Driftwood Folk Cafe proudly presents Melissa Ferrick, with opening act Mal Blum, on Saturday, Feb. 6. This performance comes on the tails of two consecutive sellout shows at the venue, now in its second year.
Melissa Ferrick expresses her creative spirit with an acoustic guitar. A veteran of the acoustic narrative tradition, Ferrick’s musical journey actually started in a different vein, as a brass musician. After studying horn music at the renowned Berklee College of Music, in Boston, she set out on her own. But her instrument focus had changed. Rather than pursue a career as a flugelhorn musician, she turned to the acoustic guitar.
Often described as folk singer, Ferrick’s inspiration flows from a love of rock n’ roll. During her impassioned live performances for instance, she’ll occasionally crack out a Zeppelin-style riff or tinker with a little Red Hot Chili Peppers vocal improvisation. These touches however, only sharpen the intensity of her wildly popular live shows.
Ferrick ranks among an elite group of female guitarists who’ll brave the stage alone, and leave it with the house cheering for more. Some of the biggest names in folk-rock-pop music, such as Ani DiFranco, PJ Harvey, Neko Case and Liz Phair, have tackled standing under the spotlight alone at one time or another during their illustrious careers. The same can be said for Ferrick, except for one notable difference. She has made it something of a signature to go before her audiences armed with only her guitar and a set list. Since the end of her “Eyes of Strangers” tour in mid 2007, for example, Ferrick has taken to the stage solo, headlining and playing countless venues coast to coast for more than a year. www.melissaferrick.com
Mal Blum is a New York-based songwriter and performer whose music has been featured in the top five count of LOGO’s The Click List, in numerous music blogs and publications, and was recently named Kill Rock Stars’ “Demo of The Week.” As an artist, she provides a captivating mix of heartfelt acoustic songwriting, coupled with a comedy and wit that make her music a one-of-a-kind experience. She is currently promoting her newest EP release (“For Making Art”[2009]) and is joined by Simon LittleJohn accompanying on banjo and harmonica. Visit www.malblum.com.
Driftwood Folk Café is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit corporation. Shows are generally held on the second Saturday of the month at Plymouth’s Unitarian Universalist First Parish Church, downstairs in Kendall Hall, at 19 Town Square in Plymouth. Café-style seating as well as home-baked goods, a variety of tea, soft beverages, and, of course, delicious coffee help to ensure a tasty, intimate concert experience. In order to provide the highest quality listening atmosphere for all, this is an alcohol-free and non-smoking venue. Children are always welcome with adult supervision, provided they are attentive and courteous. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Plymouth Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Tickets may be purchased for $20 at 7:30 p.m. at the door the day of the show (if available) or in advance by visiting www.driftwoodfolkcafe.com, or Hollis Insurance Agency at 1 Village Green North, in the Pinehills. Watch for Vance Gilbert, Vicki Genfan, Beaucoup Blue, and Kerri Powers at our upcoming shows.