(Earlville, NY – April 2015) Legendary Cajun band BeauSoleil, fiery bluegrass group the Steep Canyon Rangers, country rock greats Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen, bluegrass icon Peter Rowan, and masterful rock songster John Sebastian are just some of the acts destined to be a part of the Earlville Opera House’s 44th season— one that features the exceptional talents of many rock and roll pioneers! The season kicks off the first weekend in May, with lively fusion of New Orleans Blues with bluegrass instrumentation in Roosevelt Dime, and a Sunday matinee with local a cappella group The Blue Parsley Boys.
Nearly every weekend, the EOH opens its doors, welcoming music lovers and the community at large in for world-class entertainment. August will bring the dynamic guitar, mandolin, and banjo work of Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen, two greats who’ve played alongside everyone from Roger McGuinn to Neil Young. Save Aug. 14 on your calendar if that sounds like your cup of tea. This year, roots-rock fans should get ready to jam with John Sebastian(of the Lovin’ Spoonful) and David Grisman (of Old & In the Way) when they bring their masterful front porch pickin’ to EOH on Oct. 2.
This season, bluegrass lovers can look forward to the Steep Canyon Rangers, who gained notoriety both for their award-winning pickin’ and for playing with Steve Martin. Another Grammy-winner Peter Rowan, a former member of Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys and Old & In the Way plays in September. Rowan blends folk and bluegrass with smoldering guitar breakdowns, and his show is sure to be a treat. String bands lovers should also check out season opener Roosevelt Dime. They sound like something straight out of 1920s jug band hoe-down.
Fans of more worldly styles will want to check out the Brazilian-folk band Matuto in May with their lively sound “a Brazilian carnival in the Appalachian mountains.” The Duhks, a powerhouse of neo-Celtic-Cajun spirit and soul, featuring powerful vocalist Jessee Havey, a gifted performer audiences will be talking about for the rest of the summer. Irish traditionalists FullSet follow on Aug. 8, and after that, be sure to bring your dancin’ shoes for legendary Cajun fusion group BeauSoleil on Aug. 21.
Blues-wise, the Opera House is pleased to be welcoming Martha Redbone, who blends elements of soul, R&B, and even funk with her Appalachian and Native American heritage on June 13. Eilen Jewell makes her return to EOH on Sept. 12, bringing a taste of her latest release, Sundown Over Ghost Town, which drops May 26. Jewell’s aching, smoky vocals blend beautifully with her sweetly melancholy original songs.
Fans of theatrical performances can look forward to Putting it All Together, a musical tribute to some of Steven Sondheim’s best-loved songs, which will run during the weekend of July 2 to 26. Apart from live musical events, EOH’s season will be filled with lively gallery openings, creative and informative workshops, and family-friendly events like our EOH Circus, which runs July 27 to 31. The Opera House has three art galleries open to the public during business hours, which are Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm. For more information,www.earlvilleoperahouse.com or call 315-691-3550.
Earlville Opera House Main Stage Season Calendar ~ all shows at 8 pm unless specified
Sat, 5/2 Roosevelt Dime ~ Lively NOLA Blues or “Mardi-Grass”
Sun, 5/3 The Blue Parsley Boys ~ Premier A Cappella Harmonies ~ 3pm
Sat, 5/30 Voices of Tabernacle ~ “Say it With Music” from Around the World ~1pm
Sat, 5/30 Matuto ~ Brazilian Folk Meets Appalachia
Sat, 6/13 Martha Redbone Roots Project ~ Piedmont Blues/Appalachian Folk
Sun, 6/28 Steep Canyon Rangers ~ Rollicking, Grammy-winning Bluegrass
Sun 7/12 The Duhks ~ Captivating Folk Fusion
Fri, 7/24 and Sat, 7/25 at 8 pm & Sun 7/26 at 3 pm
Steven Sondheim’s Putting it All Together
Fri, 7/31 EOH Circus ~ 7 pm
Sat 8/8 FullSet ~ Traditional Irish Roots
Fri 8/14 Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen ~ Americana Icons
Fri 8/21 BeauSoleil ~ Legendary Cajun Fusion
Sat 9/12 Eilen Jewell Band ~ Americana Blues
Sat 9/19 Peter Rowan ~ Grammy-winning Folk/Bluegrass
Fri 10/2 John Sebastian & David Grisman ~ American Legends
Sat, 10/31 The Haunted Opera House ~ Free event for families & kids!