The Moab Music Festival presents a free concert at the Aarchway Inn this weekend, a “preseason event” and kickoff of sorts for the festival’s 22nd year.
The concert features Jean Rohe, “a sure-footed young singer-songwriter” (The New York Times) who has been captivating audiences for years with her one-of-a-kind narrative songs, according to a press release.
According to her website, Rohe, who lives in New York City, is a multi-lingual singer and composer, incorporating aesthetic approaches from jazz, folk, and Brazilian traditions.
Her songs range from fantastical riffs on old folktales to autobiographical sojourns, to “phonojournalism.” Her songs have won recognition from the ASCAP Foundation and the New York Songwriters Circle. She also won the audience prize at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
“There are plenty of talented artists out there, but what sets Jean Rohe apart are the suppleness of her voice, the integrity of her vision, and the grace she shows in her wide-ranging journeys across the musical landscape,” WFUV’s John Platt said, according to the website.
Joining her are Danny Noveck, Boston’s master Irish fiddler, and Moab’s own Chris Layer on flutes and bagpipes.
According to hauntedfieldmusic.com, Layer is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, who plays the Irish ‘Uilleann’ Pipes, Simple System Wood Flutes, Pennywhistle, Scottish Highland Bagpipes and Scottish Small Pipes, Bassoon, Electric and String Basses. As one of the premier traditional musicians in the US, having performed with symphony orchestras across the U.S., Layer has sought to bring the music of the Uilleann pipes and Irish flute to ever widening audiences around the world.
Noveck, a member of FC and the Deadstring Ensemble, plays mandolin and fiddle, and has performed or recorded with a number of prominent Irish musicians like John Whelan, Jerry O’Sullivan, and Liz Carroll. He also teaches at the music school run by Boston’s Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann branch.
Aarchway Inn owner Mike Bynum has a long and generous relationship to the Moab Music Festival, making rooms for artists available over the years.
“As longtime supporters of the Moab Music Festival, we’re excited to welcome Jean Rohe, along with Danny Noveck and Chris Layer,” Bynum said. “The Festival enhances the musical and mystical worlds of Moab like nothing else can.”
The concert is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m., with a meet-and-greet to follow at the Aarchway Inn, 1551 N. Highway 191. The Moab Music Festival takes place from Aug. 28 through Sept. 8. For more information on the festival, go to www.moabmusicfest.org.
What: Moab Music Festival free concert featuring Jean Rohe, Danny Noveck and Chris Layer
When: Saturday, Aug. 9, 6 p.m.
Where: Aarchway Inn, 1551 N. Highway 191
“As longtime supporters of the Moab Music Festival, we’re excited to welcome Jean Rohe, along with Danny Noveck and Chris Layer. The Festival enhances the musical and mystical worlds of Moab like nothing else can.”
Captivating singer/songwriter Jean Rohe leads trio of talented musicians
