NOV 21 At the River Songwriters' Series Show-Saunderstown

Singer Songwriters Josh Shurman, Morgan Johnston and Mary Pierce Women Folk will bring you mesmerizing and inspiring songs in the 15th At The River performance on Thursday, Nov 21st! You will hear some of the best original music in the state! Come down and see what it's all about in this little gem by the river.

JOSH SHURMAN

Rhode Island native, JOSH SCHURMAN, has been a singer-guitarist for over fifty years. He has performed in coffeehouses, clubs, and concerts throughout New England, the Midwest, and on the West Coast, pleasing audiences with his gritty and soulful vocals and deft fingerstyle guitar playing. He draws on American country blues and folk traditions, which he has been mining since the early sixties, and is influenced by roots artists such as Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, Hank Williams, and popular icons of the sixties folk revival. His interest in folk and traditional music deepened during his time at The Folklore Institute of Indiana University.

MORGAN JOHNSTON

Hailing from Rhode Island, Morgan Lane (AKA Morgan Johnston) is an indie folk singer-songwriter strumming and singing her way to empowering both herself and her listeners. Her lyrics are inspired by the natural landscape of places as much as by the emotional landscape of human experiences. While most often found singing with her guitar, Morgan is known to experiment with different stringed instruments and tunings as well as vocal arrangements on loop pedal. She looks forward to sharing her original folk music with you!

MARY PIERCE WOMEN FOLK BAND

Mary Pierce, Singer/Songwriter and Narragansett resident, was inspired early on by Irish and American Folk artists. Mary has written and recorded 4 albums: Miles Away, Dublin Bay, Hideaway, Memory Road and is launching her 5th album "Warrior," which brings a compelling force of the strength and courage of women being warriors of love and hope. Her passion for writing, creative energy and her vulnerability emotes through her music.

In 2023, she received the top singer/songwriter award by The Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival and WICN Folk Revival Radio for one of her original songs. Born in White Plains, New York and raised in Connecticut and Rhode Island, her lively music is “inspired by the beauty of nature and the human spirit that shines in all of us and is what connects us all. “Her soothing, clear voice with Celtic-type qualities, has been compared to Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant, Joan Baez, and Joni Mitchell. Mary’s passion for writing can be heard throughout her music, which brings a journey of hope, love, and gratitude.

Mary has performed in the NorthEast regularly and has recorded with several international musicians.

Mary is the Founder and Producer of At the River Songwriters Series.“I am so excited to experience the growth and inspiration filling the room in the At the River Songwriters' Series each month that began with an idea 11 months ago. It is such an inviting venue with a great vibe and we look forward to hearing talented local artists each month. We are also building community and friendships with our neighbors and like-hearted songwriters here At the River!"

Mary has been performing with her sister, Margi (harmony and piano) for several years and recorded the first album together called "Miles Away.” Mary and Margi’s beautiful, unique and seamless vocal blend is often referred to as ‘the third voice” and their sister bond is captured in each song. Margi and Mary perform regularly in the New England area along with the full band (fiddle, guitar, Irish whistle, piano, harmony. As their musical collaboration continues to organically evolve, they feel joy and gratitude each time they step on the stage together. Mary’s Music can be found on Spotify, YouTube, iTunes and at www.Musicofmarypierce.com

MARGI GIANQUINTO (Mary's sister)

Margi Gianquinto, (Mary’s sister), is an accomplished jazz singer, pianist, music educator, and choir director with a diverse musical background. Her love of harmony and her multiple talents are artfully blended into each of her projects across many genres-from folk to jazz. Margi divides her time between teaching, performing, and residencies with her jazz band in the Connecticut and NYC area. Margi graduated from Providence College with a degree in music (classical piano/choral) and humanities. “It has been a joy to sing/play with my sister, Mary, and see the growth we have experienced together in bringing the songs to their fullest.”

Host or Publisher Women Folk