Over the years of performing or going out to shows there are many folks you meet, occasionally will see again (occasionally will forget the name of), a select few that will become friends, and a very select few that will become very close friends. One of those people that falls into that latter camp is Chuck Honnet. Chuck has been an avid supporter of local, independent music and the people making it around town for a number of years now. Mostly hiding behind the scenes (or hanging in the studio as with our Locals Covering Locals project), but Chuck is stepping out to help curate and present a great new series at Club Passim called The Discovery Series where members get a chance to get a taste of artists from out of state or those who may not typically be headlining an evening at the club on their own accord…thus giving them a chance to discover some new favorite artists. The series will be free for Club Passim members and open to the public for a cover charge. Last evening was the second show of the series and to say that it was a success is an understatement.
I heard rumblings from another music creating colleague as I was sitting in my 
seat awaiting the show, and to being filming pieces of the evening to document for Honnet, that the show was sold out. There was an early crowd there, but as soon as The North End Honey’s (representing Vermont…I should also mention that this particular iteration of the series was a collection of the folks from the artist series curated by Passim (and in particular Courtney Gallagher) where an artist from each New England state performs a house concert for Passim members. Pretty cool right? You should get on that and get your membership today!).
I have been a fan of Hannah Fair’s solo music, she has a bluesy tinge to her voice, she is a great guitar player and has a badass attitude on stage that may not necessarily represent how much of a sweetheart she is off of it, but she always delivers an intense performance. Rounding out the band with another guitar, upright bass, and a fiddle for a much more rootsier vibe in this outfit was a wonderful surprise. The harmonies that she and Erin Cassels-Brown are able to muster up are fantastic and vibrant. Full of life and fervor. A footstomping good time to begin a great evening of music.
Next up was a gent that I had heard about, but never heard sing. Joe Young was repping his home state of New Hampshire in this collection of the great New England states and from the moment he uttered the first word of his song I was blown away. He has a quiet confidence about him, not that he is necessarily quiet, just not boisterous. You could tell he was just humbled to be there that evening. He told introspective tales in a voice that was reminiscent of Joe Purdy sprinkled with hints of David Gray. A great and unique combination and the strength in which he sings is a rare trait. It feels so natural, but at the same time the power that is placed into each word is evident.
Caroline Cotter graced the stage next and kicked off her set sans guitar, utilizing just her voice, her foot, and the snap of her fingers to drive the song along…and it worked wonderfully. She has a very delicate and beautiful voice. The kind that necessitates a crowd to hush when needed and this night in particular at Passim, the audience obliged and was treated to some great music as a result.
The final act of the night is no stranger to me or anyone who reads this music publication. Ian Fitzgerald took the stage to a room that was still as full as it was at the start of the evening. For most shows I have attended or hosted of this nature, that truly says something. Before Ian took the stage I saw Joe Young at a table with friends trying to form words around how incredible a writer Fitzgerald is. I often times have the same problem and usually end up with something like “the greatest writer I know”, which I still believe to be true. Ian played a few old favorites and a couple new favorite to me off his upcoming record, including the beautifully penned “Monroe” and “Forget the Address”. In a surprise act he looked into the audience and stated he would be performing a cover of one of the folks in attendance that night. That person was Scott Thompson, the song was “Old Brown Shoes” and his take on the tune was sublime. His banter, even more so, as he stated “earlier out in the back Scott told me that my songwriting was adequate”…receiving a chuckle from the audience.
This was a really wonderful evening of music and just the start of a new series that will surely produce many more of the same. The next artist Discovery Series is on September 14th and will host The New Millennium Jelly Rollers and another Red Line favorite, the Meadows Brothers. So get your tickets to that show now by visiting this link: https://tickets.passim.org/ordertickets.asp?p=4804&backurl=default.asp
And remember to support local arts!