First Church and Parish - Dedham

First Church Friday Folk Coffeehouse presents its 9th concert of the 2024-2025 season featuring the Ruth and Ben String Band at First Church and Parish Dedham 670 High Street, Dedham on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 7:30 pm in the Auditorium. There will be refreshments for purchase.  Tickets are $15 and are available online and at the door. Doors open at 7:00 pm. 

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The Ruth and Ben String Band plays electrifying old-time Appalachian music. Led by guitarist Ruth Rappaport and her fiddler son Ben Wetherbee, the band's repertoire includes rousing fiddle tunes and traditional, modern, and original songs that feature tight harmony singing. They are joined by clawhammer banjo player Joel Wennerstrom and upright bass player Larry Unger.

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As a multi-generational four-piece band, their musical influences are far reaching and include many genres--from Irish fiddle tunes and early country to punk. Ruth brings years of experience as a principal member of the ‘80’s and '90's all-woman old-time band from Boston, "The Poodles," touring Europe and the US.  Her son Ben is following in Ruth's footsteps with his musically diverse fiddle playing, which has garnered much attention through his many performances in the area. Joel’s rhythmic and melodic banjo playing can be heard on recordings alongside members of the Punch Brothers and various Appalachian fiddle contest winners. You can find Larry playing in numerous old-time and contra dance groups around the country. Together they make a highly entertaining quartet.  Hold onto your hats! This will be a lively show!

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First Church and Parish Dedham Unitarian Universalist was first gathered in 1638 and is located in Dedham Center at 670 High Street. Its lively music program includes choir at Sunday services, the Parish Players theater troupe, and the First Friday Jazz & Classical Concerts in addition to our Friday Folk Coffeehouse events.