2010 Hunter Music Series

Ameranouche
Friday, November 5th at 7:00 pm

This rip-roaring Gypsy jazz trio is a super force of hot acoustic jazz and will have your toes tapping and body swaying. The passion of their music matches the intensity of the Lippitt House's magnificent interior where you can sit back and relax for this awesome performance.

Pronounced "uh-MARE-uh-noosh," this dynamic trio has received several Best of New Hampshire awards and has played numerous concerts at the famed Newport Jazz Festival. The group tours nationally, year-round, and has released two albums, largely of original music inspired by legendary Gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt.

Ameranouche features the melodic virtuosity of guitarist Richard Sheppard, the vehement rhythm chops of guitarist Ryan Flaherty and the dulcet low end of upright bassist Xar Adelberg. The contrast of Django Reinhardt and other influences, like American Soul music, Flamenco and Bop, are what give the fast fingered trio such a recognizable sound. All played on acoustic instruments, the music is rhythmic, vigorous and strangely elegant.

Enjoy the evening with house-made tapas and a cash bar. Doors open at 6:30 pm, concert begins at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $12 per person in advance/$15 the evening of the concert.

Anything Goes...It's De Lovely - It's Cole Porter!
Friday, June 4th at 7:00 pm

Local jazz duo Yvonne Monnett and Donald Blais will perform a lively array of Cole Porter tunes in the stylish and fabulous Lippitt House on Providence's East Side. During his studies at Yale University, Cole Porter became friends with Lytton Doolittle, the husband of Governor Lippitt's granddaughter, Mary Lippitt Hunter Doolittle. Cole and Lytton's friendship continued well after college, with Cole visiting Lytton and his family in the mid 1930s at the Lippitt home at 199 Hope Street in Providence. Come join us for a fun and interactive evening of music and house-made cocktails and hors d'oeuvres that will evoke the elegance and style of the period.

An American composer and songwriter, Cole Porter (1891-1964) wrote some of the most clever, playful and romantic songs for Broadway and film, including Night and Day, Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love), In the Still of the Night, You're the Top and What Is This Thing Called Love. Some of his most famous Broadway musicals include Kiss Me Kate, Anything Goes, and Silk Stockings.

Doors open at 6:30 pm, concert begins at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $12 per person in advance/$15 the evening of the concert. Cash cocktail bar. Contact the Lippitt House at (401) 453-0688 or LippittHouse@preseveri.org to reserve a seat.

Cole Porter Seats SOLD OUT.

Toe Jam Puppet Band
Saturday, July 31st at 3:00 pm

Check out photos from this concert on our Facebook page!

The Toe Jam Puppet Band has emerged as the latest children's musical group to gain popularity and a very loyal following of tiny fans. Featured on Kidinfo.com and playing at schools, libraries and parks across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the Toe Jam Puppet Band offers a special brand of hands-on children's entertainment that grown-ups can actually enjoy. The dynamic group is great with kids, but work best when parents are having fun with the little ones. Each of their performances are very active, encouraging kids and parents to sing and dance along with the band as they entertain with a unique combination of original songs, masterful shadow puppetry, storytelling and just plain old good fun.

Tom Poitras, the plaid-suited songwriter and singer of the duo, plays banjo, acoustic guitar and washboard tie. Vinny Lovegrove, the emcee and resident silly man, directs the fun and activities with a big bag of puppets, storytelling, amateur acrobatics, improvisation, and well-timed shtick. At this performance they'll have fiddler Jeff Angeley to join the merriment and silly antics! The Lippitt Garden, with its secret garden appeal and cushy grass, provides the perfect spot for you and your children to dance, tumble and cheer during this lively performance.

This family concert in the Lippitt Garden is Free! Be sure to bring your blankets and late afternoon picnic. And don't forget to visit us inside this Victorian-era marvel. Give us a heads-up if you'll be joining us at (401) 453-0688 or LippittHouse@preserveri.org. What if it rains? Call us the day of the concert to get the rain date.

Bill Harley
Sunday, August 15th at 4:00 pm

Check out photos from this concert on our Facebook page!

A two-time Grammy award-winning artist and recipient of the Magic Penny Award from the Children's Music Network, Bill uses song and story to paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. His work spans the generation gap, reminds us of our common humanity and challenges us to be our very best selves. The Lippitt Garden, with its secret garden appeal and cushy grass, provides the perfect spot for you and your children to sit back and relax for Bill's enchanting performance.

A prolific author and recording artist, Bill is also a regular commentator for NPR's "All Things Considered" and featured on PBS. He joined the National Storytelling Network's Circle of Excellence in 2001 and tours nationwide as an author, performing artist and keynote speaker. In slice-of-life vignettes about school and family life, Harley uses humor and a fine-tuned sense of the ridiculous to illuminate compassionate truths, even while inspiring belly laughs.

2010 Hunter Music Series