CARTHAGE – New England Celtic Arts will present Ryan LeBlanc, Old Man Luedecke, and Catherine MacLellan at Lakeside Theater in Rangeley, Maine on Tuesday May 25th, at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage, Maine on Wednesday May 26th, and at Unity College Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday May 27th. Curtain is at 7:00 pm at Lakeside and Skye and 7:30 pm in Unity. There is a pre-show jam session 45 minutes prior to curtain at Skye and Unity. Audience members are encouraged to bring their instruments and jam with the artists for a few minutes.
Against the Grain is an appropriate title for Ryan LeBlanc’s latest CD. After all, his approach to playing is anything but conventional. Weaving together rich acoustic guitar tones, the unique timbre of a claw hammer banjo, and the sweet, lonely voice of harmonica, Ryan creates layered melodic soundscapes that are nothing short of captivating. A strong rhythmic feel from Cajon (Box drum) and djembe is accented by the resonating tones of his instruments as his hands dance gently between fretboard and body. Against The Grain is a live off the floor samplings of Ryan’s unique sounds. No overdubs. No multi-tracking. With up to three instruments being played simultaneously, this musical experience is truly captivating and perfectly compliments this aspiring artists talent. His first album, Down Deep, was released in 2005. His second album, Against the Grain, brought him a 2007 ECMA nomination for Instrumental Recording of the Year and won for 2008 World Recording of the Year.
Old Man Luedecke, is one of Canada’s best loved and most intriguing roots singer-songwriters. “An original, he is a musical singularity to be savoured and shared”, says the Vancouver Folk Festival. His memorable melodies, poetic sense and easy charisma appeal to anyone searching for new growth from old roots. Luedecke is a young man with an old soul who doesn’t sugar coat his fears and this lets his songs breathe with a fresh breeze of bittersweet hopefulness. He channels a refreshing energy from folk giants like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger with maybe a hint of Loudon Wainwright III. But it’s Luedecke’s contemporary lyrics coupled with the irresistible rhythm of the old time banjo that connect and make him so loved with his audiences. Anchored in his music’s melodic confidence is an ability to tap into a common muddled and dark search for meaning. This keeps people singing his songs and praises after he’s traveled on.
Matching pure and ethereal vocals with poetic lyrics and her uncompromising song writing craft, there is no doubt as to why Catherine MacLellan has become one of the most celebrated new singer-songwriters in Canada, and around the world, by her contemporaries and media alike. Voted ‘Critics Favourite New Discovery’ by Penguin Eggs Magazine in 2008, Catherine has quickly built up a loyal fan base and has been a hit with critics worldwide. Her last album Church Bell Blues hit #1 on the iTunes Canada Roots charts, received critical acclaim and comparisons to Joni Mitchell from international magazines such as Q, Maverick, fRoots, the Austin Chronicle, and Boston Globe. She toured with Bruce Cockburn in the USA and with Steve Forbert in the UK, showcased in Paris, Cannes, Berlin, New York, London, and Memphis.
Lakeside Theater is on Main Street in Rangeley. Skye Theater is located 3 miles West of East Dixfield village at 2 Highland Drive off Winter Hill Rd and US RT. 2 in South Carthage. UCCPA is at 42 Depot Street in Unity. Ticket price is $10.00 at the door*. For reservations at the theater you wish to attend call: Lakeside Theater at 864-5000 or Skye Theatre at (207) 562-4445 or Unity Center for the Performing Arts at (207) 948-7469.
*(Lakeside Theater is $12.50 in advance and $15.00 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased for Lakeside at the theater or on the website, http://www.rangeleymovies.com)
More information is available at: http://www.necelticarts.com
