Nuala Kennedy
With lighthearted flute and voice, this Irish up-and-comer will make you grin.
Sept. 20, Psalm Salon, psalmsalon.com.
Melissa Martin and the Mighty Rhythm Kings
Can’t figure why this Philly band doesn’t have a regular gig. Till then, we’ll keep seeking out these doses of jump and blues.
Sept. 21, Twisted Tail, thetwistedtail.com.
Zakir Hussain and Rakesh Chaurasia
Hussain’s subtle manipulation of the drum holds long, complex conversations with Chaurasia’s flute.
Oct. 6, Painted Bride, paintedbride.org.
Cathie Ryan
A gifted singer and writer, Ryan explores both her Irish roots and her American upbringing on her new CD, Through Wind and Rain.
Oct. 10, Tin Angel, tinangel.com.
AcquAria
This small combo of voice, percussion and winds shares the roots of Sicilian music — with helpful intros and outros in English.
Oct. 14, Calvery Center, crossroads-concerts.org.
Tinariwen
These Tuareg-Berber musicians eased away from the electric guitar to acoustic on their latest album, Tassili, and embraced traditional percussion to accompany those plaintive ancient songs with newly minted lyrics. The shift earned them the Grammy for best World Music Album.
Oct. 16, World Café Live, worldcafelive.com.
Yonder Mountain String Band
Yeah, they’ve got their punk influences, but YMSB’s acoustic instrumental technique is right out of the bluegrass gospel.
Oct. 26, TLA, tlaphilly.com.
Kim and Reggie Harris
This couple grew up in Philly. They honed their act and populist message right here, too. Their visits home always bring songs of hope, encouragement and history.
Nov. 2, Psalm Salon, psalmsalon.com.
Stephen Wade
A charming story-spinner, Wade may be best remembered around here for his one-man-one-banjo shows that evolved from his serious research and writing on traditional music. His latest project is a brand new book, The Beautiful Music All Around Us: Field Recordings and the American Experience. The gent and his banjo can hold an audience in rapt attention for hours.
Nov. 18, Calvary Center, crossroadsconcerts.org.
Shtreiml
The esteemed Philly-Montreal klezmer connection returns to wrap up Chanukah.
Dec. 16, Calvary Center, crossroadsconcerts.org.
Tony Trischka and Skyline
Depending on your feelings about very modern melodic banjo, you either loved or hated Tony Trischka for the places he took bluegrass (newgrass?) back in the day. The band hasn’t been together for years, so this is a big heads-up for fans. Don’t know when it will happen again.
Dec. 21, Psalm Salon, psalmsalon.com.
Also in our Fall Arts Guide:
- A local teacher talks to Tony Danza about teaching in the city's public schools.
- Frank Furness designed PAFA’s Historic Landmark Building on North Broad in 1876.
- Fall Arts Guide: Rock/Pop
- Fall Arts Guide: Theater
- Fall Arts Guide: Visual Art
- Fall Arts Guide: Jazz
- Fall Arts Guide: Dance
- Fall Arts Guide: Classical
