Staten Island Historical Society Hosts Tavern Concerts, 1/8-4/23

Sing along and slap your knee to fiddles, guitars and banjos played by some of the area's most popular acoustic musicians.  Warm yourself by the wood-burning stove and enjoy the glow of candlelight as you sip hot mulled cider served by folk in authentic 19th century dress.  Get to know the regulars - or become one as you welcome the cold winter nights with live music and lively company.

Tavern Concerts at Historic Richmond Town begin January 8th with String Fever and end April 23rd with the Dirdy Birdies Jug Band.  There will be two shows every Saturday evening at 7:30 and 9:00 PM, with an additional performance by Irish Stout on Friday, March 12.
 
If you're looking for an unusual gift for family and friends, a Tavern Concert Gift Card is a great way to celebrate that special occasion - birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, January graduations; from Valentine's Day to St. Patrick's Day.  Gift Cards are available to purchase in the Gift Shop at Historic Richmond Town.
 
Tickets are $15 per person and a mini-series of 4 concerts are $55.  Staten Island Historical Society members may purchase tickets at $12 per person and $44 for a mini-series of four.  Due to limited capacity, reservations are required to guarantee admission.  Call (718) 351-1611, Ext. 281 to make reservations.
 
JAN. 8     String Fever - A band with bluegrass at its heart, this talented quintet plays folk, country & swing, featuring three and four part harmonies. Their musical virtuosity is matched only by their sense of humor and love of performing.
 
JAN. 15  Bob Conroy & Norm Pederson - Bob & Norm will regale the Tavern with their program of Short Stories & Ould Tunes! Both skilled story-tellers and instrumentalists on banjo, guitar, fiddle & mandola, they lift traditional songs out of the faraway past and into the vibrant present.
 
JAN. 22   Wahoo Skiffle Crazies - Hailing from our very own swampy shores, Staten Island's Premier Jug Band"^TM is, in fact, the Island's only jug band. But that doesn't stop these eight zany musicians from creating wildly fun music-ragtime, blues, & many originals-on their homemade instruments.
 
JAN.29    Harbortown Revue - Award winning songwriter Bob Wright performs songs about our Island and its harbor environs, joined by a coterie of musical friends.
 
FEB. 5   Songs Of The Sea & Taverns - Known by the local Townspeople as the "Richmond Tavernacle Choir," this motley assortment of performers annually fill the tavern with great sailor sing-alongs, heart wrenching ballads, and tales of life at sea and ashore. Landlubbers welcome!
 
FEB. 12   Linda Russell & Companie - Celebrate Valentine's Day Eve with Tavern veteran Linda Russell-a singer/songwriter deeply rooted in traditional music, playing mountain and hammered dulcimers.
 
FEB. 19   Cal Folger Day - Born and partly raised in our nation's capital city, Cal strums, whacks, hoots and hollers her Country Blues in garretts and barrooms for congregations of customers most nights of the week. She's straight down the line from Sister Rosetta Tharpe, June Carter, and Memphis Minnie.
 
FEB. 26   This Old House - This dynamic jazz trio playing saxophone, acoustic guitar, & stand-up bass will light up (and shake up!) the Tavern with tunes by Patsy Cline, Robert Johnson, Louis Prima, and many more. As electric as acoustic can get...
 
MAR. 5   Johnson Girls - This energetic all-woman a cappella group specializes in maritime music.  Their repertoire includes songs of Afro-Caribbean, Irish, Anglo-American, Italian & French Canadian influence; songs of the inland waterways, of fishing, mining & much more.
 
MAR. 12  Irish Songs of the Civil War - Recognized as both musician and historian, David Kincaid presents a compelling program of the songs and history of the Irish in the Civil War, both Union and Confederate. Performing in period clothing, his music appeals to both the history buff and Celtic music fan.
 
FRI. Mar. 18, SAT. Mar. 19  Irish Stout - Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the aftermath with a lively band of seasoned performers playing traditional Irish songs, ballads, and upbeat melodies.
 
MAR.26  Manhattan Valley Ramblers - Put together close harmony in the grand brother-duet singing tradition with the intricacy of bluegrass and modern old-time instrumental work and you have the Manhattan Valley Ramblers.
 
APR.2    Triboro - They hail from the boroughs of NYC, but look beyond the Hudson to other places and times for songs and inspiration. This acoustic vocal trio applies fine three-part harmony to an eclectic mix of genres.
 
APR. 9 Risky Business Bluegrass Band - Tavern veteran Rich Rainey heads up a talented combo that serves up great bluegrass music featuring 5-string banjo, string bass, mandolin, rhythm and lead guitar.
 
APR. 16   Stout - The Tavern and Stout go together like turnips and apples! They're a group of seasoned folk musicians who combine hearty five-part vocal harmonies with traditional acoustic instruments and create an enthusiastic 19th century musical experience not to be missed.
 
APR. 23   Dirdy Birdies Jug Band - The World's Most Dangerous Jug Band! Wandering minstrels that have been together since 1965 (!), their repertoire includes traditional jug band tunes, gospel, folk, and doo-wop with homemade instruments and tight vocal harmonies.