Aidan and Christine of Friction Farm spend a lot of time reading. They can’t imagine anyone not loving books. But maybe some folks haven’t met the right books yet. Or maybe they don’t know about the wonderful places that books can take them with just a little imagination. Books can even inspire songs.
Drawing on suggestions from teachers, librarians, their own favorites (This Is Not My Hat, Tidy), some input from kids (Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus) and award winners (The Year Of Billy Miller, The Tale of Despereaux), Friction Farm has written songs inspired by several children’s books.
About the program
Before playing a song, Friction Farm will read a very short selection from a book and briefly share how each book inspired a song. Kids may want to share their ideas about a book, and they may not. The songs are, for the most part, not about the books. The books provided a catalyst for creative thought, sometimes a very direct path to a song and sometimes a very circuitous route connecting stories, real-life events, and imagination. The program may be modified in length from 35-60 minutes. We will try to work within any library budget and we travel with a small sound system.
About Friction Farm
Aidan Quinn – guitar and vocals
Christine Stay – vocals, bass, and harmonica
Kerrville New Folk Finalists
Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists
South Florida Folk Festival Songwriting Competition Winner
Regional Folk Alliance juried showcase artists
“Duo Friction Farm has everything a library could want–harmony, charm, energy, sheer talent, outstanding songwriting, and even a CD that focuses on the influence books have had on their lives. Called “I Read Your Book,” the CD explores different aspects of literature that they’ve read, either individually or together, and how those books translate into the minds of these talented songwriters. If books are important to you, their songs will be as well.” – Wanda Fischer, author and host of “The Hudson River Sampler” on WAMC, Albany NY
“They were utterly charming, but also extremely professional. Their well-written songs cover a wide gamut and their delivery is spot on. They should be much better known”. – Rich Warren, Host WFMT’s Folk Stage and Midnight Special
“What a delightful evening… our patrons fully enjoyed the blending of soulful acoustic guitar playing with the sharp and witty storytelling of Friction Farm’s lyrics. An engaging performance! – Mary H Stein East Baton Rouge Louisiana Library