02.10.2021 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.

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”.

Nina Romanenko

Nina Romanenko is a Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist who loves working with and performing for people of all ages.  She’s a former Therapeutic Recreation Director with training in Music as Therapy, who enjoys engaging her audiences with songs that are fun, 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 virtually - with her friends, Kevin Gallagher, Tom Caraher and others - to produce music videos - most of which are of original songs with important social messages. See more at: www.Ninasings.com

The February 2021 EC-CHAP Virtual Talent Showcase includes:

“THE PLEDGE” - written by Nina along with her husband Mike Harrison for their wedding on 8/8/98.

- Vocals & Guitar: Nina Romanenko
- Vocals & Congas: Tom Caraher
- Mandolin & Bass: Kevin Gallagher

“LOVE IS FOREVER” - written by Nina’s friend, Brian MacDonald.  Although many things in life change or pass, love lives on forever....

- Vocals & Guitar:  Nina Romanenko
- Dobro & Bass:  Kevin Gallagher
- Djembe:  PJ Alderette

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.

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.

JAY AMES

I have been performing and writing music since the 1970’s, playing solo in small venues and with ensembles. I worked with the Storrs Puppet Theater for 5 seasons and found creating music responding to the theatrical action and performing live with the group rewarding. I have pursued visual art and education as a career and only really returned to performing music for the last ten years or so. I current play solo (at several venues pre-covid) and with the Americana ensemble, Jarmony.

I have been working with a looper, creating simple loops so I can play my melody guitar on top of chords, Covid-style - as you can hear on two of the tunes tonight. I use my own playing only for the loops and match the guitar tone as much as possible.

“BLUEBYRD” (STEVE & BETTE HASKELl)

Bluebyrd is a husband and wife team, Steve and Bette Haskell, who perform on acoustic guitars and sing vocal harmonies. Often they are joined by musical friends and guests.

Stephen grew up in Avon, CT but moved to San Francisco in 1971. He played electric in bars and clubs in the Bay area for 35 years. Returning to CT in 2005 he and Bette met at an art gallery open mic where they both performed individually and admired each other’s styles.

Bette is a lifetime Connecticut resident. She taught herself to play guitar as a teenager in order to have accompaniment for her singing. Later in life as a therapeutic recreation specialist she enjoyed sharing songs to brighten people’s days. Open mics opened a door to meet other musicians, some with whom she joined in duets and bands. She enjoys exploring a variety of musical genres. When she and Stephen met, Bluebyrd was formed! Together as Bluebyrd we enjoy playing a variety of songs from the 1960’s and 70’s, including classic rock, folk, pop, jazz and country.