Author: LInden Tree Coffeehouse

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse is presenting the final show of its 38th season with a special event on Saturday, May 6 at 7:30pm, at the Wakefield Unitarian-Universalist Church.

Long-time friends, singer-songwriters Sloan Wainwright and Tret Fure will bring the joy of music and artistry on stage in an upbeat, energetic, and moving evening. For Tret, this is an encore visit to our stage, for Sloan, it’s her first time to the Linden Tree and like her we are excited to have this opportunity.

Sloan Wainwright is a songwriter, singer, performer, teacher, mentor and collaborator. A unique hybrid of pop, folk, jazz and blues, Wainwright’s music is unified by her melodious tone and rich, powerful contralto. Over the course of a 30-year career in music, she has played the great concert halls, the most storied listening rooms and top music festivals while also teaching at the nation’s leading music retreats. She has inspired hundreds of students on their creative journeys and collaborated with dozens of musicians, writers, choreographers and performers.

Most of all, Wainwright is an artist. As a member of an acclaimed family of artists (brother Loudon Wainwright, sister-in-law Kate McGarrigle, nephew Rufus Wainwright and nieces Martha Wainwright and Lucy Wainwright Roche), Wainwright has charted an artistic path all her own, one based in close observation, joy, and spiritual connection.

It is said that Sloan’s warm and welcoming contralto voice could “fell a redwood,” Defying standard categorization, with 10 original CDs under her belt, Sloan has a command of a variety of American musical styles: pop, folk, jazz and blues. Her incredible gift is not only her unique songwriting ability but also her dramatically voiced rendition of original songs. She performs with power house guitarist Steve Murphy. They will be playing A beautiful new collection of never-released Sloan Wainwright songs connected by the spirit of collaboration:songs from the new CD Red Maple Tree.

A prolific artist in the contemporary singer-songwriter arena, Tret Fure has released 17 albums and CDs over the course of her 48 year career. Her most recent recording is “Stone by Stone, a collection of very personal and heartful songs. ”To engage with Tret Fure is to feel her warmth, her humanity and her fierce determination. Tret invites you to be part of her family, her stories are our stories at once current and timeless, her lyrics are always well crafted and her music supports and enhances but never overpowers her message. Every album from Tret is a treat and “Stone by Stone” is no exception. Ron Cooke, KTAL 101.5 FM – Las Cruces, NM

“Tret is an award-winning singer-songwriter who draws you into her personal world without self-indulgence because her themes are universal and the songs, well-written. Tret’s also a folk singer, touching on important issues like gender identity, and peace. Her lyrics are lovely, she can still do it with just a simple guitar and vocal. In one of her songs, she sings, “When you think you just can’t sing / You find a better song.” For this performance, Tret will be bringing new songs from her soon to be released CD, The Language of Love”

Fure also markets her own line of clothing named after her popular song “Tomboy Girl”. In addition, Tret teaches guitar and songwriting individually and in workshop settings. She paints pet portraits on commission and, an accomplished cook, Fure has also published a cookbook, “Tret’s Kitchen”, featuring her own recipes. Along with bridging the marketing, production, music and art worlds, Tret served for 6 years as President of Local 1000, The Traveling Musicians Association–a union geared toward helping traveling musicians find security and longevity. Tret is truly a Renaissance Woman!

Note tickets are $25 at the door or $20 for advanced reserved seats, cash or check at the door, Please reserve your seats by calling 781-246-2836. Wearing masks is optional. Beverages and wrapped snacks will be sold.

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse is located in the social hall of Wakefield’s Unitarian-Universalist Church at 326 Main St. Wakefield, 01880.
The Linden Tree Coffeehouse operates, in part, with thanks to partial support from Wakefield’s Art Council of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For more information: 781-246-2836.

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse In its 38th season is known for presenting a wide variety of acoustic music performers, from local, national, and international favorites. On March 4th at 7:30 pm, a triple header of Massachusetts songwriters will return to our stage at Wakefield’s Unitarian Universalist Church’s social hall. We welcome back: Tom Smith, Kim Moberg, and Chris LaVancher all area favorites with wonderful songs they wrote and sing, with beautiful musicianship.

Tom Smith is an award-winning performer and songwriter, applying his old-school folk tradition to timeless stories of people’s wants, needs, struggles, and triumphs, much like Pete Seeger and Tom Paxton. In the words of former WUMB folk radio host, Dave Palmater, “Tom Smith writes songs that seem like they’ve always been there—a true folksinger.”

Award-winning singer-songwriter Kim Moberg was born in Juneau, Alaska, the daughter of a classical pianist mother of Alaskan Tlingit descent and a US Coast Guard veteran. Kim’s passionate and heartfelt vocals mesmerize listeners while her compositions tug at feelings of melancholy, heartbreak, healing and social consciousness. Kim draws inspiration from both traditional and contemporary folk and country genres.

Chris LaVancher’s performances evoke mini-movie festivals for his audiences, complete with a full soundtrack. He writes cinematic, character-driven songs with a humble, relaxing delivery that makes for a truly unique and moving evening of song. His song Nostalgia received an honorable mention in the 2018 Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Songwriting Contest. In 2014 and 2022, Chris was selected as a Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist.

Tickets for those attending are $20, cash or check at the door. Please reserve your seats by calling 781-246-2836. Masks are recommended but not required. Hot and cold beverages and wrapped snacks are currently available.

Our previous streaming shows, including last month’s Harvey Reid & Joyce Andersen are still available for viewing on our YouTube and Facebook pages.

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse operates, in part, with thanks to partial support from Wakefield’s Arts Council of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For reservations and more information: 781-246-2836

If you were not able to make it to the show in person or if you had such a good time and want to see it again, we’ve got you covered! Enjoy recordings of both sets performed by Harvey and Joyce. Please consider making a donation via PayPal or by sending a check made out to Linden Tree Coffeehouse and mailed to 8 Dexter Lane, Wakefield MA 01880

Set 1

Set 2

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse continues its 38^th season of live performances with the return of long-time area favorites: Harvey Reid and Joyce Andersen on Saturday, February 4^th at 7:30 pm. In the social hall of the Unitarian-Universalist Church, 326 Main St. Wakefield, MA.

Joyce Andersen and Harvey Reid have combined their talents to create one of the most potent duo teams in acoustic music. They are both gifted instrumentalists, strong and versatile singers, and prolific songwriters, and are comfortable in a dizzying array of styles of roots and Americana music. They jump from showstopping Celtic jigs and old-time fiddle tunes to house-shaking blues rockers, soaring gospel duets, and achingly beautiful ballads. Reid’s legendary acoustic and slide guitar work make a perfect backdrop for Andersen’s powerful fiddling, and they take turns on lead and harmony vocals to showcase a large and interesting repertoire of original, traditional and contemporary music. They have brought audiences to their feet at folk & bluegrass festivals, clubs, coffeehouses and concert halls across the US and in Europe, and have released 32 highly-acclaimed albums of music between them.

After 35 years as a full-time performer, Harvey Reid is a familiar name to acoustic music fans everywhere, for his peerless stringed instrument work, profound composing and songwriting, lively stage shows, and his in-depth knowledge of traditional music. Raised in the music-rich DC area, in the 1970’s he played street fiddle, as well as guitar, mandolin, and dobro in a number of bluegrass and old-time bands before moving to New England and embarking on a solo career in 1979. Reid won the Beanblossom Flatpicking contest in 1976, the National Fingerpicking award in 1981, and the International autoharp contest in 1982, and has shared the stage with most of the great pickers of today. His “Solo Guitar Sketchbook” was included in Guitar Player Magazine’s Top 20 acoustic guitar CDs, and “Steel Drivin’ Man” was the only recording of the last 25 years chosen by Acoustic Guitar Magazine in its Top 10 Folk CDs Of All Time list. He also has released the only recording ever devoted entirely to the 6-string banjo and may be the best autoharp player performing today. Reid has released 17 solo albums to great critical acclaim, exploring traditional as well as his own brand of modern roots music.

Joyce Andersen is a greatly talented and versatile fiddler, songwriter and singer from New Hampshire who has recently stepped out as a solo artist. She spent over 10 years in New England, New York and Nashville, playing in numerous bluegrass, swing, Celtic and country bands, taking her from the club and festival circuit all the way to Carnegie Hall and The Conan O’Brien Show (with Marshall Crenshaw) In Sept 2003 she released her 2nd solo CD, “Right Where I Should Be” which garnered a great deal of national attention. The Boston Globe called her “…an exciting young fiddler-singer with precocious traditional savvy and street-smart contemporary sensibility” and she has received significant national radio airplay as an emerging artist. She can trade licks with the hottest bluegrass or jazz pickers, tear the house down with a blood-curdling Appalachian-voodoo fiddle & vocal duet, melt you with a Billie Holiday torch song, dash off a flawless set of Swedish fiddle tunes, or hypnotize you with one of her haunting guitar songs.

Harvey Reid & Joyce Andersen form a rare and versatile musical partnership, combining the best of American virtuoso instrumental work with razor-sharp harmony singing and a captivating stage presence. They take to the stage with a rich and varied songbag, an arsenal of stringed instruments, and a deeply-satisfying emotional purity, with a fresh northern New England sensibility, free from showbiz and pretense.

Tickets for those attending are $20,  cash or check at the door.  Please reserve your seats by calling 781-246-2836. Mask-wearing is optional to protect the band, volunteers & audience members.    The Linden Tree Coffeehouse operates, in part, with thanks to partial support from Wakefield’s Arts Council of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For more reservations and information: 781-246-2836.

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who came out to see the show in person. What a great night of bluegrass music! If you missed it, you can catch all the fun recorded live. Please consider making a donation via PayPal or by sending a check made out to Linden Tree Coffeehouse and mailed to 8 Dexter Lane, Wakefield MA 01880

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse is pleased to announce that January 7th a night of Bluegrass is back, live in the social hall of the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Wakefield. The Ruta Beggars will entertain all with their energy, instrumental expertise, powerful vocals, and remarkable creativity.

The Ruta Beggars infuse traditional bluegrass and early swing to create a timeless act filled with intricate vocal harmonies, fiery instrumentals, and plenty of fun. They have been praised for their creative yet tasteful arrangements and charming performances, winning Thomas Point’s band competition in 2019. The Ruta Beggars have been featured on the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Showcase, Steve Martin’s Unreal Bluegrass, Brian O’Donovan’s A Celtic Sojourn and the main stages of Joe Val, Grey Fox, Thomas Point, and Ossipee Bluegrass Festivals.
Brought together by their passion for bluegrass, The Ruta Beggars are Micah Nicol (guitar), Sofia Chiarandini (fiddle), Ariel Wyner (mandolin), Trevin Nelson (banjo), and Noah Harrington (bass) who met while studying at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in the American Roots Program.

“Lettuce speak now of the Ruta Beggars. These up-and-comers have a fine, fresh sound, rooted in swing, bluegrass, and beyond. They’re not your garden variety, so to speak, band, because they take unexpected turns that put a smile on your face and a carrot in the patch. Whether burning on a Tex Logan fiddle tune or blending sweetly on a chordally expansive tune, these Beggars can’t be beet.”~ Tony Trischka – IBMA Banjo Player of the Year

Tickets for those attending are $20, cash or check at the door. Please reserve your seats by calling 781-246-2836. Mask-wearing is optional but recommended to protect the band, volunteers & audience members.
The Linden Tree Coffeehouse operates, in part, with thanks to partial support from Wakefield’s Arts Council of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For reservations and more information: 781-246-2836

With Kirsten Manville and Ten Other Area Performers.  SATURDAY,  December 10 at 7:30 pm.

UPDATE: Thank you to those who participated in our Winter Potpourri.  Winners:  Rob Siegel and Erin Ash Sullivan.  A donation to Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry was also made possible by the generous donations of our audience.  THANKS To ALL.

Linden Tree Coffeehouse’s WINTER POTPOURRI is back for an evening of discovering new talent on Saturday, December 10^th at 7:30 pm.  Ten New England singer-songwriters will play two songs each with hopes to be chosen to perform during next year’s season. Audience input will play a major part in the decision, so please come down to help make the choice while enjoying new music and new faces.  The admission for this show is a suggested $10 which will be shared with the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry.

Featuring and hosting the show is Kirsten Manville, a Wakefield-based singer-songwriter who engages audiences with melodic and lyric-focused Americana music, with a touch of blues and country.  Her songs have singable lyrics and memorable melodies that capture stories about everyday life, the ups and downs, and in-betweens.  Her latest CD is “Blossoms in the Sun.”  It was a Top 5 pick in the September 2022 issue of Metronome Magazine.

Performing in this year’s potpourri are Ric Allendorf, Dan & Faith, Alex Fam, Folkapotamus, Rick Gottlieb, Kenny Selcer, Rob Siegel, and Erin Ash Sullivan. This year’s talents come with notable CDs and award credits. For a preview, most of the contestants in our answer to THE VOICE have websites where you can listen to a tune or two.

Ric Allendorf Ric Allendorf is a Massachusetts native and award-winning singer-songwriter, accomplished illustrator and Associate Professor at MassArt. Since writing his first song in 2014, he has been a finalist and winner in multiple national songwriter competitions, a feature at New England folk festivals and listening rooms including the legendary Club Passim, and an opener for numerous acclaimed ‘main stage’ acts. His 2018 debut CD “Take It All In” continues to garner international radio play and an active gig schedule throughout New England.  He participated in the Maine Songwriter’s Association Annual Song Contest in 2021 and placed third for his original song, “Room for a Song.”

Dan and Faith are an award-winning, New England-based husband and wife singer-songwriter duo who describe their music as dream-inspired folk. Daniel Senie (guitar, banjo, harmonica, vocals) and Faith Senie (mandolin, bass guitar, dulcimer, ukulele, vocals) tap into dreams and everyday life in crafting their original songs. The duo has released five albums. The most recent three are available: Simple Grace (2014), Seeking (2016) and Then and Now (2020). The latest, Then and Now, reached #7 on the Folk DJ Chart in January 2020.

Alex Fam is a spirited folk singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose lyric-driven songs invite listeners on a journey of reflection and joy.  She masterfully combines her vocals with violin, and ukulele. She is the 2022 recipient of the UU Mass Action “Ruth Rowan Award,” given to a person actively engaged in social justice and who motivates others to take action, through music.

Folkapotamus is a folk duo consisting of Penni Hart and Tony Trites who have been performing together since 2011. With beautiful melodies and lyrics, the duo has performed at many coffeehouses and folk venues in New England and the Midwest. Their two full albums contain new compositions, as well as classical folk songs and a favorite rock song sung in their own folky style. “River Slope Mine” tells about a mining disaster in Pennsylvania which contrasts with “Road to Nowhere” that has a good time sitting on the porch playing music vibe.

Rick Gottlieb has been a musician for over 40 years, playing songs of his favorite musicians and then writing some of his own, influenced by David Wilcox and his use of non-standard tunings, as well as Susan Werner, and Jackson Browne. He claims his music speaks to the “babyboomers.”

Kenny Selcer is known for his sizzling blend of Americana folks, rock, roots, and everything in between.  He will get your toe tapping, brain thinking, and maybe dancing in the aisle. Kenny is an engaging storyteller and inspired guitar player. Other musicians have described his recent LP as one that makes you feel good and contains a banquet of delicious sounds.

Rob Siegel is an innovative songwriter who draws from his idyllic yet stressed-out middle-class suburban existence and produces memorable, intelligent, well-crafted songs. His songs are fearless and truthful, and connect with audiences because what’s deeply personal is often universal.  Rob says: “Some folks who live and breathe traditional folk music think I’m too wordy and too metaphor- and reference-heavy. What I try to be is challenging – somewhere between William Faulkner and Robin Williams. I don’t like songs that aren’t memorable, and I try not to write them myself.” 

Erin Ash Sullivan is a Massachusetts-based folk singer-songwriter who loves a good storytelling song. In 2021 she released her debut solo album, We Can Hear Each Other, which reached #10 on the FAI DJ Chart. In 2022, she has been a Grassy Hill Emerging Artist at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, the recipient of the Mark Erelli Judge’s Choice Award in the New England Songwriting Competition, and a Songwriter Serenade Semifinalist. Victor Infante of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette describes her music as “delicate and evocative” with songs full of “nuance and emotional resonance.”

Admission to this special Linden Tree concert is a suggested $10 donation, cash or check at the door.  Please reserve your seats by calling 781-246-2836. Masks are recommended but not required.  Bottled beverages and wrapped snacks are currently available.

Our previous streaming shows, including October’s Squeezebox Stompers, are still available for viewing on our YouTube and Facebook pages linked from our home page: www.LindenTreeCoffeehouse.org The Linden Tree Coffeehouse operates, in part, with thanks to partial support from Wakefield’s Arts Council of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For more reservations and  information: 781-246-2836

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse’s 38^th season continues with two regional singer-songwriters who have been receiving national notice:  Massachusetts’ Grace Morrison and Maine’s Connor Garvey.  The Saturday, November 5^th concert will begin at 7:30 pm in the social hall of the Unitarian-Universalist Church in Wakefield. 

Although Grace Morrison spent much of her musical career away from the spotlight, in recent years she has been discovered as a very talented singer-songwriter including a special gig at Nashville’s famous Bluebird.  With a new album, Daughter, Morrison establishes herself as a confident, refreshing voice in country-pop. The 12-song collection is certain to find favor with fans of the storytelling and delivery of Jewel and Lisa Loeb, as well as with those who enjoy singing along with Boyz II Men on their car stereo. Morrison displays an ability to embody a number of characters over the course of Daughter, from that of the title track, to loner, to confidant, to partier, to the restless rambler seeking an escape from small-town life, and finally, to mother.

A formidable instrumentalist, Morrison capably handles far more than lead vocal duties, rocking out on electric guitar on the pulsing “Put the Bottle Down,” and playing acoustic throughout the album, as well as contributing background vocals, piano, banjo, and synth. Our audience will hear some songs from her upcoming 2023 CD, “Mostly Modern,” produced in Austin.

Morrison has won a number of prestigious awards including the Grand Prize of the New England Songwriting Competition and the WPRI Rhode Show Big Break contest where her music video was played on the season finale of American Idol. In 2019, Grace was selected to be an Official Showcase performer at the Southeast Regional Folk Alliance (TN), the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance (TX), named a finalist in the Wildflower (TX) Festival performing singer-songwriter contest, and selected to perform in the Emerging Artist Showcase at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (NY). Her sophomore solo album, Reasons, debuted at #2 on the Roots Music Report’s Top 50 Contemporary Country Airplay Chart.

Connor Garvey is an award-winning singer-songwriter from Portland, Maine, with the amiable presence of an entertainer, the lyrical depth of a poet, and the enchantment of a storyteller. 

Garvey leaves audiences uplifted and inspired through a positive message delivered in a way The Portland Press Herald says proves you can be optimistic and self-aware without being boring. His unique sandy tenor and masterful blend of rhythm and melody draw comparisons to Paul Simon and contemporaries Josh Ritter and Jason Mraz. He wins song competitions. He fills rooms. But most of all he moves people. 

First-time listeners often are drawn to Garvey’s engaging performance style, accomplished musicianship, and memorable melodies. But his lyrics project a depth and sincerity that allow the observant listener to find meaning beyond the catchy hook. Meanwhile, the intricate production of his albums adds emotional depth and keeps the songs fresh play after play.

This combination of songwriting and performance strength has earned Garvey numerous awards including being named winner of the Kerrville New Folk, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest, SolarFest, Wildflower Art and Music Festival, and Maine Songwriters Association songwriting competitions, voted as Most Wanted artist at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, nominated for Best Male Performer in the New England Music Awards, and a top new singer-songwriter by Sirius XM’s The Coffeehouse.

Tickets for those attending are $20,  cash or check at the door.  Please reserve your seats by calling 781-246-2836. Performers have requested that folks wear masks to protect them as well as volunteers and audience members.   Our previous streaming shows are still available for viewing on our YouTube and Facebook pages linked from our home page: www.LindenTreeCoffeehouse.org

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse operates, in part, with thanks to partial support from Wakefield’s Arts Council of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For more reservations and  information: 781-246-2836,   www.LindenTreeCoffeehouse.org

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse will continue its 38th season with area favorites, The Squeezebox Stompers. The show will be held in the social hall of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Wakefield, 326 Main St. Doors will open at 7 with the show at 7:30pm

The Squeezebox Stompers are a Boston area Americana Roots band. They have performed Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, Folk, and originals all over New England for the past 15 years. Members of the band have received Boston Music Awards and Songwriting Awards. They are noted for their step-lively up-beat music inspiring audiences to get up and dance. Their instrumentation includes accordion, keyboards, fiddle, saxophone, harmonica, penny whistle, guitar, bass, and drums.

Ralph Trufo plays the accordion, piano, Anglo concertina and Cajun accordion. Ralph was a founding member of the Boogaloo Swamis who were 4-time Boston Music Award winners. The Swamis were largely responsible for the introduction of Cajun, Zydeco, and New Orleans music to New England . They toured and recorded extensively. In addition to performing for over 30 years, Ralph has been a prolific songwriter, with over 50 songs to his credit as well as having written several plays which have been produced in our area.

Larry Plitt, another long-time member of this band, is the proud winner of the 2007 Boston Folk Festival Singer/ Songwriter contest. His playing is rooted in the Piedmont and Delta blues styles and peppered with Cajun, Zydeco, Celtic and classical influences. He loves singin’ the blues. As a veteran of the San Francisco folk rock scene of the early 70’s, he played in a number of bands including Camp Granada and the Stephen Fiske Band.

Other band members are Geoff Wadsworth, Jeff O’Neil, and Art Sobatz. They guarantee a Rockin’ good time. Check out their website and their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/squeezeboxstompers
or www.squeezeboxstompers.com

Tickets for those attending are $20, cash or check at the door. Please reserve your seats by calling 781-246-2836. Performers have requested that folks wear masks to protect them as well as volunteers and audience members. Our previous streaming shows are still available for viewing on our YouTube and Facebook pages linked from our home page: http://www.LindenTreeCoffeehouse.org

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse operates, in part, with thanks to partial support from Wakefield’s Arts Council of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For more reservations and information: 781-246-2836

On September 24^th, the Linden Tree Coffeehouse at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Wakefield will open its 38^th season with a very special memorial concert to Ed Britt, Linden Tree’s founder, banjo historian, and long-time Linden Tree sound engineer. The highlight of the evening will be Hubby Jenkins, a talented multi-instrumentalist formally of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and a member of Rhiannon Giddens Band.  A number of area musicians will also perform in tribute to Britt.  The show will begin at 7:30 pm. Doors open at 7. Masks are highly recommended for the safety of our performers, our volunteers, and our audience. A recording of the event may be available later on, but not that night so plan to attend in person.

Hubby Jenkins endeavors to share his love and knowledge of old-time American music. Born and raised in Brooklyn he delved into his Southern roots, following the thread of African American history that wove itself through country blues, ragtime, fiddle and banjo, and traditional jazz. Hubby got his higher musical education started as a busker. He developed his guitar and vocal craft on the sidewalks and subway platforms of New York City, performing material by those venerable artists whose work he was quickly absorbing. An ambitiously itinerant musician, he took his show on the road, playing the streets, coffee shops, bars, and house parties of cities around the U.S. 

After years of busking around the country and making a name for himself, Hubby became acquainted with the Carolina Chocolate Drops. He was an integral part of the Grammy award winning Carolina Chocolate Drops (2010 – 2016), as well as a member of Rhiannon Giddens band. Today he spreads his knowledge and love of old-time American music and history through his dynamic solo performances.

The Banjo Bash will include some area musicians with words and songs they know Ed always enjoyed. Expected to celebrate are Jim Bradley, Paul Harty, and Bill Knott, who were three-fourths of the Linden Tree house band, The Blunt Instruments.  Other local folks planning to attend are Ken Perlman, Gail Finnie, John Reddick, Linda Abrams, Rich Stillman, and Tim Rowell. Kev G. Moore, composer of the Linden Tree anthem, Church with No Steeple, who dedicated his original song to Ed Britt will also be performing.

Ed Britt died on February 18, 2021 from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. He was a skilled industrial designer and designed products ranging from consumer goods to medical equipment. He was employed by Digital Equipment Corporation as well as a design consulting firm and eventually opened his own industrial design consulting firm, Edmund Britt & Co. In addition to his love for his family, Ed’s passion in life was music. He was a world-renowned banjo historian and collector, as well as a gifted player of both banjo and guitar. He loved being part of the banjo community, attending events and sharing his knowledge. He displayed his banjo playing skills at the annual Banjo and Fiddle Contest in Lowell, MA, winning multiple times. Ed was heavily involved in the Boston folk music scene. He was one of the founders of the Linden Tree Coffeehouse in Wakefield in 1985 and ran their sound system for decades. He was a member of the Blunt Instruments, a folk quartet that played at a variety of community events and were regulars at the Linden Tree. Ed combined his professional skills and love for music by designing beautiful instruments for the OME Banjo Company and C. F. Martin & Company. After retiring, Ed enjoyed spending time with his musician friends, street performing in Harvard Square and playing at the Wakefield and Melrose farmers markets.

Several years ago, following a health scare, Ed shared the following quote with friends, which summarizes how he lived his life: “I’ve simply tried to go through my life leaving the world a better place than I found it-and hopefully having helped more people than I hurt.” Ed was never shy to show his love to those around him. The best way to honor Ed’s memory is to reach out and tell the people in your life how much they mean to you. Ed’s kindness, creativity, interest in others, and enthusiasm for life touched many people. He will be greatly missed by his wife Lillian, daughters Rachel and Ali,  and  many other family and friends

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse is located in the social hall of the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Wakefield, at 326 Main St. Wakefield, MA 01880.  The Linden Tree Coffeehouse operates, in part, with thanks to partial support from Wakefield’s Art Council of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Tickets will be sold at the door $20, for those under 13 $10. We accept Cash or checks. Other donations may be given through the Linden Tree Coffeehouse  Pay Pal account. For more information call 781-246-2836.

SUNDAY, August 28th 5 to 7 pm on the Wakefield Common.

Area friends are invited to celebrate the final show of Linden Tree Coffeehouse’s Thirty-seventh season with a free concert by The Paul Harty Stringband.  The Sunday, August 28^th show will be on the Bandstand from 5 to 7 pm.     Bring your chairs or blankets and picnic suppers to enjoy live music and a sunset over Lake Quannapowitt.

The Paul Harty Stringband is a group of old friends who got together in 2020 during the covid lockdown, to perform outside at Newburyport’s Waterfront Park

Paul Harty vocals guitar, harmonica, fiddle, etc. is a former Wakefield resident and an early founder of the Linden Tree Coffeehouse. The Stringband plays mostly folk, Irish, country, swing and bluegrass.   

Jon Stone  Electric bass vocals gigs with Celtic, bluegrass, country, rock, folk, and country-rock configurations. And John runs open mikes on the North Shore

Pam Taylor vocals mandolin and fiddle learned piano while in elementary school in Lewiston Maine. She played country rock music in the 1970s, and later discovered a passion for the fiddle and mandolin, playing Irish music, Quebecois and bluegrass. 

John Hicks (guitar, uke, lap steel) played at the Gaslight Cafe in Greenwich Village the night it closed. He played the Greenwich Village folk scene, theater on- and off-Broadway, swing music in Texas and a blues band in Tulsa.  He plays jazz, blues, country and anything he can get his hands on.

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse is planning to resume live concerts this fall in the social hall of the Unitarian Universalist Church, 326 Main St. Wakefield. Shows recorded from our past season can be found on our Facebook and Youtube pages.

Donations to our PayPal page or a check made out to Linden Tree Coffeehouse mailed to 8 Dexter Lane.