May 14, 2011: Debra Cowan with John Roberts
The Branford Folk Music Society will close its 2010-11 concert season with a special presentation of Debra Cowan and John Roberts, internationally known and respected folk singers. For both performers, their pairing up for concerts all began with a question in 2009: "How are you getting to Chicago?" And with that, John and Debra decided to team up for a series of small concerts in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois before arriving as separately booked artists at the Fox Valley Folklore Society's annual festival. The combination of car-pool and mini-tour was successful enough that John and Debra decided to do more performing together both in the United States and the United Kingdom. They met for the first time at the New Bedford Whaling Museum in 1999 where John and his long-time musical partner Tony Barrand were performing a concert of maritime songs. Afterwards, they continued to meet at various folk music events in New England and became friends, often appearing on stage together at New England folk festivals. John and Debra both share an enthusiasm and passion for the old songs and ballads that have been handed down through oral tradition in the English-speaking world. Even though a John Roberts and Debra Cowan evening will certainly include many traditional songs, there will be contemporary songs as well, some by writers personally known to both performers. Be prepared to join in and sing along!
Debra Cowan's appearance at this special Branford Folk concert is funded in part by the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the six New England state arts agencies.
