Charm City Junction brings their splendid mix of acoustic string band tunes to the Mainstay in Rock Hall, Maryland on Saturday August 22 at 8:00 p.m. Admission is $15. For information and reservations call 410-639-9133. Information is also available at the Mainstay’s website www.mainstayrockhall.org.
With roots in old-time and Irish dance tunes, hard driving Bluegrass and rootsy jazz, the members of Baltimore-based Charm City Junction have put their talents together to create something new and exciting in the world of acoustic roots music with a shared and burning passion for blazing new trails while respecting tradition. And the world is quickly taking notice.
The members of Charm City Junction are four of the most talented and promising acoustic roots musicians in the country. They each draw from a different musical heritage but have found a common ground on which to develop a unique approach to acoustic roots-inspired music.
Patrick McAvinue, one of the most in-demand and highly respected bluegrass fiddlers in the country, takes charge with his virtuosic, powerful and musical approach to the fiddle. He is a four-time Candidate for International Bluegrass Music Association’s Fiddle Player of the Year and is regarded as one of the most innovative fiddlers in the industry, able to translate the traditions of Bluegrass into a fresh, eclectic, forward-thinking language of his own. His CD recording, Rutland’s Reel, is described as, “a roller coaster of pure uncut fiddle nirvana” (Joseph Scott, Country Music Pride). A highly in-demand sideman, he has performed and recorded with Bluegrass music icons Bobby Osborne, Del McCoury, Marty Stuart, Paul Williams and J.D. Crowe and he has appeared at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Birchmere, The Country Ren-dez vous Festival in Crappone, FR, and The U.S. Embassy in Quito, EC. Currently, he tours with the acclaimed Bluegrass super-group Audie Blaylock & Redline and is a featured recording artist for the Patuxent Music and Mountain Home record labels.
Clawhammer banjo wizard Brad Kolodner adds his playful, driving, melodic and groovy Old-Time touch. Rooted in the traditions of Appalachian folk music, Kolodner represents the next generation of old-time musicians pushing the boundaries of the tradition into uncharted territory. Son of Ken Kolodner, a world-renowned hammered dulcimer player and old-time fiddler, Brad is known for his delicate touch, expressive style, and original compositions. He has rapidly gained national attention for his unique approach to the banjo at just 23 years of age. Clawhammer banjo is experiencing a rebirth in American folk music and Kolodner is helping to lead the charge as a performer, teacher, Strathmore Artist in Resident, radio DJ for WAMU’s Bluegrass Country, jam leader, community builder and ambassador for Appalachian folk music.
Sean McComiskey, soars through the tunes and fills the gaps with his soulful playing on the Irish style button accordion. His innovative harmonic style has earned him recognition far beyond his native Baltimore. He is the son of legendary button accordion player Billy McComiskey and has been surrounded by Irish Traditional music his entire life, developing a deep appreciation for the rich traditions of which he is a part. He has established a reputation as a highly regarded teacher and promulgator of Irish music and earned him teaching positions with the Catskills Irish Arts Week, the Augusta Heritage Center’s Irish Arts Week, the Chris Langan Weekend in Toronto, the CCE Musical Arts and Dance Week in Washington, DC, the Baltimore Irish Arts Center, and the Spanish Peaks Celtic Festival. McComiskey has appeared at the Mainstay with the Kitchen Quartet.
The versatile bassist Alex Lacquement drives the train, locking everything together with his commanding and tasteful choices. He started playing the bass at 17 and his first musical love was Jazz which he studied for a number of years earning a BA at James Madison University and a Masters in Music from Eastman. Recent years have found him chasing every opportunity to play some happy thumping lines with bluegrass and old-time string bands. He also plays with Bumper Jacksons, Brad and Ken Kolodner, Tom Cunningham Orchestra, pick-up groups, and Leah Shaw.
With all of their varied influences and repertoire, Charm City Junction keeps listeners on the edge of their seats wondering where this musical journey will take them. The group has a debut recording coming soon on Patuxent Records and they have been chosen to showcase at the Bluegrass Ramble at the IBMA’s World of Bluegrass annual convention in Raleigh NC in September.
The Mainstay (Home of Musical Magic) is the friendly informal storefront performing arts center on Rock Hall’s old time Main Street.
For information and reservations call the Mainstay at 410-639-9133. More information is also available at the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org.
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