FOLKSINGER

I never tried to collect recommendations or reviews, not planning to pursue a musical career that required them, but I found a few old recommendations that I'd given to my ma in 1980. One reason I started this site was to post recommendations here for easy reference, but I haven't gotten very far! I provide an e-mail list of recent references on request. If you would like to contribute to this page, it is appreciated. Recommendations are grouped by the type of venue they relate to: Festivals, Coffeehouses, Schools, etc.

Tanana Valley Fair , Alaska

I have been coordinating the entertainment for the Tanana Valley Fair for the past several years and it has been my pleasure to work with Brian aka Folksinger as one of our entertainers.

Brian is one of a kind. His music is both traditional and original. His hand made dulcimer offers a unique and unusual sound that attracts fairgoers. His voice is the voice of THE folksinger, i.e.., the one who originally sang the songs out of life experience. When Brian performs on stage people are drawn to him, stay for his performance, and linger afterwards to talk to him and look at his instrument. When not on stage, he sets up in an off stage area at our fairgrounds and draws people to him to listen and talk. He is a real asset to the atmosphere of the Fair.

Brian is extremely flexible, spontaneous, reliable and easy to work with. He is a refreshing break from the waves of other entertainers who somehow all begin to sound the same after a while. I would highly recommend him as an entertainer and performer, both on and off stage.

I would be happy to answer any questions.

Sincerely,

Carol Digou

Carol Digou
Entertainment Coordinator
Tanana Valley Fair Association
1800 College Road
Fairbanks, AK 99709-4173

(these are both from 1980, before I even played the dulcimer)

.."Brian had a great rapport with my students...One of my students even wrote an article in the Edison newspaper' about the excellent performance.    I highly recommend Brian's presentation to other teachers."

Mrs. Janis Harless, U.S.History Teacher
Edison High School
Fairfax Co.,   Virginia

..."He is a personable, talented young man and he kept a group of approximately 40 students listening throughout his two hour plus performance. He has a wide-ranging repertoire from all areas of folk music, including ethnic, historical, labor oriented songs, which he sings in a pleasant, energetic style accompanying himself on the guitar.."

"Brian is an entertainer of professional quality with a program that is worthwhile as history, folklore, and entertainment. He is excellent for high school and junior high school classes studying American History and culture, or for any group interested in superior performances of this sort of music."

Jack McKeon
English Teacher,
Alternative Program,  Ridgewood High School
Ridgewood, New Jersey
 

.."your performance was excellent .... was very praising of your high quality performance as well as your extensive knowledge of the history of your songs... Very often we listen to a song but know nothing of its history or its origin..."

Wanda Dowell, Assistant Curator
Fort Ward Museum & Park
Alexandria, Virginia

..." Speaking on behalf of the rest of the Organizing Committee for IRF Conference 1980, as well as those who attended the conference, I am pleased to make a high recommendation for Brian..."
         Peg Lewis
         1st V.P.International Religious Fellowship 1980-1
          member, Youth-Adult Committee,
          Cedar Lane Unitarian Church 1979-80