Sunday October 5, 2025 2:00 p.m.$25 (under 18 $10)
The Linden Tree Concert 41st Season will continue on Sunday, October 5, 2025 with the often humorous, often clever singer-songwriter Christine Lavin.
NOTE: Linden Tree’s new location is at Temple Emmanuel, 120 Chestnut St. Wakefield. Just up from the North Ave. Train station. New comfortable chairs. Handicapped accessible.
Christine Lavin has been called the Folk World’s long-reigning Queen of the Intelligently Absurd. The title of one of her earlier albums, I Don’t Make This Stuff Up, I just Make it Rhyme, says it all. Christine is a singer/songwriter/guitarist/recording artist/author/videographer who has been based in New York City since 1976. Her latest album, her 25th, On My Way to Hooterville, includes 10 new songs and one re-worked song, “Ramblin’ Waltz,” a re-telling of her time in 1975 when she was one of the entourage drivers for the first week of the tour of The Rolling Thunder Revue.
Christine has an eye for the ironic and the absurd in the news and everyday life, and puts it into song. She dresses it all up in skillful guitar work, electronic loops, and wonderful gimmicks. She has won numerous awards for her songwriting and her book, Cold Pizza for Breakfast: A Mem-Wha??.
Supportive of other songwriters she admires, Christine has produced ten compilations, showcasing 100 songwriters. Her song Amoeba Hop, a science music book illustrated by Betsy Franco, recived a “Best Book Award” from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
“It is precisely her take on the ordinary that makes her work so extraordinary.” — Village Voice.
If you haven’t experienced a Christine Lavin concert, make your reservation soon, as seats are limited. Reservations: Call or text 781-521-3564.
Admission: $25, those under 18 are $10. Pay Cash or check at the door.
Saturday March 1, 2025 7:30 p.m.$25 (under 18 $10)
Linden Tree Concerts announces the return of two fan favorite duos: Gayle Anderson & Bob Gram along with Leslie Lee & Steve Gretz on Saturday, March first at 7:30 pm. The concert takes place at the Wakefield Lynnfield United Methodist Church at 273 Vernon St. Wakefield.
Gayle Anderson has always loved music and performing from an early age in Gloucester. At Wheaton College she toured and recorded two albums with The Wheatones. Discovering folk music on WUMB, she began attending open mikes where she met her husband Bob Gram .Bob at UMass Boston also was hooked on the WUMB programing and began attending open mikes and solo gigs.
Together Anderson-Gram released their first CD “Watercolors “ touring together along the East Coast and West Coast and venues in between, releasing their 5th CD “tides and embers.” They are a well-seasoned artistically-polished folk duo. Their voices blend perfectly, and their guitar accompaniments are thoughtful, interesting, and balanced. Their commication with the audience and clever lyrics add to a very satisfying entertainment experience. Andersongram.com
Leslie Lee and Steve Gretz sings songs to lift spirits and soothe souls. Leslie grew up in Kansas City, MO surrounded by music. Her introduction to folk after earning a BFA in Commercial Art was when she created the artwork for Steve Gretz’s first CD, Waiting for the Sun.” In 2003 she stood at the microphone recording on his sold out CD, “Recovered.” Steve Gretz grew up in the NY stage also involved with music most of his life. In the 90s he performed in the duo Arnold+Gretz, recording four CDs. One of his songs” Who Taught These Idiots to Drive?” was featured on NPR’s Car Talk radio show!
Leslie and Steve were married in 2000 and began performing and recording music together in 2003. The songs they write and sing are influenced by a variety of genres including folk, gospel, Americana, and contemporary singer / songwriter. In 2011, they wrote the song, “One Great Hour to Share” for the One Great Hour of Sharing organization, which assists individuals and communities around the world who suffer the effects of disaster, conflict, or severe economic hardship. The song has been used to promote the One Great Hour of Sharing offering in churches throughout the country. Their performances feature simple but tasteful arrangements of timeless melodies. Steve’s guitar is often supplemented by other traditional instruments, but the focus is always on thoughtful lyrics and beautiful harmonies. When Steve and Leslie return to the Linden Tree, they will be joined by multi-instrumetnalist Seth Connelly. “We sing these songs because they move us, and we hope they will lift your spirits and soothe your souls.” https://www.leslieandsteve.com
Saturday February 1, 2025 7:30 p.m. $25 (under 18 $10)
NOTE: Reservations are closed for this show.
“For anyone unfamiliar with this group they are a powerhouse, featuring some of New England’s finest. They bring lots of talent, experience, and a distinctive sound of their own.”
Formed in 2013, Rock Hearts brings together five seasoned musicians from Southern New England who love to sing and pick bluegrass, old country tunes, and seek out tunes from other genres to “bluegrass-ify.” Named an Official 2021 IBMA Showcase Band, the band is enjoying national radio and Chart activity. They are a sought after band for major festivals. They are 615 Hideaway record label artists and work closely with label owner, Sammy Passamano, in Nashville, TN. Their first independent project, Starry Southern Nights, put them on the national radar. A year later they signed with Sammy Passamano and released their first 615 Hideaway Records label single from their new project, Wanderlust, which continues to receive outstanding fanfare and radio attention. Their 3rd project and second with the 615, Unfinished Bridges, is by far their best work yet.
Since it’s release on October 4th, Unfinished Bridges, has experienced tremendous success with the full album and several singles debuting in the Top 10 on national charts, including (5) #1 positions.
Here’s what some folks are saying:
“Rock Hearts’ Unfinished Bridges deserves a large audience and copious praise.” Colin Jordan
“It’s one of the most satisfying recent bluegrass releases and should rank high on any fan of the genre’s must-hear list.” Mark Dreury
Rock Hearts has shared the stage with some of the top bands in the industry including, Del McCoury, Dale Ann Bradley, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Jonathan Edwards, Danny Paisley, The Gibson Brothers, Dan Tyminski, the Seldom Scene, Larry Sparks, and many more. The band consists of founding member and banjo player, Joe Deetz, lead man and guitar/vocals, *Alex MacLeod, the newest Kentucky Mandolin endorsed artist, *Billy Thibodeau, bassist, Rick Brodsky, and fiddler/2023 IBMA Mentor of the Year nominee, *Austin Scelzo.
*Alex MacLeod is one of ten songwriters selected for the 2024 IBMA WOB Songwriter Showcase.
*Austin Scelzo is nominated for the 2024 IBMA Momentum Awards: Industry Involvement; nominated for 2023 IBMA WOB Momentum Mentor of the Year; IBMA Leadership 2024
*Billy Thibodeau was recently inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame and named as a Saga Music Instruments Mandolin Artist (KM1500); IBMA Leadership 2017
Joe Deetz’s career on banjo spans over 40 years. A New England Bluegrass Boy with Joe Val, Joey has also worked with Frank Wakefield, John Herald, Back Eddy and many others. He has recorded with John Herald, Will Scarlet, the Beach Boys and Carol King. Joey was also featured on the Sesame Street recording of The Garbage Man Blues. His passion for bluegrass is evident in his tasteful, yet driving banjo and harmony singing. He lives in Mendon, MA with his wife.
Alex MacLeod grew up in bluegrass. His father and mother, Sandy and Geri, exposed him to the music early on. While his dad Sandy played in the band, his mom clogged with the Ralph Case Cloggers in Maryland. With a classic leading voice and rock-solid rhythm guitar, Alex has served as front man for several bands in the region including Northern Lights, Southern Rhode, Back Eddy, and the Iron Skillet Band. A talented songwriter, Alex has penned Starry Southern Nights, the title track from their debut album, as well as Wanderlust, their most recent single and title of their new project. He lives in Charlestown, RI with his wife and four daughters, Raechel, Maicey, Grace, and Piper.
Billy “BT” Thibodeau boasts an undeniable bluegrass pedigree and he brings his high tenor and lead vocals, along with his fastidious mandolin and splendiferous guitar playing to Rock Hearts. A multi-instrumentalist, Billy has been picking and singing bluegrass for several decades. Cutting his teeth with his Dad, Sam Tidwell and Uncle Bob in the Kennebec Valley Boys, he would later lead his own band, The Bill Thibodeau Band. He has also played with the Descendants of Bluegrass, Bluegrass Supply Company, and Union River Band, just to name a few. A member of the IBMA Leadership class of 2017, Billy currently teaches music and works at Rick’s Music in Cumberland, RI. He lives in Cumberland, RI.
Austin Scelzo was introduced to various fiddle traditions at Mark O’Connor’s early Berklee String Camps, learning from powerhouse players like Billy Contreras, Jason Anick, Casey Dreissen, Jeremy Kittel, Andy Reiner, Bruce Molsky, Mark O’Connor, and Christian Howes. Austin’s Bluegrass journey began with the Western CT based group the “Angry O’Haras”, then later “On the Trail“, with which he recorded fiddle and vocals. Austin is also an active bluegrass community advocate, teaching Wernick Method Jam classes, and launching the Connecticut Bluegrass Music Association. Austin was recently named to the IBMA Leadership Class of 2023, nominated for the 2023 IBMA Momentum Mentor of the Year, the 2024 IBMA Industry Involvement award and was recognized in his home state of Connecticut as a CT Arts Hero.
Rick Brodsky is a multi-instrumentalist who has played within numerous musical genres over the past 35 years. Rick is a regular on the Connecticut/New York bluegrass scene and has played bass for numerous regional and national artists including Jonathan Edwards, Jeff Scroggins & Colorado, The Korey Brodsky Band, Stacy Phillips & His Bluegrass Characters, and Laura Orshaw & The New Velvet. You can hear Rick’s bass playing on several of Ben Freed’s highly acclaimed banjo albums and more recently on Korey Brodsky’s 2015 album.
Linden Tree Coffeehouse 