Internationally renowned guitarist, David Grier, will be performing a concert for SJARMS at the Medford Friends’ Meetinghouse (14 Union Street) on Saturday, July 28, 2012. Doors open at 7pm, and Larry Ragone and Jon Sutton will be playing an opening set.

Widely considered one of the preeminent acoustic guitarists of his (or any) time, Grier has been voted Guitarist of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. With an active touring schedule, a catalog of multiple albums and DVDs, and a recent cover story in The Fretboard Journal under his belt, Grier has established himself as a guitar force to be reckoned with. Primarily known as a bluegrass guitarist, Grier’s latest solo release, “Evocative,” showcases his compositional and playing skills across a number of genres.

Although Grier is a household name among bluegrass aficionados, here is a brief clip which nicely captures the fluidity and preciseness of his playing (not to mention his impeccable taste in headware):

Tickets for this special concert are $20 in advance for SJARMS members, $23 in advance for non-members, and $25 at the door. Advance tickets are available for purchase on-line here through July 9th.

On Monday, May 14, John Carlini will be serenading SJARMS with his unique blend of jazz and swing guitar.

Carlini is a veteran guitarist and composer whose portfolio reflects a fascinating journey from classical to Broadway to jazz to bluegrass. An often-cited founding member of the seventies’ West Coast “New Acoustic Music” scene, John is also an acclaimed arranger, orchestrator and conductor. Over the last four decades, he has performed extensively with David Grisman, who selected Carlini to replace Jerry Garcia as guitarist for the Great American Music Band.

In 1995, Carlini collaborated with long-time friend and fellow guitar legend, Tony Rice, to release River Suite For Two Guitars. For years, Carlini also recorded and toured as founding member of the John Carlini Quartet, which performed selections of bluegras/jazz/classical standards. Currently, John records for Blue Night Records, and specializes in interpreting jazz and acoustic standards on acoustic guitar.

John is also an accomplished teacher: he has been on the faculty of Steve Kaufman’s Flakpicking Kamps for the past six seasons and is a regular columnist for Flatpicking Guitar Magazine. John has also released a series of instructional DVDs. The clip below, which features some really beautiful chord melody, is from one of his DVDs:

Carlini will be performing in the intimate and totally acoustic setting of the Medford Arts Center. As always, an acoustic jam will follow the performance. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

The MAC is located at 18 North Main Street, in beautiful, historic Medford, NJ. Doors open at 7pm. The performance is free to SJARMS members and first time visitors. $10 for visitors who have already been to one of our meetings but have not yet joined as a member.

On Monday, March 12th, Frank Fotusky will be bringing his captivating mastery of acoustic blues guitar to SJARMS.

Fotusky plays in the blues style reminiscent of the great East Coast “Piedmont” players such as Rev. Gary Davis, Blind Boy Fuller, John Jackson and Blind Willie McTell. East coast or Piedmont Blues style is easily recognizable as it consists of melodic and syncopated fingerpicked guitar which is often reminiscent of ragtime piano. Fotusky’s repertoire consist of both blues and rag standards from the early 20th century and original compositions rooted in the style of that long-gone era. Fotusky has performed with notable Virginia bluesmen John Jackson, Paul Geremia, Roy Book Binder, Hubert Sumlin and has been festival headliner in his own right. His CD “Teasin’ The Frets” has received rave reviews from notable blues publications.

Here’s Fotusky playing some blues:

Here’s Fotusky singing some holy blues:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caDfa1RP1vs&feature=related

Fotusky will be performing in the intimate and totally acoustic setting of the Medford Arts Center. As always, an acoustic jam will follow the performance. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

The MAC is located at 18 North Main Street, in beautiful, historic Medford, NJ. Doors open at 7pm. The performance is free to SJARMS members and first time visitors. $10 for visitors who have already been to one of our meetings but have not yet joined as a member.

On Monday, January 9th, bluegrass guitarist Jim Hurst will kick off our 2012 Featured Performer lineup at SJARMS.

Jim Hurst’s unique picking style and mastery of bluegrass guitar wows audiences and is revered by both novice guitar players and his musical peers alike. His eclectic career has made him a remarkable performer, experienced instructor and highly sought after session musician. His affability and gregariousness make him one of the most approachable musicians of his caliber.

The product of a musical family, Jim honed his musical style after being influenced by the likes of bluegrass legends Tony Rice, Clarence White and Jerry Reed. He got national exposure with Holly Dunn’s Rio Band playing acoustic guitar and mandolin, and singing harmonies. He then went on join Trisha Yearwood’s band as guitarist and harmony vocalist, during which time he made several high profile television and radio appearances. Jim has also performed with country music icons Travis Tritt and Sara Evans.

Itching to play more bluegrass, Jim joined the Grammy-nominated Claire Lynch and her Front Porch String Band in 1995 where he teamed up with kindred spirit bassist Missy Raines. While with Claire Lynch, Missy and Jim formed a duet, creating ground-breaking arrangements. They earned IBMA Guitar and Bass Player of the Year for 2001 and 2002.

Jim has since embarked on a solo career in order to pursue greater artistic freedom. With three solo works to his credit, Open Window, Second Son, and his latest release, A Box of Chocolates, Jim’s virtuosity shines as he consistently sways audiences with his deft finger work and smooth vocals. Jim performs his show full time and teaches at guitar workshops and music camps in North America and Europe. While he occasionally collaborates with other bluegrass greats, notably David Grisman, and Rob Ickes, his solo performance is what keeps audiences mesmerized.Jim will be performing in the intimate and totally acoustic setting of the Medford Arts Center. As always, an acoustic jam will follow the performance. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

The MAC is located at 18 North Main Street, in beautiful, historic Medford, NJ. Doors open at 7pm. The performance is free to SJARMS members and first time visitors. $10 for visitors who have already been to one of our meetings but have not yet joined as a member.

Mike Kaufman will close out our 2011 concert series with a performance on November 14th at the Medford Arts Center.

Mike is a wonderful singer, songwriter and instrumental guitarist who performs both original songs and his own arrangements of classics. He has released a wonderful album, A Bluebird’s Wing, and is currently working on arranging a series of hymns for fingerstyle guitar. Mike, a resident of Medford and one of the founding members of SJARMS, has performed throughout the region at concerts, coffeehouses, bars, churches and other venues. Most recently, Mike opened for bluegrass legend Beppe Gambetta last month

Here is a clip of Mike playing one of his original tunes, A Bluebird’s Wing (which features the melody of the famous fiddle tune, St. Anne’s Reel) with his brother Steve:

And here is a clip of one of Mike’s instrumental hymn arrangements:

Mike’s smooth voice and fluid playing will be a fitting end to a great year of performances at SJARMS (see below for our 2012 artist lineup). As always, there will be an acoustic jam following the performance. Doors at the Medford Arts Center (18 North Main Street) open at 7pm. The concert is free to members and first time visitors; $10 to returning visitors. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

SJARMS turned 1 on September 13th!

We would like to thank our members, featured performers and the Medford Arts Center for helping us get our group off to a great start. Over the past months, we have developed many solid friendships (both social and musical) which we believe will help SJARMS become an important and lasting fixture in the regional music scene for years to come.

Although it’s fun to reflect on the many great performances (and other events) from the past year, we’re looking onward and upward, and have been doing everything we can to snag some of the finest roots musicians around to play for us in 2012. Here is a preview of next year’s featured performers:

Jim Hurst (January) — Bluegrass/Country Guitar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c29XQ_CL6sw&feature=related

Frank Fotusky (March) — Acoustic Blues Guitar

John Carlini (May) — Acoustic Jazz Guitar

Caryl Weiss (July) — Ballads, Sea Shanties and Drinking Songs

Barry Mitterhoff (September) — Mandolin

Erik Balkey (November) — Folk Singer/Songwriter

In addition to these great performances, we will continue hosting open mics, jams, presentations, workshops, social events and special concerts. We hope you’ll swell the crowd.

On Monday, September 10th, Nashville-based singer/songwriter multi-instrumentalist Mean Mary James will be performing for SJARMS.

Mary is somewhat of a musical prodigy—she could read music before she could read words and co-wrote songs at age five. By age seven she was proficient on the guitar, banjo, & violin, and entertained audiences across the US with her vocal and instrumental skills. Her life has been one long road show interspersed with TV, radio, and film. She has recorded 12 CDs and performed on more than 500 live TV shows and over 4,000 road shows—including national festivals, fairs, cruises, colleges, theatres, clubs and house concerts.

Here is a clip from a recent radio show Mary did:

Mary will be performing her unique blend of original and traditional music in the intimate and totally acoustic setting of the Medford Arts Center. As always, an acoustic jam will follow the performance. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

The MAC is located at 18 North Main Street, in beautiful, historic Medford, NJ. Doors open at 7pm. The performance is free to SJARMS members and first time visitors. $10 for visitors who have already been to one of our meetings but have not yet joined as a member.

World-renowned guitarist, composer and performer Beppe Gambetta will be appearing in special concert on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 8pm at the Medford Friends Meetinghouse (14 Union Street, Medford, NJ). This concert will be SJARMS’ marquee event for 2011.

Beppe has taken his music all over the world as a solo artist and in collaboration with other musicians such as Patty Larkin, Doc Watson, David Grisman, Darrell Scott, Dan Crary and Tony McManus, among many others. Beppe is presently performing in his 11th annual Acoustic Nights festival in Genoa, Italy (Beppe divides his time between Italy and the United States).

Technically he is a flatpicker; artistically he transcends stylistic and technical boundaries. Beppe’s music is informed by his European classical heritage as well as American roots and bluegrass music, and his live performances blend these multiple influences. On any given night, you’ll hear Beppe transition seamlessly from an original piece evoking shooting stars over an Italian village to a medley of fiddle tunes, each one played flawlessly and authentically.

Although Beppe is a wonderful singer, here is a clip of some of his instrumental work:

Beppe typically plays at large venues such as concert halls, theaters or bluegrass festival stages. The SJARMS community will have a unique opportunity to see a world class performer play in the rustic and intimate setting of the Medford Friends Meetinghouse. Tickets are on sale now here or by calling or emailing us.

Our next meeting will be held on Monday, August 8th, and will feature a presentation by Delaware-based master luthier, Dana Sutcliffe.

Because many of our members own very beautiful and often VERY expensive acoustic instruments, we are bringing Dana in to discuss how to properly care for and maintain these prized possessions so that they will continue to sound amazing and remain playable for many generations to come (such as those old Martin guitars Owen O’Malley and Joe Jones demonstrated at their presentation back in June!). Dana specializes in the restoration of Martin, Gibson and Collings guitars and regularly works on banjos, mandolins and many other types and brands of instruments. One of the primer luthiers around, Dana has worked on instruments owned by legends such as George Thorogood, Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Allman Brothers, among others.

Following Dana’s presentation, we will have our normal open mic and acoustic jam (see our website for more information on our open mic and jam formats). Be sure to sign up for the open mic at the beginning of our meeting. First come, first served. As always, coffee, tea and light refreshments will be served.

The Medford Arts Center is located at 18 North Main Street, in beautiful, historic Medford, NJ. Doors open at 7pm. Our meetings are free to SJARMS members and first time visitors. $10 for visitors who have already been to one of our meetings but have not yet joined as a member.

On Monday, July 11th, David Falcone will be performing for SJARMS. Falcone is one of the finest fingerstyle acoustic guitarists and vocalists around, whose original compositions reflect a unique synthesis of folk, celtic and traditional influences.

Falcone, a regular performer at premier venues such as World Cafe Live, WXPN’s Music Festival, the Painted Bride and the Tin Angel, has shared billings with notable musicians such as Pierre Bensusan, Leon Redbone, John Renbourn, Erik Taylor and Francis Dunnery. Falcone’s first album, “Secrets of Sherwood,” was recorded at Longview Studios in Philadelphia and released in 1997. His second album, “Behind Your Eyes,” was mixed by Emmy Award winning producer Tim Craven at Gen-X studios. Both recordings evoke the intensity and passion that fuel Falcone’s downright captivating live performances.

The SJARMS community will have a very special opportunity at our July meeting to witness whom critics hail as a “guitar virtuoso” play his “hauntingly beautiful” music in the intimate and totally acoustic setting of the Medford Arts Center. As always, an acoustic jam (downstairs) and song circle (upstairs) will follow the performance. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

The MAC is located at 18 North Main Street, in beautiful, historic Medford, NJ. Doors open at 7pm. The performance is free to SJARMS members and first time visitors. $10 for visitors who have already been to one of our meetings but have not yet joined as a member.