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The Caltech Folk Music Society Home Page

Caltech Folk Music Society
Mail Code 102-58
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA 91125

updated 12/19/2011

A great season of 2012 shows is here, with more shows being planned! Buy your tickets for Cheryl Wheeler and Kenny White in advance, as her shows have sold out in the past!


And yes, kittens are still available! Click Here


If you aren't on our email list, be sure to sign up to be notified about each concert. Write the Folk Music Society at folkmusic@caltech.edu

By the way, all of our concerts are held after Caltech business hours, so parking in the school lots is free!

Jim Malcolm
Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. in Beckman Institute Auditorium (building 74 on the map)

Admission: $15, with $5 for Caltech students and children.
Tickets may be obtained from the Caltech Ticket Office. For information, call (626) 395-4652.

Jim Malcolm, from Perthshire, Scotland, returns for his fourth solo show as he makes his way up the West Coast on his current tour. The former lead singer with Scottish group, Old Blind Dogs, he is ever popular and he tends to delight us with a surprise or two when he comes. Accompanying himself on guitar and harmonica, he is a fine singer of traditional songs, those of Robert Burns, and his imaginative originals. He's released a CD, "Sparkling Flash," since we saw him last, and he continues in great form. You'll hear some familiar songs, including a couple recorded by Andy M. Stewart, and some of his own fine songs and he's joined by some of his old bandmates from Old Blind Dogs. Jim writes songs about nature, incidents and thoughts from his travels, and his own quirky way of looking at things. He is quite funny, and he is a very entertaining storyteller, indeed. Dirty Linen wrote, "Malcolm has one of those pure, warm folk voices (two parts Archie Fisher,one part Dick Gaughan) that one never tires of listening to." The Living Tradition said he is "... one of the finest singing voices in Scotland in any style."

Spirit of Uganda
Friday, January 27, 2012 (8:00 PM) in Beckman Auditorium (building 91 on the map)
presented by Caltech Campus Programs, along with the Caltech Folk Music Society as marketing partner

Regular prices are $26, 21, 16 ($10 for youth) and there is a $5 discount if you mention the Caltech Folk Music Society when ordering or buying tickets at the door! Advance tickets are available at the Caltech Ticket Office. For information, call (626) 395-4652.

To the melodic tones of standing drums, with dramatic choreography, bright, layered rhythms and gordeous call-and-response vocals, Spirit of Uganda brings to life the sounds and movements of East Africa. The Village Voice said of them, "Young, proud, and marvelously spiritied musicians and dancers. Whatever these performers do, in whatever different bright attire, they do with discipline, fervor, and joy.... The pounding feet and agile bodies, the drums and vibrant human voices all send a message - one of courange and hope." This will be an outstanding show!

Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen
Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. in Beckman Institute Auditorium (building 74 on the map)

Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for Caltech students and children.
Tickets may be obtained from the Caltech Ticket Office. For information, call (626) 395-4652.

Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen are consumate folk performers, combining original songs from each of them, with some wonderful gems from friends and other performers, as well as a few traditional songs. Both are outstanding songwriters, with Steve being the more prolific-he has even written a book on the subject. He has penned some true classic songs, many of which have been performed by others, such as the ballad, "Darcy Farrow" and "Back on the Street Again." And they are both wonderful singers, with Cindy's vocal skills an integral part of the sound on her "Trio" recordings with Priscilla Herdman and Anne Hills. A fuller, more beautiful voice cannot be found. They are also tremendous musicians, with Steve a renowned guitarist and Cindy switching from guitar to concertina, and maybe some banjo, if they bring it on this tour. And they are very entertaining performers as they talk about the songs, and anecdotes from their travels. They have slipped easily into a pattern of every-other-year shows at Caltech, as these Vermonters seek refuge from the Northeast winter around this time of year. It is always great to welcome them back and to hear new songs and stories, as well as the old ones, too. Their shows tend to be like a gathering of friends, professional, yet very informal and intimate. Theirs is a great show to bring a first-time live folk concert attendee to let people see what the Caltech Folk Music Society series is all about. Help spread the word!

Cheryl Wheeler and Kenny White
Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. in Beckman Institute Auditorium (building 74 on the map)

Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for Caltech students and children.
Tickets may be obtained from the Caltech Ticket Office. For information, call (626) 395-4652.

Cheryl Wheeler and Kenny White will be making their third appearance at Caltech, with two sold out shows under their belts. What is so special about their shows? Cheryl is side-splittingly funny and can also deliver insightful and disarmingly poignant songs as well. She accompanies herself on guitar and is a great observer of the world. Her songs include "Potato," a hilarious ditty about spuds, and Estate Sale, which combines humor and insight in a look at weekend phenomena of looking through the lives of the departed. On the more serious side is the beautiful, "Howling at the Moon." She's got a treasure chest of music, and there's no way of knowing which songs she'll share this time around.

Kenny White is a savvy singer/songwriter/piano player/guitarist, who does a great job of backing Cheryl and presenting his own set of songs. He's amazing on the keyboards and his songs have a lot to say. He could easily headline a show of his own. We're planning to put tickets on sale for this show on December 1, but make a note in your calendar now for this one.

Michael Smith
Saturday, March 31, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. in Beckman Institute Auditorium (building 74 on the map)

Admission: $15, with $5 for Caltech students and children.
Tickets may be obtained from the Caltech Ticket Office. For information, call (626) 395-4652.

We've been trying to get Michael Smith back to Caltech for years, but we could never get schedules to work out. At last we have him! Michael is hugely known as the songwriter of "The Dutchman," a song done early on by Steve Goodman and then performed and recorded by all kinds of great singers since then. If you don't know the song by it's name, maybe the line, "Long ago I used to be a young man, and dear Margaret remembers that form me." Great line, great song, and great songwriter and performer! Over the years, he's recorded a tremendous body of memorable songs, and he continues to be prolific. He can also take a familiar popular song and give it a whole new life and perspective. He's a songwriter's songwriter, inspired more by some of the great writers of literature than by contemporary songwriters. His sense of humor is extremely clever and imaginative and his guitar playing is outstandingly good. Those familiar with his work will start making plans, and those who are not miss this chance to hear a master.

The Caltech Folk Music Society is a non-profit organization with all money collected going toward paying performers and for mailings and other expenses.

To confirm dates and times, contact Rex Mayreis or Nick Smith.

Visit the Caltech Public Events page at www.events.caltech.edu and choose "Series" from the main page, and then Caltech Folk Music Society Concerts. Their site also offers a listing of other programs on the Caltech campus.

Ticket information is available from the Caltech Ticket Office.

About the Caltech Folk Music Society...

The Caltech Folk Music Society was started in 1983 by graduate students Brian Toby and Simon Davies. The intent was to bring well-known performers of acoustic music from around the country, and around the world, to play at Caltech for a reasonable price. Long before playing "unplugged" became fashionable, the CFMS began to seek out a wide range of singer-songwriters, bluegrass bands, British Isles music, blues, Nueva Cancion, guitarists, and a whole array of other musicians that did not fit well into mainstream musical categories. While some of these performers emphasize elements of "folk tradition," others are boldly innovative and truly unique. Social activism, humor, and compassion are commonly present as well.

Most concerts are held in Beckman Institute Auditorium and occasionally in Dabney Hall. We average one show each month. The CFMS is an informal group of students and volunteers from the local community who arrange and publicize these concerts. All money taken in for ticket sales goes toward booking future shows. Volunteers are most welcome, especially students. Please contact folkmusic@caltech.edu to find out more.


Some Music Resources on the Web

Folkscene (Roz and Allen Larman)
Alive & Picking (Mary Katherine Aldin)
Bluegrass Etc. (Frank Hoppe, a former Caltech Folk Music Society volunteer!)
Folkworks
AcousticMusic.net
Heartfelt Music (John & Deanne Davis) - Keep in touch with the hosts of this fine show that is no longer on KPFK
Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest
Americana & Roots Music in (and around) LA
Bluegrass Association of Southern California
Tied to the Tracks (Larry Wines of KCSN)
Prairie Home Companion (Garrison Keillor)

Past Performances

Caltech Folk Music Society Concerts, since the beginning in January 1983, along with Brian's and Simon's pre-Folk Music Society concerts
(Thanks, Brian, for the updated early listings!)

12/10/11Kevin Burke
12/03/11Tomaseen Foley's Celtic Christmas (marketing partner with Caltech Campus Programs)
11/19/11Rita Hosking & Cousin Jack
10/29/2011William Jackson and Gráinne Hambly
10/08/2011Small Potatoes & Dave Morrison
09/17/2011Moya Brennan & Cormac De Barra
08/13/11Loafer's Glory
07/23/11The Syncopaths
06/04/11Rosalie Sorrels
05/04/11Molly's Revenge
04/16/11Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band
04/02/11Nrityagram Dance Ensemble (marketing partner with Caltech Campus Programs)
03/19/11Gerry O'Beirne and Rosie Shipley
03/11/11Step Afrika! (marketing partner with Caltech Campus Programs)
02/26/11Country Joe McDonald
02/11/11Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana (marketing partner with Caltech Campus Programs)
01/29/11Katy Moffat
12/11/10Ronny Cox
11/06/10Patrick Ball
11/05/10Eileen Ivers (marketing partner with Caltech Campus Programs)
10/15/10JIGU! Thunder Drums of China (marketing partner with Caltech Campus Programs)
10/09/10Marley's Ghost
10/02/10Calpulli Mexican Dance Company (marketing partner with Caltech Campus Programs)
09/11/10Eliza Gilkyson
07/17/10Tannahill Weavers
06/26/10Andy Irvine
06/12/10Old Blind Dogs
05/15/10Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum
04/24/10Priscilla Herdman
03/20/10Chris Stuart and Backcountry
03/12/10Ladysmith Black Mambazo (marketing partner with Caltech Campus Programs)
03/05/10Tommy Sands with Moya & Fionan Sands
02/27/10The Wailin' Jennys (marketing partner with Caltech Campus Programs)
02/13/10Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen
01/23/10Jim Malcolm
12/06/09Alasdair Frasier & Natalie Haas
12/05/09Don Vappie and the Creole Jazz Serenaders (marketing partner with Caltech Campus Programs)
11/21/09Anne Hills
11/07/09Battlefield Band
10/23/09Barynya (marketing partner with Caltech Campus Programs)
10/10/09David Mallet
09/12/09Cheryl Wheeler & Kenny White
05/09/09Bryan Bowers
04/18/09Moira Smiley & VOCO
02/28/09Lúnasa (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
02/27/09Gráda
02/20/09Carolina Chocolate Drops (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
02/07/09Kingston Trio (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
01/10/09Peter Ostroushko
12/06/08Tony McManus
11/07/08Andy M. Stewart & Gerry O'Beirne
10/25/08Natalie MacMaster (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
10/18/08Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem and Pine Leaf Boys (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
10/11/08Sara Grey with Kieron Means
09/06/08Patrick Ball
08/09/08Molly's Revenge
06/14/08Mary Z. Cox & Bob Cox
05/16/08The Limeliters
04/05/08Joel Fafard
03/08/08Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen
02/23/08Nancy McCallion
02/08/08Leahy (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
01/26/08Campbell Brothers (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
01/25/08John McCutcheon
01/12/08Harvey Reid
12/01/07Santa Cruz River Band
11/10/07Sons of the Never Wrong
11/02/07Vishten (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
10/20/07Anne Hills
09/22/07Women on the Move: Beautiful CD Release Concert
07/28/07Susie Glaze & Hilonsome
06/01/07Rosalie Sorrells
05/12/07Perfect Strangers
04/14/07Bryan Bowers
03/17/07Wilson & McKee
03/09/07Boys of the Lough (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
02/17/07Cheryl Wheeler & Kenny White
02/03/07Jim Malcolm
01/19/07Eliza Gilkyson
01/06/07Cathy Barton & Dave Para
12/9,10/06A Scottish Christmas with Bonnie Rideout (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
11/04/06Jamie Laval & Ashley Broder
10/27/06Dervish (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
10/14/06Aaron Jones & Claire Mann
10/07/06Inti-Illimani (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
09/09/06Peter Ostroushko & Arkadiy Yushin
07/01/06Fairport Convention
06/09/06Cache Valley Drifters
04/22/06Priscilla Herdman
04/29/06Natalie McMaster (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
03/04/06Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen
01/21/06Chris Proctor
12/10/05Kevin Burke
11/04/05Patrick Ball in The Fine Beauty of the Island
11/05/05Battlefield Band (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
10/15/05John McEuen, David Amram & Buddy Spicher (3 Jammin' Gents, a show in honor of the late Vassar Clements & marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
10/01/05bohola
09/17/05Gerry O'Beirne (Andy Stewart forced to cancel tour)
05/14/05Old Blind Dogs
04/09/05Mary Z. Cox accompanied by Bob Cox
03/19/05Teada
03/05/05Vishten (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
02/19/05The Perfect Strangers
02/05/05Jim Malcolm
01/21/05John McCutcheon & The Chapin Sisters
12/11/04Broceliande
10/23/04Lúnasa (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
10/09/04William Jackson
09/10/04Michael Smith
08/29/04Katy Moffatt
04/24/04Bryan Bowers
03/27/04Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen
02/28/04David Crosby (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
01/23/04Kingston Trio (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
01/16/04Harvey Reid
12/20/03Cyntia Smith & the Lilies
11/15/03Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer
10/17/03Fil Campbell & Tom McFarland
09/09/03Peter Ostroushko
07/26/03Tom Smith
06/28/03Jon Wilcox, Danny Wheetman, & David West
05/31/03Priscilla Herdman
05/10/03Sparky & Rhonda Rucker
04/12/03Aoife Clancy
03/22/03Riders of the Purple Sage & Border Radio
02/21/03Robin & Linda Williams
01/17/03David Massengill
01/10/03EnsembleGalilei with Jean Redpath (marketing partner with Caltech Public Events)
12/21/02Broceliande
11/09/02Cosy Sheridan
10/19/02Dan Crary & Beppe Gambetta
10/11/02David Mallett
09/20/02Fairport Convention & Equation (co-sponsored with Caltech Public Events)
09/06/02Old Blind Dogs
06/29/02Teada
06/08/02Katy Moffatt
05/11/02James LeeStanley
04/13/02Bryan Bowers
03/23/02Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen
02/23/02Michael Smith
01/11/02Chris Proctor
12/15/01Kevin Burke
11/09/01Chulrua
10/20/01William Jackson
09/08/01Cache Valley Drifters
07/27/01Danu
05/19/01Dave Para & Kathy Barton
04/13/01Priscilla Herdman
03/16/01Katy Moffatt
02/09/01Patrick Ball
01/12/01Rosalie Sorrels
12/16/00Gregg Miner
11/17/00Erica Wheeler
10/28/00Adie Grey & Dave MacKenzie
09/09/00Tarras
08/12/00New West
05/13/00Lui Collins
04/22/00Eileen McGann
03/25/00Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen
02/12/00William Pint & Felicia Dale
01/29/00Patrick Ball
01/08/00Bluegrass Etc.
12/10/99John McEuen
11/13/99Chris Proctor
10/09/99Steve Tilston
09/10/99Tom Lewis
07/31/99Martin Simpson
06/12/99Rincon Ramblers
03/26/99Peggy Seeger
02/26/99Richard Greene, Peter Feldman, & Tom Sauber
02/05/99Cache Valley Drifters
01/17/99Bob Franke
09/26/98Duck Baker
08/28/98Michael Smith
07/18/98Cyrus Clarke Band
05/30/98William Jackson
03/28/98Joanna Cazden & Bob Franke
03/01/98Harvey Reid
02/14/98Lou & Peter Berryman
10/05/97Danu
07/27/97Ruth Barrett & Cyntia Smith
04/26/97Louis Killen, John Roberts & Tony Barrand
04/13/97Copperline
03/22/97Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen
03/01/97Harvey Reid
01/19/97Chris Proctor
05/04/96Carla Sciaky
03/30/96Ruth Barrett & Cyntia Smith
01/14/96Harvey Reid & Chris Proctor
10/28/95Brown Sisters & George Cavanaugh
10/07/95Erica Wheeler
05/20/95Kristina Olsen
02/26/95Utah Phillips
02/04/95Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen
01/15/95Chris Proctor & Harvey Reed
12/10/94David Massingill
11/20/94Si Kahn
11/06/94Acousticats
10/08/94Cache Valley Drifters
04/08/94Ruth Barrett & Cyntia Smith
03/27/94Iron Mountain String Band
02/05/94Utah Phillips
01/16/94Harvey Reid & Chris Proctor
12/12/93Kevin Burke & Open House
11/06/93Tom Lewis
10/09/93Sally Fingerett
07/24/93Katy Moffatt
06/19/93Ken Perlman & Rich & Maureen DelGrosso
03/13/93Don Haynie & Sheryl Samuel
02/14/93Golden Bough
01/22/93Chris Proctor & Harvey Reid
12/12/92Duck Baker & Molly Andrews
11/21/92Ruth Barrett & Cyntia Smith
11/08/92Jem Moore & Ariane Lydon
10/17/92Ed Miller
05/17/92Marley's Ghost
04/25/92Tom Smith (did not play) & Tracy Moore
03/28/92Martin & Jessica Simpson
02/15/92Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen
01/18/92Bob Franke
12/14/91Dan Crary
11/09/91Claudia Schmidt
10/05/91Margaret Christl
09/21/91Carla Sciaky
06/07/91Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan
04/23/91Andy Irvine
04/13/91Kristina Olsen
03/03/91John McCutcheon
02/02/91Martin & Jessica Simpson
11/11/90Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer
10/06/90Joanna Cazden
09/16/90Cilla & Ray Fisher
06/02/90Ed Miller
05/18/90Stanley Greenthal
05/05/90Margaret Christl
03/30/90Andrew York & Jennifer Robin
03/10/90Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen
02/18/90John McCutcheon
01/13/90Kim Wallach & Carla Sciaky
11/10/89Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer
10/14/89Phil Salazar Band
09/23/89Priscilla Herdman
06/25/89?Huayucaltia
05/13/89Word of Mouth, Ciro Hurtado & Cindy Harding
04/15/89Sally Rogers & Howie Bursen
03/31/89Betsy Rose
02/04/89Joanna Cazden
01/21/89Martin & Jessica Simpson
12/02/88Kristina Olsen
11/19/88Ossian
10/08/88Laurie Lewis & the Grant Street Band
09/17/88?Bob Bossin & Collective Vision
05/29/88Priscilla Herdman
04/29/88?John Gorka & Roy Forbes (Bim)
02/12/88Utah Phillips
12/06/87Chris Proctor & Kim Robertson
11/06/87Martin Carthy & the Watersons
10/10/87Andy M. Stewart & Manus Lunny
09/12/87Kristina Olsen
05/16/87Sidesaddle
03/13/87Sally Rogers & Howie Bursen
02/07/87?Carla Sciaky
01/17/87Dewey Balfa & Tracey Schwarz
12/13/86?Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan
10/18/86Joanna Cazden & Foxglove
10/05/86Silly Wizard
05/17/86Cyderman's Fancy
04/05/86Golden Bough
02/22/86Kim Wallach & Andrew Calhoun
01/17/86Rick & Lorraine Lee with Holly Tannen
12/06/85Banish Misfortune
11/16/85Mother Logo
10/12/85Rees & Gallagher
05/04/85Ruth Barrett & Cyntia Smith
03/30/85Joanna Cazden & Bob Bossin
03/02/85Cathy Fink & Fred Small
02/23/85Kevin Burke, Andy Irvine & Gerry O'Beirne
11/17/84Don Lange, Bob Franke & Dick Pinney
10/19/84Carla Sciaky & Kim Robertson
09/28/84Thom Moore & Janie Cribbs & Geoff Bartley
05/04/84Joanna Cazden & Hotte Ayre
04/13/84Backwoods Jazz Quartet
03/23/84De Dannan (co-sponsored with Caltech Public Events)
03/02/84Fred Small
02/03/84Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan
01/21/84Artie Traum & Kim Wallach
12/02/83Old Mother Logo
10/28/83Berline, Crary & Hickman
10/15/83Carla Sciaky
09/23/83Silly Wizard
08/27/83Geof Morgan
10/12/85Dave Frishberg
07/08/83Cache Valley Drifters
06/17/83Caswell Carnahan
05/20/83Train to Sligo & Matthew Allen & Julie Searles
04/29/83Dick Pinney & Chris Proctor
04/01/83Ruth Barrett & Cyntia Smith
02/25/83Kevin Burke & Micheal O Domhnaill (co-sponsored with the Caltech Graduate Student Council)
02/10/83Cathy Fink
01/21/83Joanna Cazden (co-sponsored with the Caltech Y & Organization for Women at Caltech)
11/16/82Don Lange, (Caltech Y & Graduate Student Council)
10/05/82Geof Morgan (Caltech Y, Organization for Women atCaltech, & Graduate Student Council)
08/13/82Tracy Strann (Caltech Y)
05/20/82Stan Rogers (Caltech Y)
04/12/82Peter Alsop (Caltech Y)
01/29/82Joanna Cazden (Caltech Y & Organization for Women at Caltech)