Upcoming Highlights
SEPT. 25
Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem at the Rose Garden, Orthodox Congregational Church, 17 West St., Mansfield. 508-699-8122, www.rosegardenfolk.com.
This is a smart, sublimely melodic neo-trad string band, led by Arbo's sultry vocals, sweet fiddle, and provocative songwriting.
OCT. 9
Modern Man, at the Steeple Coffeehouse, Pilgrim Church, intersection of Routes 30 and 85, Southborough. 508-485-4847, www.fusf.org/steeple.
This trio does to contemporary folk music what ``A Mighty Wind'' did to the '60s revival. Biting, hilarious, and delivered with superb musicianship.
OCT. 16
Ellis Paul, at New Moon Coffeehouse, Universalist Unitarian Church, 16 Ashland St., Haverhill. 978-373-9259, www.newmooncoffeehouse.org.
This longtime Boston folk-pop star refers to the peculiar stagecraft of the coffeehouse as ``the art of being yourself.'' He remains among the most dynamic, charismatic, and gifted songwriters in New England.
NOV. 5
Lou and Pete Berryman, at me & thee Coffeehouse, Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St., Marblehead. 781-631-8987, www.meandthee.org.
This Wisconsin duo write hilarious songs that fall somewhere between Woody Guthrie and Garrison Keillor.
NOV. 6
Susan Werner, at Circle of Friends, First Universalist Society Meetinghouse, 265 Chestnut St., Franklin. 508-528-2541, www.fusf.org/cof.
This Philadelphia folk chanteuse is equal parts urban songwriter and cabaret sweetheart, and utterly owns her stage.
NOV. 13
The Persuasions, at Crossroads, North Parish Church, 190 Academy Rd., N. Andover. 978-687-3960, www.crossroads-coffeehouse.org.
This legendary a cappella R & B and gospel quintet should raise the rafters, even in staid North Andover.
DEC. 19
Ed Gerhard Annual Christmas Show with Bill Mize, at the Mozaic Room, Avon Baptist Church, 119 N. Main St. 508-339-1109, www.mozaicroom.org.
Gerhard, a New Hampshire guitarist, has a second career with his articulate, technically dazzling instrumentals of seasonal music, making this show a cherished tradition for lots of local folkies.
