GUILFORD — The Erin Harpe Country Blues Duo with Jim Countryman will perform at Springs Farm, 49 Carpenter Hill Rd., on Friday, Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m. In case of rain, the concert will be moved inside to the Broad Brook Community Center, 3940 Guilford Center Road.
Harpe has been called "one of the most dynamic, talented and exciting roots rocking blues women on the scene," by Living Blues magazine. The singer, songwriter, guitarist, and band leader was recently named New England's "Blues Artist of the Year."
Once described as "Bonnie Raitt on modern performance-enhancing drugs" for her work with her award-winning electric blues band Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers, more recently she has been gaining attention as an acoustic guitarist and purveyor of 1920s and '30s finger-style country blues.
Harpe grew up learning the style from her dad, Neil Harpe, and watching local Piedmont blues luminaries such as Cephas & Wiggins, Archie Edwards, Eleanor Ellis, and Warner Williams at Washington, D.C.'s famed Archie's Barbershop.
Her recent album with the Country Blues Duo (a.k.a. "CBD"), recorded with longtime partner/bassist Countryman, features Harpe on acoustic guitar, vocals, kazoo, and foot percussion, with Countryman on ukulele bass and backing vocals.
Their performances include vintage classics - by the likes of Memphis Minnie, Mississippi John Hurt, Tommy Johnson, and Blind Blake - interpreted by Harpe, and mixed with original compositions and country blues takes on other popular songs.
There is a $10–$20 suggested admission, but no one will be turned away. All proceeds go to the band, and children are always admitted free. Parking at Springs Farm is limited to anyone who needs close access. Otherwise, park off Carpenter Hill Road at the town library, community center, lower field, or Playscape and enjoy the short walk up.
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