2014-15 District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series to Feature Melissa Ferrick, Mirah & More

The Music Hall has announced its partnership with The District Restaurant to present this season's Singer Songwriters Series. This series highlights up and coming as well as established artists. From Carlene Carter's classic country tones to the slick afro-beats of Sinkane to the Ukranian folk-punk band Dakhabrakha this series will have something for everyone. Set in the Loft, patrons will experience these artists in a truly intimate setting.

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series:
MIRAH
Friday, September 26 • 8pm • Loft • $22

Mirah has been creating incorruptible independent pop music since the late 1990's. Defined by her graceful songwriting and adventuresome recordings, Pitchfork has praised her "incredible voice-a versatile coo that can flit from low, sultry tones to high, airy falsetto in one breath." On her fifth solo album, Changing Light, Mirah breaks it down and builds it back up again with the street smarts that only years behind the wheel of love can inspire.

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series:
MELISSA FERRICK
Saturday, September 27 • 8pm • Loft • $24

Back by popular demand! Melissa Ferrick is a music icon with a voice that's instantly familiar. Her impressive and expansive body of work is mapped out over 16 albums and speaks to her talent and the world she has built for herself. With her latest album release, Still Right Here, debuting on Billboard's charts, Ferrick recently wrapped a tour with folk icon Ani DiFranco, who also performs background vocals on her latest release.

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series:
SEAN HAYES
Thursday, October 9, 2014 • 7:30pm • Loft • $18

There is something raw and down-home about this simple and straightforward music. The piano, guitar, drums, bass, occasional horns and back-up singing surround Hayes' warm, vibrato laden voice that leads the way down "side street alleys" or to "that spot with the jukebox where we can sing your favorite tune." Hayes succeeds on the tension between warm, resonant soul and dirt-road folk, all laced with a wandering troubadour's coo.

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series:
CARLENE CARTER
Friday, October 10 • 8pm • Loft • $30 Pre-order • $34 Day of

The daughter of 1950s country superstar Carl Smith and June Carter Cash, Carlene Carter joins us with her first album for Rounder Records, Carter Girl. The album-which The Boston Globe says, "may be the best this Carter girl has ever made"- features songs spanning the Carter family generations, including celebrated hits like "Gold Watch And Chain," and others written and performed by the descendants of the original Carter trio.

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series:
DARLINGSIDE
Friday, October 24 • 8pm • Loft • $18

Back by popular demand following their sold out performance and standing ovations! Darlingside delivers a moving blend of subtlety, power, outstanding vocal quality, and contemporary songwriting. The Boston based quartet features four distinct voices clustered around a single microphone, with their tightly-arranged tunes drawing from the unexpected-including strains of bluegrass, classical, and even barbershop. Accompanied by an arsenal of classical strings, guitars, mandolin, and percussion, these four close friends swap instruments from song to song and offer a sound that defies standard genre classifications.

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series:
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Saturday, October 25 • 8:00pm • Loft • $15

With a refreshing, modern day, indie rock sound, Air Traffic Controller further infuses its compositions with unforgettable pop sensibilities while keeping it honest, with autobiographical lyrics and well-crafted storytelling reminiscent of classic singer/songwriters. The band features Dave Munro on lead vocals and guitar; multi-instrumentalist Steve Scott on lead guitar, keys, and more; big brother Richie Munro on drums; Casey Sullivan on bass, banjo, and backing vocals; with violinist Alison Shipton and Kiara Perico on viola. The band has a warm, rich, full sound that consistently identifies Air Traffic Controller as one of the fastest rising original acts in the country.

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series:
MIKE + RUTHY
Saturday November 8 • 8pm • Loft • $15

Returning artists Mike + Ruthy are bringing their pure, spellbinding music back to the Loft stage. With their fiddle, banjo, guitar, ukulele and hallmark harmony singing, their concerts are filled with soulful songs and stories and a timeless sound.

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series:
GLEN DAVID ANDREWS
Sunday, November 9 • 7pm • Loft • $30

From making waves headlining the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival to his regular gigs at iconic NOLA clubs, Glen David Andrews is part of New Orleans music royalty. Andrews' music has a presence and sweetness that has long endeared him to audiences and is sure to make him a Music Hall favorite. Get ready for a night of gospel, blues, and jazz music that will transport you right to the Mardi Gras Parades. Don't miss this unforgettable night.

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series:
DAKHABRAKHA
Sunday, November 23 • 7pm • Loft • $24

The Ukrainian folk punk band is one of the most talked about and highly touted new groups on the world music scene. Hailing from Kiev, Ukraine, the quartet bring to the stage a vivid theatricality as well as a mesmerizing sound that ranges from ethereal to fierce. Their live performance is stunning and unexpected, transcendent and thrilling. DakhaBrakha has headlined World Music Festivals around the globe, and were one of the most talked about band at Bonnaroo this year.

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series:
THE SWEETBACK SISTERS
Friday, November 28, 2014 • 8:00pm • Loft • $18

The rollicking country swing of the Sweetback Sisters is as infectious as it is heartbreaking. Their charismatic charm harkens back to the golden era of both the silver screen cowgirl and the cowboy stars of TV kiddie shows. That whimsical exterior is wrapped around a core of deeply felt love for traditional country music styles and a palpable joy in playing and singing together. They sing country songs in close harmony and of course their signature matching dresses. Their repertoire combines several of the Sisters' passions-country music from before they were born and new interpretations of those traditions-to create a fresh take on what it means to be country.

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series:
SKYLER
Saturday, November 29, 2014 • 8pm • Loft • $12

Returning home after a stint in Nashville, Music Hall fan favorite and York, Maine native Sykler comes back to the Loft. His effortless blend of pop and country lend themselves to his infectious songs. From cutting his teeth performing around the Seacoast of New Hampshire, to sharing the stage with bands such as the Goo Goo Dolls and The Band Perry, Skyler has matured into a talented singer songwriter.

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series:
SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND
Saturday, January 24, 2015 • 8pm • Loft • $10

In keeping with the tradition started at The Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival the Music Hall Loft presents a Round Robin with four talented songwriters. Guy Capecelatro III, Mary Lou Lord, Mark Schwaber, and Drew O'Doherty will perform together, swapping stories and songs. The evening will have you clapping your hands and stomping your feet.

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series:
SINKANE
Saturday, February 21, 2015 • 8pm • Loft • $16

Sinkane's fresh sound is a melting pot of influences. From Afrobeat grooves with earthy R&B undertones, to doo-wop harmonies, and even a little country music slide guitar they create an upbeat ultra modern feel that will make you want to get up and dance. Fresh off their buzzed about new single How We Be, their sound, unites rhythm and stiles from the world over to help you move, relate, and be.

To become a member today and enjoy early ticket purchasing, call our Membership Coordinator, Lorianne, at 603-766-2176 or go online to our membership page.

Tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at The Music Hall box office in the Historic Theater, 28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, over the phone at (603)-436-2400, or at www.TheMusicHall.org.

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