their upcoming 50th Anniversary album Endless River: Celebrating 50 Years.Here’s a sample cut, a Utah Phillips song written by

Backed by their own superb instrumental arrangements Magpie creates a sound always powerful, rich and moving, effortlessly inspiring people to come together through the power of song. The award-winning duo, veterans of many years of Phil Ochs Song Nights (their version of “When I’m Gone” always inspired a standing, singalong ovation ending every single Step show) and solo nights - well, too numerous to count. They often musically support unions, peace, justice and vital environmental issues. They are proud, vital and solid “links in the chain” [-Pete Seeger], two of our finest and most talented contemporary performers dedicating their time and considerable talent to leaving this world a better place.

From their nest in the mountains of Middleburgh, NY, and before that in the thriving arts scene of D.C.-Maryland, Terry and Greg have traveled the globe creating their unique sound with breathtaking vocal and instrumental versatility. They move easily from traditional songs to vintage blues, to swing, country or folk classics, to contemporary and important original compositions. They weave their spell with powerful voices often in rich harmony, guitars, mandolin, harmonica, dulcimer and concertina.

Happy Anniversary, Magpie! Long may you play and sing!

***Optional tickets are available for a very special anniversary reception at 6:30-7 pm onstage [included in Gold Circle Tickets, which also include priority seating]


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TRET FURE - CD Release
Sep
16
7:30 PM19:30

TRET FURE - CD Release

Her stories are our stories at once current and timeless, her lyrics are always well crafted and her music supports and enhances but never overpowers her message. Every album from Tret is a treat.
— KTAL-fm

“Yet another masterpiece in her gallery of recordings. The writing is personal and poignant, the performances pure Tret. I love it!”
WANDA FISCHER, WAMC-fm

One of the most prolific artists in the contemporary singer-songwriter arena, Fure began touring at 19 (in the early ‘70s), when women weren’t welcome in most areas of music. Her debut album came out two years later (with Bonnie Raitt lending a hand), and within months Fure was working with some of the biggest bands of the era: yes, Poco and the J Geils Band (long before “My Baby Is A Centerfold”).
— CURVE

Award-winning, warm and wonderful singer/songwriter/guitarist TRET FURE opens our 2023-24 season, introducing her 18th CD Lavender Moonshine, a spectacularly lush album of original topical and love songs.

A pioneer of Women’s Music and trailblazer as a woman in the field of sound technology, Fure’s long and prolific performing career was propelled by an early recording collaboration with Spencer Davis, followed by her stellar first solo album Tret Fure.

She began her career at the age of 16, singing in coffeehouses and campuses in the Midwest, and at 19 moved to L.A. in hopes of obtaining a record deal. Within a year she was performing as guitarist and vocalist for Davis, touring with him and penning the single for his album Mousetrap. She went on to record her own album Tret Fure in 1973 on MCA/UNI Records, produced by the late Lowell George of Little Feat. Its success led Fure to open for such bands as Yes, Poco, and the J Geils Band.

In the early 80s, Tret discovered the blossoming genre known as Women's Music, and embraced it, leaving mainstream music. the independent side of the industry. industry. Known for her technical expertise, and breaking barriers for women in tech, she recorded the best of women's music, including mixing the legendary Meg & Cris at Carnegie Hall (1983). She performed as a duo with Cris Williamson throughout the 90s, also serving as producer and engineer; they releasing three CDs together before Fure again went solo. Today she boasts nine acoustic solo releases on her own independent label “Tomboy Girl Records” and a full touring schedule.

A featured performer at Old Songs Festival 2023, she regularly appears at 8th Step, including a week as teacher-performer at our smash SeegerSongs Adirondack weekend at Sagamore Great Camp along with John McCutcheon, Guy Davis and others.

More info will be posted here on the brand new album, but here’s a video teaser, called “The Great Backslide”:

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SALLY ROGERS / CLAUDIA SCHMIDT / EMMA'S REVOLUTION    **Live & Livestream!
May
5
7:30 PM19:30

SALLY ROGERS / CLAUDIA SCHMIDT / EMMA'S REVOLUTION **Live & Livestream!

**LIVE & LIVESTREAM!

Sally Rogers: “Sterling guitar-banjo-dulcimer work…achingly sweet voice imbues her ballads with classic poignance” WASHINGTON POST

Claudia Schmidt: ”Talent and the fire of genius” BOSTON GLOBE

Emma’s Revolution: “Fervent and heartfelt” NEW YORK TIMES

Soaring harmonies, boundless energy and truth-telling lyrics on original and borrowed songs from four of folk music’s finest and most outspoken award-winning musical voices. They join to observe Mothers Day as women, activists and artists!

CLAUDIA SCHMIDT & SALLY ROGERS: With heart-opening harmony and musical chemistry like no other, they have long been weaving their voices, dulcimers and guitars into uniquely lush music, singing with a joy that audiences find so irresistible they frequently join right in. Each a solo master of her craft, together they tell story-songs and rich vignettes set to stellar instrumentals. Time has deepened and enriched the music created by these long-time friends and performing partners.

EMMA’S REVOLUTION (Pat Humphries & Sandy O): They are known for fearless lyrics and melodies you can’t resist singing whether at a protest or a concert. Their inspiring songs - from hard-hitting cultural commentary to ringing anthems - have travelled around the world, sung for the Dalai Lama, praised by Pete Seeger and covered by Holly Near. The dynamic pair’s signature sound soars with harmonies and ringing acoustic instruments on songs that span folk to jazz and funk to rock.

TICKET NOTE: Gold Circle includes front center section seats & 6:30 pm Artist Reception Onstage
Location: GE Theatre at Proctors

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SUSAN WERNER
Apr
22
7:30 PM19:30

SUSAN WERNER

JOE JENCKS, Opening

 “A HIP, WRY, GIFTED PERFORMER”   -National Public Radio

"THE MOST INNOVATIVE SONGWRITER WORKING TODAY       -Chicago Tribune

As our audiences will testify, Werner’s been knocking it out of the park – or concert hall – all around the U.S. for 20+ years.

She’s one of the most flat-out entertaining and musically talented performers to ever hit our stage, where she’s introduced several prior CDs. She slides effortlessly among jazz, contemporary folk and pop with sassy wit and classic Midwestern charm. Her boundless versatility early in her career emerged as a hallmark of Werner’s talent and has proven a quintessential ingredient of her engrossing musical persona.

A triple threat as writer, singer and musician, Werner has proven one of the most prolific singer/songwriters in the U.S. since her 1995 BMG/Private Music major label debut, and her earliest days performing for us back on Willett Street.

Her concept albums, including 2013’s delicious tribute to agriculture “Hayseed” (hay bale onstage) have won her passionate fans and interviews on NPR’s “Morning Edition” as well as inspiring covers from Tom Jones, Michael Feinstein and Betty Buckley.

Pay attention. Just might be the most original voice to emerge from the Plains since that Zimmerman kid. And funny, too.
— NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO

With formidable chops on guitar and piano along with a graduate degree in voice performance, her shows are a one-woman master class in musicianship. Her songs are noted for their poetry and sharp wit, and also for astonishing stylistic range.

But when she steps underneath the lights, grand piano and guitar onstage with her, it’s pure magic!

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GREG GREENWAY & Friends
Apr
1
7:30 PM19:30

GREG GREENWAY & Friends

CD Release Party: Between Hello & Goodbye with singer Stephanie Corby & Italian drummer Fabio Pirazzolo

Confessional one moment, rambunctiously disarming the next, few modern folk singers can own a coffeehouse stage as completely as Greenway.

BOSTON GLOBE

“Style, passion and sheer musicality” FOLK & ACOUSTIC MUSIC EXCHANGE

Contemporary folk-pop-rock singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist GREG GREENWAY introduces in concert his shining new album Between Hello & Goodbye, with special musical guests onstage: Stephanie Corby, vocalis & Fabio Pirozzolo, drummer/multi-percussionist & singer.

“A profoundly rich poet and musician. Folk Music is too narrow a description.”                                                                ON THE SQUARE

Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Greenway’s music has taken him to notable stages from Carnegie Hall to NPR’s All Things Considered and Mountain Stage and abroad. But he’s not all about big stages. He retains a love of coffeehouses from his earlier days, and considered it a career high when his song "Driving in Massachusetts" played on Car Talk.

Nurtured in the fertile '70s Boston music scene, he has long been recognized as one of the strongest and finest voices in contemporary folk music. 

Musically, his guitar, piano, ukulele, and melodica reflect inspiration from all over the map – gospel, rock, blues, jazz, and world music but firmly rooted in the singer/songwriter tradition traced back to the socially aware music of Woody Guthrie. Onstage he exudes a magnetic energy, high-spirited give-and-take, honest empathy, fun  and good humor that make him simply irresistible to audiences.

His notable songs "What Must Be Done" and “In the Name of Love,” (a lead- in to the U2 classic “Pride”) have been sung by choirs internationally. These two works helped shape his evolution into an artist not only uncommonly entertaining, but sensitive, bold and powerful on contemporary issues and our common humanity.  

Meanwhile, his ongoing project Deeper Than the Skin remains a labor of love with his close friend Reggie Harris. The duo was born three years apart in Richmond, Virginia  - one African-American, one White. Onstage they intertwine stories of their Southern childhoods in a richly musical and deeply poignant look at race in America.

"Fresh and engaging...timeless songs...an artist who is master of his craft"    FOLK MUSIC NOTEBOOK                                            

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BUSKIN & BATTEAU, Christine Lavin & Friends
Mar
31
7:30 PM19:30

BUSKIN & BATTEAU, Christine Lavin & Friends

APRIL FOOL’S EVE with BUSKIN & BATTEAU, CHRISTINE LAVIN, SHANNA IN A DRESS and JOHN FORSTER!

"Post-folkies on cruise control ... sexy ... magical" - Boston Phoenix

Imagine a circle of the funniest contemporary singer-songwriters you can think of and get ready to laugh out loud on April Fools’ Eve at The 8th Step - the first show in this hilarious ensemble’s April tour of laughs!

Multiple award-winning singer/songwriters David Buskin, Robin Batteau, Christine Lavin, Shanna in a Dress and John Forster are set to perform funny songs in-the-round for the month of April, in the first ever "Buskin & Batteau and Friends: April Fools! Tour.” The show honors comedy music icon Tom Lehrer, who just made all his songs Public Domain, and the wonderful Cheryl Wheeler, presently on hiatus, who makes us laugh just thinking about her. 



Enjoy all five artists on stage at once, taking turns accompanying one another on piano, electric-acoustic violin, guitars, harmonies, and the occasional uncalled-for counterpoints, singing songs from Tom and Cheryl, and each bringing their own bag of tricks. With songs that have been sung by everyone from Astrud Giberto to Aretha Franklin, Tom Rush to Tom Paxton, Andrea Marcovicci to Dr. Ruth Westheimer (really!), and Betty Buckley to Gwyneth Paltrow to Paul Newman, this troupe just may be funnier than all of them put together.

Award yourself some laughs this April, you deserve it!

BUSKIN & BATTEAU: “An irresistible amalgam of melodic, sensual pop, folkie grit, and killer wit” (Washington Post) - “Acoustic Heaven!” (Boston Globe) - “The most sophisticated act in folk” (New York Times)

CHRISTINE LAVIN: “A fearless folkZinger!” (Orlando Sentinel) - “Wildly entertaining!” (New Yorker)

SHANNA IN A DRESS: “I don’t think you are ready for this level of wit... at the perfect intersection of catchy and comedy!” (Taste Culture)

JOHN FORSTER: “You don’t need me to kick around anymore, now you have John Forster!” -Tom Lehrer

**A PORTION OF EVERY TICKET WILL BE DONATED TO A GO FUND YOURSELF TO BUY A PAIR OF ACTUAL PRESCRIPTION GLASSES FOR GEORGE SANTOS.

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GUNNING & CORMIER - CD Release: Leather and Dust
Feb
19
7:00 PM19:00

GUNNING & CORMIER - CD Release: Leather and Dust

"From the deeply rooted Celtic traditions of Cape Breton to the rapid fire guitar work of Chet Atkins and Doc Watson, Cormier sings the songs in a mellow baritone and frames them with virtuosic playing on a bevy of instruments, including fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and piano” ACOUSTIC GUITAR

“Gunning is the next big thing in the True North of Song, an artist as compelling, as assured and attentive to every nuance of the writing process, as Lightfoot, Cockburn and Stan Rogers before him” TORONTO STAR

Two of Canada’s greatest much-honored solo roots singer-songwriters introduce their soon-to-be-released second duo CD Leather and Dust, following on the heels of their critically acclaimed, blockbuster inaugural recording Two. Gunning & Cormier are great friends, frequent collaborators, co-writers and touring partner; the pair share a rare musical and personal affinity. For the past few years they've lived down the road from one another in Canada's beautiful Nova Scotia and the neighborhood has exploded with great music.

Every song has to meet their very high, combined standards and they don't take it lightly. “We really put our heart into it,” says Gunning.

Gunning & Cormier go back 23 years when Dave's fiddle player dropped out of a show at the last minute. “He hired me for a gig when I was just back from Nashville, nobody knew me here,” says Cormier. Widely celebrated for both his Celtic and Blues music, Cormier had spent 10 years immersed in the U.S. Blues world, playing memorable nights at the Grand Ole Opry with artists such as Waylon Jennings, Marty Stuart, Earl Scruggs, Bill Monroe, Charlie Louvin and Vince Gill. Now he was back home in Canada.

“We were totally blown away by J.P.’s playing,” recalls Gunning. “I remember him saying if you ever do a CD, I want to play on it.” That happened, and much more. They played together and wrote together whenever they could, coming up with songs that graced both their projects, over the years showered with awards and nominations on the East Coast and nationally.

“Dave is such a part of my life,” says Cormier. “Dave is like my family, he’s like a blood relative to me, and he’s always been that way.” Gunning feels the same way. “Absolutely, we just became fast friends, and we’ve been working together ever since.”

In their music you can hear that affinity, their passion, power and delight in their otherworldly guitar interplay, and in their gorgeous vocals. "You sometimes can’t tell us apart," says Gunning, "or sometimes even our vocals you can’t tell apart, which is really weird because our voices are nothing alike, but when we sing together, we have a sibling harmony, we blend like brothers.”

Two songwriters, interpreters, guitar players, and singers at their peak bring to the stage the power of song between two friends, brothers, uncompromising performers. We're thrilled to listen - in person!

Gunning boils it down. “We love singing together, we love playing guitar together, it just works.”

The formal album release in scheduled for April, but for their tour starting right here on Sunday, they’ll sing from the new album - with a few copies on hand!

Tickets: $28 Advance / $30 Day of Show / $50 Gold Circle 
Location: GE Theatre

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BETTY & THE BABY BOOMERS
Nov
18
7:30 PM19:30

BETTY & THE BABY BOOMERS

“Lush, luxurious”  DAILY FREEMAN

“Soul and feeling…a joy”  IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE

If the mighty and romantic Hudson River had a voice it would surely sound like the harmonic quintet of BETTY & THE BABY BOOMERS! They wrap their distinctive four-part harmonies, sparkling guitar and dobro licks around songs from Pete Seeger, Phil Ochs, Dougie MacLean, Bruce Springsteen and others for a lush and romantic evening guaranteed to transport you along the most beautiful banks of the mighty waterway.

From the Hudson Valley to Galway, Ireland, Steve Stanne (guitar, dobro, vocals), Betty Boomer (vocals), Jean McAvoy (vocals), Paul Rubio (guitar, drums, vocals) & Robert Bard (bass) belt out, croon or caress an astonishing array of traditional, contemporary songs and originals. Their seemingly endless repertoire includes songs heard while sailing and working on the Hudson aboard the environmental flagship Clearwater, tunes learned from years of playing with Pete Seeger, McAvoy originals, songs serious and silly, topical and whimsical: swing, folk, a cappella ballads and sea songs.  Their close four-part harmonies are simply sublime, the instrumentals rich and varied.

The award-winning group tours regionally and often appeared onstage with Seeger, who regularly performed one of McAvoy’s songs, “Down By The River,” and included it on his Grammy-winning album Tomorrow’s Children with the Rivertown Kids. The Boomers have long appeared annually at Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival, at WAMC-fm, and at venues throughout the Northeast, New England and beyond.  Over the past 15 years, the Boomers have become a familiar sound and sight alongside The Chieftains, Paul Brady and Christy Moore at Ireland’s enormously popular Clifden Arts Week, Ireland’s longest-running community arts festival.

The group’s frequent Eighth Step performances have included Phil Ochs Song Nights, many of Clearwater’s Pumpkin Sail Concerts in Albany, Step anniversary galas, Seeger tributes and of course, concerts where the spotlight captures the uniquely warm and mesmerizing Boomers themselves.  

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TOM PAXTON & The DonJuans
Nov
4
7:30 PM19:30

TOM PAXTON & The DonJuans

“Perceptive…clever…right up there with The Beatles and Bob Dylan” NEW YORK TIMES

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winner, folk icon and fun topical songwriter, Tom Paxton began his career in the ‘60s Greenwich Village folk scene. In recent years he has teamed up with the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter duo The Don Juans, aka Don Henry & Jon Vezner, and found truly explosive musical synergy!

After over five decades performing around the world and writing and recording innumerable songs and recordings, Paxton has found yet another outlet for his creativity; he has joined his two friends and songwriting colleagues in a writing and performing experience calculated to keep them too busy to get into trouble.

Within days of first writing and playing together, the three knew they were on to something, with:

Tom on guitar/vocals/stories

Don on guitar/vocals/uke/banjo/grins

Jon on piano/vocals/guitar/uke/kitchen sink

Collectively, Paxton, Vezner and Henry songs – from sublime to satiric, romantic to offbeat, from satire to children’s - have been covered by Harry Belafonte, John Mellencamp, Miranda Lambert, Neil Diamond, Ray Charles, Nancy Griffith, Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, Janis Ian, Kathy Mattea, John Denver, Faith Hill, B.J. Thomas, Blake Shelton, Peter, Paul & Mary, the Kingston Trio, and Bob Dylan … just to name a very few.

Vezner & Henry received a Grammy in 1990 for "Where've You Been,” while Kathy Mattea's version of "Where've You Been" swept song of the year honors from ACM (Academy of Country Music), CMA (Country Music Association) and NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International). "Where've You Been" thus became the first song in Country music history to be awarded all four honors in the same year.

Paxton penned such cultural staples as “Ramblin’ Boy,” “Bottle of Wine,” “The Last Thing on My Mind,” “The Marvelous Toy” and innumerable other hits familiar to three generations. We anticipate another crop of songs from the master of sing-able melody and pithy cultural observation.

P.S.We’re eagerly awaiting Tom’s latest take on current politics -for which, of course, material pours in daily from all parts of the country and the world. Bring it on!

TICKET INFO: Tickets also available at 518-434-1703 for $1 surcharge per ticket; available for pickup at Proctors Box Office on show night.

**Gold Circle Tickets include front center section seats & 6:30 pm Meet & Greet with Tom Paxton onstage

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WHISPERING BONES: An Evening of Ghost Stories
Oct
31
7:00 PM19:00

WHISPERING BONES: An Evening of Ghost Stories

with Prof. Betterov-Underhill & his Cult of Storytellers:

Erin Ouellette, Mary Murphy, Tony Malikowsky, Kelvin Keraga, Jennifer Jasper, Barbara Chepaitis

“Creepy and chilling tales told by some of the region’s best storytellers…a great mix of classic legends, new stories and whispered folktales…spooky, eerie and fantastical” POST STAR

It's Halloween, the night when ghosts and spirits roam the Earth.

Halloween's origins date back more than 2,000 years. On what we consider November 1, Europe's Celtic peoples celebrated their New Year's Day, called Samhain (SAH-win).

On Samhain eve—what we know as Halloween—spirits were said to walk the Earth as they traveled to the afterlife. Fairies, demons, and other creatures were abroad, intermingling with humans just this one night of the year.

For hundreds of years storytellers have taken us by the hand and led us into old houses filled with apparitions: phantoms woven from memories and dreams, exploring the dark core of our humanity.

These tales reflect our souls, where characters cross the line between life and death, caught in situations that often draw out their deepest emotions. The supernatural explore the natural: frailty and strength, loss and recovery. Behold the nurturing power of imagination!

Tickets: $15 Adults, $7 Children Under 12 AVAILABLE NOW AT 518-434-1703, online soon
Location: Underground at Proctors


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JOHN McCUTCHEON
Oct
30
7:00 PM19:00

JOHN McCUTCHEON

CD Release: Leap!

“The multi-instrumentalist wonder, a master at leading into a song with a story” THE SUN

“This is…Steinbeck with a guitar” FLAGPOLE

“The multi-instrumentalist wonder, a master at leading into a song with a story” THE SUN

Seven-time Grammy nominee JOHN McCUTCHEON, master instrumentalist, powerful singer-songwriter and storyteller, introduces Leap! - an album of songs born in his small mountain cabin during a Pandemic writing spree that produced over 100 delicious new original songs.

“Too many songs is a nice problem to have,” he says. “I love these stories and want to share what I found therein."

For fifty years he’s toured the world, and has appeared on our stages whenever he tours this way,b thrilling audiences song after song, story after story.

Whether in print, on record, or on stage, few people communicate with the versatility, charm, wit or pure talent of John McCutcheon. The Smoke Rise, GA based musician - whom Johnny Cash once referred to as “the most impressive instrumentalist I’ve ever heard” - is back on the road, sharing the new music, as well as beloved favorites, live. Here at The 8th Step, we're thrilled to accommodate.

Long one of America’s most respected and loved folksingers, McCutcheon is master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most uniquely the rare and beautiful hammered dulcimer. Hailed by critics and singers around the globe, his 43 recordings have garnered every imaginable honor. He has also produced over 20 albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works; his books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. His commitment to union work and other grassroots political organizations has put him, like his friend and mentor Pete Seeger, on the front lines defending issues important to communities and workers.

His most recent 8th Step performances include a 2019 CD Release for To Everyone in All the World, his tribute album to his mentor and friend Pete Seeger; he was a featured performer at The Step's 2019 Adirondack weekend SeegerSongs at Great Camp Sagamore, followed by two Mandolin.com broadcasts during the Covid lockdown, and one live concert during last Fall’s brief “end” to the Pandemic.

Tickets also Available now by telephone: 518-346-6204 (Service Charge only $1 per ticket). Pick up your tickets at Proctors Box Office before the concert.

**$10 Student tickets through 8th Step phone line only; Gold Circle Tickets include front center section seats, rows 1-3

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TOMMY SANDS
Oct
15
7:30 PM19:30

TOMMY SANDS


Legendary Irish Singer-Songwriter & Peace Activist

“One moment my tears were of sorrow, the next moment they were tears of joy, his songs are unforgettable stories” Radio Leipzig (Germany)

“Stirring spellbinding performance. . .” Irish Echo & Wall Street Journal

Tommy Sands is one of the most important songwriters in Ireland if not the rest of the world. . . SingOut! (USA)

Tommy Sands, iconic County Down singer, songwriter, radio broadcaster and social activist, in his lifetime has achieved something akin to legendary status in the U.S. and Ireland and beyond in his own lifetime - very much deserved. 

Tickets: $28 Advance; $30 Day of Show; $45 Gold Circle [rows 1-2 center]:

He was born just outside of Newry in the foothills of Ireland’s Mourne Mountains. The Sands family was immersed in folk music - his father played the fiddle and his mother the accordion. During the ‘60s and ‘70s he was the chief songwriter with the Sands Family, a group including brothers Colum, Ben, the late Dino Sands, and sister Anne, performing from Carnegie Hall to Moscow’s Olympic Stadium. He evolved into one of the most powerful singer-songwriters and enchanting solo performers in Ireland today.

He also hosts the popular radio show, “Country Ceili,” broadcast weekly via Belfast’s Downtown Radio since 1976. 

Although constantly performing on stages all around the world he prides in taking his music down from the lights and into the darker corners of society. One of his projects, teaching underprivileged prisoners in Reno, Nevada to write their own song with which to defend themselves in court, created a widespread stir in the world of community art in the United States. Back home in Northern Ireland during “The Troubles,” he produced a heart-wrenching CD written with Protestant and Catholic schoolchildren about their own homes, towns and villages around Northern Ireland. During the Good Friday Agreement Talks, his impromptu performance with a group of children and Lambeg drummers was described as “a defining moment in the Peace Process” by Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon. He does have a way of getting the attention of politicians.

“Tommy Sands is the only man, without a private army, who can intimidate me” -DAVID IRVINE, N. Ireland Loyalist Politician (coaxed onstage to sing with Sands)

Tommy Sands was onstage for Pete Seeger’s 90th Birthday at Madison Square Garden, performing alongside the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez and a host of other American folk stars singing for his longtime friend, with whom he wrote ‘The Music of Healing,” which became an anthem for the Northern Ireland Citizen’s Assembly. His songwriting drew the admiration not only of Seeger, but of the late Nobel Poet Laureate Seamus Heaney, and prompted Sing Out magazine to regard him as "the most powerful songwriter in Ireland, if not the rest of the world."

His original songs like the magnificently poignant “There were Roses,” and “Daughters and Sons” have been recorded by Joan Baez, Kathy Matthea, Dolores Keane, Sean Keane, Frank Patterson, Dick Gaughan, The Dubliners and many others, have been translated into many languages, and are currently included in the English language syllabus in German secondary schools.

Onstage, he is a warm and fascinating storyteller, singer and guitarist, with a soft-spoken voice belying his outsized musical and political influence over the years. When performing on our stage, he often brings along film footage of his native Ireland, conjuring Irish life sometimes bucolic and often darkly poignant.






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CHERYL WHEELER [POSTPONED-tba]
Sep
30
7:30 PM19:30

CHERYL WHEELER [POSTPONED-tba]

***CANCELLATION NOTICE***

THIS SHOW HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO ARTIST ILLNESS, AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE. TICKETS ARE NO LONGER ON SALE.

IF YOU PURCHASED TICKETS AND HAVE NOT HEARD FROM PROCTORS BOX OFFICE OR 8TH STEP, call the Box Office at 518-346-6204 for a refund or to have tickets held for the rescheduled Cheryl Wheeler concert. Our apologies for the inconvenience, we will reschedule at our earliest opportunity.

-The Eighth Step

"A rare artist...strong poetry, complex melodies, clever wit”      SING OUT!

A perennial audience favorite, she comes onstage in simple jeans and shirt. She’s droll, irreverent, completely unselfconscious, poignant and hilarious…in short, absolutely brilliant.

It has always seemed as if there were two Cheryl Wheelers, with fans of the New England songwriter relishing watching the two tussle for control of the mic. There’s Poet-Cheryl, writer of some of the prettiest, most alluring and intelligent ballads on the modern folk scene. And then there’s her evil twin, Comic-Cheryl, a militant trend defier and savagely funny social critic.

Her plain-spun songs have been hits for such mainstream stars as Suzy Bogguss and Dan Seals, recorded by everyone from Bette Midler to Maura O’Connell, Peter Paul & Mary, Juice Newton and Garth Brooks; then on to Kathy Mattea, Holly Near and Melanie. While not strictly an activist performer, her smash song “If It Were Me” has gotten much airplay in this era of school shootings.

Her appearances on 8th Step stages have included several album release concerts, a sellout duo with Christine Lavin, and as part of the blockbuster On a Winter's Night with Patty Larkin, Cliff Eberhardt and John Gorka.

Wheeler is wonderful on CD, radio or YouTube - but Wheeler LIVE is - we mean this - not to be missed.

KENNY WHITE comes to the world of the touring singer-songwriter following a long and successful musical journey. Long List of Priors, his aptly named new album, collects his latest original songs, snapshots of the human condition from heartwarming to humorous. Radio favorites are “Cyberspace,” and “A Road Less Traveled” featuring David Crosby on harmony vocals.

Hailed by reviewers from The New York Times to the San Francisco Chronicle for his thrilling and unique piano playing, talented singer-songwriter Kenny White is also a successful NYC-based record producer. He has written, performed, and produced music for hundreds of TV and radio commercials, and film soundtracks including four by independent filmmaker John Sayles. He has toured with stars Judy Collins, Stephen Stills and Tom Jones, among others, and appeared on dozens of recordings by other musicians.

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TRET FURE - CD Release
Jun
14
7:30 PM19:30

TRET FURE - CD Release


This Fall, iconic singer-songwriter-guitarist TRET FURE opens our 57th season by introducing in concert her 18th album, LAVENDER MOONSTONE. **As tickets go on sale and we get more information on this work-in-progress, you’ll find it all here. Come back for another visit!

ABOUT TRET FURE: “Her stories are our stories at once current and timeless, her lyrics are always well crafted and her music supports and enhances but never overpowers her message. Every album from Tret is a treat.” KTAL-FM

A pioneer of Women’s Music and trailblazer as a woman in the field of sound technology, Fure’s long performing career was propelled by a recording collaboration with Spencer Davis, followed by her stellar first solo album Tret Fure.

“One of the most prolific artists in the contemporary singer-songwriter arena, Fure began touring at 19 (in the early ‘70s), when women weren’t welcome in most areas of music. Her debut album came out two years later (with Bonnie Raitt lending a hand), and within months Fure was working with some of the biggest bands of the era: yes, Poco and the J Geils Band (long before ‘My Baby Is A Centerfold’)."
CURVE     

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