FANWOOD — Musicians from New Jersey, Rhode Island, Canada and England-via-Nashville will bring their varying styles to the Fanwood Performance Series this fall at the Patricia M. Kuran Cultural Arts Center (also known as the Carriage House), next to Fanwood Borough Hall.
The season begins September 14 with a double bill of singer-songwriters blending country, folk and contemporary styles. Craig Bickhardt brings his guitar and the “eloquent, often bittersweet songs that have become his trademark.” His music reflects a life lived as a rock-band lead singer, a solo troubadour, a dedicated songwriter, a husband and father. Longtime series fans will remember his 2014 appearance on the same stage. Lynne Hanson performs her “porch music with a little red dirt” that has earned her the nickname “Canada’s own Queen ofAmericana.” Her poetic lyrics are delivered in a bluesy croon that has drawn comparisons to Lucinda Williams and Gillian Welch.
Scott Cook and Pamela Mae hail from Alberta but spend most of their days touring around North America, traveling in their camper van “Roadetta.” On Oct. 19, they will share the bill with Rhode Island singersongwriter Marc Douglas Berardo. Cook’s songs tell stories, ruminate on the human condition – and are sprinkled with wry humor. Pamela Mae accompanies him on upright bass, banjo and vocals. Berardo uses his songs, humor and deft storytelling to mine the deep feelings and lessons gleaned from real-life characters and situations. His music has been recognized at many prestigious national festivals and events such as the Kerrville Folk Festival.
The season will conclude Nov. 19 with performances by Danni Nichols, a U.K. native whose musical home is in Nashville, and New Jersey’s own Matt Cook & The Heard. Nichols’ music has been described as “smoky soul, folk-pop and heart-wrenching alt-country, all in a rich voice.” Cook writes songs that range from melancholic to exuberant, drawing influence from artists including Brian Wilson and Ben Folds.
All shows start at 7 p.m. at the Carriage House, on Watson Road just west of Martine Avenue. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors – cash at the door. Reservations are strongly suggested, as seating is limited. Music fans are urged to RSVP by emailing fanwoodperformance@gmail.com.
The Fanwood Performance Series, now in its 16th year, is a presentation of Mayor Colleen Mahr and the Fanwood Borough Cultural Arts Council. It is made possible in part by a HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners. More information and updates are available at the series website fanwoodperformanceseries.org and on its Facebook page facebook.com/ FanwoodPerformanceSeries.
