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Ryan & Brennish Thomson

Updated Feb 2, 2024

Ryan Thomson running the sound board for the dance hall

Bob Nilson's sketch of the folk music artist community in the seacoast area of New Hampshire, in 1990. Includes, clock wise; Ryan Thomson - accordion, Brenda Curry, Rocky Rockwood, Harvey Reid, Taylor Whiteside,  Larry Garland, David Behm.

Great Bay Folklife Festival


by Ryan Thomson


For two years in a row, 1990, 1991, I helped produce a local folk festival. It was an ambitious undertaking. I was in charge of the dance portion of the festival, and others worked on the performance end. It was a weekend event, and took place at the Newmarket High school in Newmarket, New Hampshire. I contacted and booked many participatory dance groups including Scottish and English country dancing, contras, squares, cajun, zydeco, swing/jitterbug, clogging, Swedish, Irish, English Morris, and more. All of the musicians and organizers donated their time. I was combination sound man, stage manager, clean up crew, etc. We had a small dedicated group of volunteers to take tickets, give directions, etc. I'd like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed.

1990 festival:

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Poster of the Great Bay Folk Festival, Newmarket, New Hampshire, 1990

1990 Great Bay Folk Festival Poster, art by Bob Nilson

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Great Bay Folk Festival schedule, August, 1990

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The newspaper article below consists of three separate  pieces. Click on each one of the three in order to enlarge them

Great Bay Folk Festival article from the New Hampshire Seacoast Sunday, August 12, 1990, image 1 of 3.
photo of dancers at the Great Bay Folk Festival, 1990
Great Bay Folk Festival article from the New Hampshire Seacoast Sunday, August 12, 1990, image 2 of 3.

Festival Dancers

Tom Hall in the middle, Ryan Thomson on top playing accordion and then going to the right, clockwise, is Brenda Curry, Rocky Rockwood, Harvey Reid, Taylor Whiteside,  Larry Garland, David Behm. art by Bob Nilson

1991 Festival:

Participating performers, including dance teachers, bands, and workshop leaders at the dance stage in 1991 included, in alphabetical order:

 

1. Anne Deminov

2. Beth Eldridge

3. Bill Perry

4. Bob McQuillen

5. Cathy Mason

6. Cindy Larock

7. Crawdad Wranglers: Ryan Thomson, Steve Brown, Brian Richardson, Jeff Lind, Paul Mangion, 

8. Creaggach: David Levine, Bill Thomas

9. David Bateman

10. Lamprey River Band: Rick McAulay, Steve Panish, Peter Yarensky, Sarah Hydorn, David Cousineau

11. Lee Breslow

12. Lisa Greenleaf

13. Magnolia: Chris Ash, Maggy Moniz, Richie Moniz, Michele Kaminsky, Alan Bradbury

14. Maple Sugar Band: Marcel Robidas, John Saucier, Bill Zecker, Clair Mattin

15. Mary DesRosiers

16. Mary-Sarah Berger

17. Nancy Penney

18. Nat Hewitt

19. Open to Suggestion: Aram Hollman, Sandy Pliskin, Marianne Taylor

20. O-Tones: Mary Witt, Rick Ruggles

21. Ray Salvo

22. Roy Planalp

23. Sarah Nelson

24. Steve Vorhees

25. Swing Pirates: Ryan Thomson, Paul Mangion, John Fransoza, Kathy Zimpfer

26. Sylvia Miskoe & The Strathspey and Reel Society of New Hampshire

27. Tina Van Roggan

28. Two Fiddles; Dudley Laufman, Jacqueline Gilman


Written by Ryan Thomson, 1992

Great Bay Folk Festival article from the New Hampshire Seacoast Sunday, August 12, 1990, image 3 of 3.
Ryan Thomson running the sound board for the Great Bay Folk Life Festival, Newmarket, New Hampshire, 1990.

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Poster for Great Bay Folk Festival, 1991, Newmarket, New Hampshire

poster art by Bob Nilson

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Foster's Showcase article for the Great Bay Folk festival, August 17 and 18, 1991, image 1 of 2.
Foster's Showcase article for the Great Bay Folk festival, August 17 and 18, 1991, image 2 of 2.
Great Bay Folk Festival article from the Rochester Courier, August, 1990

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