Ted Sink unveils new CD in Portsmouth

Guitarist and singer-songwriter Ted Sink will celebrate the release of his third CD with a show in Portsmouth on the auspicious date of Friday, Feb. 13. The concert takes place at the new GreatWaters Bank at the corner of Fleet and Congress streets, former location of Pars Oriental Rugs, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Sink is a solo artist and long-time member of several Seacoast bands, including Baseline, Grizzly, The Benders, The Suspenders and Big Night Out. The new CD, titled “Nothing Changes,” includes nine original songs and two covers. Like his two previous efforts, the new disc showcases a jazzy blues style similar to Steely Dan or Mose Alison. But Sink also delves into slightly newer territory with a few tunes that flirt with genres like hip-hop, reggae and soul.

The release show will also feature Kent Allyn on bass and piano; Andy Happel on violin and keyboards; Carri Coltrane on vocals; Bruce Derr on pedal steel; Rob Coffin on lead guitar; Tim Sink on saxophone; and Jamie Decato on drums. The suggested donation is $10, or $15 for a copy of the disc, but no one will be turned away. For more information, visit www.tedsink.com. 

benefit Valentine’s concert at South Church

Music lovers can enjoy a special Valentine’s treat this week while supporting a worthy cause at South Church in Portsmouth. A total of 28 area artists will perform love songs from various genres during a Valentine’s Week Seacoast Musical Gala on Thursday, Feb. 12, beginning at 8 p.m. Admission is free, but volunteers will collect contributions to raise money for the Graeme Crowther Family Fund.

Graeme Crowther was seriously injured during a car accident on his way to work in August 2008. The accident left him paralyzed and wheelchair bound only a month after marrying his wife, Cristina. He spent four months rehabilitating at a specialty hospital in Georgia before returning to his home in Barrington in December.

The family’s homecoming was complicated by winter ice storms, snowstorms and power outages that hindered doctor’s appointments and hospital visits. A group of friends created the Graeme Crowther Family Fund to help the couple get back on their feet. All donations collected at the concert will support the fund.

Recording artist and singer-songwriter Amy Petty will headline the show with support from an extensive cast of musicians, including her husband, singer Bill Petty. Since moving to New Hampshire from Detroit, Amy Petty has performed at numerous area venues, showcasing a voice and style often compared to such artists as Sarah McLachlan, Eva Cassidy, Alanis Morrisette and Jonatha Brooke. She released her debut CD “Mystery Keeps You” on the Red Pill label last summer.

Other featured performers include Tenley Westbrook, Karen Cameron, Mitch Brook, Leslie Loomis, Jason MacDougall, Debbie Orloff, Sherry Stromski, Melanie Sobotka, The Overtones, the Lost & Found ensemble, Change Up! and other surprise guests. The musical genres span acoustic, jazz, blues, Broadway, contemporary, folk and classical.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the concert will end at 9:30 p.m. South Church is at 292 State St., Portsmouth. 

Curt Bessette celebrates new CD in York

Seacoast folk guitarist and singer-songwriter Curt Bessette is unveiling his new CD, “95 North to Maine,” with a weekend concert in York, Maine. Bessette’s fourth solo album includes 11 original tracks and one cover of a song by The Everly Brothers.

The CD includes songs about everything from World War II to Major League baseball, organized religion to Seacoast tourism. Bessette also chose to sing “Always It’s You,” by The Everly Brothers, who Bessette still calls his favorite group. The disc includes an extensive cast of family members and friends who have joined Bessette during his many years of performance on the Seacoast.

The free release show will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. at York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Road, York, Maine, 207-363-2818.

Part of the library’s Winter Coffeehouse series, the afternoon will begin with an opening set from guitarist, harpist and vocalist Clayton Willoughby. Bessette’s band will feature his brother Mike Bessette on bass, Charlie Carville on drums, Neal Zweig on guitar, Bruce Derr on pedal steel and Ed Chaloux on harmonies—all of whom perform on the CD.  

Bessette also has upcoming gigs at David’s Tavern in Newburyport, Mass., on Saturday, Feb. 21, with guitarist Neal Zweig; and at the Hilton Garden Inn in Portsmouth on Friday, Feb. 27, with vocalist Kathleen Soldati. For more information, visit www.curtbessette.com.