Paul Rishell & Annie Raines Coming to the Rose Garden Coffeehouse

To say that Paul Rishell plays guitar and Annie Raines plays harmonica is a serious understatement. For more than 20 years, they have taken the world of country/old time blues to new audiences far and wide, and they will bring their style and enthusiasm to Mansfield's Rose Garden Coffeehouse on Saturday, September 22 at 8:00 pm.

Paul Rishell has spent the last 45 years learning from blues greats such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Skip James, Blind Blake, and Blind Boy Fuller. In fact, he's just released a new solo album called "Talking Guitar" that pays tribute to these pre-war blues masters. Annie Raines' harmonica playing is the perfect accompaniment to Rishell's scorching blues solos and vocals as she plays with what one reviewer said was "grit and soul." In fact, Raines has just released an instructional DVD called "Blues Harmonica Blueprint" which includes solos and live jam tracks to help harmonica players of any level advance their talents.
Scott Alarik, former folk music critic for the Boston Globe described Paul and Annie this way. “W.C. Handy Award-winners Rishell & Raines are rousing interpreters of country blues, the original acoustic style that gave birth to electric blues, R&B, and rock. While their guitar, harmonica, and vocals are roiling, muscular, and masterful, their shows are down home-friendly and fun-loving.” For the Rose Garden Coffeehouse show, the duo will play two full sets of music, primarily in the acoustic blues genre.
The September 22 performance will begin at 8 pm (doors at 7:30 pm) at the Congregational Church, 17 West Street in Mansfield. The Rose Garden Coffeehouse will be starting its 24th consecutive season, marking it as one of the longest continuously-running folk music venues in southeastern MA. Additional concerts are already scheduled through May of 2013 and information on those is available on the web site.

The Rose Garden is an all-volunteer operation that serves hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks of the season along with homemade desserts and pastries. Those expecting to attend the performance are urged by organizers to order advance sale tickets at www.rosegardenfolk.com. Tickets may also be available at the door.