March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 47 F

333 Coffeehouse Presents Mac Walter & John Cronin

A guitar

The 333 Coffeehouse, Annapolis’ monthly listening space for folk and acoustic music, is pleased to welcome back the guitar duo of Mac Walter & John Cronin on Friday, June 15th.

Admission: $10 (students and senior citizens $8, door open at 7:30pm).

For cousins Mac Walter and John Cronin, a borrowed ukelele set the stage for a lifelong musical journey into the world of fingerstyle guitar. As teenagers, Mac and John played at family gatherings and developed a mutual interest in folk music and a strong musical bond. Influenced by folk music luminaries such as Doc Watson, Mississippi John Hurt, and Dave Van Ronk, Mac and John as teenagers began forming their own musical styles.

Individually, the two have compiled rich musical résumés. Mac studied at the Berklee School of Music in Boston where his horizons stretched to include rock, blues, jazz and country as well as folk. He toured the US and Europe for 8 years with the famed pianist/saxophonist Deanna Bogart, and performed with regional stars including Danny Gatton, Roy Buchanan, and Grace Griffith. His technical mastery of the guitar has made him a sought-after teacher. John settled in British Columbia, Canada, where he became a bandleader in the regional scene and toured for 7 years as lead guitarist for Ian Tyson (of Ian & Sylvia). John’s guitar can be heard on several of Ian’s recordings and he has been described as the ‘heart of the guitar.’ He sings in a warm, sympathetic baritone that brings out the story in each song.

But even as they came to live in different countries, Mac and John grew closer musically. Through their separate journeyman years, the two cousins continued to connect and play gigs. Their musical rapport, developed so early, still drew them together, and both had become ‘guitar wizards.’ Now, when they play together, the synergy and gorgeous harmonies they project always leave an audience on their feet and wanting more. John’s boisterous folksy enthusiasm is infectious and a perfect foil for Mac’s golden tones. Their acoustic fingerstyle virtuosity is amazing to see. Their music has been described as “ultimately satisfying,” and you will understand why once you have heard this outstanding duo.

Mac and John have recorded two CDs together, Cousins (2003) and Second Cousins (2006). A third CD is planned. Their recordings map the musical journeys they have taken down the roads of folk, jazz, country, blues and another road that is their own. Their music just works!

Mac and John performed for 333 in 2010 and thrilled a large audience with their playing. 333 is delighted to have them back for a return engagement.

Now in its 20th year, the 333 Coffeehouse is an acoustic concert series held the third Friday of every month in Annapolis, Maryland. 333 is a non-profit, smoke- and alcohol-free venue run by volunteers. It features traditional folk performers and songwriters. Inexpensive hot beverages and desserts are offered. With beautiful acoustics and a modest admission price, 333 is a terrific entertainment value.

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