This group interprets music from the folk and old-tyme American traditions on modern instruments with treasured songs and lively instrumentals — we find great joy in bringing this music to modern ears. The core of Ampersand is Beth Lawton and Dick Hogle, whose duo work shines with the spark of vocal harmonies and a shared musical sensibility. The Ampersand name is particularly appropriate since the whole of this group is definitely more than the sum of its parts!
Beth Lawton
Band manager and mother hen, Beth, incorporates a wide range of vocal styles to her music, adding harmonies that range from sultry to playful. Guitar, hammered dulcimer, and occasionally a banjo or mountain dulcimer, are her instruments of choice. Beth (and Ampersand) are listed in the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) roster of performing artists.
Dick Hogle
Bringing a warm bluesy style to the group, Dick offers guitar leads, a wonderful baritone voice, and more recently, some nice mandolin leads and banjo pickin’ to the mix.
Topher Lawton
ChrisTOPHER’s mellow baritone voice and foot-stompin’ bones-playing add a depth to all the gigs he joins in on. Topher’s specialty is Early Music, including shape note singing, but he is willing to play those “modern” colonial-era tunes when need be. Cello, bouzouki, harmonium, bodhran and other percussion, and penny whistles round out his offerings.
Dave Moore
Eastern Shore musician Dave Moore brings guitar, harmonica, banjo, and bass to the group, adding his marvelous voice to our rich harmonies.
GUEST MUSICIANS
Mark Faber
A much-loved local pediatrician, Mark shares his talents on keyboards and all manner of percussion instruments – great to have his energy underpinning Ampersand’s songs and tunes.
Julie Kiang
We are happy to welcome Julie into the fold, with her wealth of knowledge of fiddle tunes and a lovely way of adding in licks and ornaments to brighten up our songs.
Beth Roesel
Sharing her great smile and bright spirit, Beth R. brings her classical training to enliven our traditional songs and tunes.
Francis Lindop
When we visit the north, Ampersand features fiddler friend Francis, whose joy in playing becomes evident when you watch his feet fly and dance as fast as his fiddle bow does!
