Logo: Susquehanna Folk Music Society
Presenting fine traditional arts in Central Pennsylvania since 1985

Ensembles

A roster of SFMS Members who are offering their talents to the public.

The Ensembles category includes bands of various sizes.

Across the Pond

Across the Pond: Celtic Music on High Octane. Michael Morrison, Chuck Krepley and Dan Diviney play a variety of traditional folk music from the Celtic Nations and Appalachia. They have developed a strong regional following and have performed from North Carolina to Montréal, Québec. One of their CDs was entered into the Irish Traditional Music Archives in Dublin, Ireland. Kid on the Mountain's "I Know My Love" was voted 'Best of Contemporary' for 2015 and inducted into the Celtic Radio Hall of Fame while another track was nominated ‘Best Traditional’. Across the Pond is available for festivals, concerts, pubs, community events, weddings and more. Visit their website or like the band on Facebook to see their complete schedule and learn more. Mike teaches guitar and Chuck teaches fiddle.

Contact Dan at mail@acrossthepondmusic.com or (717) 451-4880

All Strung Out

All Strung Out is an eclectic string ensemble that combines elements of bluegrass, old-time, folk, and swing music. It’s anchored by mandolinist/guitarist/hammered dulcimist Henry Koretzky, and rounded out by some of the area’s finest players and singers.

Contact Henry at hrk2@psu.edu or (717) 574-0266

Bluestone

Bluestone is a hard-driving bluegrass band that has been performing for the last 25 years. Members Dick Laird, Carroll Swam, Chris Warner, Russ Hooper, Jon Clik, Jeff Laird and Heath Laird have played with some of the best. Firmly grounded in traditional bluegrass, Bluestone's repertoire also incorporates gospel, country, blues, swing and folk influences.

Contact Dick Laird at mandolaird@verizon.net or (717) 873-0743

Buc Hill Aces

The Buc Hill Aces (also on Myspace and on YouTube) play Old Time Southern Appalachian music on fiddle, banjo, guitar, and bass. The band's sound is a bit like the New Lost City Ramblers, the Highwoods String Band, the Red Clay Ramblers, and Uncle Dave Macon, with lots of high-energy fiddle tunes along with some lively singing. The band consists of Glenn Carson on fiddle, Patty Carson on bass, Nancy Lockman on guitar, and Brian Lockman on banjo. Glenn has been playing and building high-quality instruments in the area for 30 years. Patty and Nancy are relatively new to Old Time music and have picked it up very quickly. Brian has been playing banjo off and on for about 30 years. His day job is as president of PCN, the Pennsylvania Cable Network where you can occasionally see him on TV.

Contact Brian Lockman at BucHillAces@gmail.com

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Callanish

Callanish specializes in traditional Celtic music from Ireland and Scotland. Based in State College, they play for festivals, parties, weddings and other fun gatherings.

Contact them at holly@callanishband.com

Christine and The Road King

Ray Owen and his partner Christine bring you award-winning performances of some of the finest American and Celtic traditions. Their music spans Folk and Americana to Country-Blues and Bluegrass, CowJazz, Swing, and Celtic Music to Folk’n Roll. They trek from soft-spoken ballads to humorous topical tunes, and from original compositions to engaging interpretations of traditional songs. Their performances reflect a sincere love of the musical traditions in which they reside.

Contact Ray Owen at (717) 334-8631
Also see Ray's entry under Musicians.

Clannamore

Clannamore is a lively duo featuring Alanna Berger (hammered dulcimer, concertina) and Blaise Liffick (guitar, pennywhistle, octave mandolin, bodhran). Their repertoire draws heavily from the Celtic culture (Ireland, Scotland, and the British Isles) and traditional American music, ranging from the ancient (pre-Renaissance era) to the modern. Jigs, reels, hornpipes, and marches are combined with lyrical airs, laments, and waltzes to form a warm and lively sound. They also have an extensive repertoire of lively drinking songs, bawdy tunes, ballads, and funny stories. Alanna also teaches hammered dulcimer.

Contact Blaise & Alanna at alannaberger@comcast.net or (717) 669-7548.

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The Contra Rebels

The Contra Rebels is an old-time southern-style band led by York County fiddler Todd Clewell, with Henry Koretzky on guitar and mandolin. The group specializes in playing contradances and square dances in a circuit ranging from New York to Georgia, and is often augmented by banjo and bass.

Contact Henry at hrk2@psu.edu or (717) 574-0266

Cormorant's Fancy

Brazenly traditional Celtic music, playing tunes from Ireland, Scotland and the Celtic Nations. Venues and reviewers characterize Cormorant’s Fancy as "spellbinding," "with a knack for gorgeous arrangements.” The award-winning Celtic and Irish Music Podcast named them to 2017’s top 20 Celtic bands. Whether the band is stirring the crowd from the festival or concert stage, gracing a wedding, leading the pub in song, celebrating Burns’ immortal memory, or accompanying step dancers, their music rings true.

Cormorant’s Fancy’s compelling cross-generational lineup unites the past, present and future. Lead singer and whistle player Margaret Folkemer-Leonard is joined by parents Beth and Stephen Folkemer (guitar, dulcimer, concertina, keyboards), Ryan Kozak (fiddle and vocals), and Ricky Czar (bodhrán, djembe, cajón), with frequent appearances by National Award- winning Irish step dancer, Allyson Folkemer (Beth and Stephen’s granddaughter), and her dad, Joel Folkemer (bodhrán, bass, vocals). Celtic music is in their blood, their heritage in Ireland’s County Down and Dublin, Scotland, Wales, Northumberland and Cornwall. They love the depth and breadth of Irish, Scottish, and all Celtic traditional music, and they constantly search for the very best songs and tunes, music the band is sure you'll love!

Visit them online for their full performance schedule:
CormorantsFancy.com ~ Facebook

Contact Stephen and Beth Folkemer at (717) 253-1254 or (717) 253-4889. or mail@cormorantsfancy.com

Also see the Folkemers' entries under Musicians and Support Services.

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Dearest Home

Dearest Home delivers the rare experience of authenticity and originality in perfect harmony! They perform traditional Appalachian, Old Time, and American folk music, including favorites from the from the Carter and Ritchie families. Don’t be surprised to hear a bit of related folk music from the British Isles and Ireland. One of their passions is bringing to life music from the unpublished Samuel Bayard Folk Songs Collection (PA and WV). Additionally, they play authentic Civil War Era music in period costume.

Si Kahn writes, “In their voices, you can hear the peaks and valleys of the landscape, feel the past and future marching together, and sense the shadows of the mountains.” Tailoring shows to each venue, Dearest Home presents highly- specialized programs or a mix of their varied styles at concerts and festivals. They delight in accompanying dances, and they offer workshops too. Dearest Home's music is in an installation of the Seminary Ridge Museum, their work with the Bayard Folk Song collection was featured on WITF’s Arts and Culture series, and their music featured on WITF’s Center Stage. The band includes Chris Barnabei, Margaret Folkemer, Beth and Stephen Folkemer, and Ryan Kozak singing and playing fiddle, guitar, dulcimer, penny whistle, concertina, bass, banjolele, keyboards, and percussion.

Visit them online: DearestHomeBand.com :: Facebook

Contact Stephen and Beth Folkemer at (717) 253-1254 or (717) 253-4889. or info@dearesthomeband.com.

Also see the Folkemers' entry under Support Services.

Tom & Betty Druckenmiller

See their entry under Musicians.

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Irish Blessing

Irish Blessing, a York (PA) based family band, blends driving rhythm, soaring vocals and hard hitting percussive step dance into one traditional Irish experience. Artificial and watered down it is not. With World Championships in both Irish music and dance under their belts, four tours of Michael Flately's Lord of the Dance, and in America's Got Talent with HAMMERSTEP (a dance fusion group based out of Brooklyn), Irish Blessing brings the very best of the tradition to you.

Family members Cushla Srour (keyboard/ flute/ whistles), husband Jim (bodhrán), and sons Josh (fiddle /dance) and Jonathon (wooden flute/dance) are now joined by newest member Genevieve Gillespie (vocals, fiddle & dance).

Irish Blessing has wowed audiences from New Zealand to New York. Come in search of your cultural roots or just experience the sublime.

Contact Cushla at (717) 792-3999 or (717) 968-0655 (c).

Just the Two of Us

A product of the 70s folk revolution, Russ and Paulette Matthews (aka Just the Two of Us) have lived and sung their way through what they consider some of the best years of American music. With warm vocals from Russ, natural harmonies from Paulette, and mellow guitar, bass rhythms and violin backup, there is a synergy of sound created with each arrangement. You might find Just the Two of Us at any local coffeehouse or intimate bar in the Mechanicsburg, PA area.

Contact Russ & Paulette at (717) 319-0349 or find them on Facebook

KJ & Henry

KJ & Henry is a duo performing original and contemporary folk, featuring Lewisburg singer/songwriter K.J. Reimensnyder-Wagner and mandolinist Henry Koretzky. KJ & Henry also perform as part of a larger ensemble, Sweet Nothings.

Contact Henry at hrk2@psu.edu or (717) 574-0266

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Ladies In The Parlor

Ladies In The Parlor is a string band that brings Old Time fiddle tunes and songs to a variety of audiences. The Ladies have appeared on various stages in the region and have played for contra dances, festivals, hoedowns, private parties and celebrations, including weddings. Their lively playing has a special way of delighting a crowd, ensuring that everyone has a good time.

At the 2006 Deer Creek Fiddlers' Convention, Ladies in the Parlor took first place in the Old Time band competition. Their instrumentation includes fiddle, five-string banjo, guitar, bass and mandolin. The Ladies in the Parlor are Barb Schmid, Sharon Sacks, Freya Qually and Suzanne Gates.

Contact Suzanne at Suzanne@ladiesintheparlor.com or (717) 259-0319

Late For Supper

Late for Supper is an eclectic group playing a variety of music on guitar, fiddle and banjo. Old-time Appalachian fiddle tunes are sure to get your feet tapping. Creative arrangements of bluegrass, gospel, folk tunes sung in three-part harmony leave audiences wanting more. They have played for concerts, fairs, barn & Contra dances, private parties, banquets, festivals, and weddings to mention a few.

Barb Schmid from Hampstead, MD takes the lead on fiddle, lead & harmony vocals. Jack Hoffman from Hellam, PA adds five-string banjo and harmony vocals. Todd Clewell from Felton, PA on guitar, mandolin, fiddle and lead & harmony vocals, rounds out this powerful trio.

Contact Todd at tclewell1@msn.com or (717) 880-2540

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Old World Folk Band

The Old World Folk Band is a twelve-piece Harrisburg-based Klezmer ensemble available for concerts, weddings, and other celebrations. Founded in 1982, the band performs throughout the mid-Atlantic region, specializing in Klezmer, Russian, Yiddish Theater and Eastern European music. Our own Jess Hayden plays clarinet.

Contact Dale Laninga at dlaninga@oldworldfolkband.org or Jess at (717) 932-2348

The Rough Edges String Band

The Rough Edges mostly dabble in the style of Appalachian old-time and bluegrass music. This energetic trio consists of Hank Imhof on guitar and dobro, Mike Foster on upright bass, and Randy Heisley-Cato on clawhammer banjo. Audiences have been known to sing along on some of the novelty tunes and gospel songs (even without much prodding).

Contact Hank Imhof at h.imhof@verizon.net or (717) 512-2040

The Rovin’ Bog Hoppers

Join in with Ray Owen and his partner Christine as they whip up a venerable feast of rousing Irish tunes, salty sea chanties and side-splitting stories, then heap on a healthy helping of Celtic humor and wash it all down with their hilarious drinkin’ hymns that celebrate the stout-hearted side of Celtic character.

Contact Ray Owen at (717) 334-8631
Also see Ray's entry under Musicians.

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Seasons

Seasons is comprised of five siblings of the Lee family (with seasons as their middle names) who create a fusion of Celtic, folk, and bluegrass on harp, hammered dulcimer, mandolin, fiddle, and more. Drawing on an ever-expanding variety of influences, their original music has been featured on both national radio and television, including the shows "Life on the Rock" and "Fox and Friends." In addition, Seasons has written music for multiple theatrical productions and independent films.

Their five albums have received national recognition in Musicmaker's Magazine, Faith and Family Magazine, and more.

Based out of Harrisburg, PA, Seasons performs frequently; highlights include opening for Grammy-Award winning singer Ashley Cleveland and the acclaimed Celtic rock band Scythian, and playing at venues including the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Colonial Williamsburg, The Whitaker Center, Celtic Fling and more. Mary-Kate has won first place for Celtic harp at the Maryland Celtic Festival, second in the Mid-Atlantic Fleadh, and recently competed in the All- Ireland Harp Competition in Derry, Ireland.

Whether hearing them live or recorded, Seasons "gives you such a feeling of peace, joy and wonder at their energy and musicianship" (Grapevine Online).

Contact Seasons at info@seasonsmusic.com

Sink Or Swing

Sink Or Swing is a Lewisburg-based swing band fronted by clarinetist/vocalist Doug McMinn, joined by bassist/singer Carl Kirby, guitarists Joe DeCristopher and Ed Scholl, and mandolinist Henry Koretzky. The group features a mix of classic and contemporary swing and jazz vocals and instrumentals.

Contact Henry at hrk2@psu.edu or (717) 574-0266

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The Song Imagineers — Kids’ and Family Shows

All Aboard! with Ray Owen and his partner Christine for a whirlwind tour through some of the most creative, zany, and downright captivating folk songs and stories dreamed up anywhere down the line. Rousing sing-alongs, enchanting tunes, and side-splitting stories — not to mention the genuine, authentic, original Chicken Karaoke event, a hilarious farm animal impersonation for kids!

Contact Ray Owen at (717) 334-8631
Also see Ray's entry under Musicians.

Stringtown Trio

Fiddle, guitar, bass, mandolin, hammered dulcimer, vocals by Nelson Steffy, Bob Bishard and Jean Snyder.

Contact Jean Snyder at jmelsny@embarqmail.com or (717) 957-4609.

Sweet Nothings

Sweet Nothings is a contemporary folk trio led by Lewisburg singer/songwriter K.J. Reimensnyder-Wagner, augmented by bassist Joe DeCristopher and mandolinist Henry Koretzky. K.J. has released two CDs under her own name, Pony Tales and Dreaming Inside Her Mind. KJ & Henry also perform as a duo.

Contact Henry at hrk2@psu.edu or (717) 574-0266

Unbowed

Unbowed is a fiddle-less contradance band, led by the mandolin of Henry Koretzky and supported by guitarist Mike Henry and others.

Contact Henry at hrk2@psu.edu or (717) 574-0266