• Antara, January 23-25: Whether busy conjuring variations of rhythm folk poetry in song lyrics or exploring the percussive-like dynamics of her trademark guitar riffs, independent folk songstress Antara continues to establish herself as a 'new' folk artist who is expanding the forefront of women’s music and the independent folk movement. Having performed professionally for a dozen years in more than 500 venues throughout New England, Canada, the Midwest and the South, Antara’s unique fusion of rhythmic folk music and interactive coffee house performance capitalizes on a consistent sharing of the sociological perspective that shapes her life, love and work. www.littleweirdgirl.com

 

• Kate Jordan, March 6-8: Pennsylvania girl Kate Jordan returns with guitar in hand to her favorite spot in the White Mountains! Known for strong guitar work and heartfelt lyrics, Kate hopes you will spend the evening fireside with her on a musical journey from love songs, to confessions of a chocoholic, to songs of NH and far away places. www.kateandcj.com

• Split the Bill, March 13-15: Split the Bill's soaring harmonies, intricate musicianship and powerfully insightful lyrics result from Myra Dirnfeld and Elisa Geliebter's intense connection and devotion to their craft. The Kingston Daily Freeman of NY described their first album as "compelling and haunting" and noted that Split the Bill makes music in "a comfortable living room way that's been lost in recent years." Their performances offer a blend of intriguing and rhythmic originals and cover songs that include works by The Beatles, Indigo Girls, Jackson Browne, Heart and Emmylou Harris. Instrumentation features guitars, keyboard, mandolin, harmonica and percussion. They perform regularly along the East Coast in restaurants, coffeehouses, lounges, festivals and songwriter showcases. They are currently recording their second album. www.SplitTheBill.net

• Emily Nyman & Lynn Berry, March 20-22: Emily has appeared on the CBS/WCAX TV Morning Music Showcase on several occasions. Her recordings have been aired on Vermont public radio, WOMR Provincetown, Rainbow World Radio, and Sirius Radio. Emily and Lynn’s music has also been aired extensively on the Internet, earning top 40 status on Rainbow World Radio for June and July 2005. Emily was a finalist for favorite female musician in the Pride in the Arts Award (Stonewall Society). In January 2007, Emily and Lynn were interviewed on Pat Marino’s Sunset Cruise show which often receives requests for their music (Sirius Radio 109Q). Emily performed at Equality Forum’s Teen Panel presentation in Philadelphia in May 2007. In April 2008, Emily and her band appeared on the WCAX/CBS Late Night Saturday show hosted by Tim Kavanaugh. Emily and Lynn have received recognition for “Give Me a Dream” and “ShadowTime” from the Eventide Arts Songfest 2008. They were featured in Boston Spirit magazine’s November/December 2008 issue. cdbaby.com/cd/nyman cdbaby.com/cd/nyman2 cdbaby.com/cd/nyman3

• Katherine Rhoda & Brief Awakening, March 27-29: Folksinger, song leader, and multi-instrumentalist Katherine Rhoda has a passion and a gift for engaging and connecting with her listeners. She shares heartfelt music fostering authentic human connection, bringing a lucid and refreshing quality of intelligent, respectful, openhearted presence to her work. In the face of so many forces that separate and isolate us, her goal is to be joyfully subversive, drawing her listeners into an experience of contact, ease, mutuality, gusto and Big Fun. She sings in a sensitive and rousing voice, and plays a variety of fascinating instruments including the Marxophone, violin-guitar, Lithuanian kankles, and more. www.katherinerhoda.com

• Brief Awakening is an alternative folk-rock duo featuring piano, guitar, djembe, and dual lead vocals. The complex harmonies and poetic song lyrics are personal and thought provoking. Their intricate, multilayered compositions weave stories of love, loss, and identity. Brief Awakening can be found performing in and around Boston at venues such as The Midway, All Asia, and The Gulu Gulu Cafe. As members of Boston music collective, Activist Music for the People (A.M.P.), Brief Awakening is dedicated to promoting justice, sustainability and peace. www.myspace.com/briefawakening

 

SPRING CONCERTS 2009 - FREE!

We’re pleased to present an outstanding selection of performers this spring. Also see JANUARY-MARCH CONCERTS, SUMMER CONCERTS and FALL/WINTER CONCERTS.

• Julie Schurr, April 3-5: Julie Schurr has been performing her nitty gritty interactive style of acoustic music for LGBT and mixed audiences across the country, gaining attention from not only the community at large but also Curve, The Advocate, and countless LGBT radio stations. Julie's unique fusion of comedy and hard folk keeps festival and bar goers on the edges of their seats; each show is both brutally real and decisively different. www.myspace.com/julieschurr  www.julieschurr.com

• Linq, April 10-12: Linq is an edgy, emotional, often political singer/songwriter. A serendipitous series of events propelled her out of a  career as a retail pharmacist onto an exciting musical path. Her songs are a unique blend of folk and rock, and she's uncompromising about expressing her music exactly as she's feeling it, even if genres get blurred in the process. She's not afraid to tackle controversial issues, and she uses the wisdom that she's gained through life experience to bring a strong, reasoned voice to whatever topic she's addressing. Linq came of age in the 60's. Her music harkens to roots in the popular music of that time with its political folk, psychedelic rock, and social conscience. Linq has released multiple CDs and is currently back in the studio working with June Millington on two new releases including a healthcare/small business project from an insider’s point of view. www.linqmusic.com

• Liz Borden Band, April 17-19: The Liz Borden Band includes Liz Borden on vocals and guitar, Kelly Davidson on guitar, and Kelly Johnson on bass. Drummer John Kokas and guitar player Senchant will be staying home for this gig. Sporting wispy pop harmonies, the group vacillates from power chords to psychedelia, to jangly guitars and acoustic pop sensibilities. www.myspace.com/lizziebordenband

 

• Rebecca Katz, April 24-26: Rebecca Katz's favorite four-letter word is "folk."  Like her hero, Nanci Griffith, she is devoted to contributing new songs to the tradition, and passing on traditional songs and favorites by fellow writers.  Equal parts songwriter and storyteller, she is all-heart all-the-time, and brings her special touch to every room she plays.  Rebecca's debut album, Spendin' On Today, engineered by Mark Thayer at Signature Sounds Studio, was released in September 2007. www.rkatztunes.com

 

• Pamme Swan, May 1-3: Pamme writes " I've played in several bands, duos and trios... Learned a lot and have come full circle again, downsizing to just me. It's refreshing!... I've grown up with Peter Paul and Mary, Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline...I grew into Joni Mitchel and Cat Stevens and served french fries to John Prine. Fortunately, my music is aging well all by itself. And so..It is what it is...And it's another beginning! So thats my story...in a nutshell...so far." www.pammeswan.com/home.html

 

• ViRAGO, May 15-17: ViRAGO is Amy Schindler and Maire Tashjian. Their music is an edgy rock sound  with elements of blues and samba. They perform at theaters, colleges, bars, festivals, coffeehouses, private parties, weddings, cruises, on live radio and TV. They have opened for well known artists including Sophie B. Hawkins, Amber, and Sonia and Disappear Fear. They were recently interviewed by CURVE magazine, and GO NYC magazine featured ViRAGO as part of "The Very Best of NYC." Their performances include The Stone Pony and internationally at Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Both artists have studied Afro-Brazilian style percussion at "The Office of the Arts" in Salvador Bahia, Brazil. The New York Council on the Arts recognized ViRAGO for their recording "Here Be Dragons." www.viragomusic.com  www.myspace.com/viragomusic

 

• Seriously Fierce, May 22-24: Seriously Fierce is a duo comprised of two of the strongest voices to come out of Rhode Island; Heather Rose and Keturah. Separately they bring an intensity to the stage that sets them apart from others in the acoustic genre. Together their interesting, sometimes comical, versions of pop classics and original songs create chemistry and harmony that can only be experienced, not described. www.myspace.com/seriouslyfierce

 

• Kelley Morris & The Fallen Free, May 29-31: Kelley Morris knows exactly who she is as an artist and plans to be the next authentic female blues-belter of her generation. She’s been writing songs for years and has over thirty originals to her credit. Career highlights include playing Second-Stage opening for Melissa Etheridge during the summer of 2008. She’s also shared the stage with classic rocker Rick Derringer and opened twice for Holly Near. The Fallen Free features Jennifer Morris on vocals and Dave Coulter on upright bass. The band’s sound takes blues music and propels it forward to a new modern edge that is rock and blues done in a very original way. With a four octave range and a unique texture to her voice, Morris gives a live performance that is unforgettable. www.kelleymorris.net and www.myspace.com/kelleymorris
  

 

• Jessi Mallory, June 5-7: Jessi Mallory hails from Maine as a powerful singer/songwriter. Jessi's following is gaining momentum as she storms her way up and down the East Coast. She is becoming increasingly popular on radio stations throughout the country and in the UK. Her shows are full of great music and fun banter with the audience. There is truly something for everyone at a Jessi Mallory show! "Great voice, great songwriting." - Island Records; "Love the vibe." - Virgin Records. www.myspace.com/jessimallory

• Christine Martucci, June 12-14: "I like to describe my music as real, soulful rock and roll," she says. "It is the same on my CD as you will hear at my live shows. I feel that it is very important to keep the same feel live as you do in the studio. So if you haven't been to one of my shows, it is a full blown party of fun and emotion and 150% of me. I never hold back in my live show, because fans deserve the best of me, and I try not to disappoint." www.christinemartucci.com/

 

• Vange Durst, June 19-21: Vange Durst has been playing and singing her own brand of folk/funk for many years. A founding member of Sisterfunk, she played lead guitar and sang with the "sistas" for 5 years. She has opened for Maceo Parker, The Pointer Sisters and many others and was voted Hartford Advocate's Guitarist of the Year in 2005. Since then Vange has formed her own band, EV3. She released a new 13 song CD "My Soul" in Feb. 2008, and is looking forward to a great time at the Highlands Inn! www.myspace.com/vangedurst  

 

• Girlz Like That, June 26-28: Girlz Like That have been rocking Canada and the U.S. for thepastdecade, performing original tunes and rocking covers at festivals, clubs, special events, privateparties, and wherever else they can plug in their guitars and play! With complex musical composition, engaging lyrics, dynamic vocals and their silly onstage antics, it's easy to see why the Girlz have a solid fan base that continues to grow with every performance. www.girlzlikethat.com

 

• Chastity Brown, Thursday, July 9: Folk/Bluegrass-Singer Songwriter, Chastity Brown has recently released her new sophomore disc, "Sankofa" and will be playing a solo acoustic set on July 9th prior to kicking off her southern Shadow & Light tour with Matt Umry. Raised in Knoxville, Tenn., Brown dabbles in soul, blues, gospel and even bluegrass and, quite often, brings to mind a 21st-century version of Nina Simone. She benefits from a steadfast fan base and is based in Minneapolis, MN. www.myspace.com/chastitybrown

 

 

• Split the Bill, Sunday, August 2: Split the Bill's soaring harmonies, intricate musicianship and powerfully insightful lyrics result from Myra Dirnfeld and Elisa Geliebter's intense connection and devotion to their craft. The Kingston Daily Freeman of NY described their first album as "compelling and haunting" and noted that Split the Bill makes music in "a comfortable living room way that's been lost in recent years." Their performances offer a blend of intriguing and rhythmic originals and cover songs that include works by The Beatles, Indigo Girls, Jackson Browne, Heart and Emmylou Harris. Instrumentation features guitars, keyboard, mandolin, harmonica and percussion. They perform regularly along the East Coast in restaurants, coffeehouses, lounges, festivals and songwriter showcases. They are currently recording their second album. This will be their 2nd concert at the Inn this year! www.SplitTheBill.net

• Martine Locke, August 28-30: Martine Locke is an Australian independent singer/songwriter in the rock/folk vein, and has been performing in the U.S. for the last 4 years. She has performed at festivals such as the Michigan Women's Music Festival, Woodstock Folk Festival, National Women’s Music Festival, Virginia Women’s Music Festival and Musikfest, and in several Australian festivals. She captivates the audience with her stories and humor, and invokes their deepest emotions with her powerful vocals, memorable melodies and mesmerizing style of guitar playing. Martine's performance is passionate, witty, personable, highly energetic and, of course...Australian! www.martinelocke.com

 

FALL AND WINTER CONCERTS 2009 - FREE!

Also see JANUARY-MARCH CONCERTS, SPRING CONCERTS and SUMMER CONCERTS.

• Jessie Rae & Andrea Paquin, September 11-13: Jessie Rae has blended folk, rock, and pop elements with powerful vocals, melodic lines, and lyrics we can all relate to. She has developed a sound some have labeled "contemporary folk-rock," and is happily belting out her life and heart to any and all who will listen. Jessie is very excited to be returning to the Highlands Inn, and hopes to see you there! www.jessieraemusic.com

 

• Andrea Paquin's delicate acoustic harmonies and lighthearted romanticism define the sound of her latest release, "Listen". Taking influences from alternative artists Indigo Girls and Kate Bush, Paquin's simple folk arrangements would be at home with the Lilith Fair generation of musicians.  Over the years Andrea has shared the stage with other talented musicians such as Howie Day, Melissa Ferrick, Chris Pureka, Blessed Union of Souls, Gregory Douglas, Garrison Starr, Namoli Brennet, Edie Carey, Anne Heaton, Jess Klien, Ember Swift, and Pamela Means. www.myspace.com/andreapaquin

 

• The Non-Domestiks, September 18-20: Not your typical duo, Non-Domestiks Rosalba and Katrina are two multi-instrumentalists that bring a unique blend of keyboard, guitar, bass, percussion and woodwinds to their live performance, which they enhance with lush harmonies and vocals. They’re bound to please any audience with their eclectic mix of original tunes that cover many genres including rock, jazz, folk, techno-pop and mellow ballads (even a little rap!). The duo quickly gained recognition when they first formed, receiving radio airplay on the nationally acclaimed Philly college station, WXPN. In addition to playing prominent venues in Philadelphia and having opened for such artists as Mary Lee's Corvette, they often tour the New England area with The Highlands Inn being one of their favorite stops. www.nondomestiks.com

• Ronnda Cadle, September 25-27: As a solo guitar instrumentalist, Ronnda Cadle is known for melodic undertones and musical hooks she coaxes from her guitar. With over 20 years experience playing her original compositions before live audiences across the U.S., this musician from Decatur, Georgia, has developed a devoted fan base. She has shared the stage with many well-known musicians including Sarah Bettens, Al Petteway, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Mother's Finest and 2003 American Music Award Winner, Moe Loughran. Ronnda's style fuses heartfelt emotional content with masterful guitar work. There are times when her guitar seems to speak with a charming "slow southern drawl," like Ronnda herself. She perfected her craft while listening to guitarists whom she considers her greatest mentors - Nancy Wilson of Heart, Caroline Aiken, and Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls. Ronnda says, "I wouldn't be the player I am today if it were not for these strong and amazing women. I hope to bring my own voice to the generations of women musicians who follow." Featured in March 2009 Curve magazine. www.ronndacadle.com/

• Emily White, October 30-November 1: Emily White's sophomore release "12 Ways to Live" delves into new territory for the Chicago singer/songwriter. She's still playing her signature guitar lines and singing the disarmingly honest lyrics that have made her popular with fans throughout the country, but the new album takes a decidedly more indie approach to the folk-rock style that has garnered attention in songwriting circles. Emily has been performing throughout the Midwest and Northeast over the past two years, sharing her introspective songs and unique stage presence with audiences from Omaha to Miami. Check out her music at www.emily-white.com and be sure to come to the show!

• Chrissy Budzinski & Colleen C. Clark, November 13-15: Chrissy Budzinski is a folk singer/songwriter whose style of music ranges from beautiful heartfelt ballads to upbeat and outrageous fun songs. A native of Titusville, PA, Chrissy started playing guitar when she was twelve - writing her first song at fifteen. Chrissy moved to upstate New York in the early 1980’s and has been performing at coffeehouses, bookstores, Pride Picnics and concert halls in New York and Massachusetts. Her biggest musical thrill to date was opening for “BETTY” at Paige Hall, and also opening for Cheryl Wheeler at the Eighth Step in Albany, New York. Chrissy is refreshing and unique. When seeing her in concert, be ready for an unforgettable show of great music and humor that lifts the spirit and takes you on a musical journey until the last note is heard. www.chrissybudzinski.com

• Colleen C. Clark is a self-taught rhythm acoustic guitarist and singer/songwriter from Canada who this year signed a recording deal with Empty Vessel Music of Atlanta. She has been interested in the guitar as long as she can remember. Her musical influences began with Elvis Presley, and include such female artists as Madonna, Heart, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge and Jewel. www.colleencclark.com www.myspace.com/colleencclark

 

• Susan Souza & Sonya Heller, November 20-22: Susan Souza's distinctive alto voice makes you "feel in spite of yourself." Although she describes herself as, "a rocker at heart," Susan's music crosses musical boundaries and reflects her eclectic rock, pop, and progressive influences. Her deep, expressive voice, strong stage presence, and melodic style demand attention while her lyrics reflect soul-searching questions that resonate with her listeners. www.susansouza.com/

 

• Sonya Heller, a native New Yorker, splits her time between the US and Europe where she has been wowing audiences everywhere. She is a songwriters songwriter and an incredibly gifted vocalist...How to describe her as an artist? A vocally lush stew of pop and jazz infused Americana encased in well worn jeans and a head full of REALLY red hair!! A gritty New Yorker with an old hip soul and big brown eyes that have seen it all. Her new Album “West Eleventh Street” has already been picked up in France by Rolling Stone, Crossroads, Blues Again and Marie Claire magazines! She's appeared at Womens KISS events, Norcal Womens, Divafest and Les Femmes du Monde in Paris. Sonya will warm you up by the fire and wrap her music around your heart. www.sonyaheller.com

 

• Sister Funk, December 4-6: For the past 6 years, Sister Funk, the nation’s hottest, all-female band has been headlining PRIDE events, music festivals, concert arenas & clubs performing songs off their 3 independent, original CDs. With a sound & style best described as commercial pop/rock, Sister Funk has been compared to artists like The Pussy Cat Dolls and Maroon. CURVE Magazine (Jan. 2007) describes Sister Funk as "provocative, high energy, and entertaining, these women put on a hot show." According to Conch Key West Chronicle (Sept. 2006), "Sister Funk, this incredible all-girl rock group, absolutely stunned hundreds of concert-goers on Duval St., proving themselves not only the hottest all girl group to hit the Southernmost City, but impressed even seasoned rockaholics." www.sisterfunk.com