11.19.2020 Virtual Talent Showcase - Artist Profiles
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. A volunteer and friend, Joe Bleicher, commented to Tom during the protests following the murder of George Floyd with a text, “is this a moment” and Tom replied “a moment of change” which became the concept for a virtual collaboration marking the global outrage against systemic racism. Most of the performers in “Is this a moment” have never met face to face; a true virtual collaboration.
During the pandemic, Tom has written and produced several virtual pieces with fellow musicians from the orchestra and local troubadours. While editing vocal videos for “Is this a moment” Tom quickly saw that Nina Romanenko's voice and style would be perfect for further collaboration. In the months that followed, Tom and Nina have produced 4 new music videos all with strong social awareness messages.
Nina and Tom recently co-wrote “Vote” adopting a Non-Partisan message and an upbeat tempo which hopefully will tamp down some of the negative social posting and encourage everyone to vote.
Nina Romanenko
Nina Romanenko is a Connecticut singer, guitarist and songwriter who loves working with and performing for people of all ages. She's a former therapeutic recreation director and voice major with training in music as therapy - and has been a part of bands such as John Beardsly's "Elvis Experience", "No Soap Radio" and was the founding member of "The Quarry Cats" and "East River Junction".
She has appeared in venues including the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, Groton Sub Base, Cheney Hall, The Packing House, and the Essex Eagle Festival - and has opened either solo or as a band member - for "Danny and the Juniors", "The Drifters", "Tom Rush" and "Jeffrey Gaines". She currently performs solo, duo or with her bands "The Quarry Cats" or "The Rumblin's" or in various collaborations with other artists.
Nina enjoys providing uplifting therapeutic music programs at Healthcare Facilities and also donates her services to causes such as women's issues, cancer research and Connecticut Veterans.
“For Fun”
For Fun is a local band that has been together for more than 20 years and have been doing community service over those years. The band has played free concerts for many of the rehabilitation centers in Connecticut, the Portland Grange, and several churches. They have also played graduation parties, birthdays and other events. The band performs a wide genre of music, including classic rock, country, doo wop, and Christian music. The members of the band are Kevin Johnson - vocals, keyboard, guitar, banjo, and harmonica; Darin Clark - vocals, keyboard and bass guitar; Ray Phillips - guitar. This month we will play the songs Down on the Corner, Have You Ever Seen the Rain and Lucille.
“New London Drone Orchestra” - John Schwenk & Friends
"Pass It On" was performed by the New London Drone Orchestra, Pamela Wilson, Director. The audio was recorded by John Schwenk at the Orchestra's last in-person practice at Harkness Chapel, Connecticut College, on February 27th, 2020. The video was composited by John Schwenk from clips submitted by Orchestra members. It was first presented to Connecticut College alumni as part of a regular virtual care package during the early Covid-19 lockdown.
The artists for "Highway Drone: Repetition" were Alex Kahn, John Schwenk, Jack Vees, and Tim Wolf. The audio was recorded by Tim Wolf and mastered by John Schwenk. The video is by John Schwenk. This live performance took place on August 21st, 2019, in a little-known corner of Pope Park in Hartford, north of Rt. 84, where there is an small outdoor amphitheater, complete with metal sculpture, making a performance space. The music is improvised using a musical concept by Tim Wolf.
Many instruments, both acoustic and electronic, were played in both performances.
Bill Dougal
Bill Dougal sings one of the songs from his CD of 17 musical lectures about the days of the mills; Mill-Made Serenade. He did performances of the program last year, based on a grant from the State. This song is called: “From the Hills to the Mills”.
David Stamps
David Stamps was born in California, raised in Oklahoma, and spent 10 years in western Mass. His musical roots are eclectic from gospel, 50’s rock and R&B, folk, country and roots music. At present he spends parts of the year in Oklahoma City and Willington. Retired from the University of Oklahoma as video producer for the School of Continuing Education, he still dabbles in short videos, and making music with friends. And from time to time he is a singer song writer.
POSSM
The Professors of Sweet Sweet Music (POSSM), Jeremy, Ben, Earl, Craig and Dave, have an infectious charm and enthusiasm for life. The POSSM are co-creators of the Hartbeat Music Festival in Hartford, and according to the Hartford Courant, The POSSM "have been turning the Hartford music scene on its ear for the last couple years as the Professors of Sweet Sweet Music. Few bands have exploded onto the Hartford music scene the way the POSSM has over the last few years. The band’s brand of pop and folk-infused rock can be downright infectious at times".
The POSSM have become well-known and loved in their hometown of Hartford, CT and are thankful for the support, inspiration and friendship given by their community. Check them out at thepossm.com or on social media at @thepossm.
2019 Winner, CTNOW Best of Hartford poll: Best Overall Band, Album of the Year (Take Your Time)
2018/19: Nominated for New England Music Award. Best in State of CT
2018: Winner, Best of Hartford Magazine Readers Poll for Best Local Band or Musician
2017 Winner, CTNOW Best of Hartford poll: Best Overall Band, Album of the Year (Debut EP), Song of the Year (Tidal Wave).
2017 Winner, Best of Hartford Magazine readers poll: Best Local Band or Musician
Kevin Gallagher & PJ Alderette
Kevin Gallagher
Instruments: Guitar, Mandolin, Dobro
I’ve 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
She 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”.