She began dabbling with musical instruments when she was eight years-old (mostly clarinet and a little piano), before settling with her true companion – the guitar. Now living and working in Austin, Texas, Elsa says it was 1950’s Rock ‘n’ Roll that led her to its roots in old country, where she found the songs of Patsy Cline, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and the young Elvis Presley.

“At turns husky and gruff or as light as a lullaby, Elsa’s voice is uniquely all her own. Lyrically, she presents the subjective heart-pangs of a jilted lover’s diary as a universal bestseller. Musically she keeps things simple, reminiscent of the great Hank Williams but with the gusto of a tattooed rockabilly beat. “ – Portsmouth Herald

Lucy Wainwright Roche (9:00pm)

A member of music family royalty, Lucy Wainwright Roche grew up in Greenwich Village, New York City. Her father is Loudon Wainwright and her mother is Suzzy Roche of The Roches. But Lucy had other plans for herself. She always thought she’d be a teacher, and she earned her Master’s Degree in Education in 2007. She hit the road to sing back up with her brother, Rufus Wainwright, on his 2007 tour. Since then, she’s recorded two critically acclaimed EPs – 8 Songs and 8 More – both of which have been wholeheartedly embraced by her fans. She’s won hearts opening up for Neko Case, The Indigo Girls, Rufus Wainwright, Girlyman, Amos Lee, Lucy Kaplansky, Dar Williams, Mary Gauthier, Loudon Wainwright, and The Roches, among others, and she also tours England and the U.S. as a headliner.

In 2010, Lucy released her first full-length album, simply entitled Lucy. This album, a breath of fresh air, includes special guest artists pals Girlyman and the Indigo Girls, as well as The Roches, Loudon Wainwright, and Kelly Hogan. Her tales of life as seen from the road are masterfully told as she moves in and out of stories and song, creating a unique tapestry that weaves the ordinary into the magical. You won’t hear a false note from this shining star; she’s heartbreaking in a good way, and funny too. Lucy’s a masterful performer. She’s a straight shooter, simple and direct, with loads of charm. But watch out – her hauntingly angelic voice and wickedly perceptive songs will get you every time.

Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival

23 singer songwriters - Legends, Stars, & Up-And-Comers - in a packed festival weekend, this year celebrating Americana music. Concerts, parties, round robin featuring Seacoast talent, two venues. Click here to see all the shows in the Festival!

Merle Haggard, Rosanne Cash,

The Felice Brothers, + more!

Sponsored by 92.5 The River

The Music Hall has just announced the Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival to take place Friday – Sunday April 20-22, 2012 at its two theaters in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. With a first year focus on Americana music, the festival covers the spectrum of acts – Legends, Stars + Up-and-Comers. Sponsored by 92.5 The River, the festival kicks off with Merle Haggard on Friday night and ends with Rosanne Cash on Sunday evening. On Saturday evening, there will be two shows – one in the Historic Theater featuring an incredible lineup: The Felice Brothers, O’Death, and Farthest Forests, while in the Loft, Elsa Cross and Lucy Wainwright Roche will entertain. On Sunday afternoon, a Round Robin will take place in the Loft – a celebration of the vibrant Seacoast singer-songwriter scene, with each rising-star act playing for 15 minutes. Local music critic Christopher Hislop from Seacoast Media Group is the master of ceremonies of that event.

“The Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival will be one unforgettable weekend,” says Patricia Lynch, executive director of The Music Hall. “We’re kicking off this year’s festival by celebrating the country roots, rockabilly, pathos, grit and guts of Americana music, with full bands, solo, acoustic, electric. The way to make the most of the festival is to secure a pass which gives you tickets to shows and access to parties. Don’t miss out – for the best seats, best prices and best parties, get your pass asap!”

Thérèse LaGamma, Deputy Director of Programming, weighs in, “Portsmouth has the infrastructure to support festivals as we have learned from the success of film festivals such as our Telluride by the Sea and our hosting the New Hampshire Film Festival. I am especially looking forward to combining the star power of legends like Merle Haggard with lesser known acts like O’Death! And, selecting Americana music as our first year focus celebrates the fact that the Americana singer songwriter tradition has shaped so much of the American experience. With our long history, our place as an American Treasure and the fact that Portsmouth was made for festivals, this event was a natural!”

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

FRIDAY APRIL 20

6pm Opening Night Feed: Featuring the tastes of Americana, The Loft - Gold

and Bronze Passholders

6:30pm Pre-show access to Founders Lobby - Gold Passholders

7pm Pre-show access to Founders Lobby - Silver Passholders

8pm Elsa Cross opens for Merle Haggard and The Strangers, Historic

Theater

SATURDAY APRIL 21

5:30pm Pre-show access to Founders Lobby – Gold Passholder

7 pm The Felice Brothers/O’Death/The Farthest Forests - Historic Theater

6pm Pre show access to Loft lobby - Gold Passholders

6:30pm Pre-show access to Loft lobby - Silver and Bronze Passholders

7:30pm Double bill: Elsa Cross, Lucy Wainwright Roche The Loft

SUNDAY APRIL 22

12pm Passholders access to the Loft

1-6pm Round Robin celebration of Seacoast singer-songwriter scene - The Loft

6pm Pre-show access to Founders Lobby – Gold Passholders

6:30pm Pre-show access to Founders Lobby - Bronze Passholders

7:30pm Rosanne Cash Historic Theater

9:45pm Post Festival Glow party The Music Hall Loft- Gold and Silver Passholders

featuring the Golden Glow

Gold pass: $185 Primary seating & tickets to all shows (same seats for Historic Theater), access to Opening Night Feed & Post Festival Glow Party, VIP access to lobbies.

Silver pass: $135 Preferred seating, tickets to shows on Friday & Saturday, access to Post Festival Glow Party.

Bronze pass: $110 Preferred seating, tickets to shows on Saturday & Sunday, access to Opening Night Feed.

[website]

$15 at the door; Gold $185, Silver $135, Bronze $110

Portsmouth Music Hall - The Loft

131 Congress St.
Portsmouth, NH 03801

603.436.2400

[website]