Holiday Folk Concert

Three of New England’s finest present an evening of holiday music and folk favorites, as longtime musical compatriots Susie Burke and Kent Allyn join with sideman extraordinaire Steve Roy to bring their popular Christmas concert to Concord Community Music School on Saturday, December 9 at 7 pm in the Recital Hall.

Over twenty years ago, singer and guitarist Susie Burke and her husband, guitarist, mandolinist and composer David Surette, began a series of annual holiday concerts with pianist, guitarist, and bassist Kent Allyn, and the shows soon became a beloved part of many people’s holiday tradition. David passed away in December 2021, leaving very large shoes to fill, and is deeply missed by so many. This year, Susie and Kent called on multi-instrumentalist Steve Roy, one of David’s great pals and very favorite musical collaborators, to join them for four holiday shows. The concerts will feature selections from Susie, David, and Kent’s holiday CD release “Wonderland,” alongside a repertoire ranging from centuries-old traditional carols to unique takes on modern holiday classics. With influences and styles ranging from folk to jazz, Celtic to rock, blues to Broadway and beyond, this trio presents seasonal repertoire with heart, humor, flair, and energy.

Susie Burke is a singer, guitarist, educator and songwriter from southern Maine. Well-versed in a variety of contemporary and traditional folk styles, Susie is best known for her work in a duo with her husband, multi-instrumentalist and composer David Surette, with whom she recorded seven albums and performed for thirty-five years. Reviews in the Boston Globe have said of Burke’s singing, “her dark crystal voice is transporting”, and “her phrasing is unerringly devoted to the lyric”. Susie continues to perform and teach throughout New England and beyond, bringing a collaborative and joyful style to sharing music.

Kent Allyn is an in-demand accompanist and studio musician, as well as a key member of several groups, including Ben Baldwin & the Big Note, and the Renovators. His stellar bass, piano, and electric guitar work have been heard on numerous recordings, Susie and David’s among them.

Steve Roy is a multi-instrumentalist from Eliot, Maine who plays and teaches upright bass, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and ukulele. Fluent in a vast array of musical styles from bluegrass to jazz to heavy metal, he has toured with many of the acoustic world’s top acts, and is well known locally for his work with numerous groups such as Old Hat Stringband, Jazzputin and the Jug Skunks, High Range, and Steve and Dave Play Dead, his Grateful Dead tribute duo with David Surette.

In addition to performing many concerts, David Surette taught countless students over the years with his warm and winsome style. This year’s concerts will feature a guest number performed by some of David’s students, several of whom are now teacher/performers themselves.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students/seniors, and can be purchased at the link below or in person at the Music School. For questions, please call 603-228-1196.

As of December 6, this concert is SOLD OUT. To be added to our waitlist, please contact reception@ccmusicschool.org or call 603-228-1196.