Three 'Tinas come to the uNi Coffeehouse

Date: 12/8/2008

SPRINGFIELD On Dec. 13 at 8 p.m., the uNi Coffeehouse Concert Series presents the Three 'Tinas -- Bob Zentz, Jerry Bryant and Geoff Kaufman. The concert will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Society Meetinghouse, 245 Porter Lake Drive.

Opera had the Three Tenors. Now folk music has an answer: the Three 'Tinas! The concerTINAS, that is.

These three veterans of the folk world combine their enthusiasm for

good songs, bad puns and concertinas into an act that should not be missed.

The Three 'Tinas present folk songs new and old with satisfying harmonies and a blizzard of instruments (not just concertinas), but with the humble squeezebox in the place of honor.

Their show will delight and entertain -- a great change of pace from the usual holiday fare!

Virginia's Bob Zentz is famous for the truckload of instruments he plays to accompany his equally large large repertoire of great songs of all kinds.

Maine-born and bred Jerry Bryant is also a multi-instrumentalist, but best known for his singing and songwriting, particularly his "Ballad of Harbo and Samuelsen."

Connecticut's Geoff Kaufmann is a golden voiced master of maritime music, from his days on the Sloop Clearwater to his years at Mystic Seaport and with his Forebitter quartet.

When these three have a rare chance to sing and play together, they pull out all the stops as they swap the lead and harmony/accompaniment roles.

The uNi Coffeehouse Concerts feature lovely wooded location bordering on Longmeadow and the Forest Park woodlands; easy access from anywhere via Interstate Route 91, with a parking lot, plus space along road for later arrivals; acoustic music (not electric, not excessively loud), some very old songs and tunes, some very new; experienced performers from across the United States, Canada and Great Britain; coffeehouse style atmosphere relaxed, informal, low stage, candlelight, but no alcohol or smoke; lively concert hall sound in an intimate setting, with performers often mingling with audience during breaks; refreshments available include home baked goodies, hot spiced cider, coffee, teas and just popped popcorn.

For more information or reservations, call 562-3990 or visit www.uNiCoffeehouse.org. Tickets are $15 at the door.