Wolfeboro Folk Concert Series opens Sept. 24

The Wolfeboro Folk Concert Series will open its second season with a concert on Wednesday, September 24 at Garwoods Restaurant and Pub with Cape Breton multi-instrumentalist J.P. Cormier. The concert will start at 7:00 p.m.

An idea conceived more than a year ago by Wolfeboro residents Ben Anderson and Steve Patterson, the concert series completed its opening season last year with a series of sold-out performances by Bill Morrissey, Mark Erelli, and Garnet Rogers. “The response we had was phenomenal.” recalled Anderson. “All of the concerts sold-out weeks in advance.”

Anderson and Patterson credit the sell-out concerts not only to the talented performers but also to the intimate atmosphere of the venue, Garwoods Restaurant and Pub. “We couldn’t ask for a better venue.” Patterson said. “It allows us to create a wonderful listening room for the community of acoustic music fans.”

Held on a monthly basis except during the summer season, the Wolfeboro Folk Concert Series presents both traditional and contemporary folk artists. “We are very excited and honored to have J.P. perform here.” says Anderson, “He’s a truly eclectic instrumentalist, playing guitar, fiddle and innumerable other things in the traditions of his home on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.”

Cormier was awarded two of Canada’s coveted East Coast Music Awards this year – Male Artist of the Year and Instrumental Artist of the Year, and has been hailed by Chet Atkins as being "one of the most important guitar players of his generation".

Cormier began playing guitar, self taught, at the age of five and quickly became immersed in the rich musical heritage of his Cape Breton roots. His ability to play the guitar and almost any music he heard by ear astounded everyone who heard him. By the age of nine, he was considered a genuine prodigy and won his first guitar competition against 30 other players three times his age. By the age of 16, he had released his first album and began touring the U.S. festival circuit. These appearances led to 10 years of television spots, tours, recording sessions, and many memorable evenings at the Grand Ole Opry with such notable artists as Waylon Jennings, Earl Scruggs, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt and Kitty Wells. To date, his six albums and relentless touring have earned his a Juno (Canada’s Grammy) nomination and multiple East Coast Music Award nominations and wins.

Concert tickets are $15 when purchased in advance, $17.50 at the door and are available at Stay Tuned and Garwoods Restaurant and Pub, Main Street, Wolfeboro. Starting at 5:00 p.m., Garwoods offers concert-goers a full dinner menu and bar service.For more information, email ben@greatwaters.org or call (603) 569-0997.