C A L E N D A R

Wednesdays & Thursdays, 7pm, signup 5-7pm OPEN MIC NIGHT ~ The Towne Crier Cafe's Open Mics attract aspiring musicians from all over the Hudson Valley & beyond, having been referred to by many as the finest open mic in the northeast with its comfortable, respectful atmosphere and good sound. It attracts a range of musicians from budding 5-year-old beginners to musicians whose careers are starting to bloom!
all seats $4 | more/signup

Fri, 2/10, 8:30pm STEPHANE WREMBEL & The Django Experiment
Born in Paris and raised in Fontainebleau, home of impressionism and Django Reinhardt's music, one could call Stephane Wrembel a nomad...a gypsy...a world traveler; for the music he plays and his lifestyle are expressions of the gypsy way of life. Classically trained in a music conservatory starting at age four, Stephane's life took a decisive turn in his late teens when he first discovered the music of Django Reinhardt and the Gypsies. He spent the next ten years of his life learning, playing, and expanding on this musical tradition. This hard work gave Wrembel the technique, but the time spent playing around the campfires and trailers of the Gypsies gave him the soul -- both necessary ingredients for him to master his art form. Stephane's education continued at the Berklee School of Music, graduating summa cum-laude. Soon after, Stephane made New York City his home base from which to continue his career, highlights of which include scoring the theme to Woody Allen's 2011 smash hit, Midnight In Paris; composing soundtrack music for Vicky Cristina Barcelona; and touring with Mark O'Connor. Stephane also headlined to a capacity crowd at Lincoln Center. :|: watch ♪ | listen ♪ | Stephane Wrembel's home
$25 advance/ $30 door Buy TICKETS now!

LIMITED SEATING - PLEASE CALL
Sat 2/11, 8:30pm CHRIS SMITHER
Renowned as an extraordinary guitar player, and for songwriting talents that display a real feel for language, New Orleans-raised Chris Smither's soulful vocal style resonates from its finger pickin' blues roots. Self described as a singer-songwriter-guitarist who plays acoustic folk blues, or as a one man rock-n-roll band, Chris visits everything from obscure Chuck Berry to Tin Pan Alley corn with an uncanny ability to inhabit a song with his unpretentiously charming personalty. Among other recognized tunes, Smither wrote the often covered Bonnie Raitt classics Love You Like A Man and I Feel The Same. :|: listen ♪ | watch ♪ | Chris Smither's home
$25 advance/ $30 door Buy TICKETS now!

Sun, 2/12, 7:30pm POCO; guest Matt Turk
Country rock pioneers, Poco, found platinum success early in their career; and four decades later Rusty Young, who wrote and sang the massive hits Crazy Love and Heart Of The Night, still leads the this incredible band. Other hits include Heart Of The Night, Keep On Tryin' and Good Feelin' To Know. The band continues to record and release new material including an unplugged CD, The Wildwood Sessions, and a critically acclaimed 40th Anniversary DVD. :|: Poco's home (includes audio & video ♪)
$50 advance/ $55 door Buy TICKETS now!

Wednesdays & Thursdays, 7pm, signup 5-7pm OPEN MIC NIGHT
all seats $4 | more

Fri, 2/17, 8:30pm CJ CHENIER & THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND
Our Annual Mardi Gras Celebration! ~:~ Creole dishes available
CJ Chenier, son of the late Clifton Chenier ~ "King of Zydeco" ~ is a living legacy, having joined his father's Red Hot Louisiana Band in 1978, then leading it before Clifton's passing in 1987. Long since dubbed "the crown prince of Zydeco," this is one prince that has more than earned his title. His commanding personality & strong voice combine with his great accordion playing to kindle the dancing spirit of zydeco wherever he performs. Zydeco does not only survive, it spawns new life in those who venture to experience Chenier's shows. :|: encyclopedic | watch ♪ | CJ Chenier's home (incl audio)
$25 advance/ $30 door Buy TICKETS now!

Sat, 2/18, 8:30pm PETER YARROW
Peter Yarrow's talents as a creative artist -- both with the legendary trio Peter, Paul & Mary and as a solo performer -- are frequently directed at using music to convey a message of humanity and caring. His gift for songwriting has produced some of the most moving songs from Peter, Paul & Mary, including Puff, the Magic Dragon. As a member of the renowned musical trio, Yarrow has earned multiple gold and platinum albums, as well as numerous GRAMMYs. :|: encyclopedic | watch ♪ | Peter Yarrow's home
$35 advance/ $40 door Buy TICKETS now!

Sun, 2/19, 7:30pm GREG BROWN
Greg Brown was born in the Hacklebarney section of Iowa – raised by a family that made words and music a way of life. His seasoned songwriting, storytelling and music are deeply rooted in that place. Brown's songwriting has earned him the sincerest form of praise: his songs have been covered by such respected songwriters as Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana, Shawn Colvin, Mary Chapin Carpenter and even Jeff Bridges. Greg's warmth, humor, thundering voice and his comfortable, spontaneous stage presence have earned him the status of practically "always welcome to the table" at festivals and radio shows across the country and around the world. Greg Brown is on practically everyone's short list as an example of a contemporary folk artist, embodying the genre as much for our generation as did legendary voices from previous generations. Greg started performing at the Towne Crier Cafe before either was a legend, and it's a treat to have him back to our intimate setting. "A wickedly sharp observer of the human condition." -Rolling Stone :|: listen ♪ | watch ♪ | Greg Brown's home
$40 advance/ $45 door Buy TICKETS now!

Wednesday, 7pm, signup 5-7pm OPEN MIC NIGHT
all seats $4 | more

THURSDAY, 2/23, 7:30pm McKRELLS' Farewell Reunion, featuring Kevin McKrell, Pawling's own Chris Leske, Craig Vance and Sarah Milonovich
Join us for this special evening, as we say farewell to the McKrells' blend of Celtic, American folk, and bluegrass -- a truly unique musical experience. Their tours, radio airplay, television appearances and record sales earned them rave reviews & standing ovations throughout the United States. :|: Kevin McKrell has been a founding member of some very popular bands -- first and foremost Celtic group Donnybrook Fair and, of course, The McKrells! This singer-songerwriter has appeared on the stage of Carnegie Hall to standing ovations, and has shared other stages with the Furey Brothers, The Battlefield Band, Altan, Mary Black, Solas, Travis Tritt, Lonestar, Allison Krause and Sam Bush, to name a few, and his songs have been recorded & performed by many groups, including folk giants, The Kingston Trio. :|: Pawling's own Chris Leske (banjo, mandolin, vocals) won first place honors in New York and New England banjo competitions as a young teen in the early '70s. In 1984, Chris won First Place in the National Banjo Championship at the famous Walnut Valley Competition in Winfield, Kansas. Chris's abilities on lead guitar were featured on two European tours with world-renowned banjoist Bill Keith and Nashville producer Jim Rooney. He was accepted for a banjo seat at Opryland USA the same year, but declined - favoring a special opportunity to tour Europe. Chris also appeared at Carnegie Hall and toured Ireland frequently with The McKrells.
$22.50 advance/ $27.50 door Buy TICKETS now!

Fri, 2/24, 8:30pm CHERYL WHEELER; guest KENNY WHITE
Cheryl Wheeler has to be seen live to be appreciated. From Cheryl's albums you can tell that she is a gifted songwriter with a beautiful voice, but this does not prepare you for how entertaining a performer she is. She is a natural story teller with a fantastic sense of humor that will have you rolling in the aisles. The L.A. Times called her "Will Rogers with a guitar." She might then just as naturally sing a song that leaves you wiping tears from your eyes. Her entire concert is like that emotional roller coaster we call life. Even if you're not already familiar with Cheryl, you have probably heard her music. Mixing keen insight with humor and pathos, Cheryl's songs have been covered by artists as diverse as Dan Seals, Peter Paul & Mary, Kenny Loggins, Garth Brooks, Suzy Bogguss, Melanie, Bette Midler, Maura O'Connell, Sylvia, Kathy Mattea, and Holly Near. :|: watch ♪ | Cheryl Wheeler's home
$30 advance/ $35 door Buy TICKETS now!

Sat, 2/25, 8:30pm POPA CHUBBY Band; guest Myles Mancuso
Popa Chubby, an in-your-face blues/rock/R&B guitar slinger, says "The core of my music is about excitement. I think music should make people feel alive." The energy and showmanship of Popa Chubby's sets have earned him critical and commercial acclaim overseas -- even more than here. In fact, he's become a huge star in Europe, where he appears on the covers of magazines and routinely sells out major venues. :|: watch ♪ | listen ♪ | Popa Chubby's home
$30 advance/ $35 door Buy TICKETS now!

Sun, 2/26, 4 PM MATINEE BACK TO THE GARDEN 1969
Back To The Garden 1969 is comprised of a group of five musicians (two of which were at the original Woodstock festival) who have performed together in various combinations over the years, but joined forces specifically to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock Music Festival. This proved to be so much fun for everyone ~especially those who've come out to see them~ that there was no reason to stop! The band covers the wide variety of musical styles and classic sounds associated with Woodstock, including acoustic and electric rock, acid rock, folk music, and soul. Their musical performances are a tribute to the artists who helped make Woodstock the epic event that, to this day, remains unparalleled. So... break out your tie-dye, put on your sandals, and don't forget to wear some flowers in your hair! :|: watch ♪ | listen ♪ | Back To The Garden's home
$20 advance/ $25 door Buy TICKETS now!

Wednesdays & Thursdays, 7pm, signup 5-7pm OPEN MIC NIGHT
all seats $4 | more

Fri, 3/2, 8:30pm JAMES MADDOCK ; guest Jared Weintraub
In little over a year, James Maddock has gone from "Whatever happened to James Maddock?" to "How can we live without the music of James Maddock?" With the release of Wake Up and Dream, Maddock firmly establishes himself as one of the truly gifted performing songwriters on the American landscape. As a transplanted Briton rooted on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Maddock effortlessly translates the aspirations and longing of his ever growing legion of followers into song. First recognized in the U.S as the front-man for the band Wood (Songs From Stamford Hill), Maddock has steadily gained traction in the Northeast with his infectious live performances and accessible touch with his fans. A top 50 chart position at non-comm radio in 2010 for Sunrise On Avenue C leaves Maddock poised to break through to a mainstream audience. :|: watch ♪ | James Maddock's home (includes audio ♪)
$20 advance/ $25 door Buy TICKETS now!

Sat, 3/3, 8:30pm LUCY KAPLANSKY
Barely out of high school, Lucy Kaplansky took off for New York City, where found a fertile community of songwriters and performers -- Suzanne Vega, John Gorka, Bill Morrissey, Cliff Eberhardt, and others -- where she fit right in. With a beautiful flair for harmony, Lucy was everyone's favorite singing partner, but most often she found herself singing as a duo with Shawn Colvin. The New York Times said it was "easy to predict stardom for her." Lucy temporarily left the musical fast track to pursue a doctorate in Psychology and open her own private practice, although she continued to sing and was often pulled back into the studio by her musician-friends. Before long, Kaplansky was back to music full-time: recording her own material -- including the award-winning and very popular Ten Year Night; continuing to sing frequently with Shawn Colvin, Nanci Griffith and many others; collaborating with Dar Williams and Richard Shindell in the "supergroup" Cry Cry Cry; and, more recently, collaborating with Eliza Gilkyson and John Gorka in the supergroup Red Horse. :|: watch ♪ | listen ♪ | Lucy Kaplansky's home
$25 advance/ $30 door Buy TICKETS now!

Fri, 3/16, 8:30pm The CLANCY TRADITION
The Clancy Tradition's origins are found in Ireland in the 1950s, when the Clancy family of Moy (in County Tyrone) formed a Ceili Band, playing at Irish country dances and concerts throughout Ireland. In 1960, brothers Pat, Eugene and Brendan Clancy left to tour the United States as the Irish Ramblers, playing at clubs like Gerde's Folk City and Carnegie Hall(!), and recording an album for Electra (The Patriot Game). Their musical tradition is currently being passed to the next generation with "The Clancy Tradition": Eugene Clancy on guitar & vocals, his daughter Rosemary Clancy on fiddle & mandolin, Eugen's son John Clancy on bass, Pat Clancy on piano & accordion, his daughter Liadain Clancy singing and Mike Melanophy on button accordion. We are honored that they chose the Towne Crier Cafe's stage to perform and record their live album. :|: the Clancy Tradition's home
$25 advance/ $30 door Buy TICKETS now!

Sat, 3/17, 8:30pm STEVE FORBERT; guest Jean Bratman
In the past quarter-century, Mississippi-bred, Nashville-based, singer/songwriter Steve Forbert has built a deeply personal body of work that's won him a reputation for clear-eyed insight and plainspoken eloquence. In the process, he's evolved from the wide-eyed young troubadour of his early classics --Alive On Arrival and Jackrabbit Slim-- to the mature, bittersweet outlook of his more recent work, which surveys darker territory with hard-won empathy and deeply-ingrained rock 'n' roll soul. :|: watch ♪ | listen ♪ | Steve Forbert's home
$30 advance/ $35 door Buy TICKETS now!

Fri, 3/23, 8:30pm CHRIS TRAPPER ; also JEFFREY GAINES
Chris Trapper's organic understanding of classic pop melody, as expressed in the singer-songwriter style, is infectious. His on-stage persona is warm and inclusive, his songs speak to the heart and to everyday experiences. Chris is perhaps most known for his original song This Time, the #1 selling tune on the Grammy nominated soundtrack for August Rush. Original frontman for beloved '90s alternative rock band THE PUSH STARS, Chris Trapper is equally sure-footed in his solo career with original tunes on 5 solo CDs, as well as a variety of film and TV placements. watch ♪ | listen ♪ | Chris Trapper's home :|: After amassing a fervent live following, Jeffrey Gaines landed a record deal in the early '90s, which resulted in three critically-acclaimed albums. He has made appearances from Conan O'Brien to Good Morning America, headlined his own sold-out North American tour, as well as touring with the likes of Tracy Chapman, Sting, Melissa Etheridge, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty and Richard Thompson. Even when Jeffrey Gaines was between record companies, the loyalty of his fans propelled his live version of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" to the top of several major radio stations' charts. | Jeffrey Gains' home (includes audio & video ♪)
$25 advance/ $30 door Buy TICKETS now!

Sat, 3/24, 8:30pm LEON REDBONE
Although Leon Redbone's iconic guise of white fedora, jacket and dark sunglasses has been thoroughly satirized, it's easy to overlook what a genuinely gifted artist he remains. His love affair with tunes from the turn-of-the-19th/20th-century, flapper-era radio ditties, depression-spawned ragtime and WWII folk-jazz is as contagious as a good giggle. Opportunities for this unlikely figure to impose himself on pop culture have been plentiful: his network debut on Saturday Night Live in 1976, making him a cult classic; the wise, animated snowman in Elf (his duet on Baby, It's Cold Outside served as the picture's theme song); TV title tunes to Mr Belvedere and Harry & The Hendersons; the homespun beer jingle This Bud's for You; the Getting To Know You voice on a series of Chevrolet ads; etc. It's easy to get lost in his stage exploits, and overlook what a truly fine player he is – fingerpicking with a ragtime bounce or jumping between chords with the grace of a card sharp. :|: watch ♪ | Leon Redbone's home
$35 advance/ $40 door Buy TICKETS now!

Fri, 3/30, 8:30pm LARRY CORYELL
Larry Coryell has been described as "the most innovative and original guitarist since Charlie Christian" -Whitney Balliett, jazz critic for the New Yorker from 1954-2001. Beginning with his first recordings with Chico Hamilton and his tenure with the Gary Burton Quartet, Larry has remained in the pantheon of great jazz guitarists for more than forty years. His personal philosophy of music has kept his playing fresh and exciting, and makes each of his personal appearances or recordings a special event. The late '60s and early '70s saw Larry as one of the most in-demand guitarists, not only in jazz but in all musical genres. It was during this time that Larry released a series of critically acclaimed albums for Vanguard, did some rock experimentation with Steve Marcus, toured with British musicians Jack Bruce & Mitch Mitchell and appeared on the first album by the Jazz Composer's Orchestra Association. There were sessions with Jimmy Webb, The Fifth Dimension, Charles Mingus, Billy Cobham, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin and Miroslav Vitous. The albums produced at this time show Larry Coryell to be a profound musical prophet, merging jazz, rock, free-form improvisations and Eastern modes and scales in a way that was new at the time, and still communicates power and emotion years later. :|: watch ♪ | Larry Coryell's home (includes audio ♪)
$30 advance/ $35 door Buy TICKETS now!

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Towne Crier Cafe
Open evenings Wed thru Sun; Closed Mon & Tues
130 Route 22, Pawling, NY · (845) 855-1300