Folk Project: Members Talent Directory

Folk Project Performers Available for Booking

The Folk Project has many talented members who are ready and willing to perform for others, some of whom are listed below. Feel free to examine this list and contact those performers who interest you. If you would like our assistance in locating other performers, have a special request or have questions, please click to contact our Community Affairs Chairperson. Being included in this performer list is a benefit of membership of the Folk Project. If you are a Folk Project member and wish to be have your name or group listed here, click

Performer Summary

Complete Performer Information

Aca-Perco (Duo, Singer, Musician, Songwriter)		Members: Jennie Avila & Stephen Wright		Photo by Tim Jones
A new acapella percussion duo with Jennie Avila and master drum maker, Stephen Wright.
Contact: Jennie Avila	Phone: (215) 262-3471	Email:	Webpage: www.JennieAvila.com

Mike Agranoff (Singer, Musician, Storyteller, Variety, Humor, Folk, Traditional)
Engaging concert performer, playing guitar, piano, concertina, and banjo. A great mix of songs, tunes and stories, liberally sprinkled with humor.
Contact: Mike Agranoff	Phone: (973) 335-9489	Email:	Webpage: www.MikeAgranoff.com

Jennie Avila (Singer, Musician, Songwriter, Acoustic)				Photo by Steve Parker
Singer songwriter performs Cool Acoustic Music as a solo, duo (Aca-Perco), and trio (Hot Soup). Jennie sings and plays acoustic guitar, conga drum and exotic hand percussion. Material ranges from original to traditional (English and Spanish,) and her favorite songs from the 60's, 70's and contemporary singer songwriters. Adult and children's performances and song writing workshops are available.
Contact: Jennie Avila	Phone: (215) 262-3471	Email:	Webpage: www.JennieAvila.com

Melanie Axel-Lute (Contra Dance Caller, English Dance Caller)				Ted Crane © 20011103
Caller for Contra and English country dances
Contact: Melanie Axel-Lute	Phone: (973) 762-4947	Email:	Webpage: www.MAxelLute.net

Jane Babits (Singer, Musician, Musical Instruction, Classic, Jazz, Variety)
Singer/Songwriter/Classic guitarist & teacher/arranger/Jazz & standards. Solo set for many occasions combining many styles of songs & instrumental, from Dowlannd to original to Beatles to Cole Porter.
Contact: Jane Babits	Phone: (212) 861-7019	Email:	Webpage:

Betsy Rose & the Chicago Fire (Band, Singer, Musician, Electric, Acoustic, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Pop)		Members: Elizabeth Lachowicz, Mark Schaffer, Dave Kleiner, Bill Meyer, Ilusha Tsinadze & friends
Saucy Blues & Playful Tunes. Female vocalist with electric lead, bass & rhythm guitars, drums & brass often add to the tremendous talent of the boys in the band. The Chicago Fire is really hot!
Contact: Elizabeth Lachowicz	Phone: (908) 230-2280	Email:	Webpage:

Broadside Electric (Band, Acoustic, Electric, Folk, Rock, Progressive, Singer, Musician)		Members: Joe D'Andrea, Amy Ksir, Tom Rhoads, Jim Speer, Helene Zisook
One foot planted in the hot, rollicking murder ballad scene of the 16th century British Isles, and the other foot strumming electric guitars. This is Broadside Electric, long-time fixtures of the northeast folk music scene and at the Folk Project. Presently in "offspring-raising" mode, their concerts are not as frequent, but always big and satisfying! Band members also perform with other musicians/groups in live and studio settings. Free Song Downloads: http://www.virb.com/broadsideelectric. Purchase via iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=210330476
Contact: Jim Speer	Phone: (610) 667-9216	Email:	Webpage: www.broadside.org

Circle Round the Sun (Duo, Singer, Musician, Folk, Variety)		Members: Marie Trontell, Jay Wilensky
Folk/acoustic guitar/vocal duo: great contemporary songs in rich harmony.
Contact: Jay Wilensky	Phone: (732) 337-1527	Email:	Webpage: www.sonicbids.com/CircleRoundTheSun

Cream Cheese (Ensemble, Band, Singer, Musician, Sing-along, Seniors)		Members: Russ Kelner, Norm Leder & Arthur Coppola
Call us CREAM CHEESE. We're retired but not tired, and we're on a r-o-l-l. We perform for senior groups, nursing homes, and social gatherings. Book us for weekdays (morning/afternoon/eve) and weekends, too. Gentle acoustic musical fare includes olde time songs, show tunes, country songs, European melodies, patriotic songs, campfire songs and sing-alongs. Norm Leder's mellow vocals always charm the crowd.
Contact: Russ Kelner	Phone: (908) 875-1716	Email:	Webpage:

Roger Deitz (Acoustic, Singer, Songwriter, Humor, Storyteller, Folk, Musician, Emcee)
Noted (nationally known) writer and performer. Sing Out! magazine columnist, feature writer and Advisory Board member. Premier music journalist for major music magazines such as Frets, Acoustic Guitar, Fast Folk and Billboard.. Repeat emcee and main stage performer at prestigious venues such as The Philadelphia Folk Festival for crowds as large as 10,000. Captivating Humorist; Excellent Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist and Banjo Player. Eclectic mix of songs with a unique personal style and charming, personable presence. 35 years experience.
Contact: Roger Deitz	Phone: (973) 731-0103	Email:	Webpage: www.rogerdeitz.com

Christine DeLeon (Singer, Musician, Songwriter, Folk, Jazz, Variety, Acoustic, Inspirational, Contemporary)
After a short listen to singer-songwriter Christine DeLeon, you might wonder how the voices of Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez and Judy Collins have been combined into one. Her performances are varied and adaptable sporting a wide vocal range and embracing many styles. Equally comfortable with her original songs of a reflective, humorous or storytelling nature as well as familiar sing-along tunes to inspire audience participation, Christine has all the tools to get any performance job done exceptionally well.
Contact: Christine DeLeon	Phone: (201) 446-5387	Email:	Webpage: www.ChristineDeleon.com

Early Music Players (Singer, Musician, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Ensemble)		Members: Kris & John Lamb, Andy Koenig, Ilizabeth Cabrera & Joanna Hoty Russell
Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music, including Medieval chant, the slightly scandalous ditties of the English court, the haunting strains of Sephardic Music and 18th century courtly airs and dances. Voice, early flutes, recorders, gemshorn, krumhorn, vielle, rebec, viola da gamba, guitar, percussion.
Contact: Kris & John Lamb	Phone: (201) 259-4107	Email:	Webpage: www.EarlyMusicPlayers.org

Eclectic Consort (Ensemble, Singer, Musician, Classic, Folk)		Members: Andrew Koenig, & Kris & John Lamb
From classical to folk, from ancient to modern and from the sublime to the ridiculous. Repertoire include music that is out of the ordinary, such as works by obscure composers or familiar works in unusual settings. Instruments include recorders of all sizes, krummhorns, gemshorns, guitars, dulcimer, accordion, flutes, tin whistle and early and folk percussion.
Contact: Kris & John Lamb	Phone: (201) 259-4107	Email:	Webpage: www.boxwoodmusic.com/econsort.html

Sam Edelston (Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Humor, Acoustic, Variety, Folk, Pop, Rock)
Sam fell in love with novelty songs, folk, country, rock & roll, symphonic classical music, guitar, banjo, and songwriting - all around the same time - and dulcimers just a little while later. The result is a multi-sided performer who is equally at home doing sophisticated humor for grown-ups, shout-alongs for kids, or an unpredictable variety of things on hammered and mountain dulcimers for the pure fun of it.
Contact: Sam Edelston	Phone: (203) 661-0503	Email:	Webpage:

Paula Entin (Artist, Keyboard)
Paula's greatest inspirations currently are her son and the ocean. The ocean is a lifelong romance, from stormy cold shores of Maine and Massachusetts when growing up, to the hot sands of the famous New Jersey shore, they reappear in many quilts. The smaller pieces may have shells sewn on, from Sandy Hook or Long Beach Island. Other ideas come from walks in the woods, the stars in the sky, and the odd turns of phrase from her son.
Contact: Paula Entin	Phone:	Email:	Webpage: www.fibersong.com

Toby Fagenson (Singer, Musician, Songwriter, Folk, Pop)
Singer/Songwriter/Parodist. Six & Twelve String guitar, five string banjo. Writes & Performs songs in many folk & Pop styles. Good with audience participation.
Contact: Toby Fagenson	Phone: (212) 861-7019 (646) 576-2831	Email:	Webpage:

Ken Galipeau (Singer, Musician, Storyteller, Variety, Humor, Children's Programs)
Ken's engaging performances include stories, poems and songs sung with guitar, drum, piano or a cappella. Material is humorous and poignant, both for listening and participating. Whether you are a kid or an adult, all ages will be captivated by Ken's telling, singing and playing. Programs can be tailored to audiences, themes or both.
Contact: Ken Galipeau	Phone: (973) 983-6611	Email:	Webpage: www.storyNsong.com

Perry Hamburg (Singer, Musician, Folk, Sing-along)
Sings & plays accordian and melodica by ear. Enjoys playing with others & entertaining at hospitals, nursing homes, homeless shelters, etc. Always looking to organize groups of volunteer performers to participate in interactive "gigs" for others less fortunate than ourselves. Gigs are usually after working hours. Feel free to contact Perry to join in the fun &/or if you're looking to entertain at such places.
Contact: Perry Hamburg	Phone: (201) 396-7267	Email:	Webpage:

Gary Paul Hermus (Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Acoustic, Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz)
Called "The Singing Storyteller," Gary Paul Hermus brings a poet's ear & a cinematic eye for detail & character development to his songs. Winner, 2006 Xtreme Folk Scene Song Contest, his sweet voice and intricate finger style guitar work brought the award ceremony audience to its feet. Acoustic guitarist, Bassist - Fender Fretless.
Contact: Gary Paul Hermus	Phone: (973) 292-9092	Email:	Webpage: www.garypaulhermus.com

Hot Soup (Trio, Singer, Harmony, Folk)		Members: Sue Trainor, Christina Muir & Jennie Avila
Brimming with energy, intelligence and sweet harmonies, Hot Soup serves up a piping hot stew of original and traditional tunes like no one else in the business. As they focus on a lively give and take of lead vocals and tight group harmonizing, the trio keeps its music fresh and displays its talents with varied instrumentation. The end result is a dazzling, intimate live performance.
Contact: Sue Trainor	Phone: (410) 381-2834	Email:	Webpage: www.HotSoupTrio.com

Donna Hunt (Contra Dance Caller, Square Dance, Dance Instruction)				Lisa Brennen © 2002
Patient, fun and skilled, Contra and Square dance caller for all dancing levels and abilities. Will work with your musicians or can recommend talented musicians to hire.
Contact: Donna Hunt	Phone: (215) 402-0133	Email:	Webpage: tedcrane.com/DanceDB/DisplayIdent.com?key=DONNA_HUNT

Dave Kleiner (Singer, Musician, Songwriter, Musical Instruction, Folk, Pop, Rock, Humor, Variety, Electric, Acoustic, Children's Programs)
Singer/songwriter, guitar player (acoustic, electric, slide, lap steel), performing solo & in a duo with his wife Liz Pagan, & in several bands, including Big Jeff & His Middle-Sized Band (rock & folk for little kids, www.bigjeffmusic.com), Bill Meyer & Friends (folk/americana), & Betsy Rose & the Chicago Fire (electric blues.) Available as a stand-alone act for events, as well as studio & commercial applications of music. Best known for humorous original songs such as Mexican Rabbi & Too Many Restaurants (Not Enough Time.) Dave is available as a private or group coach in songwriting & guitar skills, & for educational programs at schools & libraries. Certified K-8 NJ teacher, holds a Master's in Education. The New Jersey Songwriter's Circle meets at his house on the second Thursday of every month at 7 PM.
Contact: Dave Kleiner	Phone: (973) 429-0288	Email:	Webpage: www.DavidKleiner.com

Rich LaPierre (Acoustic, folk, musician, rock, singer, songwriter)
Solo singer,songwriter, guitarist performing original material with catchy melodies, great hooks, and strong vocals.
Contact: Rich LaPierre	Phone:	Email:	Webpage: www.myspace.com/richlapierre

Stephanie P. Ledgin (Emcee, Speaker, Workshop Presenter, Photo Exhibitions, Programs, Folk, Bluegrass, Music Journalist, Photographer)
Multiple international award-winning music journalist-photographer with 35 years professional experience. Author, Homegrown Music: Discovering Bluegrass, Foreword by Ricky Skaggs (Praeger & University of Illinois Press) and From Every Stage: Images of America's Roots Music, Foreword by Charles Osgood (University Press of Mississippi). Former director, New Jersey Folk Festival, Rutgers University (1994-2003). A seasoned emcee, she was one of the original hosts of CityFolk on WFUV 90.7 FM, NYC. Ledgin has presented lively audio-visual programs, workshops and panel sessions about folk and bluegrass music at international conferences, festivals and libraries. Her traveling photo exhibition, From Every Stage, premiered at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, continued at Lincoln Center's New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and is being featured through mid-2008 in Kentucky at the International Bluegrass Music Museum. Currently working on Discovering Folk Music (Praeger 2008). Her photo exhibition based on her second book, From Every Stage: Images of America's Roots Music, traveled the country for three years, displayed in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, at Lincoln Center's New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, and in Kentucky at the International Bluegrass Music Museum, in addition to some local New Jersey spaces. Book projects in the works: Discovering Folk Music (Praeger 2009), Beyond Your Cat's Meow (Independent 2009), and So This Is Pittstown: True Tales and Tips about Rural Life (publisher tba).
Contact: Stephanie P. Ledgin	Phone: (908) 735-7925	Email:	Webpage: FiddlingWithWords.com

Tommy Mahoney (Singer, Musician, Rock, Sound Technician)
Singer/Instrumentalist; 12 & 6 string Electric & Acoustic Guitars & 12 string Banjo; Background & Duet vocals. Beginner guitar lessons (all ages). Acoustic & Electric guitar repairs.
Contact: Tommy Mahoney	Phone: (973) 625-5210	Email:	Webpage:

Michael Mitsch (Irish, Traditional)		Members: Michael Mitsch & Friends
Band performs traditional and Irish music.
Contact: Michael Mitsch	Phone: (973) 328-0675	Email:	Webpage: www.Laganslove.com

Heather Mulvey (Singer, Musician, Americana, Celtic, Folk)
Singer & guitar player performs Americana & Celtic Folk Music
Contact: Heather Mulvey	Phone: (973) 886-6318	Email:	Webpage: www.heathermulvey.com

Music Town (Band, Singer, Musicians, Harmony, Variety, Old Time)		Members: Mark Schaffer, Jeff Loy, Andy Koenig, Evelyn McNally, Ken Galipeau
Music Town performs an exciting blend of down-home folk tunes, boot-kicking mountain instrumentals, and heart-felt original songs. Their music is rocket high, bullet fast, and daisy sweet. These five friends put on a great concert. Singer, harmony, fiddle, banjo, guitar, instrumentalists.
Contact: Mark Schaffer	Phone: (973) 989-4429	Email:	Webpage: www.storynsong.com/Musictown

Liz Pagan (Singer, Musician, Electric, Acoustic)
Singer. Plays acoustic guitar & electric bass. Performs with her band, Liz Pagan and the Judeo-Christians, at coffeehouses and festivals. Performs with her husband, Dave Kleiner, and sings with various bands in the area. She is a freelance graphic designer and a certified yoga instructor.
Contact: Liz Pagan	Phone: (973) 429-0289	Email:	Webpage: www.DavidKleiner.com

Julie Pasqual (Storyteller, Dance, ASL, Humor, Children's Programs)
Storyteller trained in dance, acting, clown, and American Sign Language. She uses all her skills to bring multi-cultural folktales and fairytales to life with stories of all ages.
Contact: Julie Pasqual	Phone: (201) 860-9676	Email:	Webpage: www.JuliePasqual.com

Tom Pylant (Musician, Jazz, Blues, R&B, Soul, Electric, Acoustic)
Jazz bassist - double on both acoustic and electric basses. Decades of professional experience in jazz, blues, soul, and R&B.
Contact: Tom Pylant	Phone: (908) 581-7970 (908) 281-0454	Email:	Webpage:

Sandie Reilly (Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Producer, Musical Instruction, Children's Programs, Inspirational, Folk, Sound Technician)
In addition to performing ballads, sing-a-longs, & contemporary folk music, much of it written by herself, Sandie produces the Horses Sing None Of It Folk Project Cable TV Show, instructs & entertains children with song and a variety of instruments, she's a sound technician and emcee.
Contact: Sandie Reilly	Phone: (908) 501-3842	Email:	Webpage:

Ron Renninger (Singer, Musician, Songwriter, Variety, Electric, Acoustic)
Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist. Has released 6 CD's of original music. His performances features superb acoustic guitar playing; passionate vocals; both woven seamlessly around well-crafted and powerful songs. Ron also performs professionally at nursing home and assisted living facilities. His show (as a solo, or with his 3 piece band) features a large repertoire of popular music from every era. Also available as a backup electric/acoustic guitarist for concerts or recording.
Contact: Ron Renninger	Phone:	Email:	Webpage: www.RonRenninger.com

Rosetta (Ensemble, Singer, Musician, Traditional, Celtic, Dance)		Members: Andrew McDonough, Ilizabeth Cabrera, Kris Lamb & John Lamb
They specialize in the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland and Spain, presenting a mixture of lively dance tunes, slow airs, light-hearted ditties, serious ballads, romantic love songs and much more. Rosetta is available at reasonable rates for concerts, parties and weddings. They sing & play cello, keyboards, flute, whistle, recorder & several other wind instruments, bodhran, & harp, plus more.
Contact: Kris & John Lamb	Phone: (201) 259-4107	Email:	Webpage: www.boxwoodmusic.com/rosetta.html

Mark Schaffer (Singer,Songwriter, Musician, Producer, Dance, Electric, Acoustic, Emcee)
Mark is a singer, songwriter, who plays the fiddle, guitar & mandolin. He plays, sings and writes in a variety of styles. He currently plays fiddle in the creative contra dance band Blisters, plays fiddle and sings in the high powered, mountain music band Music Town, and leads the Swingovation Orchestra, a swing and rock dance band perfect for dances, weddings, picnics, concerts and mall openings.
Contact: Mark Schaffer	Phone: (973) 989-4429	Email:	Webpage:

Jean Scully (Singer, Folk, Jazz, Variety, Rock, Emcee)
Female Vocalist comfortable in many different genres. Master of Ceremonies, actress with background in musical comedy.
Contact: Jean Scully	Phone: (201) 486-1366	Email:	Webpage:

Scott Sheldon (Singer, Musician, Humor, Folk)
Comic songwriter and performer reminiscent of Tom Lehrer or Steve Goodman.
Contact: Scott Sheldon	Phone: (973) 818-1810	Email:	Webpage: www.ScottSheldon.com

Solidarity Singers of the NJ Industrial Council (Singer, Chorus, Musician, Americana, Political, Topical)		Members: Bennet Zurofsky & Friends
We are a street chorus dedicated to support of the labor movement and progressive causes. We appear on picket lines, at rallies, on marches and at demonstrations of all sorts as well as in coffee houses or concert settings. Although we rehearse often, we are loosely organized. At a typical engagement 10-12 of us will appear to sing, generally accompanied by a single acoustic guitar, some percussion and occasional props. Our primary inspirations are The Almanac Singers, Joe Hill and the many other contributors to the "Little Red Songbook." Our repertoire includes many newly-composed songs and parodies along with classic and traditional songs of the Left. Our motto: "We don't all read music, but we all know which side we are on." We have one cd, "Solidarity It Can't Be Beat!"
Contact: Bennet & Zurofsky	Phone: (973) 642-0885	Email:	Webpage:

Odarka Polanskyj Stockert (Celtic, Harp, Singer Songwriter, Family Friendly Music, Children's Programs, Flute, Violin, Irish, Scottish, Eastern European, Latin, Glendalough's Muse, Duo, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Harp)
Celtic Harpist, Singer Songwriter, Family friendly music: Children's programs. Harp & flute, harp & violin. Celtic, Irish, Scottish, Eastern European, Latin; Glendalough's Muse; Celtic Duo, Acoustic Guitar and Celtic Harp duo. Also Electric Harp!
Contact: Odarka Polanskyj Stockert	Phone: (973) 763-6303	Email:	Webpage: www.Odarka.com

Rachel Streich (Singer, Musician, Old Time)
Southern old-time fiddle, clawhammer banjo, guitar, vocals
Contact: Rachel Streich	Phone: (973) 650-6849 973-669-9960	Email:	Webpage:

Martin Swinger (Singer, Musician, Songwriter, Folk, Contemporary, Blues, Rock, Humor, Variety, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin)
Singing and writing songs since elementary school and has performed music and theatre professionally for 30 years. National songwriting and performance awards to his credit and is a well known and much loved personality and family entertainer in schools, classrooms, at afterschool programs, libraries, festivals, summer camps, and family gatherings. He also appears on cable television throughout Maine. He is also a respected music educator for children and adults. He tours across New England, to Kentucky, Georgia and Texas, but enjoys calling Maine his home, except in January when it's too darn cold to enjoy.
Contact: Martin Swinger	Phone: (207) 215-8698	Email:	Webpage: www.martinswinger.com

Kathryn Weidener (Storyteller, Children's Programs)
Participatory Storytelling for children, family groups & seniors.
Contact: Kathryn Weidener	Phone:	Email:	Webpage: www.njstorynet.org

Jim West (Singer, Songwriter, Irish, Classical, Musician, Folk, Old Time, Canadian)
Prize-winning Fiddler, songwriter, & singer of Irish, Canadian, New England, & Old Timey Fiddle Tunes. (Even some classical.) Plays for Square or Contra Dances, Concerts, Parties, Dog Vaccinations, Tree Fellings, Auto Lubrications, you name it and he'll put together your program. Often plays with Judy Bubar and/or other fine musicians. He's been doing this since the late '70's and never been in jail. Appearances on NYC TV stations, NJN radio, NJ Folk Festival etc. Won't take a job you won't be pleased with. Has his own sound system.
Contact: Jim West	Phone: (609) 882-5390	Email:	Webpage:

Jay Wilensky (Singer, Musician, Folk, Acoustic)
Jay is a singer, guitarist, song collector. Performs with Marie Trontell in the folk/acoustic duo Circle Round the Sun, and as a vocalist with the jazz/swing big band Reeds, Rhythm, and All That Brass ("RRB").
Contact: Jay Wilensky	Phone: (732) 337-1527	Email:	Webpage: www.jaywilensky.com

Rivka Willick (Storyteller, Folkteller, Children's Programs, Fringe Teller)
The art and rhythm of the oral tale is alive in the 21st century. Rivka tells traditional stories and creates original tales. Your family histories or your organization's stories come to life in story-performances. Rivka also presents complete shows, (Labor Daze and Show and Tell) and performs with the Story Weavers. Programs for Children, Teens & Adults.
Contact: Rivka Willick	Phone: (862) 268-4989	Email:	Webpage: www.SimplyExtraordinaryTales.com

Bennet Zurofsky (Singer, Director, Musician, Variety, Political, Topical)
Solo folk-singer performing in Northern New Jersey venues of all shapes and sizes for more than 40 years (although mostly as Director of the Solidarity Singers for the last ten or so). My repertoire includes many traditional songs and tunes along with songs with known composers including a very few of my own. I mostly play guitar but also perform with the mandolin, fiddle, banjo, Jew's harp and percussion. Except for the fact that I am not a song-writer, Pete Seeger is the well-known performer whose repertoire and style of performance is closest to what I try to do on stage. Audiences should expect to sing along.
Contact: Bennet Zurofsky	Phone: (973) 642-0886	Email:	Webpage:

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