01.20.2021 Virtual Talent Showcase - Artist Profiles

Joe Bleicher

From New York, Joe Bleicher came to Connecticut via California and Massachusetts. He now lives in West Hartford. Joe is a former host of Folk ‘on Fridays at Cheney Hall and The Living Space of West Hartford. Here is a work in progress from Joe called “World’s Goin’ Crazy”.

Kevin Gallagher & PJ Alderette

Kevin Gallagher

Instruments: Guitar, Mandolin, Dobro

Kevin has worked as a backup musician to various Folk, Rock and Bluegrass Bands in the CT and NJ area for many years.   I’m currently working with Nina Romanenko,  Cece Borjeson, Ruth George and the Portables.

 Dr. PJ Alderette

Instruments: Djembe, Bodhran and Native Drum

PJ is a Psychologist who was gifted a drum because her musician friends all believe anyone can learn an instrument.  Recently, she acquired a native drum which lead to the composition of  “Peace”.

Voices of Concinnity

Committed to incorporating the role of vocal color into crafting exquisite music, Voices of Concinnity is a 12-voice professional chamber ensemble of dedicated, seasoned choral artists from diverse backgrounds who strive to cultivate the art of ensemble singing. Their sound described as "like silky smooth butter in musical form" by an audience member, Concinnity works to maximize overtones and unity of sound to create a harmonious, artful landscape of voices. Directed by Sarah Kaufold, Concinnity was founded in 2018 to help create affordable access for the community to experience professional-level vocal chamber music. Through the performance of choral music from the Renaissance to the contemporary, Concinnity is dedicated to creating innovative, diverse, and provocative music programs that encourage the engagement of the community in quality, living music.

Nina Romanenko

Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist who loves working with and performing for people of all ages. A former Therapeutic Recreation Director with training in Music as Therapy - she enjoys engaging her audiences with songs that are fun and playful as well as those of meaning, history and social conscious.

Since the Pandemic, Nina has been providing Virtual Therapeutic Music Programs at Healthcare facilities - and has also been working in collaboration her friends, Kevin Gallagher and Tom Caraher - who she’d met when he was producing his song, "Is This A Moment".

They have since gone on to produce several more music videos of their original songs - each with important social messages.

You can learn more about Nina’s music at: www.Ninasings.com or on YouTube at:   https://tinyurl.com/y2j3n3f3

Tom Caraher

Tom Caraher is a CT musician with a lifelong journey of performance music across many genres.  With roots in liturgical music including choir and organ, songs of peace and social injustice were influential on Tom's early songwriting.  As an Irishman, Tom understood the value of musical storytelling.

A native of Chicago, Tom studied music & music theory, while performing in rock bands during the 1970s but knew that a career in business would provide more stability than a starving artist.  However, the formal music training gave Tom a great appreciation and love for Classical Music.  Today, Tom is a percussionist with the West Hartford Symphony. 

During the pandemic, Tom has written and produced several virtual pieces with fellow musicians from the orchestra and local troubadours.

Song Introductions for January EC-CHAP

 “Witness” Inspired by the Siege on the Capitol

Written by: Tom Caraher & José Vélez

 “Find the Cost of Freedom”

Written by: Crosby Stills Nash and Young

Cover by: José Vélez & Tom Caraher

Gail Miller

Gail Miller born and bred in Connecticut now living in North Franklin for the last 20 years with her husband. Gail has been singing since childhood beginning with the children’s choir. She played the guitar at coffee houses while in college, but put the guitar away for many years while raising 2 children and pursuing other interests.

Three years ago and she dug her guitar out of storage from the closet and started over by singing some old favorite folk songs by Judy Collins and Joan Baez. She still likes to sing folk songs but now also sings some country songs especially ones by Garth Brooks and Lee Ann Rimes. When not singing, she likes to bike, kayak, ski and horseback ride.