Folkies Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway To Perform At St. Aidans

Music non-profit Focus kicks off its 2011 concert series in Mount Vernon on Saturday with a special performance by folk artists Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway. will host the show , for which tickets are selling for $15 to $18 dollars

"While 'folk music' might not seem to be popular, there is a huge demand for this kind of performance, stripped down acoustic singer-songwriter music," Focus president Scott Moore said. "See Jack Johnson, Colbie Caillat, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tori Amos, Ryan Adams, Greg Brown, Jackson Browne,  John Mayer, Darius Rucker, Taylor Swift, David Wilcox, and hundreds of others who play this kind of music but have gotten more radio airplay."

Greenway, who grew up in Richmond, Va., has six ”critically-acclaimed solo releases”, according to a statement released by Focus. His 1991 debut of “A Road Worth Walking Down” was nominated for two Boston Music Awards.

Harris, who is based in upstate New York, was first introduced to the music scene through school and church. Years later, he and his wife, Kim, have performed together numerous times including a 1998 album “Steal Away: Songs of the American Underground Railroad," which honored African-American history.

Moore says he expects concertgoers to spend the evening tapping their feet and hands, while singing along to popular folk tunes. If the buzz about Greenway and Harris is true, the show will be captivating and engaging, whether or not you're an experienced folk music fan.

"Greg and Reggie have played in Alexandria previously, for Focus as well as at other venues. They have a fan base here," Moore said. "Many of their hits will be known by a large segment of the audience; others will be new, as in recently written or maybe just new to those audience members."

Focus is dedicated to exposing a growing audience to folk music through performances, education and participation in acoustic and folk music. They arrange concerts in Mount Vernon, Alexandria and Rockville from March until December and feature popular and upcoming musicians from all over the country.

"I would expect Greg and Reggie to put on a show that has people laughing, sometimes forgetting about their own problems, other times seeing a new perspective on the troubles of others," Moore said. "There will be a focus on social justice and peace. There will be stunning harmonies, fabulous guitar playing, vocal gymnastics."

For more information about ticket information or upcoming performances, visit the Focus website or call 703-975-8027.