On Saturday, May 21, 2011 the Richmond Folk Music Society presents Tom Martin and Mary Smith in an evening of Traditional Music.  Doors open at 7:15 and the concert will begin at 8:00.  This is the last concert for this season.  The good news is that a full schedule of concerts are being planned for next season.
Traditional music is  not only part of the past; it is a living art form that survives and flows through the creative spirit of contemporary singers and songwriters who return to the source for their inspiration and expression.  Cross cultural sharing has always played an important part in the development of musical styles.  Travellers carried the old ballads, songs and melodies throughout Britain and Ireland, and these same songs and tunes reappeared in the New World, where they took root and flourished in a  different environment, changing through singers and circumstances to reflect new times and cultural realities.
Today, musical styles are developing more rapidly, and are incorporating more diverse influences, than ever before.  Tom and Mary will present a program of traditional songs and ballads, along with some of Tom's original compositions - showing how traditional music has come full circle and is being integrated and adapted to reflect an ever changing global village.
Tom Martin is an Irish musician who draws his inspiration not only from his Celtic roots, but  from traditional American folk, country blues, and the song poets of the sixties. Using these diverse influences like colors he paints his own pictures of life experiences and internal landscapes underpinned by a skillful and original guitar style.  Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, he is a highly experienced performer who has toured throughout the UK and Europe.  Tom has been described as "one of the finest guitarist to have come out of Ireland, but primarily a brilliant songwriter of longstanding cult status...easy to listen to, hard to define, with the melodic touch of a Paul Simon and the lyrical insight of John Prine but a sound and songwriting skill that is undeniably his own....an intruiging musician who never fails to connect..."   Visit Tom's website at www.tommartinmusic.com .
Mary Smithis a singer from Virginia who has performed and researched the traditional ballads of Britain, Ireland and America for many years.    She is a popular performer at festivals, coffeehouses and concert venues in Virginia and Washington, DC, and has toured in the UK as well.  She also gives educational presentations and workshops on traditional ballads.   Visit Mary's website at www.maryfsmith.com .

For more information about Richmond Folk Music, and to purchase $12 advance tickets visit www.richmondfolkmusic.com   (e-mail richmondfolkmusic@yahoo.com)  or telephone 804-647-7856.  Tickets at the door are $15.00.  

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Volunteers are needed to sell baked goods at the Richmond Folk Music concerts

Religious School Parents – We need your help!
Each month the parents of the Religious School provide baked goods during the Richmond Folk Music Society concerts. These bake sales provide a substantial portion of the fundraising for the Religious School, and the concertgoers appreciate the refreshments and the chance to support Or Ami students. At least once during the school year, each family is asked to provide 20 servings of dessert – either home-made (always appreciated) or store-bought items. The items can be dropped off at the synagogue on Saturday morning or another time if arrangements are made in advance. If you would like to attend a concert free of charge, you can volunteer to sell the items before and during the concert – we provide instructions on set up. Please call Beth Jones at 303-5293 to sign up for the month that works best for your family.