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MEET THE VOLUNTEERS
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Founder of JP Unplugged, songwriter Jess Yoakum primarily performs in Boston as a solo, acoustic guitarist and singer, but can also be found playing with the accompaniment of other local musicians. With a textured, mature vocal style and a playful yet commanding stage presence, Yoakum's audiences are treated to captivatingly bold lyrics that dare to reach beyond the comfort zone. Her debut self-titled CD was nominated for the OUTMusic Outstanding Debut Album of the Year (2005). |
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NYC’s Denise Barbarita has been described as "a combination of Pop-angst, Rock and Folk" and “a lit match that's taking the Indie music industry at full storm” (Heather Corchoran, Coffeehoue Tour). “Listening to Denise Barbarita makes me shiver inside…one heck of a performer." (Dave Blackledge PA performer and festival coordinator). |
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Somerville folk singer/songwriter Laura Bullock recognizes that the real stuff of life doesn't necessarily happen in the high peaks or the low valleys, but in that area in between, in the mundane and day-to-day. Her songwriting reflects a longing for redemption and a striving for significance in the very normal moments of daily life. |
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Mike Delaney is a Boston-area singer-songwriter and part of the music group "New England Weather". His humorous original songs and parodies cover a wide range of topics from himself ("The Hunk" and "Mando Tango") to the entire country ("If We Only Had a Brain"). He has been deemed an "accomplished amateur" by Marilyn Rae Beyer, the music director of WUMB, Boston Folk Radio, and Tom Paxton commented that at least one of his songs was "not bad." Anne Hills called the song "1-800-CONFESS" "brilliant"! |
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Patti DeRosa is a powerful presence that is fun, funky, and sizzling. She is “A must-see artist with a unique talent that is becoming increasing rare: she has something to say and a powerful way to say it.” (Motif Magazine) and "A gem that stands out in the vast sea of singer/songwriters." (Madalyn Sklar, GoGirlsMusic.com). |
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Called "one of New England's best songwriters" by The Boston Globe, Terry Kitchen's songs are portraits of ordinary people and emotions, captured with extraordinary compassion, honesty and humor. He has been performing on the national folk coffeehouse and festival circuit for the past fifteen years, and has performed at such folk clubs as Cambridge's Club Passim, the Postcrypt Coffeehouse and Cafe Lena in NY, Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem and the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, and the Falcon Ridge and South Florida Folk Festivals. |
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Ken Porter has been playing drums for over forty years. (Though his mother says he kicked in rhythm before he was born. Hmmm.) He's played in marching bands, rock-and-roll bands, jazz bands, folk bands. He's opened for Dave Loggins and performed numerous times with Pete Seeger in various venues and with the Walkabout Clearwater Chorus. He's performed with the likes of Tom Chapin, Kim and Reggie Harris, Josh White Jr., and Ruth Wyand. He also appears locally with Julia Kelly and, prior to her 'big band' era, appeared regularly in the Boston area with Patty Keough. He's provided percussion on several record albums and CDs including Dan Hart's well received "The Life of Dan", David Rovic's "We Just Want The World" and on "Walkin'" a CD by New England Weather's very own Kathy Danielson. |
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Singer-songwriter Bethel Steele is a young up-and-coming artist in the Boston music scene. Originally from upstate New York, Bethel came to Boston in late 2007 and is already turning heads. Her music combines sweet melodies with a warm voice, thoughtful lyrics and strong guitar accompaniment. She released an EP, Beautiful Woman, in 2006 and is currently busking in the depths of Boston’s subway system and working on her first full-length studio album. |
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Folk singer Chris Wilhelm has a voice that rings with a certain
vulnerable sense of conviction. And indeed, this Boston-based
singer/songwriter has seen a lot during his 16-year music career: In
between his relocations from Hudson, New York to Albany and now to
Boston, he has spent time busking for change in subway stations, singing
open-mic nights in coffee shops, and altogether honing his delicate
craft. His current songs reach a rare level of emotional urgency, steeped
in a palpable sense of hope and understanding. |
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JP Unplugged is a new acoustic music series that launched in February 2007. Initiated by Jess Yoakum, a group of Boston based singer/songwriters have banded together to create this parlor series in the historic Loring-Greenough House in Jamaica Plain, MA. It is the hope of the volunteers that the success of this series will encourage broader support of independent acoustic music in the community.
The first season included nationally touring acts in February, April, and May, and founding member shows in March and June. See the Events page for more details. We will resume with our second season in September 2007.
The Loring-Greenough House has opened its doors to us to host these concerts in one of their beautiful parlor rooms on the first floor of the house. The shows are an intimate coffeehouse-meets-house-concert setting, with seating for 40 to 50 people.
Our aim is to reach out to Jamaica Plain and neighboring communities to garner support for holding events like these and bring new friends to the community. We have been working with local coffeeshops and bakeries to serve coffee and goodies for each of the shows. Our supporters for the Spring 2007 series included Java Jo's of Jamaica Plain and Starbucks of West Roxbury.
The volunteers of JP Unplugged look forward to your support, and to working with the community! Spread the word to your friends and neighbors.
In peace and harmony,
JP Unplugged: Jess Yoakum, Carlyn Hutchins, Patti DeRosa, Mike Delaney, Terry Kitchen, Laura Bullock, and (our New York partner) Denise Barbarita
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