BRATTLEBORO — Acoustic musicians Alex Sturbaum, Cedar Stanistreet, and Arthur Davis present an afternoon of traditional and original songs and tunes from both sides of the Atlantic on Sunday, March 13, at 3 p.m.
The concert will be the first at the new Exit 1 Emporium at Vermont Marketplace (formerly The Outlet Center) on Canal Street. Admission is on a sliding scale of $10 to $20.
Sturbaum is based in Olympia, Washington. As a singer, songwriter, dance musician, and multi-instrumentalist, he performs across the country at festivals, contra dance weekends, and more.
“A versatile and engaging performer steeped in folk music from both sides of the Atlantic,” states a news release, “he draws influences from Celtic, American, English, Canadian, and maritime music to create something at once old and new. Sturbaum's performances are known for high energy and a fast rapport with audiences.”
Stanistreet grew up playing both classical violin and traditional fiddle music, studying violin performance at the Crane School of Music.
For the past 10 years, he has played for contra dances across North America with bands including Nor'easter, Cardinal Direction, Maivish, and Cloud Ten. “His spirited, rhythmic playing and clear tone keep dancers on their feet,” the release says. In between gigs, Cedar is based in Brattleboro and repairs violins, violas, and cellos.
Davis's playing is steeped in classic New England piano, clawhammer banjo, and occasionally lyrical trumpet. He has played with the bands Hidden Drive, Gallimaufry, and now Cloud Ten.
Davis has spent much of the last few years aboard various sailing ships, singing sea songs to accompany the daily work of operating such a vessel. Based in Brattleboro, Davis also works in environmental science.