There is a cool new music series on the other side of the river for a change. I caught up with songstress and event organizer extraordinaire, Christa Gniadek to get the scoop on her new roots music showcase hitting Allston called “Folk Yourself!”
(photo by Denise Maccaferri)1) Tell us about yourself, your connection to the “folk/songwriting” community in town and your own music.
CG: Nice to meet you, Red Line Roots! I’m Christa Gniadek and I’m a singer-songwriter also in the Boston area. I’ve been playing the Boston scene since late 2008. My connection to the songwriting community has always stemmed from my love for music and meeting new people. In 2012 I booked/hosted a singer-songwriter showcase at The Middle East Upstairs, and now having dipped my toes in concert promoting, I’ve been enjoying finding amazing local artists and music I love and building bills around them. I majored in Songwriting at Berklee which not only helped my craft but it was a great way to meet some amazing artists in the area, too. My music has evolved over the years, but ultimately I’m a sucker for a good song with a good story.
2) Allston isn’t exactly known for being the songwriter, folk, roots center for Boston, why this venue? Do you feel like you will be helping to bring some of that music to a spot in the city that has been historically focused on the rock and indie rock scene?
CG: It’s interesting how things go full circle because as I mentioned above I’ve been playing in Boston since 2008 – that was when I moved here to initially go to BU. I met Conor Loughman at BU when I was a freshman. He is now one-half of The Brain Trust with Richard Hendersen (you’ve probably seen their logo on flyers around town) and they are booking at The Wonder Bar now. He gave me a call last year referencing my work at The Middle East and asked if I was interested in bringing in some singer-songwriters to The Wonder Bar. I think the fact that there aren’t many folk/singer-songwriter shows happening in Allston is exactly why Conor wanted me on board for this and why I was excited to help out.
3) There is a great collection of songwriters on this next show. Ian, Patrick, and Jay are all good friends of Red Line (and me personally), how did you meet these fine musicians?
CG: My most recent record “Leaving Boston” was my first release to get some airplay, and I sent it out to WATD in Marshfield, MA. The music director there, John Shea, gave my record a listen and we have since become good friends (WATD has very graciously agreed to partner with us on the showcase as well). I’m always listening to music recommendations from him. This has since changed, but I had not met Ian, Patrick, and Jay when I booked them – I had only heard their music. (If you think I wasn’t singing along to “Something To Remember Me By” by Ian on Saturday at the Lizard Lounge, you’re crazy.)
4) Anything else folks should know about the series? Where can we get info on upcoming events?
CG: The series is called Folk Yourself at The Wonder Bar in Allston. The venue has recently updated their sound system. We have added an open mic segment to the night in order to let willing, ready musicians to come in and play a song, and potentially also play the next showcase. I’m excited to have an open mic feature since I started in Boston playing open mics (In fact, I am pretty sure that’s where Conor first heard me). I don’t know of any open mics for songwriters in the Allston area, and there’s plenty of us here! The showcase is Monday, March 16th and it starts at 8 pm, $7, 21+. Come a little early for the open mic sign up! “Like” the Folk Yourself showcase page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/folkyourselfopenmic – all the updates about showcases dates, times, etc. are there!
CG: Nice to meet you, Red Line Roots! I’m Christa Gniadek and I’m a singer-songwriter also in the Boston area. I’ve been playing the Boston scene since late 2008. My connection to the songwriting community has always stemmed from my love for music and meeting new people. In 2012 I booked/hosted a singer-songwriter showcase at The Middle East Upstairs, and now having dipped my toes in concert promoting, I’ve been enjoying finding amazing local artists and music I love and building bills around them. I majored in Songwriting at Berklee which not only helped my craft but it was a great way to meet some amazing artists in the area, too. My music has evolved over the years, but ultimately I’m a sucker for a good song with a good story.
2) Allston isn’t exactly known for being the songwriter, folk, roots center for Boston, why this venue? Do you feel like you will be helping to bring some of that music to a spot in the city that has been historically focused on the rock and indie rock scene?
CG: It’s interesting how things go full circle because as I mentioned above I’ve been playing in Boston since 2008 – that was when I moved here to initially go to BU. I met Conor Loughman at BU when I was a freshman. He is now one-half of The Brain Trust with Richard Hendersen (you’ve probably seen their logo on flyers around town) and they are booking at The Wonder Bar now. He gave me a call last year referencing my work at The Middle East and asked if I was interested in bringing in some singer-songwriters to The Wonder Bar. I think the fact that there aren’t many folk/singer-songwriter shows happening in Allston is exactly why Conor wanted me on board for this and why I was excited to help out.
3) There is a great collection of songwriters on this next show. Ian, Patrick, and Jay are all good friends of Red Line (and me personally), how did you meet these fine musicians?
CG: My most recent record “Leaving Boston” was my first release to get some airplay, and I sent it out to WATD in Marshfield, MA. The music director there, John Shea, gave my record a listen and we have since become good friends (WATD has very graciously agreed to partner with us on the showcase as well). I’m always listening to music recommendations from him. This has since changed, but I had not met Ian, Patrick, and Jay when I booked them – I had only heard their music. (If you think I wasn’t singing along to “Something To Remember Me By” by Ian on Saturday at the Lizard Lounge, you’re crazy.)
4) Anything else folks should know about the series? Where can we get info on upcoming events?
CG: The series is called Folk Yourself at The Wonder Bar in Allston. The venue has recently updated their sound system. We have added an open mic segment to the night in order to let willing, ready musicians to come in and play a song, and potentially also play the next showcase. I’m excited to have an open mic feature since I started in Boston playing open mics (In fact, I am pretty sure that’s where Conor first heard me). I don’t know of any open mics for songwriters in the Allston area, and there’s plenty of us here! The showcase is Monday, March 16th and it starts at 8 pm, $7, 21+. Come a little early for the open mic sign up! “Like” the Folk Yourself showcase page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/folkyourselfopenmic – all the updates about showcases dates, times, etc. are there!
Be sure to check out Christa’s music as well at: http://www.christagniadek.com/