Half Moon Cafe Concerts 2019
A COOL VENUE TO HEAR TERRIFIC LOCAL MUSICIANS
Date updated: 10/10/19
Meadowood is pleased to sponsor Clay on Main's concerts in the Half Moon Cafe, a venue for local musicians & music lovers. The Half Moon is in the back of Clay on Main's building at 313 Main Street in Oley, PA.
Reminiscent of a 60’s style coffee house, the Half Moon has hosted Friday-evening concerts every spring and fall since 2007. In 2017, Clay on Main added a "Front Room" act that precedes the concert in the Half Moon Cafe. All performers are local musicians or have local ties.
Front Room artists play from 7:15 to 7:45 and receive compensation through a tip jar to which Clay on Main and concert-goers both contribute.
Half Moon acts perform from 8:00 to 10:00 and receive compensation through half of the proceeds of a $10 donation from concert-goers (age 16 and older). The other half of the donation proceeds help Clay on Main cover operating expenses for the facility.
HERE IS THE LINEUP FOR FALL 2019 IN THE HALF MOON CAFE/FRONT ROOM (DETAILS BELOW):
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October 4 - Mike, Paula, & Rich/Norm Williams (was great fun!)
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October 18 - Hannah Violet Trio/Bill Jester
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November 1 - Dean Smith/Suzanne & Dan
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November 15 - Down by the Glenside/Mike Petraskas
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December 13 - Crow Hill/Eighteen Strings with guest Bonnie Wren
OCTOBER 4, 2019
Half Moon, 8-10: Mike & Paula & Rich - Mike Andrews and Paula Taylor of Meadowood Music, who perform as a husband/wife duo, become a trio when their friend Rich Dodson joins them. This trio has made a tradition of playing at the Half Moon every Fall. What'll they play? Who knows? Maybe Irish dance tunes or ballads, 60s folk tunes, tunes by Hoagie Carmichael, the Grateful Dead, John Cougar Mellencamp, or John Prine. It will be guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and bass. It will be a lot of fun. https://www.meadowoodmusic.com/mike-and-paula-perform
Front Room, 7:15 - 7:45: Norm Williams - sings and plays mountain dulcimer, guitar, banjo, ukulele, and native flute. His specialty is Old-Time Appalachian fiddle and gospel songs and other folk (as heard in his 2017 solo recording, “…a wayfarer; songs of hope and encouragement.” You'll love Norm's gentle humor and tasteful choice of tunes. Come hear him live. Learn more about him at https://www.awayfarer-normw.com
Nice turnout, great night!
OCTOBER 18, 2019
Half Moon, 8-10: Hannah Violet Trio - an acoustic Country-Rock-Folk band that performs covers and original songs with sometimes tender, sometimes funny lyrics. The trio's gained a loyal following because of their genuine talent, sincere connection with the crowd, and ability to pull a range of styles of music together to create a simply enjoyable and down-home sound. Hannah Violet, Mitch Miller, and Phil Pilorz are a breath of fresh air that bring you the collective sound of two fiddles, mandolin, guitar, dobro, bodhran, male and female vocals, and a wonderfully relaxed, upbeat atmosphere. You won't want to miss this concert!http://www.hannahviolet.com/blog.cgi?act=category&xid=16&txt=hannah_violet_trio
Front Room, 7:15 - 7:45: Bill Jester - vocalist and multi-instrumentalist performs Country, Folk, and Bluegrass tunes on guitar, banjo, mandolin and fiddle. His music, delivered with bits of wry humor, is a joy. What a lovely start to the evening at Clay on Main!
Lovely evening!
NOVEMBER 1, 2019
Half Moon, 8-10: Dean Smith - singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist born here in Berks County, now lives in Virginia, but sometimes comes home to do a concert. Lucky for us, he will returning to the Half Moon with some friends to play Folk, Country, and Rock covers... plus some of his original tunes. It's going to be a great night!
http://deansmithmusic.com/bio.cfm
Front Room, 7:15-7:45: Suzanne & Dan - Suzanne Fellows and Dan Varner perform lovely arrangements of familiar tunes with which you'll surely want to sing along. Web link and photo coming soon.
Tremendous FUN! Great Music
NOVEMBER 15, 2019
Half Moon, 8-10: Down by the Glenside - a wonderful Celtic band that humbly pays homage to the Irish generations that have built this and many other great nations worldwide. In the spirit of the Clancy Brothers, Tommy Makem, Luke Kelly, and the Wolfe Tones, Down By The Glenside brings you the traditional sounds of Ireland. Who is in the band? BRIAN FINK - fiddle, vocals, MARILYN MOEDINGER- tin whistle, vocals, JOE PASCUZZI - mandolin, bouzouki, TOM WEBSTER - guitar, vocals, ROB RILEY - bodhran, BRENDAN ZEIGLER - tin whistle, vocals. The band invites you to join them for a pint (Clay on Main welcomes you to BYOB) and a song or two!
http://www.downbytheglenside.com
Front Room, 7:15-7:45: Mike Petrauskas - usually performs with the band A.KA. (who will be playing at the Half Moon in 2020), this evening, he will be singing and playing his guitar, either solo or with one or two other musicians. You're sure to hear at least one or two Guy Clark tunes in his wonderful mix of music!
With help from others at Clay on Main, Mike P. transformed some warehouse space in an art studio into one of the coolest musical spots in Berks County - the Half Moon Cafe. For ten years, he booked every act that performed there, and emceed almost every concert. When he moved on to other things, Mike and Paula of Meadowood took over the booking, and Vinny Rose took over the emcee roll (as well as audio technician).
Great night of music and fun!
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Half Moon, 8-10: Crow Hill - Crow Hill is known for high-energy, audience-engaging music with tight vocal harmonies supported by tasty instrumental work. Based in the Bluegrass tradition, Crow Hill sings songs about old home places, leather gloves, and country churches. The band performs regularly at Bluegrass Festivals, picnics, private parties, Church events, and – lucky for us – the Half Moon Cafe. Come see Judy Terwilliger (fiddle/vocals), Steven Simpson (banjo, vocals), Matt Wlasniewski (guitar, vocals) Mark Strauss (mandolin, bass, vocals), and Andy Wlasniewski (ukulele, bass, vocals). You'll love these guys!
Front Room, 7:15-7:45: Eighteen Strings with Guest - Bonnie Wren
This local trio debuted at Clay on Main, and now returns with their friend Bonnie Wren as a four piece act. Bluegrass, Folk, and Gospel tunes and songs to kick off a night of traditional acoustic music. Bonnie Wren - vocals, Larry Swanson - guitar and vocals, Jim Mathis - mandolin, Eric Simms - bass guitar. Join them for music, fun, and camaraderie.
Sound Man and Emcee - Half Moon Concerts & Open Mics
Vinny Rose is the lead audio technician and emcee for the Half Moon Cafe. He sets up and runs the PA system, announces upcoming Clay on Main events, and introduces Half Moon Concert performers.
When you visit the Half Moon, please take time to thank Vinny for everything he does.