Please join us on Saturday November 18th at 7pm for a John Denver Musical Tribute featuring Nancy Walsh, Al Burgasser, Rob Brereton, Charlie Stokes, Susanna Marker, and Dave Wonsey.
Nancy Walsh grew up on the east end of Long Island near the water. She began playing guitar and singing in church at the age of 13. It was the music of John Denver that inspired her to branch out from Christian worship songs. Nancy now resides in Sherman, CT and performs the music of John Denver, Nanci Griffith, Kate Wolf, and other folk singers. She has also written several songs about family and the New England coast. Nancy performs weekly at the JCC open mic and has played at local events/venues like the Bridgewater Fair, Merryall Center, and the Painted Lemon. She was also involved in co-hosting the Sherman Song Swap for many years. Nancy is excited to be celebrating the music of John Denver in this second tribute concert at the JCC!
Al Burgasser, a resident of Sherman, CT has a long history as a respected singer/songwriter as well as performing in a wide variety of venues in the western Connecticut area. Al has also been very active in promoting public events including hosting Open Mic nights at the JCC in Sherman, co-hosting the Sherman Song Swap (also at the JCC), teaching songwriting and music lessons in local adult education venues, providing performances and lessons to Sherman Seniors (you should hear them play their Boomwackers!), and promoting and/or participating in many fundraising benefits and community activities over the years.
Rob Brereton, is an accomplished musician with a degree in music theory and composition. He is also Director of the Merryall Center for the Arts in New Milford, CT. Rob is internationally recognized for his skill on the mountain dulcimer and also sings and plays guitar. In addition, he composes, arranges and directs several choirs in western CT and is a music teacher in New Haven, CT.
Charlie Stokes got his first guitar when he was 14. A year later he was in his first folk-singing group. In college he recorded a record and toured across the country with ‘The Folk Sound’ performing his first John Denver Songs, ‘Jet Plane’ and ‘For Baby, For Bobbie.’ A life-long John Denver fan, Charlie now sings with Pat Walker in their group, Cover to Cover.
Susanna Marker is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She has been part of several local bands including Lumos, Red Dirt Road and The Red Dirt Girls, and has also performed as a solo artist.
Dave Wonsey Drummer/Percussionist Dave Wonsey, recently retired Music Educator, taught adjunct for the past 28 years at Marymount College, Fordham University, Norwalk College, Wooster School, & Kent School. Again for 28 years, he also held the positions of Principal timpanist & percussionist with Ridgefield. He is a World Champion Bagpipe band style Snare Drummer, and accomplished Jazz & Rock drum set player.
John Denver was an environmentalist and humanitarian who spread a message about ecology and peace through his lyrics. Join us for an evening to celebrate the life and music of this beloved artist.
You’re sure to be on a Rocky Mountain High!