Boathouse Concerts
Since 1992, Pam and Charlie Weber have hosted live music at Weber & Co., the warehouse where Charlie restores classic wood boats. The Boathouse Concerts focus on traditional and contemporary folk music, as it often tells of a way of life that existed or is threatened with extinction – much like the historic waterfront artist colony at Fifth Avenue Point. At the Boathouse, the audience enjoys an intimate setting, shares homemade desserts and has an opportunity to meet and visit with the musicians. In an age of stadium extravaganzas, with bands on oversized screens, ticket (and parking) prices equally oversized, Boathouse guests sit just feet away from the performers for a small donation, all of which is given to the entertainers. This is an experience rarely available to inner city working residents.
For Performers
The Boathouse Concerts are produced by the Fifth Avenue Institute, which participates in a growing network of organizations providing “infill” bookings for small venue traveling performers (see HouseConcerts.com, Concertsinyourhome.com and FolkMusic.org.) The Institute also works with members of the Far-West regional chapter of the International Folk Alliance , which fosters and promotes traditional, contemporary and multi-cultural folk music, dance and related performing arts. Additionally, the Institute Board members bring attention to acts playing at regional festivals, and invitations are extended with the message that an appreciative audience can be found at the Boathouse.
Upcoming Concerts
The Fifth Avenue Institute produces the Boathouse Concert Series as part of its mission to preserve artisan communities and encourage art and music in neighborhoods.
Unless otherwise noted, doors open at 7 pm, performances begin at 8 pm. Donation of $15 goes to the musicians.
Attendance by reservation only.
Guests are asked to bring a dessert, savory or beverage to share
There is always a barrel by the door for contributions to the Food Bank
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Stevie Coyle
With a background in theater, television, commercials, radio, voiceovers and films, Stevie in the late '90s co-founded and fronted The Waybacks and toured with them through 2007. The band released 4 albums, played festivals like Merlefest, Grey Fox, Floydfest and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, toured Australia and collaborated with Lloyd Maines, Michelle Shocked and Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead.
Stevie's gone solo now, is performing at festivals and house concerts, and just completed his first solo CD, “Ten On One” produced by singer/songwriter and guitar guru Walter Strauss. The cast includes Mike Marshall Philip Aaberg, Kit Walker, Hank Roberts, Sam Bevan, Kendrick Freeman, Corinne West, Heidi Clare, Marla Fibish, Teresa Tudury, Mike Phelan, Rachel Tree, Misty Browning, Rich DePaolo, and Dr. Robby Virus.
Visit Stevie’s website (www.StevieCoyle.com) for his tour schedule, audio samples, CDs and CD-Quality Downloads.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The California Honeydrops
Digging deep into the roots of American music,
The California Honeydrops embrace the traditions
of Blues, Gospel, Second Line New Orleans Jazz, and
early R&B. With stellar performances of traditional material as well as their own innovative music, The California Honeydrops rock the house!
Formed in November 2007, The California Honeydrops first performed on the streets and in BART stations in Oakland. Playfully crossing genres from Roots and Blues to R&B and soul, The California Honeydrops’ sound is tied together by soulful vocal harmonies, colorful shouts from brass and horns, and a funky, good-times New Orleans rhythm section. They are the best party in the Bay Area.
Born in Warsaw, Poland, band leader and front man Lech Wierzynski began playing blues and jazz as a teenager at after-hours jam sessions in Washington D.C. After studying trumpet with Marcus Belgrave (Ray Charles), Lech continued his career after moving to Oakland. Honing his craft with some of the biggest names in American music, such as Maria Muldaur, Dan Hicks, and Jackie Payne, Lech has grown equally as a trumpeter, singer, and guitarist.
The vibrant rhythm section of The California Honeydrops is fueled by piano veteran Chris Burns (Albert Collins, Freddie Hughes, Maria Muldaur), drummer Ben Malament (Terry Reid, The Marvelettes, The Jelly Roll Souls), and bassist Seth Ford-Young (Tom Waits, Sean Hayes, Beats Antique). Adding an unprecedented energy is saxophonist Johnny Bones (Eddie Palmiere, Nell Carter, Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums).
The Honeydrops have recently played The Freight, Yoshi’s and The Great American Music Hall. They still occasionally practice at the Ashby BART station. We’re excited that they have agreed to play the Boathouse.
2008-2009 Boathouse Performance Series
February 2, 2008 (attended by 52 guests)
Tallulah Cameron, singer/songwriters, musician
Brian Theriault and Fun with Finnoula, traditional Celtic
Glenn Houston and Travis Jones, singers/songwriters, musicians
July 19, 2008 (attended by 65 guests)
Chojo Jacques and Billy Bright, nationally recognized musicians (mandolin, fiddle, guitar), traditional and contemporary bluegrass.
November 22, 2008 (attended by 70 guests)
Michael McNevin, singer/songwriter, musician, past winner of the Kerrville New Folk award in Texas, a 5-time winner of the West Coast Songwriters Association "Song Of The Year”.
January 10, 2009, Attended by 70 guests
Keith Greeninger, singer/songwriter, musician, winner of the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Songwriters Contest and the Napa Valley Songwriting competition. Keith performs solo, with Dayan Kai, and City Folk.
April 11, 2009, Attended by 76 guests
Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum, with Chad Manning
Laurie is a singer/songwriter, musician (fiddle, mandolin, guitar, standup bass), Grammy winner, and has twice been named Female Vocalist of the Year by the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). Laurie’s performing companion is ace mandolinist-singer Tom Rozum; they were joined by Chad Manning, fiddler who has performed with David Grisman.
Saturday, August 29, 2009 (80 guests)
Laurie Lewis, Tom Rozum, Chad Manning, Andrew Conklin and Patrick Sauber.
Laurie, in the midst of an extended tour with Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women, returned with Tom and Chad and added Andrew Conklin on bass and Patrick Sauber on mandolin, guitar and banjo. This was one incredible show! www.LaurieLewis.com
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Steve Meckfessel and Keith Greeninger Steve was originally booked as a solo act, but he is usually surrounded by some incredible musicians (friends), including Keith Greeninger, who produced and performed on Steve's latest CD "Under Beautiful Skies." He and Keith decided to share the evening, and as Steve said, "we will be trading songs, backing each other up, and generally making merry." That was an understatement! Steve was accompanied by Bob Hahn, songwriter and harmonica wizard, and Julie Baker on harmonies. They also invited Michael McNevin, who sang a few originals, then he sat in with Steve, then with Keith. They invited Sherry Austin and Sharon Allen out of the audience to perform with Keith. The entire group performed the encores. It was a magical night at the Boathouse!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Johnsmith, singer/songwriter, musician, and teacher, winner of the New Folk competition at the Kerrville Folk Festival, was touring to promote his latest CD, Break Me Open,” which features some of the finest players in acoustic music today: Darrell Scott, Tim O’Brien, Stuart Duncan, Byron House, Kenny Malone, Andrea Zonn, former ‘Runaway’ duo partner Dan Sebranek, native American chants and flute cameos by Bill Miller, and harmony vocals by Suzi Ragsdale, Sally Barris, and John’s daughter Elisi Smith-Waller. John also conducts tours of Ireland.
John won our hearts at the Boathouse and we asked him to promise to include us on next year's visit to the West Coast.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Keith Greeninger and Dayan Kai
We were surprised and delighted when Keith mentioned that he and Dayan were releasing a new CD in November. Surprised, because Keith had graciously not mentioned it at Steve Meckfessel's CD release party on October 3. Keith and Dayan toured Oregon the first part of the month and agreed to put the Boathouse on their tour. Dayan's musical talents are endless --he is a Singer-Songwriter, Arranger and Producer with a lifelong commitment to music. He's also a stunning accompanist working with numerous notable artists from around the world. Dayan has released five solo albums as well as two albums with his former band Water ("Back to You," with Keith, brought us 'Red Wine Again,' 'Juanita' and 'Waiting for the Rain'). Keith was wonderful at the Boathouse as a solo performer earlier this year and with Steve Meckfessel and friends. Keith and Dayan's friendship is reflected in their performance -- this promised to be a memorable evening, and it most certainly was! The material from the new CD is breathtakingly beautiful. As usual, Keith invited friends in the audience to join for part of the second set -- Bob Hahn on harmonica, Michael McNevin on electric guitar, and Art Alm (from "Water") on keyboard -- together they delivered some rockin' blues! If you can't see them live soon, be sure to buy the new CD - "Make It Rain."
