John Wesley Harding ASAP

JOHN WESLEY HARDING
PERFORMS DURHAM SHELTER BENEFIT

Friday, November 6, at 7 PM

(click above button to add to your calendar)

Is it fair when one of today's sharpest songwriters may be best known for his cover of Madonna's Like a Prayer from early on in his career? Fair or not, John Wesley Harding knows a good song, whether he's written it or not. His own best-known song, I'm Wrong About Everything, figured prominently on the High Fidelity soundtrack. The British-born Harding, who took his stage name from another singer/songwriter's song, Bob Dylan's John Wesley Harding, combines witty wordplay with memorable melodies. His songs and his sound easily call to mind fellow countryman and expat, Elvis Costello, but Harding's tunes reveal more whimsical, wry and, at times, ribald wordplay than Costello's.

In his first-ever Durham show, and first in the Triangle in seven years, Harding brings his songs to downtown Durham Friday, November 6, at 7 PM, for the next Strings Attached concert. This literate and literary artist performs in the Parish Hall of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 403 East Main Street (enter on Queen Street). Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 on the day of show), $8 for persons under 12 (under 5 childcare is available on-site). Refreshments (including beer from Triangle Brewing, wine, sodas and water along with sweet and savory snacks) will also be available. All profits from the concert benefit the work of Urban Ministries of Durham. Visit www.stphilipsdurham.org for more information and to purchase advance tickets.

After lending credibility to Madge's Prayer, Harding's Sire Records debut, Here Comes the Groom, inspired LA Times' rock critic Robert Hilburn to decree it, "the first great rock record of the '90s." Along with rock's unplugged trend, Harding emerged as one of the first, great anti-folk artists or, as in his words, "folk noir."

In 1995 Bruce Springsteen's handpicked Harding as his first opening act in two decades. In addition to Springsteen (who duets with Harding on 2000's Wreck on the Highway), Harding's performed with Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, John Prine, Joan Baez and many more songwriting stalwarts along the way.

Now living in the Philadelphia area with his wife and two toddlers, Harding's most recent album, Who Was Changed and Who Was Dead, employs the estimable talents of the Minus Five's Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey and Bill Rieflin, along with Steve Berlin (Los Lobos), Kurt Bloch, Kelly Hogan, Robert Lloyd, Earl Slick (David Bowie and John Lennon) and Mike Viola (Candy Butchers). His songs take on the music biz, religion and his new life of letters as a celebrated novelist.

Under his given name, Wesley Stace, he's written two well-received novels so far, 2005's Misfortune and 2007's By George. He's completed another that should be released in the not so distant future.

Living, observing, distilling, writing and performing is what John Wesley Harding does. Now, in a rare opportunity, see what he does in an intimate setting in the heart of Durham. Strings Attached Productions presents John Wesley Harding in concert—for one night and one show only—Friday, November 6, at 7 PM, in the Parish Hall of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 403 East Main Street in Durham (use Queen Street entrance). All profits benefit Urban Ministries of Durham (UMD).

Visit www.johnwesleyharding.com for more information and materials about John Wesley Harding. Visit www.umdurham.org for more information about Urban Ministries of Durham and visit www.stphilipsdurham.org for more information about St. Philip's Episcopal Church and Strings Attached Productions.

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JOHN WESLEY HARDING RESOURCES:

• Electronic Press Kit: http://www.johnwesleyharding.com/jwh.epk.pdf
• Bio: http://www.concertedefforts.com/HARDbio2004.pdf
• Strings Attached Poster: http://snipurl.com/slnps

JOHN WESLEY HARDING CRITICAL PRAISE:

• "John Wesley Harding, who named himself after a Bob Dylan song about an outlaw, sounds like Elvis Costello enamored of folk-rock, gruffly revealing his ruefulness and cynicism in stolidly tuneful songs." —Jonathan Pareles, New York Times
  


• "Harding's lyrics are typically wry and acerbic, with plenty of narrative twists...God serenades Satan in 'My Favourite Angel.' It's a rich, engaging set that reveals something new with each listen." —Gary Graff, The Hollywood Reporter
  


• "Hinting at influence from Elvis Costello and Ray Davies, he shares his cynical observations through catchy, amusing melodies." —NPR's World Café
  


• “Of course the lyrics are great....He’s known as a wordsmith. But he writes great pop songs, too, great melodies." Scott McCaughey, The Minus 5
  

JOHN WESLEY HARDING BACKGROUND:

• Pop Matters: http://www.popmatters.com/pm/article/93998-folk-rocker-and-novelist-john-wesley-harding-brings-his-storytelling-/
  


• The Independent UK: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/the-5minute-interview-john-wesley-harding-singersongwriter-and-novelist-768335.html
  


• Pandora Video: http://blog.pandora.com/archives/show/2009/06/concert_john_we_1.html
  


• Pop Matters: http://www.popmatters.com/pm/feature/72166-john-wesley-harding/
  


• FLYPMedia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFeYRjapo7w
  


• FLYPMedia: http://www.flypmedia.com/issues/plus/05/#1/1
  


• Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ0FN7g6IyE
  


• NPR's World Café (produced by WXPN): http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102042707
  


• NPR's Song of the Day (for Top of the Bottom from Who Was Changed and Who Was Dead):http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101611351
  


• NPR's Scott Simon interviews Stace about his "Dickensian romp," Misfortune:
  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4717516&ps=rs
  

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS:

• Urban Ministries of Durham: http://www.umdurham.org
• St. Philip's Episcopal Church & Strings Attached: http://www.stphilipsdurham.org

Greenway ASAP

ACCLAIMED ARTIST GREG GREENWAY PERFORMS SHELTER BENEFIT IN DURHAM
Friday, October 2, 7 PM,
at St. Philip's Episcopal Church

From Carnegie Hall to Car Talk, talented singer/songwriter and expressive tenor Greg Greenway adds stealth, sublime and sometimes in-your-face political awareness to his progressive pop.

On his most recent recording, 2008's infectious Standing on the Side of Love, Greenway explores new sounds and expresses fresh views on justice—including the powerful track Sick & Tired, co-written with Kate Campbell, inspired by civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer's famous quote ("I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired.")

Greenway brings his powerful, melodic original songs to downtown Durham Friday, October 2, at 7 PM, for the next Strings Attached concert. Join this talented artist in the Parish Hall of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 403 East Main Street (enter on Queen Street), for an evocative and entertaining evening. Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 on the day of show), $8 for ages 6-12 and childcare for those five and under is available on-site. Refreshments (including beer, wine, sodas and water along with sweet and savory snacks) will also be available. All profits from the concert benefits the work of Urban Ministries of Durham. Visit http://www.stphilipsdurham.org for more information and to purchase advance tickets.

The following day, Saturday, October 3, Durham's Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship hosts a social justice workshop entitled "Conversations Toward a Better World," in which Greenway provides musical inspiration for participants. Visit http://www.eruuf.org for more details and registration information.

Originally from Richmond, Greenway found Boston, with its rich folk tradition and support of folk musicians, better suited his emerging sound and artistry. Inspired after his father's death in 1990, Greenway left his rock band to pursue a now-storied solo career. Greenway draws inspiration from blues, gospel, jazz, rock and world music, yet at his core resides a tuneful and socially aware singer/songwriter. Described as "one of the strongest, and finest voices in folk music," The Boston Globe noted that he's, "confessional one moment, rambunctiously disarming the next....the songwriter stands squarely between the wistful intimacy of folk-pop and the progressive balladry of Phil Ochs and Woody Guthrie."

Greenway's performance highlights include shows at Carnegie Hall in the New York Singer/Songwriter Festival, rebroadcast on NPR's World Cafe; an appearance on the nationally syndicated music show Mountain Stage; and a show at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honoring Ochs. Greenway also figured prominently on CNN's World Beat in a segment about socially conscious artists and on NPR's Car Talk. He closed a late October 2006 rally at the University of Virginia, featuring NAACP Chair Julian Bond, with his stirring, signature rendition of U2's In the Name of Love.

In a recent acousticmusicscene.com interview, Kathy Sands-Boehmer enthused: "Greg Greenway is a positive force of change in this world. His powerful and inspirational lyrics shout out his humanity and soulfulness. It’s impossible not to stop everything you’re doing and listen to him."

Visit http://www.greggreenway.com for more information and materials about Greg Greenway. Visit http://www.umdurham.org for more information about Urban Ministries of Durham and visit http://www.stphilipsdurham.org for more information about St. Philip's Episcopal Church and Strings Attached Productions.

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Resources:
High-res images:
http://www.greggreenway.com/photos
http://www.greggreenway.com/photos/stageactionphoto.JPG
NPR interview:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1137438
Kennedy Center performances:
http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/artist_detail.cfm?artist_id=GGREENWAY
Acoustic Music Scene interview:
http://www.acousticmusicscene.com/2009/08/21/q-a-with-greg-greenway

Acoustic Eidolon 5/14 UMD Benefit Concert

COLORADO'S ACOUSTIC EIDOLON MAKES DURHAM DEBUT:
CONCERT BENEFITS URBAN MINISTRIES OF DURHAM

Thursday, May 14, 7 PM—Parish Hall, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Durham

"A Sumptuous Instrumental Feast"
—Dirty Linen

"A Sublime Acoustic Duo"
—Boulder Weekly

"Complex,
Classy" —Providence Journal

Acoustic Eidolon may be new to some Triangle music fans. Soon, however, that will change when the Colorado-based husband/wife duo of Joe Scott and Hannah Alkire bring their inventive stringed interplay of original music and surprising covers to Durham, Thursday, May 14, at 7 PM. As the latest in the ongoing Strings Attached series of concerts benefiting the work and services of Urban Ministries of Durham (UMD), Acoustic Eidolon maintains the series' tradition of showcasing the finest in acoustic-based music from national touring acts.

ABOUT ACOUSTIC EIDOLON...
Besides guitar, bluegrass-raised Scott plays his own concoction, a double-neck, 14-string "Guit-jo" (looks like a guitar but sounds like guitar, piano, dulcimer, harp and other instruments), and classically-trained Alkire plays cello. Their original compositions and surprising covers ranges from bluegrass to blues, Celtic to classical, folk to Latin, country to classic rock (Beatles Eleanor Rigby, Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven).

Their unique blend finds fast fans in every stop. Over the last decade, Acoustic Eidolon has toured vigorously across North America and throughout Europe. The band and its recordings have been featured on public television and radio—including NPR's All Things Considered, John Diliberto's Echoes, Woodsong's Olde Time Radio Hour and numerous radio programs. The pair also performed for the Kennedy Center's acclaimed Millennium Stage concert series, the renowned Kerrville Folk Festival and Vancouver Island MusicFest. Acoustic Eidolon earns praise from critics and passionate accolades from fans. Their live shows include their trademark instrumental pieces along with some vocal selections for extra flavor.

With a January 1999 diagnosis of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Alkire underwent chemotherapy and radiation until August of 2000. During that challenging time, their music offered a real lifeline. During the last several days of each round of chemo, when she felt the strongest, Alkire and Scott recorded tracks that resulted in their debut album, April 1999's Eidolon. Now seven albums later, Acoustic Eidolon shows no signs of slowing down. While Acoustic Eidolon's recordings attest to the band's unique sound and obvious musical talents, Scott's and Alkire's live
performances blend sophisticated playing with infectious energy and humor for an evening of exciting entertainment.

Advance tickets are on sale now for $15 ($8 for children 6-12; children 5 and under are free and childcare available). Day of show tickets are $20. Tickets may be purchased online at www.stphilipsdurham.org/stringsattached, by phone at 919-682-5708 or by mail. Checks should be made payable and sent to: Strings Attached Productions PO Box 218 Durham NC 27702. Tickets paid for in advance will be available at the “will call” table at 6:30 PM on the evening of the concert, Thursday, May 14. Call 919-682-5708 for more information. This is a Strings Attached Production; all profits benefit Urban Ministries of Durham.

ABOUT URBAN MINISTRIES OF DURHAM…
The mission of Urban Ministries of Durham is to provide food, clothing, shelter, and counseling to neighbors in need. Every night, UMD provides emergency shelter for up to 150 persons without homes. Every day it serves 350-400 meals to hungry people. An additional 350-400 persons receive groceries for in-home preparation every month. And UMD’s clothing closet provides clothes to 180-220 each month. Urban Ministries of Durham strives to create a welcoming, caring, and compassionate environment that affirms the dignity of its guests, donors, volunteers, and staff. Visit www.umdurham.org for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, HIGH-RES IMAGES AND OTHER MATERIALS, VISIT…
High-Res images of Acoustic Eidolon and concert poster: http://picasaweb.google.com/RebekahRadisch/ASAPAcousticEidolon?feat=directlink
Urban Ministries of Durham: www.umdurham.org
Acoustic Eidolon: www.acousticeidolon.com or www.myspace.com/acousticeidolon
Strings Attached/St. Philip's: www.stphilipsdurham.org

Jonah Kendall, Rector, Saint Philip's Episcopal Church
919-682-5708, jonahkendall@stphilipsdurham.org
Rebekah Radisch, Strings Attached, St. Philip's Episcopal Church
919-201-1183, StringsAttachedDurham@gmail.com

A Strings Attached Production (ASAP)

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Beloved Community

St. Philip’s Church Campus, Downtown Durham

First Annual

Beloved Community
Resource Fair & Picnic

SATURDAY, MAY 30,
10AM–3PM

MUSIC ♥ FOOD ♥ FRIENDSHIP

If you live, work or worship in downtown Durham, you already know there’s a divide. We’re not talking about black and white or good and evil, but of the haves and the haves-not. Those who have a home, have food to eat, and have clothing to put on each morning. And those who have little or nothing.

Today’s economic downturn is producing more and more need in our community, for both individuals and for families. And with the school year (and school lunches) ending, families living on the edge face even more pressure to get through each day in the summertime.

This resource fair and picnic will provide opportunities to give help to those in need. Opportunities to get help from a variety of service and aid institutions. And opportunities to share a meal, conversation and music with a greater part of your beloved Durham community.

Become a part of it. Please join this celebration of community and faith. Volunteers are still needed—contact Rich Ball Damberg at 919.688.4141 or damberg.rich@epa.gov.

Confirmed resource providers include Urban Ministries of Durham, Lincoln Community Health Center, Durham County Health Department, Latino Credit Union, Self Help Credit Union, and many other area churches and community organizations. There are opportunities for all to assist, even if only to welcome a stranger as you share a meal.

Give Help.
Get Help.
Find Hope.

John Gorka Concert Benefiting Urban Ministries of Durham

JOHN GORKA MAKES RARE AREA APPEARANCE:
CONCERT BENEFITS URBAN MINISTRIES OF DURHAM

Friday, February 13, 7 PM--Parish Hall, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Durham

"Listening to John Gorka sing his brand of folk music, one can get goose bumps all over. There are many reasons--fresh lyrics, a stunning, emotional baritone voice, his twisted humor--but to focus on one limits the experience." --Robert P. Gluck, The New York Times

Strings Attached Productions, of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, proudly presents singer/songwriter/troubadour John Gorka in a special concert benefiting Urban Ministries of Durham. This legendary singer/songwriter, famed for his smart, slightly cynical lyrics and distinctive baritone, performs a special concert benefiting Urban Ministries of Durham, Friday, February 13, at 7 PM, in the Parish Hall of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in downtown Durham.

As one of the leaders of the new folk movement, this New Jersey native launched his career playing open mic nights at coffeehouses and bars along the Eastern Seaboard. After settling in Texas, Gorka won the Kerrville Folk Festival’s prestigious New Folk Award in 1984. Three years later he cut his debut album, I Know, for Red House Records. Recording and performing worldwide over the last two decades, Gorka remains among the most recognized voices in folk. His music is memorable and his words showcase sublime wit and character observations.

Writing in The Washington Post, music critic Richard Harrington observes that Gorka's songs, "...are notable for sharply etched character studies combining the humorous and the serious, as well as passionate social critiques." Visit http://snipurl.com/aziqw to view the four-minute official trailer for Gorka's new double DVD The Gypsy Life.

Although he tends to spend more than half the year on the road, Gorka's resisted the music cities and industry enclaves for the little town of Bethlehem, PA. The life of the traveling musician is not easy inspiring many songwriters to pen longing songs of weary road life but, ever the cynical optimist, Gorka sees bright sides to staying on the move. As he notes in The Gypsy Life, "People love you when they know you're leaving soon." And he'll indeed leave soon after his performance in Durham, Friday, February 13, at 7 PM. So don't miss this rare opportunity to experience John Gorka's lyrical poetry and memorable stories in this intimate, relaxed listening room environment. Strings Attached Concerts take place in the Parish Hall of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 403 East Main Street (at Queen Street), in downtown Durham. Refreshments, including sweet and savory snacks and water, sodas, wine and beer from Triangle Brewing Company, will be available. Free, monitored on-site parking is provided.

Advance tickets are on sale now for $15 ($8 for children 6-12; children 5 and under are free and childcare available). Day of show tickets are $20, if available. Tickets may be purchased online at www.stphilipsdurham.org/stringsattached, by phone at 682-5708 or by mail. Checks should be made payable and sent to: Strings Attached Productions PO Box 218 Durham NC 27702. Tickets paid for in advance will be available at the “will call” table at 6:30 PM on the evening of the concert, Friday, February 13. Call 682-5708 for more information. This is a Strings Attached Production; all profits benefit Urban Ministries of Durham.

ABOUT URBAN MINISTRIES OF DURHAM…
The mission of Urban Ministries of Durham is to provide food, clothing, shelter, and counseling to neighbors in need. Every night, UMD provides emergency shelter for up to 150 persons without homes. Every day it serves 350-400 meals to hungry people. An additional 350-400 persons receive groceries for in-home preparation every month. And UMD’s clothing closet provides clothes to 180-220 each month. Through its vision as a faith-based service organization recognized for excellence in serving the emergency needs of poor people, Urban Ministries of Durham strives to create a welcoming, caring, and compassionate environment that affirms the dignity of its guests, donors, volunteers, and staff. For more information, visit www.umdurham.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, HIGH-RES IMAGES AND OTHER MATERIALS, VISIT…
High-Res Image of John Gorka and web-quality concert poster images: http://picasaweb.google.com/RebekahRadisch/ASAPGorka#
Urban Ministries of Durham: www.umdurham.org
John Gorka: www.johngorka.com or www.myspace.com/johngorka
Strings Attached/St. Philip's: www.stphilipsdurham.org

Jonah Kendall, Rector, Saint Philip's Episcopal Church
919-682-5708, jonahkendall@stphilipsdurham.org
Rebekah Radisch, Strings Attached, St. Philip's Episcopal Church
919-201-1183, StringsAttachedDurham@gmail.com

A Strings Attached Production (ASAP)

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