JP Unplugged presents two JP-resident folk musicians


Photo by Liz Shaffer Guy Mendilow

JP Unplugged will present a concert by Jamaica Plain acoustic world folk artist Guy Mendilow on Sat., Nov. 3 at the historic Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St. The concert will begin at 8 p.m., and admission is $10. Opening the concert will be singer/songwriter and JP Unplugged founding member Carlyn Hutchins.

Ask local resident Mendilow where he’s from, and you’re not likely to get a quick answer. A citizen of Israel, Great Britain and the United States, Mendilow spent his most formative years playing hopscotch between continents when his musician-turned-professor father was invited to a succession of teaching posts. From early childhood on, Mendilow’s life was a cultural, linguistic and musical mix. He grew up participating in late night song circles and living room concerts with local musicians from Jerusalem to Johannesburg.

Mendilow has continued to immerse himself in new cultures, seeking opportunities to learn languages and collaborate with instrument builders and performers. To date, he has lived and performed in South Africa, Israel, Taiwan, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and the United States. He sings in six tongues and is fluent in four.

Mendilow’s music spins stories to which audiences can relate despite differences in culture or language. His richly textured and intimately engaging concerts and recordings have garnered universal acclaim. Among his honors are the Director’s Choice Award in the Mid Atlantic Song Contest (2006), the Global Rhythm Magazine World Music Song Contest (2005) and being voted the Best World Music Act by the Boston Phoenix (2005). For more information on Mendilow, see www.guymendilow.com

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Carlyn Hutchins, also a JP resident, made her way to Boston, acoustic guitar firmly in hand. While Hutchins has been compared to Ani Difranco and Joni Mitchell for her aggressive guitar work and introspective lyrics, she’s her own woman as she performs her music all over New England. Hutchins’ latest CD, “Lust Love Lost,” released in 2006, reached #6 on Outmusic’s OutVoice Top 40 poll.

A soccer player in another lifetime where her motto was “play like hell or get off the field,” Hutchins is one singer-songwriter who plays like she means it and doesn’t intend to get off the field any time soon. If your team favorites include the Indigo Girls, Melissa Ferrick and Patty Larkin, then you’ll want her to play for you too.

“Her self taught style is anything but typical…” said Annette Conlon of ‘Nette Radio.

“Hutchins is a pure folk artist with a bit of a kick.” Jennifer Layton wrote on Indie-Music.com. For more information on Hutchins, visit www.carlynhutchins.com

For reservations call 857-928-5417 or e-mail [email protected]. Advance reservations are strongly suggested. Please arrive by 7:45 p.m. to claim the reservation.

JP Unplugged is a concert series dedicated to presenting quality live acoustic music in an intimate listening environment in Jamaica Plain. It is organized by Boston-based singer/songwriters and acoustic music supporters who believe both the community and its artists benefit when the music is the focus. JP Unplugged is dedicated to presenting both nationally known and local artists to the Jamaica Plain community.

The Loring-Greenough House, built in 1760, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has been a historic house museum since 1926. Its beautiful period decor and intimate size make it an ideal setting for acoustic music.

Submitted by JP Unplugged.

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