May 2024

Want to hear about “every stupid, inexplicable and bizarre thing that could happen to a pair of young idiots … naive enough to think they could play folk music for a living?” As a kid, Canadian folk musician Garnet Rogers spent many hours in front of the old floor model radio listening to Grand Ol’ Opry broadcasts and harmonizing with his brother, Stan. By 18, he was a full-time road musician, part of one of the most influential duos in the history of North American folk music from 1973-1983. A producer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist, Garnet Rogers has since established himself as a formidable solo artist. Hailed by the Boston Globe as “one of the major talents of our time,” his vocal and instrumental talents are complimented by an undeniably powerful physical presence – close to six and a half feet tall – with lungs to match. With his “smooth, dark baritone” (Washington Post), his incredible range, and his thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, his music (like the man himself) is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful. As memorable as his songs, his over-the-top humor and lightning-quick wit should make him a keynote for the books. We’re talking cop chases, pot dealing, biker bar brawls with “beer and blood everywhere,” living in a hippie school bus with a wood stove inside it. Breeding thoroughbreds. Witnessing an all-out brawl with guys “ripping each other’s beards off” at a Bob Dylan concert level interesting. We cannot wait to hear what he’ll have to say as one of our three keynote speakers this year!” Register Now

Key Information: The series is open to formal showcasing artists from the previous year. All shows have a minimum guarantee of $400 We are only looking for opportunities for Thursday or Sunday concerts. Welcome to the second year of the Coffee and Wood series, a concert initiative sponsored by NERFA, designed specifically to revive and rejuvenate touring opportunities for artists in the folk roots and Americana music scenes. After the overwhelming success of last year’s series, which presented eight vibrant concerts, we’re thrilled to bring even more to the table this year, continuing our mission to support the community and keep the music playing. The inception of the Coffee and Wood series stemmed from the unique challenges our community faced post-pandemic. As venues began to reopen, artists found it increasingly difficult to stitch together four to five-night tours, a staple for sustaining a musician’s career. The feedback was clear and pressing: our artists needed help. In response, NERFA took a proactive approach, reaching out to an array of unconventional spaces that could host performances on typically quieter days, like Thursday or Sunday afternoons. This strategy was not only about finding stages but creating new opportunities for artists to connect with audiences, ensuring the music never stops. This year, the Coffee and Wood series expands its reach with a number of new venues sprinkled throughout our vibrant Northeast music corridor. From cozy cafés to 100 year old stunning music halls that echo the rich timbre of acoustic guitars, each location has been handpicked to enhance the musical experience and foster intimate connections between performers and audiences. These spaces are not just venues; they are sanctuaries where community and culture thrive and where artists can tell their stories in the most authentic settings. Moreover, this series is not just about venues; it’s about creating a viable, sustainable model for touring that artists use as the industry continues to adjust post-pandemic. The introduction of a new series of public grants has been a game-changer in this respect. These grants are specifically designed to support artists, enabling them to plan and execute more meaningful tour schedules. As we celebrate our second annual Coffee and Wood series, we invite you to join us in this unique celebration of music and community. Each concert is more than just a performance; it’s a gathering of like-minded souls, a place to meet old friends and make new ones, and a chance to experience the raw, unfiltered heart of folk music. Whether you’re a long-time folk fan or new to the scene, these concerts promise something for everyone—a chance to relax, unwind, and be moved by the power of music. Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for updates on concert dates, featured artists, and behind-the-scenes content. Let’s keep the music playing and the spirit of our community alive as we continue to support and celebrate the artists among us. Together, we can ensure that the tradition of folk and Americana music not only survives but thrives. Join us, bring a friend, and become a part of the story that is folk music today.