A fixture on Long Island's folk and acoustic scene since the mid-1990s, Stuart Markus has been writing songs since middle school and has played professionally for over 28 years.

Stuart is perhaps best known outside of Long Island as a member of the folk-rock/Americana harmony trio Gathering Time (www.gathering-time.com). Described alternately as a rocked-up Peter, Paul & Mary or a co-ed Crosby, Stills & Nash, the trio has been touring throughout the northeast and internationally, turning heads with their stunning vocal blend, strong songwriting, and creative yet faithful interpretations of traditional folk, '60s classics and songs by other local songwriters.

Stuart also has a repertoire of hundreds of popular songs from the 1940s to the present day, which he performs regularly, along with his originals, sea chanteys, and parodies.

Rev Ezra (playing from 2-3:20pm)

is a folk/Americana singer-songwriter based in Ithaca, New York, although he got his start writing and performing music in his hometown of Pittsburgh. His songs are lyrically focused backed by rhythmic acoustic guitar. A few vital themes found across his songs include his reflections on a desire for a more transient lifestyle, and how that contradicts with his commitment to his real-life priorities, as well as the conflict of living in a time where clarity can be difficult to find.
www.revezra.com

Cast Iron Cowboys (playing from 3:40-5:00pm)

are a newly-formed group of bluegrass/folk players out of Ithaca, New York, and they play a mix of original songs and covers. Their influences range from the Americana legends like Doc Watson and Bukka White to more contemporary artists like the Avett Brothers and Billy Strings. The Cast Iron Cowboys have three singers who each write original songs, lending to their diverse sound and use of vocal harmonies. From fast-picking that'll make you stomp to smooth blues that'll make you want to drive with the windows, the Cast Iron Cowboys can play it all.

Big aLICe’s Listening Series features live performances by local and regional songwriters. Join us for a quiet evening of original music.

This event has a $5 suggested donation that will go directly to the artists.

We have TWO featured artists this month, Jefferson Hamer and Naomi Sommers.

Jefferson Hamer bio:
A guitarist, songwriter, and troubadour of many genres, Jefferson Hamer has spent the greater part of three decades searching for a song to sing. His early career was based in the Rocky Mountains, with long tours across the American West playing acoustic guitar, tenor banjo, and Telecaster. Resettled in New York City in 2008, he immersed in traditional Irish music, playing guitar accompaniment and singing at sessions Swift’s, Brass Monkey, and 11th St. Bar, resulting in a lasting collaboration with Eamon O’Leary as The Murphy Beds. His songwriting and lead guitar work is featured on the self-produced record Alameda, and continues in collaboration with Boston-based Session Americana. Other collaborators include Anais Mitchell, partner on the BBC2 Folk Award winning Child Ballads, Kristin Andreassen of Nashville based JKLOL, Hannah Read, and Laura Cortese. Most recently, Jefferson’s electric guitar and harmony vocals support Sarah Jarosz on her Grammy-nominated Blue Heron Suite.
http://www.jeffersonhamer.com

Naomi Sommers
Naomi Sommers is a singer-songwriter, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and flute player. Over the years Naomi has sung and played on more than 20 records and has recorded three albums under her own name, as well as one with the slow-grass duo Gray Sky Girls. Naomi’s album, “Gentle As The Sun”, was recorded in Nashville and produced by the acclaimed musician/producer Jim Rooney (John Prine, Iris Dement, Nanci Griffith, Bonnie Raitt).
BIG News of 2020 is that Naomi is set to release an EP of original songs, co-produced with Jefferson Hamer, recorded in December at her dad’s studio in Connecticut (with dad Phil Rosenthal running the reel-to-reel tape machine)! Jefferson and Naomi recorded these 5 songs live together in the studio, and now a few overdubs are being added from isolated hide-outs across the northeast.
http://www.naomisommers.com/