Anyone that hears him play agrees on one thing--- He is an extraordinary guitarist.  Watching his fingers dance among the strings is like watching a masterpiece flow from palette & brush.  It is the quintessential expression of an art form.

Dan Duggan, nationally touring performer and teacher, is rapidly being acknowledged as one of the finest dulcimer players and composers in the country. As recipient of the prestigious National Hammered Dulcimer Championship, Dan's accomplishment, though based on technical merit, is even more considerable as he is the first winner to have performed all original compositions. Although pioneering innovative compositional work for the dulcimer, Dan's renditions of traditional Irish and American tunes reflect his study and understanding of their original context. Whether re-creating 18th century harp pieces or vibrant 19th century dance tunes, Dan has engaged audiences nationwide in an excursion of musical styles and moods.  

Peggy Lynn, singer, songwriter and arts educator brings an infectious enthusiasm to all her endeavors. With a sultry, yet powerful alto voice, Peggy gives a clear message of the passion underlying her songs. While her style and range give meaning and feeling to all her work, her most powerful message, her passion, is for the contributions and burdens of women. Peggy ranges from folksy to blues with equal ease, alone or harmonizing with others.

  Tony Trischka is one of the world's most innovative banjo players. Throughout his thirty year career, Tony has defied boundaries and explored a wide variety of genres commonly considered out-of-bounds for the banjo.  Tony Trischka has been recording and touring for the last 35 years. He’s been a key figure in opening the banjo and acoustic music in general to wider influences. In addition Tony has shared stage and studio with such folks as David Grisman, John Denver, The Boston Pops, William S. Burroughs, Hazel Dickens, Jorma Kaukonen, Ralph Stanley, and countless others. He’s spent 35 years recording for Rounder Records and has also authored and videoized a treasure trove of instructional materials.

 Charlie King has been at the heart of American folk music for over 40 years. His songs have been recorded and sung by other performers such as Pete Seeger, Holly Near, Ronnie Gilbert, John McCutcheon, Arlo Guthrie, Peggy Seeger, Chad Mitchell and Judy Small. Honors include an "Indie" award for one of the top three folk recordings of 1984. In May of 1998 the War Resisters League gave their Peacemaker Award to Charlie and to Odetta. Pete Seeger nominated Charlie for the Sacco-Vanzetti Social Justice Award, which he received in November 1999. Charlie has released a dozen solo albums since 1976. He has also released three albums with the touring ensemble Bright Morning Star, and numerous compilation albums with other artists.  

 “Joe Hill would be proud.  Great singer and organizer at the same time”, Pete Seeger says of Colleen Kattau, a bi-lingual singer songwriter of New Song and Nueva Canción.  She performs original alternative acoustic music in a mix of poetry and rhythm.  Her voice can be both strong and tender and has been likened to that of Joni Mitchell, Natalie Merchant, and Shawn Colvin.  Colleen has performed for diverse audiences at colleges and universities, women’s festivals, environmental festivals and Latin American and labor solidarity events.

The Second Saturday Concert Series wraps up its spring season with a special concert showcasing the local "young guns" of traditional acoustic music. Headlining the show will be Blue Lightning, an exciting new bluegrass band from the Utica/Rome area. Made up of four young men ranging in age from 15 to 19, Blue Lightning is a rising star in the bluegrass world. Together since 2004, the band has steadily matured, performing at churches, coffee houses, and festivals across the state. Their youthful enthusiasm, combined with a blend of traditional and contemporary bluegrass and gospel music, is helping to bring bluegrass music to a new generation of fans.

On banjo, fiddle, and vocals is Nick Piccininni, while Bobby Delnero plays mandolin and provides tenor vocals. On rhythm guitar is Justin Winters, who also sings bass harmony or lead vocals. Julian Winters, the youngest member, is the heartbeat of the band on upright bass. They play with a maturity that reaches beyond their youth and their fluency with old standards has built a following among seasoned bluegrass enthusiasts. With fast-paced instrumentals, stirring vocals, and an occasional 4-part a capella number, the quartet has secured a place in the hearts of its listeners.

“In addition to terrific singing and instrumentation, Blue Lightning is learning great showmanship, something that makes this Central New York bluegrass band truly stand out!” -- Bill Knowlton,"Bluegrass Ramble," WCNY-FM

Also performing will be Syracuse singer/songwriter Melissa Ahern and 11-year old fiddling sensation Sean Martin.