Buskin & Batteau

• Folk

Buskin & Batteau have been winning hearts and minds with their soulful acoustic balladry and fun-filled performances for more years than they care to remember.

“We’re not from the Cambridge, came-over-on-the-Mayflower first wave of folkies [ Joan Baez, Tom Rush, Eric Von Schmidt ],” says Buskin, “but we’d like to think we’ve stolen many of their licks.”

The Washington Post called their work “an irresistible amalgam of melodic, sensual pop, folkie grit and killer wit.” And while their humor runs the gamut from topical irony (“Second Homeless”) to terminal silliness (“Jews Don’t Camp”), it’s their unique combination of instrumental virtuosity (piano and violin, primarily, though both play other instruments as well), soaring vocal harmonies and unparalleled lyric-writing that prompts the standing ovations and rhapsodic reviews: “The most musically sophisticated act in folk” –The New York Times; “Acoustic Heaven” – The Boston Globe. And with the help of the late, great uber-percussionist Marshal Rosenberg, they managed to kick the rhythm pretty hard for a couple of seasoned troubadours.

Famous in the eighties as superstar jingle writers –Batteau’s “Heartbeat of America” heads a list of a hundred or more hits — they’ve also divided their time between writing songs for other artists — e.g., Judy Collins, Tom Rush, Astrud Gilberto, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Peter, Paul and Mary and Bette Midler; helping a diverse group of non-profits — Paul Newman’s Hole-In-The-Wall Camps, Harry Chapin’s WhyHunger, Roger Payne’s Ocean Alliance, among others; and hosting their quirky, unpredictable Radio B&B show on WPKN-FM and WPKN.org. Their latest CD, Love Remembered, Love Forgot, was recorded at Neale Eckstein’s Fox Run Studios in Sudbury, MA, features some delightful guest appearances.

Christine Lavin

• Folk
• Singer/Songwriter

Christine Lavin grew up one of nine children whose father was Thomas F. Lavin and mother was Josephine Crawford Lavin. She started her professional life as a waitress/bread baker at the Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, NY in 1975 where she met the legendary Dave Van Ronk who encouraged her to study guitar with him in NYC. For many years she was a singer/songwriter/ guitarist/recording artist/author/videographer based in NYC, but now she lives in Rochester NY where she plans to attend Eastman School Of Music in the fall.

Her latest album, DRUM SCHOOL DROPOUT, (her 26th, released August 1, 2025) features Christine with her favorite producer, Brian Bauers, who turned some of her unique stories into songs, like “A Soldier & His Princess” about the 474 letters her Dad wrote to her Mom during World War II, while stationed in Europe. She is joined on her new album by Broadway’s David M. Lutken, London darling Daniel Cainer, and there’s a song she wrote for her friend Ervin Drake, about his 70-year on again/off again romance with Edith Berman, the woman who inspired his song, “Good Morning Heartache,” that became a big hit for Billie Holiday, and is also the second verse in Ervin’s song, “It Was A Very Good Year” (‘when I was 21/it was a very good year . . .’). In 2019 Christine was inducted into the Rochester Music Hall Of Fame, and in 2021 she was awarded an honorary doctorate in Fine Arts from her alma mater, State University of New York at Brockport.

Her brother Christopher was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Hobart/William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY, that same week (he had much fancier robes). Christopher was born on Columbus Day — that’s how two Dr. Chris Lavins ended up in the same family.

Christine has also produced 12 compilation albums that showcase the work of dozens of singer/songwriters whose skills she admires, and her memoir, “Cold Pizza For Breakfast,” won the 43rd Annual ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for excellence in writing about music. She is currently working on the follow up book to “Cold Pizza For Breakfast: A Mem-Wha??”

John Forster

• Comedy
• Singer/Songwriter

As a recording artist John’s 19,94 debut album Entering Marion got an Indie Award HM (the independent record labels’ Grammy) for Best Comedy Album. Many of his witty topical songs have been featured on NPR’s “Morning Edition.” His songs have been recorded by Christine Lavin, Judy Collins, Rosanne Cash and the late Dave Van Ronk, among many others.  His song “Entering Marion” is included in Dr. Demento’s “50 Greatest Novelty Songs Of All Time.” John is also co-author of the children’s books “This Pretty Planet,” based on his song, as well as “The Backwards Birthday Party” (Atheneum) and the teen parody book “The BSAT Official Study Guide” (Running Press).

As a writer and producer of bright, sassy music for children John has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, most recently for the Tom Chapin album Some Assembly Required. Other children’s albums include Family Tree, This Pretty Planet, Billy The Squid and a dozen more. He has produced records for everyone from the Olsen Twins to the original “tot rock” band, Rosenshontz.  John’s song “Sing Me The Story Of Your Day” was sung by Faith Hill on the 2006 Grammy-winning Thanks & Giving.

His musicals includes the regional theater favorite Eleanor-An American Love Story (licensed through Concord Theatricals) as well as “Into The Light” on Broadway and the Off Broadway revues “Pretzels” and “A Good Swift Kick.” His latest is “Mariel,” an Afro-Cuban immigration story commissioned by the Cincinnati Playhouse. His scores for young audiences include the perennial “How To Eat Like A Child,” one of the most widely produced children’s shows in the country (licensed through Concord Theatricals), as well as book and lyrics for Freaky Friday with composer Mary Rodgers.

“If Joni Mitchell and Daffy Duck had a love child, he’d probably write songs just like JOHN FORSTER. His sharply observed satires range from sheer slapstick to Jon Stewart acute.” -Scott Alarik (The Boston Globe)

“You don’t need me anymore. Now you’ve got John Forster to kick around.” -Tom Lehrer

Carla Ulbrich

Carla Ulbrich is a clean guitar comic now based in Central New Jersey, with over 20 years of experience blending clean, observational comedy with sharp, relatable songwriting. Her shows combine stand-up structure with original songs and parodies that skewer everyday life, relationships, and modern absurdities without punching down. She’s a regular feature act at comedy clubs, libraries, and folk music venues, and has appeared at festivals and events including Ladies of Laughter, MENSA gatherings, The Philly Folk Festival, PBS programs, and nationally recognized comedy showcases.

Carla’s work is often compared to a witty public radio concert—smart, funny, and welcoming to audiences who like their humor thoughtful. Carla is a terrific feature act, easy to work with, fully prepared, and able to connect quickly with mixed-age crowds. She brings a polished show that feels both entertaining and substantial, leaving audiences smiling and humming her catchy songs.