“Upstate Crossroads,” a concert by fiddler Tim Ball and guitarist/singer Helen Kuhar, will start at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (April 15) at the Cranberry Coffeehouse at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Binghamton, 183 Riverside Drive, Binghamton.
After 20 years performing in Celtic and contra dance bands and a lifetime of playing traditional fiddle music, Ball takes center stage to showcase his new solo release, Upstate Crossroads. His playing breathes new life into nearly-forgotten tunes and old favorites from all corners of New York state, drawing repertoire and inspiration from the surrounding Irish-American, New England, Canadian and bluegrass traditions. From these deep roots in dance tunes and folk songs, Ball’s music tells stories about hard work, immigration, community and simple pleasures.
Kuhar, who draws inspiration from the Irish and Scottish music scenes in Seattle, Boston and Ithaca, grew up in the Pacific Northwest and now lives in Boston. Both Kuhar and Ball fell in love with traditional music through contra dancing and have developed a warm yet propulsive accompaniment style that will transport you straight to your favorite dance floor memories.
During the middle set, audience members are invited to sing, play an instrument or tell a story, within a five-minute limit.
Suggested admission is $10. Coffee and baked goods will be available during the intermission. As a kindness to others, please wear a mask.
— Lee Shepherd
