Butternut Ridge House Concerts

A baptism with grace and style was how one of the patrons, or should we call her a convert? Described her evening. Indeed there were many whom were uplifted and expressed their ‘conversation’ in a multitude of ways.

Were they speaking of the newest Mark Burnett reality Television series ? Professing some new age religion ?

No they were professing their conversations and swearing their new allegiance to the House Concert phenomenon that has made it’s way to the suburbs of Cleveland.

Jack and Jennifer Gould who run Acoustic Avenue house concerts in Avon Lake were there, As was Larry Bruner who writes for the Continuum on Folk Net, they may have known what to expect at a house concert.

Unlike the majority of guest who had RSVP, not quite sure of what they were getting into with their $10 donation.

The lights dimmed, the crowed hushed and the house glowed crimson from the wall mounted candelabra, as BRHC host Brian Schmuck introduced “ My friend Alexis Antes “ our first artist of the evening.

With her angelic vocals, creative lyrics and winning smile, Alexis sung her way into the hearts of her fellow Clevelanders, who were just discovering that this jewel of a performer is indeed one of their very own. Clevelanders are always searching for something to be proud of. For many of the new converts this night Alexis filled that vacancy.

With the completion of her set, the house now had an idea of what it is that they indeed had got them selves into. “I understand now,” one patron remarked, “ the BRHC series motto,”

“If you have never seen Annie Gallup,” BRHC host Brian Schmuck said. “Then you have never seen anyone like her! ” ....... Annie Gallup took the stage.

After completing her opening number ‘Enough,’ With a delivery that was at times, slightly above a librarians whisper and containing a wit that is the equivalent of Woody Allen’s ‘better hold on and try not to let anything fly over your head’ style.

Annie began telling the story of “Max,” who works at Radio Shack and has a “very small telescope.” Annie would occasionally interrupt herself to add greater detail to Max, who was proud of his pocket protector. Max often had fun with the label gun in the back room, as he frequently changed his Radio Shack name tag. Providing himself with an ascension of his version of ingenious identities.

The audience now fully immersed knew that they had better hold onto their assorted folding and/or stacking style chairs, because Annie was taking them places that they had never explored.

Like a glowing parent on Christmas morning, the few seasoned Annie Gallup fans sat back satisfied , while waves of pleasure broke on the faces of each exuberant new fan as they discovered joy with every gift unwrapped, that Annie presented in story and song.

We were 4 songs into the show when Annie introduced us to “Pearl Street “ her long awaited new release ( since the highly acclaimed 2001 release of 'Swerve')

So new in fact, Annie remarked, that she just received shipment of the CDs 2 days prior and that they have yet to select an official release date, but the new CD would be available for the first time tonight.

‘Christmas for every one’ I thought to myself and leaned in to hear every word as Annie prefaced the introduction of “ Pearl Street “ . Her first concept album.

“I started with a rhyme that cracked me up, rhyming Horse with Divorce,” Annie said. That lead to telling the 10 year story of Kate through the 10 songs on “Pearl Street”.

Annie introduced us to Kate, Jack, Betsi, Dean, Richard, & Grace as she strung together 4 new pearls (Skinny Arms / Jack / Tulsa and Synopsis) form the new CD.

After a short break, a coffee refill and a fresh cookie, we found our seat again to hear the final set of the evening . Highlighted by ‘ Grandma's best china’ and ‘Blue Dress’ Annie’s touching story about moving back to her childhood home after her mothers passing.

‘I used to like your blue dress and I still do, but in a different way. I like the ink stain on the skirt and how the hem is frayed.

I see it on a different scale and from a different angle now, Than when I'd look up at you looking down

In your blue dress on a summer night, going out for the evening. Well, I still cry sometimes when I think about you leaving me.

Completing the set with “safety’ Annie joined her new friends and chatted and signed newly purchased CDs.

The Butternut Ridge House Concert’s series has now been officially christened, no loner a concept it’s now a reality and with new converts who are ready to spread the word and eagerly await the next show, with their help the house concert series concept will prosper, adding one more thing for us to be proud of right here in Cleveland.