FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BILL STAINES HEADLINES PREMIERE OF WILD NIGHTS CONCERTS

Bill Staines, renowned folk singer, opens WILD NIGHTS music series at the Woodland Stange, Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA, August 8 at 6 p.m. Co-sponsored by New England Wild Flower Society and WICN 90.5 FM New England's folk and jazz radio.

Framingham, Massachusetts – New England Wild Flower Society, America’s oldest plant conservation group announces Wild Nights evening concert featuring Bill Staines, renowned folksinger, as part of the BIG BUGS web-of-life extravaganza. Friday, August 8, at 6 p.m. at the Woodland Stage the concert is a pilot for proposed music series collaboration between WICN 90.5 FM New England’s folk and jazz radio and the Society. Tickets are $20 nonmembers or $17 for members of either organization and are available at WICN.org or 508-752-0700, or at the door, while supplies last. The tickets include a view of the BIG BUGS sculptures by sunset. Purchase or bring a picnic for a feast for all the senses. Proceeds help support the health of New England’s natural habitats and native flora.

“I’ve always been an outdoor person and conservation is important to me,” says folk legend Bill Staines. “I call my music country folk without being country and western, and I often incorporate outdoor images in my music. It’s nice to be able to bring music to people in a beautiful setting like Garden in the Woods—it’s a double treat.” Audience participation is important to Bill and he encourages people to be part of this powerful force. Bill’s introductions are humorous and the stories are part of the songs, “For me, it’s where the music comes from.” Bill recently released a new album, Old Dogs on the Red House label and a new children’s book based on his hit song, A Place in the Choir, is due out from Simon and Schuster this winter.

A New England native, Bill became involved with the Boston-Cambridge folk scene in the early 1960's and, for a time, emceed the Sunday hootenanny at the renowned Club 47 in Cambridge. Bill quickly became a popular performer in the Boston area. Radio and TV appearances include A Prairie Home

Companion, Mountain Stage, The Good Evening Show and a host of local programs on PBS and network TV. Bill continues to drive over 65,000 miles a year, doing what he loves--bringing music to people. WICN Radio Executive Director and Concert Presenter Brian Barlow states, “The Wild Nights concerts at Garden in the Woods present an opportunity for us to reach out to a new audience and introduce some terrific music to new communities and collaborate with one of the great organizations of our region, and the nation. WICN is proud and excited to launch this new program and is looking forward to August 8. Come hear Bill Staines who brings a superb and unique blend of music talents and storytelling. I know of no better environment to take in his music than the beautiful garden in the Woods.”

For nearly forty years, WICN 90.5 FM, a public radio station, has played America’s indigenous music-- to all of central New England. The station is an NPR affiliate, one of the most respected stations in the country, and leading concert producers in central Massachusetts.

Bill Staines weaves a magical blend of wit and gentle humor into his performances and he has a sense of timing to match the best stand-up comic. His music is a slice of Americana. Interspersed between original songs, Bill also includes traditional folk tunes and contemporary country ballads. He may even do a yodeling tune or two, having won a National Yodeling Championship in 1975. Staines is one of the most popular singers on the folk music circuit today and averages around 200 concert dates a year.

The BIG BUGS exhibit is open daily with special events through October 31. On August 8, view the sculptures by sunset and purchase or bring a picnic for a wonderful outdoor musical night, rain or shine. The Woodland Stage at Garden in the Woods is at 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA. Parking is free. Leave plenty of time to walk the BIG BUGS trails and enjoy a perfect summer evening. www.newenglandwild.org

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