Peterborough Folk Music society performance: Deep River Ramblers

HARRISVILLE – For nearly three decades, the Peterborough Folk Music Society has brought acoustic, folk and Americana musicians into intimate venues across the Monadnock Region, creating the kind of listening-room atmosphere where audiences sit close enough to hear not only the music itself, but the stories and personalities behind it. On May 30, that tradition continues when the Deep River Ramblers perform at Deb's House in Harrisville, blending harmony-driven folk, bluegrass and Americana music in a setting designed as much for connection as performance. The concert, scheduled for 7 p.m. with a community potluck beforehand at 6 p.m., will bring together audiences and musicians in the informal house-concert style that has long defined the Peterborough Folk Music Society's programming. For president, founder and program director of the organization Deborah McWethy, the upcoming performance reflects both the evolving nature of folk music and the relationships that develop over years within the acoustic music community. "Two of this trio have played in my living room in the past, separately and with different musicians," McWethy said. "It is fun to see the different projects musicians take on. I saw this trio play as a Bob Dylan back-up band last summer in Northampton and then again at the Arcadia Folk Festival in East Hampton. I knew I wanted to have them play in my living room." Originally formed for a Doc Watson tribute performance connected to Signature Sounds' Back Porch Festival, the Deep River Ramblers quickly evolved beyond a one-time collaboration into an ongoing musical partnership rooted in storytelling, harmony and traditional American music. The trio — Chris Brashear, Jim Henry and Paul Kochanski — brings together musicians with decades of experience performing throughout folk, Americana and bluegrass circles across New England and beyond. Their performances feature a rotating blend of fiddle, guitar, mandolin, dobro and bass, with each member contributing vocals and instrumental versatility throughout the set. Drawing inspiration from artists ranging from Doc Watson and John Prine to Levon Helm, Nanci Griffith and Muddy Waters, the group mixes traditional material with original songs and lesser-known works from influential songwriters. For Brashear, balancing familiar songs with original material is part of what keeps folk traditions alive while still allowing musicians to contribute something new. "It's generally good to share some songs that people know, as I think it welcomes them more fully into the experience," Brashear said. "At the same time, as songwriters, it always feels rewarding when you present your own work. Someday, someone else might be singing your song and passing it along to the next generation. This is what we want to do." That sense of musical continuity — preserving traditions while contributing new material to them — remains central to the Deep River Ramblers' identity. Rather than focusing solely on familiar standards, the trio often incorporates overlooked songs and reinterpretations into their performances, giving audiences both recognizable touchstones and opportunities to discover something unfamiliar. Since officially forming in 2019, the group has expanded its presence throughout the Northeast folk and Americana scene through festival appearances, collaborative tribute performances and community-oriented music projects. Earlier this year, members of the band helped launch "Happy Valley Bluegrass Church" at the Iron Horse in Northampton, a singalong-style series centered on folk, gospel and bluegrass traditions. The trio also released an album in 2024 featuring original material alongside reinterpretations of existing songs, further establishing the band beyond its origins as a tribute collaboration. For organizations like the Peterborough Folk Music Society, concerts like this represent more than simply booking touring acts. They are part of a broader effort to sustain and cultivate folk and acoustic music communities in the region. "In this region the audience has supported PFM for 30 years and appreciates the work we do and the musicians we bring," McWethy said. "They honor the long standing musicians who have been promoted in this region all these years and from The Folkway days, as well as meeting newer musicians on the scene. We have built a great reputation for living up to our mission of bringing the best of acoustic and Americana music to the Monadnock region." The organization's emphasis on smaller house concerts has helped distinguish it from larger music venues and festivals. In an era when many live performances take place in larger commercial spaces, listening-room concerts continue to offer a more conversational and immersive experience between performers and audiences. Musicians often interact directly with listeners between songs, share stories about their material and perform without many of the barriers common in larger venues. For the Deep River Ramblers, those intimate spaces are part of what makes performances especially meaningful. "We love the opportunity to perform for folks who are really listening and love music," Brashear said. "The Deep River Ramblers enjoy playing every opportunity that comes our way. This will be no exception. It will be lots of fun!" The upcoming performance arrives during an active period for folk and Americana music throughout New England, where smaller music organizations and listening-room venues continue drawing audiences interested in live acoustic performances and community-centered musical experiences. For the Peterborough Folk Music Society, the Deep River Ramblers concert represents another chapter in a tradition that has connected musicians and listeners across the region for decades — one living room concert at a time. For more information, visit pfmsconcerts.org/concert/deep-river-ramblers-053026.