The 10th Annual Working Waterfront Festival in New Bedford was held on September 28th and 29th 2013 and exceeded all expectations. It was a picture perfect weekend, record crowds and smiles across all three piers. New Bedford is America’s largest commercial fishing port; the festival is designed for participants to learn about the men and women who harvest the North Atlantic. Festival attendees walked the decks of a scalloper; dine on fresh seafood, viewed fishermen’s contests, and watch cooking demonstrations.
The Festival has been a labor of love for a decade. Take a look back.
Of course the main attractions of the Working Waterfront Festival are the music, food, demonstrations and a chance to walk aboard many of the fishing vessels.
The Souls of the Sea
Cooking Demonstrations
Festival Director Laura Orleans told the New Bedford Standard Times “We started the festival really to educate the public about the industry and to give people who work in this industry a sense of pride in the work they do and an opportunity to tell their stories.”
New Bedford fisherman Phil Ashworth says “God, we could tell stories for hours,”
Scallop Shucking Contest
Here’s a nice tribute to this years festival from folks who were there.
Hear more stories and experience the 11th Working Waterfront Festival September 27 & 28, 2014.
You’ll find me there sampling the grilled scallops.
Tom Rush celebrated 50 years of performing by hosting a reunion in Boston’s Symphony Hall December 28, 2012. The sold out show featured musicians that Tom has performed with over the past half century. The Boston Globe’s James Reed previews the show here.
The day before, up the street from Symphony Hall, in a ballroom at the Colonnade Hotel, the rehearsal began. It lasted 6 hours but time flew by. These true professionals went through the playlist with ease. There was harmony tweaking, additional instrumentation adjustments and vocal arrangements.
Harmonies (L to R) Jonathan Edwards, Dean Adrien and Eric Lilliequist.
No one seem to mind the cameras and sound mics that seemed to float around the room. A film crew has been following Tom around the past year documenting his 50th year of performing.
David Bromberg
The respect and true friendship these musicians have for each other was easy to see. Smiles were the order of the day. Often times jam sessions would break out between “takes” and the smiles turned into broad grins. One noted jam was between David Bromberg and Tom Rush’s long time friend/guitarist Trevor Veitch. Congratulations were in order when Dom Flemons of the Carolina Chocolate Drops arrived. Their cd “Leaving Eden” received a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album!
Jonathan Edwards insisted on playing David Bromberg’s vintage 1953 Fender guitar, (see below)
Jonathan Edwards
David Buskin and Robin Batteau played with heart. Dean Adrien and Eric Lilliequist.harmonies never sounded better. It was indeed a celebration. What a party. What a reunion. Congratulations Tom!
Tom Rush
Cheryl Wheeler, Hayley Reardon and Chris Smither perform for The New England Folk Music Archives at the Somerville Armory.
What a week for Last Dance Productions! Three great shows in 8 days. New England Folk Music Archives presented Cheryl Wheeler on December 1st at the Somerville Armory. Arts at the Armory showcases a wide range of visual arts, dance, theater and musical performances. Last Dance Productions was delighted to present Cheryl Wheeler. After the show we all met downstairs at the Archives Gallery for a VIP reception. A wonderful night.
Cheryl Wheeler signing CD’s after her Concert at the Somerville Armory (Photo by Melissa Totten)
Hayley Reardon performed on Sunday December 2nd for one of the “Gallery Sessions” at the Archives. Hayley is making her mark on the acoustic singer/songwriting scene and this show was no exception. Hayley performed songs from her recent CD “Where The Artists Go” and the audience was also treated to new material. One of the highlights was a cover of “Fishing Blues” by Henry Thomas. Written in the 1920’s, Hayley’s version was closer to Taj Mahal’s interpretation. She certainly is a student of the music. Hayley was recently featured in the Boston Herald.
The third concert Sunday December 9th, featured the great Chris Smither! We were treated to songs from Chris’s latest CD Hundred Dollar Valentine.
Thanks to all who made it possible especially the volunteers. The New England Folk Music Archives and Last Dance Productions plan to have several more events at the Armory, so check back here for more information.
Nice performance of Chris here, thanks WFUV!
Hayley Reardon’s songwriting is getting noticed.
Coming off two sold out performances at the legendary Club Passim her upcoming solo show Saturday, December 2nd, at the Somerville Armory is not to be missed!
Her songwriting continues to impress. The Boston Herald recently talked with Hayley and…
A portion of the proceeds from this Last Dance Productions concert will benefit the New England Folk Music Archives. Tickets here.
Only 40 seats will be sold for this very intimate concert!
Since her showcase at the International Folk Alliance in February 2010, Hayley Reardon has exploded onto the stage of folk music.
In addition to being featured in the recently released “For the Love of the Music” Club 47 documentary and producing her first full length LP, she has developed an in-school performance program. “Find Your Voice,” encourages peer empowerment through self-expression. Hayley’s new release, Where the Artists Go. is the product of the “focus on what I wanted to say with my arts sense of freedom that folk empowers me to say it the way I want to.”
“Reardon is taking the folk scene by storm.” WBUR
“She is certainly a bright star on the horizon, a glorious addition to the future of acoustic music.” Performer Mag
“Reardon definitely has an old soul, and her dedication to her art shows in Where the Artists Go, an impressive debut.” Candor News
“Where the Artists Go can be cast as coming of age thoughts riding on a sea of song. There is a unique world view and an everyman way of describing the scene that makes these songs sing.” The Alternate Root
The New England Folk Music Archives is located at 191 Highland St, Somerville, MA.
