Wild Rose Moon has a new season of great performances lined up all the way through May and it is fitting that John Bahler, the musical producer of the Wild Rose Moon Radio Hour kicks off 2020 with a February 15th concert at 7:30 p.m.
With musical influences that range from Jimmy Rodgers to The Sons of the Pioneers to Cole Porter, Stephen Foster and American gospel songbook, John’s performances are filled with the joy of his jubilant voice. An avid yodeler and a master flat-picker—he calls it cross-picking—John’s lightning-fast style transforms the stringed instrument into a glorious swell of orchestrated sound. John sings songs about his grandfather and family, songs about faith and love, and funny songs that grow out of John’s unique perspective on his family and his world.
In the second half of the evening, Joe Martyn Ricke, a professor from Taylor University will hold court. Calling himself a “raconteur,” as he writes, sings, acts, and plays a mean ukulele, Joe is the central focus of his band, The Miracle Machine. This title, inspired by his love for the work of the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, implies Joe’s fascination with the gift of the immanent world. George Schricker, director of Wild Rose Moon says, “Joe is a big man, standing broad-shouldered and 6’5 tall and his songs feel just like him—they’re remarkably big too—like anthems—they explore themes like love and loss, brokenness and repair– the fragility of life and its blessings. He’s influenced by J.R.R. Tolkein and William Shakespeare and the songs are dramatic and passionate—they make you feel like living deeper within your days!” Joe was the subject of Wild Rose Moon’s, To the Moon and Back television series, airing on WNIT’s cable access channel this month. In addition, you can see the episode before the concert on Wild Rose Moon Media YouTube Channel.
Sean Ellsworth Hoffman, the remarkable regional fiddler fills out Joe’s band. You may have seen Sean playing in the band Soltre at the Moon, or in Goldmine Pickers at Opie’s Deli, or with Joe and Jon and the Miracle Machine. Sean is known for his sensitive fiddling style, excellent tonation, heartfelt lyrics, beautiful melodies and remarkable energy on stage. His exquisite song about his travels in Alaska, Northbound, will be featured on the Wild Rose Moon Radio Hour, Monday, February 10th at 9 PM, on WVPE 88.1.
Three sensitive songwriters in one band, each with songs of love at hand, it should prove a a wonderful way to get that heart a beating!
John Bahler and The Miracle Machine tickets can be purchased in advance at www.wildrosemoon.com or locally at ASK for Flowers, or for Dinner and a Show at La D’Zert Café in Historic Downtown Plymouth.
