The acclaimed folk-opera will also feature locals Reed Föehl, KC Groves, and Paper Bird’s Esme Patterson, Sarah Anderson, and Genny Patterson
WHAT: Anaïs Mitchell’s Folk-Opera Hadestown debuts in Colorado, re-interpreting the Orpheus myth and starring some of Colorado’s indie-folk elite.
WHEN: Saturday, October 15th, 8pm
WHERE: L2 Arts & Culture Center, 1477 Columbine St., Denver 80206
INFO & BOX OFFICE: http://swallowhillmusic.org/, (303) 777-1003 x2
PHOTOS: For high-resolution photos, please contact Meg Ivey, meg@swallowhillmusic.org
MEDIA CONTACT: Gwen Burak, (303) 643-5816, gwen@swallowhillmusic.org or Meg Ivey, 303-765-2488, meg@swallowhillmusic.org
RSS: http://swallowhillmusic.org/news
DENVER – Some of Colorado’s most acclaimed indie-folkers will come together on stage for a one-night-only run of Anaïs Mitchell’s folk-opera Hadestown.
What started as a stage production in her native Vermont became in 2010 Anaïs Mitchell’s folk-opera album Hadestown, a modern interpretation of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice set in a post-apocalyptic American depression era.
“It’s a musical opera that’s unlike any opera you’ve ever witnessed. It’s Indie rock mixed with Dixieland. It’s Homer’s Odyssey as performed by Pink Floyd.” – blogocritics.org
“When 98% of what passes as music today lacks even the remotest twinge of an idea, thought, emotion or worse–heart–Hadestown and Anaïs Mitchell deserve all the listeners and accolades we can give. Pass it on.” - Folk and Acoustic Music Review
In this Denver debut, Anaïs will lead the cast as Eurydice in what she calls “a radio novella” featuring her songwriting and collaborative work with arranger/orchestrator Michael Chorney. This unique evening of music will also feature our Colorado talent in many of the key roles, including Boulder singer-songwriter Reed Föehl as Hades, a role sung on the album by Greg Brown.
Also joining Anaïs will be KC Groves as Persephone (originally played on the album by Ani DiFranco) and the three women of Paper Bird, Esme and Genny Patterson and Sarah Anderson, who will play the Fates.
Brooklyn-based songwriter Jefferson Hamer will also take the stage in the role, originally played on the album by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, of Orpheus.
Colorado Sings Hadestown is an event not to be missed! Full artist bios and the opera libretto are below. As always purchase tickets early to save by visiting www.swallowhillmusic.org (with no processing fees) or calling (303) 777-1003 ext. 2 to speak with a real-live human being. Additional discounts are available for Swallow Hill Music members.
Thank you for supporting live music at Swallow Hill Music!
Anaïs Mitchell – Eurydice
Anaïs Mitchell is the rare musician who is equally comfortable wielding an acoustic guitar alone onstage, sharing a disc’s worth of alt-country duets, or scripting a vast operatic journey into the underworld. The reference points of her music may seem to come from all over the map while still interconnected: the country ballads of the Carter Family, the hard-edged cabaret of Brecht and Weill, the story-songs of Randy Newman, the vast narrative scope of Pink Floyd’s The Wall, and the intricately crafted tales of her namesake, bohemian feminist Anaïs Nin, to name a few. Her album The Brightness inspired a reviewer from the Boston Globe to praise Mitchell’s “vivid snapshots of sweetly ordinary moments,” while Acoustic Guitar called her “a songwriter of startling clarity and depth, equally skilled at turning a melody or lyrical phrase into what you didn’t know you needed until you heard it,” adding that she “weaves her stories into an effortlessly beautiful and cohesive tapestry with the skill of an artisan’s carpenter, showing no seams.”
Reed Föehl – Hades
A recent opener for Marc Cohn at the Chautauqua Summer Concert Series, Boulder singer-songwriter Reed Föehl pulls together a touch of country folk and edgy roots rock with the bold honesty intrinsic to modern songwriting. “He sings like he feels every note… Each song tells a story, all of which he relates astonishingly well.” – The Boston Globe. A Boston native based in Colorado since 1989 Reed’s lush tones and solid songs have been used many times in soundtracks including Dawson’s Creek and the movie Just Friends, and he has performed with the likes of Ray Lemontagne, Dave Matthews, and My Morning Jacket.
KC Groves – Persephone
KC Groves has always been as much of a musical instigator as she has been a talented musician. Even before she founded the band Uncle Earl in 2000, she formed many bands, organized musical events and gatherings. She has independently released two albums of original songs featuring Tim O’Brien, Charles Sawtelle, Peter Rowan, Laurie Lewis, Sally Van Meter and other bluegrass icons. She is best known for strong yet unadorned vocals as well as adept vocal arranging skills. She plays the guitar, mandolin, and has graced some of the nation’s most premier stages from Telluride to Merlefest. While not touring with Uncle Earl or her local group, The Jaspers, she proves to be a driving force behind the thriving music scene on the Front Range. She has produced concerts, started a community radio station, and hosts countless music jams and is more recently on the Board of Directors of the Central Rockies Old Time Music Association.
Paper Bird’s Esme & Genny Patterson and Sarah Anderson – The Fates
As the voices of local favorite Paper Bird, these three women bring a unique folk-Americana sound, and their signature vocal harmonies and knack for capturing a Roaring 20′s flare in a contemporary way is always pleasing to the ears.
Jefferson Hamer – Orpheus
Jefferson Hamer is a singer and guitarist based in Brooklyn, NY. Hailed as an “appealing voice” in 2011 by the New York Times, he has performed his original and traditional music at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, the High Sierra Music Festival, and the Strawberry Music Festival. His songs have been recorded by touring artists including Joy Kills Sorrow and Reed Föehl. He and acclaimed songwriter Anaïs Mitchell are currently writing and recording an album of new adaptations of the 19th century English and Scottish Popular Ballads collected by Francis James Child.
Hadestown Libretto
Hadestown begins in the open air, in a world of poverty. Eurydice asks her lover how he will provide for her in these dark times-Orpheus is sure that the world will provide {Wedding Song}. Orpheus sings, and his singing draws a crowd {Epic Part One}. An old train depot, and everyone’s talking about Hadestown, the walled city under the ground {Way Down Hadestown}. There’s Hermes, the hobo guide and messenger; Persephone, in transit, suitcases in tow; Eurydice, who is more than curious about Hadestown; and Orpheus, who wants no part. When Hades calls, Eurydice receives him {Hey, Little Songbird}. He seduces her: she should leave Orpheus and join him in the wealth and security of his underworld. Eurydice succumbs {Gone, I’m Gone}-was she pushed, or did she jump? The Fates provide an explanation {When the Chips Are Down}. Orpheus is determined to follow Eurydice, and Hermes gives directions {Wait For Me}. Meanwhile, in Hadestown, Hades indoctrinates his worker-citizens {Why We Build the Wall}. But when he turns his back, Persephone presents another side of the underworld, in a speakeasy where she plies her contraband and takes an interest in the newly arrived Orpheus {Our Lady of the Underground}. Eurydice, unaware that her lover is near, laments her decision {Flowers}. Orpheus moves toward her, but is intercepted by the Fates. The rules are the rules-there’s no going back for Eurydice-it’s better not to struggle {Nothing Changes}. Orpheus challenges the Fates {If It’s True}. A fight scene: Orpheus and the speakeasy are exposed {Papers}. In the royal bedroom, Persephone appeals to her husband on Orpheus’ behalf {How Long?}. Orpheus sings again, and this time, Hades hears him {Epic Part Two}. An uprising begins, in Hadestown and in the heart of the king {Lover’s Desire}. Hades comes up with a plan: Orpheus can have Eurydice back if he can walk out of the underworld a few paces ahead of her and not turn around to make sure she’s there {His Kiss, The Riot}. Orpheus and Eurydice begin their ascent {Doubt Comes In}. Later, Eurydice and Persephone sing a reverse elegy for Orpheus {I Raise My Cup To Him}.
Swallow Hill Music’s
2011 CONCERT SCHEDULE
All shows at 8pm @ 71 E. Yale Ave. unless otherwise indicated
Fri Aug 12 Hot Club of Cowtown
Fri Aug 12 Natalia Zukerman & Sweet Talk Radio
Sat Aug 13 Blues & Brews – Old South Pearl St. Music Festival – Noon-10pm
Thu Aug 18 The Be Good Tanyas @ L2 Arts & Culture Center
Fri Aug 19 Butch Hancock (of the Flatlanders)
Sat Aug 20 Iris DeMent w/ Stephanie Bettman & Luke Halpin
Sat Aug 20 Vicki Taylor – “Top of the Hill” Faculty Concert
Fri Aug 26 Tito Malaga – NEW RESCHEDULED DATE
Fri Aug 26 Loose Cannon Bluegrass
Sat Aug 27 Mary Flower
Thu Sep 1 Katelyn Benton – Discovery Series – 7:30pm
Sat Sept 3 Ronny Cox
Thu Sep 8 Dave Devitt – Discovery Series – 7:30pm
Fri Sep 9 Charlie Hunter Duo
Fri Sep 9 Darden Smith
Sat Sep 10 Reed Foehl & The Haunted Windchimes
Sat Sep 10 Star Edwards – “Top of the Hill” Faculty Concert Series
Thu Sep 15 Crooked Still & The Bee Eaters @ L2 Art & Culture Center
Thu Sep 15 Steel Wheels – Discovery Series – 7:30pm
Fri Sep 16 Judy Collins w/ special guest Amy Speace @ L2 Art & Culture Center
Sat Sep 17 Justin Roberts & The Not Ready for Naptime Players – 11:00am & 3:00pm
Sat Sep 17 Chris McGarry & The Insomniacs – “Top of the Hill” Faculty Concert
Sun Sep 18 Tuck & Patti @ 7:00pm
Fri Sep 23 The Wood Brothers w/ Clay Cook @ L2 Art & Culture Center
Sat Sep 24 Colin Hay @ L2 Art & Culture Center
Fri Sep 30 Horse Feathers
Fri Sep 30 Corinne West & Kelly Joe Phelps
Sat Oct 1 Harry Tuft – CD Release
Sat Oct 1 Giddyup Kitty
Sat Oct 8 Red Horse @ L2 Art & Culture Center
Thu Oct 13 Tales from the Sahel: An Evening with Baaba Maal @ L2 Art & Culture Center
Fri Oct 14 Ryan Montbleau Band @ L2 Art & Culture Center
Fri Oct 14 Alice Peacock & Danny Myrick
Sat Oct 15 Anais Mitchell presents Colorado Sings Hadestown @ L2 Art & Culture Center
Sat Oct 15 Clay Kirkland – “Top of the Hill” Faculty Concert
Thu Oct 20 Nick Charles – Discovery Series – 7:30pm
Sat Oct 22 The Refugees
Sat Oct 22 Paul Geremia
Fri Oct 28 Bearfoot
Sat Oct 29 California Guitar Trio w/ Fareed Haque
Fri Nov 4 Karla Bonoff
Sat Nov 5 Steve Law – Album Release
Fri Nov 11 Dan Navarro
Sat Nov 12 Kindred Spirits
Sat Nov 19 Perpetual Motion – “Top of the Hill” Faculty Concert
Sat Dec 3 Cheryl Wheeler @ L2 Arts & Culture Center
Sat Dec 17 Scoundrels for Hire feat. Tom Corona – “Top of the Hill” Faculty Concert
Fri Dec 30 David Bromberg Band @ L2 Arts & Culture Center
Swallow Hill Music presents the 2011
Denver Botanic Gardens Summer Concert Series
All shows at 7pm @ 1007 York St., Denver 80206 unless otherwise indicated
Tickets on-sale to general public May 2, 10:00am
concerts.botanicgardens.org
Sun Aug 21 B.B. King – SOLD OUT
Swallow Hill Music presents the 2011
Shady Grove Picnic Series @ Four Mile Historic Park
All shows at 6:30pm (doors 6:00pm) @ 715 South Forest St., Glendale, 80246
Walk-up tickets only:
$10, $7 for members/cyclists/seniors, $2 for kids under 12, FREE for kids under 2.
Wed Aug 17 Wendy Woo & Angie Stevens
Wed Aug 24 Quiet American w/ Glowing House
About Swallow Hill Music:
Helping people make and enjoy music since 1979, Swallow Hill Music will celebrate its 32nd anniversary in 2011 as one of the largest non-profit institutions of its kind in the United States as a source for roots, folk and acoustic music.
In 2010, Swallow Hill Music served more than 100,000 people through its concert, school and outreach programming.
Three concert venues house more than 200 performances a year, featuring some of the world’s great artists as well as up-and-coming new talent. Additionally in 2010 Swallow Hill Music began producing the long-running and esteemed Denver Botanic Gardens Summer Concert Series.
Swallow Hill Music offers hundreds of classes, workshops, and private lessons for instruments and interests of all kinds. A faculty of 70 instructors provides training to more than 4,000 students annually, including school outreach programming that takes music and music assemblies into Colorado public schools.
A Tier II member of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, Swallow Hill Music receives public funding and grants, and has over 2,000 members that help cover one-third of all of the organization’s operating costs. This generosity has helped Swallow Hill Music provide a place to celebrate music that is rarely heard elsewhere in the Rocky Mountain Region, in both the classroom and on stage.
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DENVER - Great new 2012 shows are being added to Swallow Hill Music’s line up and run the gamut from an acoustic performance by Hayes Carll that offers a “layman’s take on our country” to a tribute to one of our nation’s historic social commentators,Woody Guthrie, by traditional folk singer John McCutcheon.
It’s a musical marriage that shouldn’t work. Tuck Andress was a guitarist steeped in the Tulsa blues scene, transplanted to Stanford University. Patti Cathcart was a native San Franciscan absorbing every musical style that scene had to offer in the ‘60s and ‘70s. But when they met, the chemistry was instant, both musically and personally. Now with more than three decades of jazz/blues/R&B together, Tuck & Patti return to Swallow Hill for a Sunday night gig before starting their next CD and heading off on a tour of Australia and Europe. Still firmly rooted in the Bay Area, the husband-and-wife team talked exclusively to Swallow Hill about their lives, laughing and finishing each other’s thoughts.