On Saturday night, at 7:30 p.m., the  award-winning songwriter and musician, Abbie Gardner, will take to the stage at Groovin’ in New Fairfield. Shawna Caspi, Lorkin O’Reilly, and Don Lowe will also perform live, making this an unforgettable evening with four talented musicians!

Known as the fiery Dobro player with an infectious smile, Abbie Gardner has been touring with Americana darlings Red Molly for the past eleven years. After gracing stages from Denver to Denmark, from Australia to Austin, the band decided to take an indefinite hiatus in 2015, so Abbie is striking out on her own! Abbie’s first full-length recording, My Craziest Dream (2004) is an album of jazz standards featuring her father on piano. It earned her an entry in the 2009 Hal Leonard book “The Jazz Singers: The Ultimate Guide.” Abbie is quickly compiling an extensive discography of recording credits. Her own CDs include Honey on My Grave (2006), Bad Nights/Better Days (2008, with Anthony da Costa), and Hope (2011), which features three different kinds of slide guitar (dobro, lap steel and National bottleneck).

Abbie has been recognized as an award-winning songwriter, with such accolades as; 2006 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase (2nd place), 2008 Lennon Award Winner (folk) for “The Mind of a Soldier” and 2008 American Songwriter Magazine Grand Prize Lyric Winner for “I’d Rather Be.” “The Mind of a Soldier” was also featured on Lufthansa Airlines in 2010. Richard Cuccaro, publisher of Acoustic Live writes: “Abbie Gardner shows her prodigious writing chops in her album, Hope. Tales of love and loss, both gritty and sweet, ride the back of her by-now familiar, formidable slide guitar licks. She channels Lucinda and Bonnie, but remains pure Abbie.”

With her third album, Apartments For Lovers, Canadian Shawna Caspi taps right into her folk roots, stripping away the session musicians and elaborate arrangements of her previous records in favour of a simple, authentic sound – her solo guitar and voice. The result is a collection of songs that is close-up and honest, showcasing her warm vocals, classically trained fingerstyle guitar playing, and intimate songwriting in a genuine, powerful way. Shawna Caspi has the rare gift of presence that immediately invites audience engagement, from the first strum of her skilled guitar playing to the last exquisite note she sings”. – Andy Frank, co-founder of Roots Music Canada.

“Arriving from his native Scotland with naught but a guitar on his back, a head full of song and hands schooled in UK song avatars John Martyn and Nick Drake. Lorkin O’Reilly has made a name for himself in the Hudson valley as an emerging talent to watch” – Chronogram

Sherman’s very own Don Lowe plays guitar and sings in a variety of venues throughout Western Connecticut and New York. Much of his material is written by himself but he also puts his own touch into the songs of a wide range of artists.

Advance tickets can be purchased at the New Fairfield Senior Center or by mail.  Payments made my mail should be payable to Groovin’ in New Fairfield, c/o New Fairfield Senior Center, 33 Route 37, New Fairfield, CT.  06812.

Tickets can also be purchased at the door, pending availability.  Additionally, a moderately priced dinner catered by Bruno’s Restaurant is offered before the show.

Location: The New Fairfield Senior Center, 33 Route 37, New Fairfield, CT.

Price: Tickets are $10 and doors open at 6:45 pm.   

About Groovin’ in New Fairfield:  Groovin’ in New Fairfield seeks to develop and promote ongoing, regularly scheduled live music programs in New Fairfield and surrounding areas.  It is a non-profit organization supported by sponsors, local businesses, grants from charitable organizations and patron donations and is staffed by volunteers.  It operates under the New Fairfield Parks and Recreation Commission. 

Press release and photo: Contributed by Groovin’ in New Fairfield.