The Northeast Regional Folk Alliance is one of the premiere music conferences in the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada. For this week's shout-out, we highlighted five Sonicbids artists heading to Kerthonkson, NY over the weekend to play NERFA.
Roosevelt Dime
Do you like a little trumpet and clarinet with your banjo? If you answered with an emphatic “Why yes!” then have we got a treat for you. Brooklyn’s Roosevelt Dime combines classic elements of American folk music with a focus on New Orleans soul that makes for quite the interesting listening experience. Start with “Diggin’ Song” from the and then work your way around the band’s 2011 LP Steamboat Souland you’ll immediately be transported down south to New Orleans for a grand ole time.
Miles to Dayton
I can't help but smile as I listen to Miles to Dayton. This quintet masterfully blends folk and classic rock with soothing harmonies and a kick ass violin and cello combination. Their fusion of electric and acoustic sounds propels the band into a whole new 'folk dimension' for me. I think back on my first experience listening to Yellowcard and coming to the conclusion that every rock band should have a violinist. Now, I am far beyond those years of my pop/punk obsession, and this band is nothing like Yellowcard, but both of these bands figured out a way to pave the way for classical instruments in an unexpected setting and I am so into it. Give 'Oh, Ruby!' a listen then move on to 'Play The Fool.' I guarantee you'll be jamming out in no time.
Buddy Mondlock
There are some artists who are great songwriters, and there are others who are great musicians. Then there is Buddy Mondlock, a master of both. Seconds after hitting play on “The Kid” I immediately knew I was a fan and would be playing this song on repeat. Prickly guitar licks set the scene for Buddy’s vocals to take control of songs and deliver his honest lyrics. If you consider yourself a fan of folk, its time to check out Buddy Mondlock.
OCEAN
OCEAN brings me back to ye ole’ days of wandering the rolling green hills of Ireland. Shepherds staff in my hand. A flock of sheep running about before me. Stroking my magnificent beard whilst itching from excessive tweed. Dancing with leprechauns, OCEAN providing the soundtrack. Then I woke up from my dream lifestyle, and realized I live in reality. If you like Celtic music, this is who you should be listening to. Now excuse me while I break out my river dance shoes.
Darryl Purpose
Darryl Purpose definitely has a calling and a purpose in life and that is to be a masterful storyteller. Darryl has released 7 albums and played over 1,000 live shows including headlining performances at The Freight & Salvage, Club Passim, McCabes, The Bluebird Cafe, The Kennedy Center, and the Kerrville Folk Festival. After coming back from a 7 year sabbatical in 2012 Darryl is revitalized and producing some of the best music of his already fantastic career.
