Warm The Winter Away with NYC's Only Acoustic Music Nanoseries

The Guyon Tavern (circa 1819) at Historic Richmond Town (HRT) serves up an authentic 19th century acoustic music experience with a warm and resonant sound quality that is rarely found anymore, thanks to the original aged wood and plaster, and the unmistakable handmade construction.

Think of it as the ultimate analog music performance, one that is not even capable of being reproduced by the most pristine LP played on a vintage Technics SP10 or MK3 turntable. Audiophiles of Americana who attend the Tavern will spin right round, baby, like a record, baby, at the ultimate acoustic music nanoseries of New York City.

With a nearly 20-year history of concerts being presented in the nearly 200-year setting, the tavern comes to life with period-authentic servers pouring mugs of beer, wine, and hot mulled cider in the flickering glow of candles, in a room warmed by a wood-burning pot belly stove.

"The room is pure acoustics... the ambiance is pure magic," notes Ken Bach, interim executive director, adding that "this year we are ramping up the time-traveling experience provided by HRT's period-authentic historical interpreters by adding acclaimed actor Charles Sullivan to the cast portraying James Guyon Jr. This interactive theater experience brings historical context to the people behind the names of the buildings at HRT and the streets of Staten Island, and helps us fulfill our mission to inform and entertain."

"I am thrilled to be the inaugural portrayer of James Guyon, Jr. at the rollicking Guyon Tavern Concert Series," comments Sullivan. "A lifetime of hard work and studying has prepared me for the role of a lifetime - hanging around in a tavern, drinking ale and singing and storytelling! Join us for a pint- we'll party like it's the 19th Century!"

Bach adds that "history is meaningless unless it is shared in a relevant way," and preserving the main village is a primary concern. The Tavern series this year kicks off a fundraising campaign to help fund the repair of the tavern's roof and siding, and is part of a vision to reactivate the Richmond Road corridor, which unveiled a Betsy Ross Flag in lights on the Winter Solstice in partnership with Steven and Scott LoBaido to raise awareness and funds for Staten Island's oldest house, the Billiou-Stillwell-Perine home in Dongan Hills.

Charles Sullivan is no stranger to character acting. This time traveler has appeared on stages all across Staten Island, and in an earlier life sang his way throughout the U.S. and Europe with the Yale Whiffenpoofs. Sullivan is a corporate and litigation attorney, with a client list that includes Exxon, Goldman Sachs, Prince, Roger Daltrey and DMX.

James Guyon Jr. (1778-1846) was an American politician from Staten Island, New York. He was Captain of the Second Squadron, First Division of Cavalry 1807; member of the 16th United States Congress 1820-1821; and Colonel of the First Regiment of Horse Artillery 1819. Despite the magic of Sullivan's interpretation convincing guests to the contrary, Guyon is interred in St. Andrew's Cemetery on Staten Island.

GUYON TAVERN CONCERT SERIES The annual acoustic music marathon at New York's only living history village

· When: All performances are at 6 & 8 p.m. Saturdays, January 13 through March 31.

· Where: Guyon Tavern, Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave.; 718-351-1611, ext. 281.

· How much: Tickets are $16 in advance. Reservations strongly recommended.

· For more information and to purchase tickets: http://hrtown.eventbrite.com

THE 2018 SCHEDULE

JANUARY
13th: Tom Cintula - Tom Cintula is a Wagner College alum who plays a variety of musical genres including rock, blues, jazz, funk and folk in a blues-style unplugged jam. A singer songwriter in Staten Island, NY., Cintula draws influence from all types of music, which is evident in his live shows both solo and with his band The Buffalo 24.

20th: Mike Agranoff - Tall, ginger beard, and always around where the music is. He's been on the scene for many years, finding the sounds that make this genre of music so special to the soul, so able to make us laugh and cry and think. And lucky for us all, he got serious about having fun at it. Equally at home in the contemporary and traditional camps of the Folk world, he is a fine musician and storyteller.

27th: Bob & Norm with Bill - This popular trio will regale the Tavern with their program of short stories and old tunes! Each is a finely-honed story-teller and instrumentalist, and their stories are joined by the sounds of banjo, guitar, fiddle & Mandala. They lift traditional songs out of the faraway past into the vibrant present.

FEBRUARY
3rd: Songs of the Sea and Tavern - Songs of the Sea and Tavern - Admit it, you love a good sea shanty! Who doesn't? That's why the Richmond Tavernacle Choir is being hauled onboard the Tavern Concert Series, so that everyone can tear it up with great sailor sing-alongs and maybe a few odes to a fine ale, or two, or three....

10th: Tom Cintula - Tom Cintula is a Wagner College alum who plays a variety of musical genres including rock, blues, jazz, funk and folk in a blues-style unplugged jam. A singer songwriter in Staten Island, NY., Cintula draws influence from all types of music, which is evident in his live shows both solo and with his band The Buffalo 24.

17th: Stout - The Tavern and Stout go together like whiskey and a tumbler! Stout is a group of experienced folk musicians who combine hearty five-part vocal harmonies with traditional acoustic instruments to regale with an enthusiastic 19th century musical experience not to be missed.

24th: TBA

MARCH
3rd: Half Moon - Half Moon is a rockabilly/pop combo that infuses the Tavern with hot rocking acoustics and vocals that will loosen the clapboards and rattle the filings from your teeth! Join Morty Jacobi on vocals and rhythm guitar; Scott Caddell slapping the standup bass and vocals; Guy Michette and Sal Azzarell on lead guitar; and Joan Caddell on percussion and vocals.

10th: Lisa Brigantino - Award-winning singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, Lisa Brigantino's eclectic approach to songwriting showcases spans groove, genre, and topic. Brigantino is a trained composer with a Master's of Music in music composition and music theory.

17thth: Irish Stout - Strut your Irish for St. Patrick's Day with Stout as they regale the Tavern with a robust program of Irish American songs about drinking, love, immigrants, rebels, shellfish, tomfoolery, and maybe, even some more drinking.

24: TBA

31st: Harbortown - Award-winning songwriter Bob Wright, a multi-instrumentalist steeped in the American musical roots traditions often referred to as Americana, presents an evening of songs about Staten Island and its harbor environs. Bob sets the stage with vocals, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and songwriting. He is joined by Bill Doerge on double bass, guitar, 12 string guitar, accordion, piano, keyboards, and vocals; Bob Conroy on vocals, banjo, guitar; and Jan Christensen on vocals, and 6 and 12 string guitars. This coterie of musical friends presents an evening of mountain music that meets the sea.