Events

Featuring Kari and John Cantrell, Felicia and TM Hanna, and Melissa and John Druitt.

John and Kari’s story began in 1981 in the student union at Illinois State University on the day that Luke and Laura tied the knot (ref. General Hospital). They soon discovered a shared love of music that took different forms—John: self-taught and passionate about making music; Kari: classically trained in voice and guitar but reticent to take the stage. John enjoyed playing gigs, which also earned money for college. Kari’s parents preferred a focus on academics, though she was tapped to sing in more weddings than she had time or desire for. Life moved on, they married, children arrived, and for a time the guitars and harmonies grew quiet. Then, in 2023, John discovered the Folk Club of Reston & Herndon and returned to performing. With a little encouragement, Kari joined in for a song or two—and here we are. Tonight, they’re delighted to share some favorite covers, along with a few of John’s originals.

TM and Felicia share a love of music and each other.  They have been singing and playing music together since the 1800s, but only since 2008 in this lifetime—brought together at the Folk Club of Reston & Herndon. TM taught himself to play guitar after high school but quickly switched to banjo and mandolin for the opportunity to accompany other musicians.  They both are songwriters. TM thinks Felicia is the best interpreter of the songs he writes, and you can often hear her covering his songs at local venues like the Folk Club.  Felicia thinks TM writes some pretty good songs. And most people agree that they make a pretty good pair (and a pretty good kid). So, as Felicia said recently: join us for an evening of strings and songs in celebration of the beautiful joy of living and learning and loving your life.

John and Melissa share a lifelong love of music. Their first date included singing Home on the Range at the top of their lungs while on rollerblades. Thirty years later they are still singing loud, whether impromptu duets in the kitchen, classic rock on the back deck, or children’s rounds on a walk. Melissa took piano and choir for several years in school. She enjoys nearly every type of music, from R&B and pop through the decades, to Folk, Rockabilly, SKA, and so much more. John has been playing guitar for more than 40 years and loves incorporating different musical influences from around the world. He’s written several songs that reflect those diverse roots. Both John and Melissa love it when people come together in music old and new. Together they offer covers of eclectic popular songs and a few originals. They hope you will sing along!