P.O. Box 92398
Rochester, NY 14692
www.goldenlink.org
Media contact (not for publication): Dave Townsend, (585) 467-8690
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2026
Folk music’s renaissance man John McCutcheon returns to Golden Link
Rochester, NY – Folk music’s renaissance man, John McCutcheon is a master instrumentalist, powerful singer-songwriter, storyteller, activist, and author. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. McCutcheon performs on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 7:30 pm at Greece Baptist Church, 1230 Long Pond Rd., Rochester, NY, in a concert presented by Golden Link Folk Singing Society.
McCutcheon’s eclectic catalog of ballads, historical songs, children’s songs, love songs, topical satire, instrumentals, and even symphonic works is among the broadest in American folk music and his 40+ albums have earned seven Grammy nominations.
John McCutcheon has released two albums co-written with his friend, the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Tom Paxton. Together Again (2026) proves that they both are still formidable songwriters, with songs ranging from humorous to political to nostalgic, with a shout-out to baseball, to World War II vets, and even a loving tribute to their mutual friend and mentor, Pete Seeger.
McCutcheon’s latest solo album, Field of Stars (2024), celebrates small moments of oft-forgotten history and heroes that quietly stood up, along with songs about family and friends, walking an ancient pilgrimage, and the simple joy of dancing.
People of every generation and background seem to feel at home when McCutcheon takes the stage; as one critic said, it’s “like a conversation with an illuminating old friend.” Whether in print, on record, or on stage, few people communicate with the versatility, charm, wit, or pure talent of John McCutcheon.
“John McCutcheon is the Bruce Springsteen of Folk Music … a national treasure!” – The Oakland Tribune
“The most impressive instrumentalist I’ve ever heard.” – Johnny Cash
“John McCutcheon is not only one of the best musicians in the USA, but also a great singer, songwriter, and song leader.” – Pete Seeger
Online ticket sales end at midnight on October 20.
General Admission: $30 ($32 at the door)
Golden Link Members: $25 ($27 at the door)
Students: $10
Children under 12: $5
See below for calendar listings for this and other upcoming concerts.
Photos of the performers are available at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1isSuR2Yj7hj0WHfVfGu_Kke76_SL3upv?usp=sharing
Phone or email interviews with the performer(s) can be arranged.
Founded in 1971, the Golden Link Folk Singing Society is dedicated to presenting, promoting, and preserving folk music in the Rochester area. Golden Link is a volunteer-operated and member-supported 501(c)3 not-for-profit arts, cultural, and educational organization.
CALENDAR LISTINGS
John McCutcheon
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Greece Baptist Church, 1230 Long Pond Rd, Rochester, NY 14626
Folk music’s renaissance man, John McCutcheon is a master instrumentalist, powerful singer-songwriter, storyteller, activist, and author. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe.
General Admission: $30 ($32 at the door); Golden Link Members: $25 ($27 at the door); Students: $10; Children under 12: $5
Jim Kweskin & Samoa Wilson
Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Greece Baptist Church, 1230 Long Pond Rd, Rochester, NY 14626
Jim Kweskin is the founder of the legendary 1960s Jim Kweskin Jug Band with Fritz Richmond, Geoff Muldaur, Maria Muldaur, Mel Lyman, and Bruno Wolfe. These days Kweskin is best known as a singer and bandleader, but he also created one of the bedrock guitar styles of the folk revival. Jim Kweskin’s shows radiate charm, humor, sophistication and talent. Because of his vast repertoire and love of the music, Kweskin is recognized as one of the best interpreters of the great American songbook. He will be joined by Samoa Wilson, who has been captivating audiences since she was 12 years old with a voice the New York Times calls “sweet, effortless, old-timey.”
General Admission: $30 ($32 at the door); Golden Link Members: $25 ($27 at the door);
Students: $10; Children under 12: $5
Windborne’s “Music of Midwinter”
Sunday, December 13, 2026 at 6:30 pm (Note Start Time!)
Greece Baptist Church, 1230 Long Pond Rd, Rochester, NY 14626
With a 20-year background studying polyphonic music around the world, Lauren Breunig, Jeremy Carter-Gordon, Lynn Rowan, and Will Rowan share a vibrant energy onstage with a blending of voices that can only come from decades of friendship alongside dedicated practice. In 2024, Windborne released their album To Warm the Winter Hearth, which smashed records and became the fifth most-backed album crowdfunder of all time. This concert is a joyful and heartfelt celebration of song that draws on midwinter music from traditional, classical, and folk from the US, British Isles, and beyond.
General Admission: $30 ($32 at the door); Golden Link Members: $25 ($27 at the door); Students: $10; Children under 12: $5