To those who...deny the human spirit, I give you these chroniclers of its joys and sorrows, light and dark, hope and despair and say that they have but liberated what is in us all. Their dancing notes say, 'Here it is! Humanity's real self. Look! Isn't it wondrous? -- From "The Folk Singers" by Philip R. Pearson, Jr. in his book Poetry is to be Consumed, Vantage Press, New York

Atwater-Donnelly are marvelous musicians. Their voices blend beautifully, their instrumental work is sparkling, and they are captivating performers. I could listen to them for hours. -- Frank Dudgeon, WUMB, Boston, MA

 THEIR MUSIC ...

The highly acclaimed husband-wife duo, Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly, present delightful programs of traditional American and Celtic folk songs, a capella pieces, old-time gospel songs, dance tunes, and original works. Elwood and Aubrey blend gorgeous and unusual harmonies and play guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, mandolin, tin whistle, harmonica, banjo, bones, spoons, limberjacks, and other surprises including Appalachian clog dancing, French Canadian footwork, and Tap.

Their performance is appealing to all ages, and with humor, audience participation, and a relaxed stage presence, Aubrey and Elwood explain song origins to create a deeper understanding of the music and its cultural history. And, because they have such an extensive repertoire, special programs and workshops can be tailored for festivals, schools, colleges, libraries, women's history, and holidays.

Aubrey and Elwood are often joined by a third member, Cathy Clasper-Torch.
Cathy adds a deeply rich third dimension with fiddle, cello and vocals and, since 2003, the Atwater-Donnelly Trio has become extremely popular in Southern New England.

In the award-winning Atwater-Donnelly Band, joining Aubrey, Elwood, and Cathy is Kevin Doyle, a U.S. Champion Irish step and master American tap dancer. Kevin has been entertaining audiences for the past 35 years with his traditional style of "close to the ground" rhythms and intricate foot work. He often blends American tap with traditional Irish steps, which makes his style of dance that much more unique. He and Aubrey have created thrilling dance routines, blending Irish, clogging, and tap steps, receiving standing ovations for their intricate and highly percussive performances.  Watch also for Kevin and Elwood to perform tap routines.

Jerimoth Hill is Atwater-Donnelly's most recent project led by Elwood.  This six-member band performs old-time American gospel songs. Elwood, Cathy and Aubrey are joined by Uriah Donnelly on piano and guitar, Heidi Cerrigione on autoharp and vocals, and John Cerrigione on bass and vocals. To learn more about Jerimoth Hill and their award-winning CD "The Halfway Ground" as well as "The Halfway Ground Songbook," click here.

 THEIR HISTORY ...

Aubrey and Elwood met as volunteers at the Stone Soup Coffeehouse in Providence in early 1987. Within just a few months these self-taught musicians from Rhode Island formed a duo. Married since 1989, Aubrey and Elwood perform throughout the United States and, on occasion, abroad. Their ten recordings receive international airplay. Highlights include airplay on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," Fiona Ritchie's "Thistle and Shamrock," and the nationally syndicated "Midnight Special" out of Chicago.

Atwater and Donnelly have performed and researched traditional folk music and dance in Appalachia, the Ozarks, New England, and other key places in the United States, as well as Ireland, England and Prince Edward Island. They have performed with or shared festival billing with folk legends Jean Ritchie, Pete Seeger, and Doc Watson.

Aubrey and Elwood lead workshops, study with traditional musicians and folklorists, play for and call contra-dances, appear on television, and regularly receive standing ovations for their concerts during trips to festivals and camps such as the Hindman Settlement School in Eastern Kentucky, the Augusta Heritage Center in West Virginia, the Old Songs Festival in New York, the Ozark Folk Center in Arkansas, and the Swannanoa Gathering and the John C. Campbell Folk School in western North Carolina.

In 2005, Aubrey and Elwood appeared in six performances of a play called "Folktown: The Story of the Fifth Mary," which was written and produced by playwright Bob Hollis and based on twenty-two songs in the Atwater-Donnelly repertoire. This exciting community project involved approximately one hundred people and took place right in their hometown of Foster.

The Atwater-Donnelly Duo won Motif Magazine's "Best Local Folk Act" award in 2006 and well as three awards in 2007: "Best Folk Act" for the Atwater-Donnelly Band, "Album of the Year" for "The Halfway Ground", and "Best Female Vocalist" for Aubrey Atwater.

In addition to ten recordings, Aubrey has written three books of poetry and a songbook and Elwood has recently created a songbook for "The Halfway Ground." The duo is part of more than fifteen compilation CDs and has appeared on numerous recordings of other musicians.

  THEIR RECORDINGS & BOOKS ...

In 1988 and 1991 respectively, Aubrey and Elwood recorded Labor and Love and Culled From the Garden, collections of Irish, English, and Scottish songs. Aubrey released a solo recording of fourteen original songs called Simple Sentences in 1992. In 1994, they collaborated again and released their fourth album, Like the Willow Tree, which is a blend of Celtic, American, and original folk songs.

Atwater-Donnelly's fifth recording, Where the Wild Birds do Whistle, is a stunning collection of Appalachian, Celtic, and original work. Aubrey completed a live children's recording in 1999 called Daily Growing: Aubrey Atwater Live in the Classroom, and in 2001, Atwater-Donnelly released And Then I'm Going Home: Atwater-Donnelly Live, a wonderfully engaging project recorded live in Rhode Island Coffeehouses. Their eighth and extremely popular recording, The Blackest Crow, was released in February 2004. Their ninth recording, When Winter Calls, is an exquisite collection of winter/holiday songs recorded live at the Blackstone River Theatre and was released in August 2005. And finally, their award-winning tenth recording, The Halfway Ground, is an all-gospel project recording of their old-time gospel band Jerimoth Hill.

Exciting additions to the Atwater-Donnelly "wares" are books of poems written by Aubrey, entitled Be Careful, Don't Walk Barefoot on my Kitchen Floor and Don't Bother the Phoebe. In 2003, Aubrey released a collection of poems by her grandmother, Mary Rose His, her mother, Nina Dodd, and herself, entitled By Our Words: The Poetry of Three Generations. Aubrey has also published a song book called Song By Song, with songs and method for mountain dulcimer, old-time banjo, tin whistle, guitar, and voice. And Elwood has recently published a songbook for The Halfway Ground.

Atwater and Donnelly are in the performing directories for the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and New England Foundation for the Arts.

 WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ...

CONGRATULATIONS ON AN AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT! -- Kimberly Newton Fusco, author of the award-winning book for young adults, Tending to Grace,
in regard to the release of The Halfway Ground.

I almost fainted when you sang and danced and played the banjo at the same time! My mouth was dropped open the entire time. -- 4th graders, Chaplin Elementary School, Chaplin, CT

An absolutely beautiful handful of songs - this new album [When Winter Calls] is a real treat. For me, it's always a thrill to hear others sing my songs - your duet of 'Wintergrace' pleased me so much. Thanks for including it on this fine recording. Jean Ritchie, Port Washington, NY

Just a note to acknowledge arrival of 'When Winter Calls.' I had a quick spot-through and am delighted. I expect we'll be using this several times in the run up to Christmas. Congratulations and thanks. Mitch Park, Folk on Sunday, Radio Kidnappers 1431AM, Hastings, NEW ZEALAND

Especially enjoyed the instrumental piece, "Imagine Peace;" the whistle playing nearly broke my heart, it was so beautiful. Thank you for your commitment to your craft. Your fan, Fred Ganczar

Your discs arrived on Thursday - excellent! There's something about your style that can take people back to a time they may not have even lived, like a bit of country in all of us! You've also found a very special way of re-working some of the Scottish traditional standards, with a kind of American 'lift' - rather than the Celtic! I have not heard anything like it. Glen Clifford, Celtic World, DEAKIN, Australia

I thought I was going to fall asleep because of my medicine, but you guys are AWESOME!!" A New Fan, New City, NY

To those who ... deny the human spirit, I give you these chroniclers of its joys and sorrows, light and dark, hope and despair and say that they have but liberated what is in us all. Their dancing notes say, 'Here it is! Humanity's real self. Look! Isn't it wondrous?' From "The Folk Singers" by Philip R. Pearson, Jr. in his book Poetry is to be Consumed , Vantage Press, New York

Atwater-Donnelly are marvelous musicians. Their voices blend beautifully, their instrumental work is sparkling, and they are captivating performers. I could listen to them for hours. Frank Dudgeon, WUMB, Boston, MA

Your music is the only folk music I remotely like. Kate Fusco, age 14, Foster, RI

... Harmonies so thick they seemed more than the sum of two voices. Scott Alarik, The Boston Globe

Vocally and instrumentally strong and very distinctive their ability to weave disparate strands together into a seamless whole ... Rock 'n' Reel Magazine, Cumbria, England

Splendid collection.....Beautiful interplay of male and female vocals with an abundance of well-played acoustic instruments. A sense of social conscience and women's strength permeates this thoroughly enjoyable and touching release. Excellent. Sounds Celebrating Resistance, Sacramento, CA

... I've been told that if we don't get Atwater-Donnelly, there's gonna be civil unrest. Crystal Flores, Codman Artisan Fair, Lincoln, MA

... To see this talented pair live is quite a moving experience, but then again, Like the Willow Tree is so enriching that I could just play it all day long. Andy McKnight, New England Performer

... A collection of excellent songs ... [Atwater and Donnelly] have sweet, clear voices, which blend beautifully together ... Dirty Linen, Baltimore, MD

My psychiatrist LOVES you guys!! -- a new fan in West Warwick, RI.

The quality of your voice and music, your rendering of traditional songs and stories, and your subtle strength in dealing with an adolescent audience were all remarkable. Sandy Townsend, The Derryfield School, Manchester, NH

What a beautiful afternoon it turned out to be -- you are wonderfully versatile and talented duo and the audience certainly agreed. I had nothing but rave reviews after the concert. Maria Poirier, Cheshire Public Library, Cheshire, CT

It was great! Maddie McCauley, 6 1/2 years old, Marshfield, MA

A dazzling duo ... the epitome of local folk music, the duo Atwater-Donnelly will wow audiences ... from sea shanties to Celtic tunes, this pair can play it all. Good Times, West Warwick, RI

The duo shows that traditional music can still be done beautifully by performers who care. Their harmonies entwine delightfully, and Atwater's solo vocals are uplifting and impressive. Stephen A. Ide, The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

How DO they get their voices to weave around each other's so nicely? Laura Travis, The Nicepaper, Providence, RI

Your recording is beautifully orchestrated -- really superb. Every song is sharp and professional, lilting and diction perfect. I am stunned once again by the intelligence of your musical choices. To think you are my relatives. What a joy! Nina Dodd, Aubrey's mother