Originally from Washington, DC but raised in Germany, he began his musical life playing marching drums in high school and performing in local clubs as a teenager. After returning to D.C., he left college and spent several years playing 4–6 nights a week in Georgetown clubs, followed by five years in Colorado and another five in Northern California with the Hansen–Raitt Band.

He later moved to Berlin, recording and touring with Saraba, a West African group, as well as performing with salsa bands, a soul diva, and various country and singer‑songwriter acts. From 1980 to 2000, music was his full‑time career—until he transitioned into public service as a Foreign Service Officer, serving in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East before retiring to Unity, NH.

Ford’s musical life began early, singing in nursing homes with his mother and performing in chorus and glee clubs all through school.

In college he joined the guitar‑playing crowd and dove into folk, blues, and bluegrass. By the 1990s he was forming bluegrass bands in the Upper Valley, including The Fogey Mountain Boys, and later played guitar and dobro with Reckless Breakfast, Americana’s Most Wanted, and others. 

These days he performs old‑time and standards in nursing homes—coming full circle—and teaches pop music courses at Osher at Dartmouth College.

Jamie Gregory is a finger‑style guitarist with a rich baritone voice. 

A true journeyman, he’s played in multiple bands and spent decades performing throughout the Shenandoah Valley. In 2021, he brought his music to the Upper Valley, where he continues to share his craft.

Kerry has been singing and performing around the Upper Valley for 20 years—first with the Kerry Rose Band, then Off the Rails, and now Rose Hip Jam. 

Classically trained, she now leans into blues, Americana, and folk rock. She also works with several special populations, leading sing‑alongs and teaching music, and teaches guitar and ukulele from her home in Taftsville, VT.

Phyllis Shea is a cellist with three decades of experience, shaped by a life steeped in music from the very beginning. Growing up in a musical family, she learned early to listen closely, blend her voice in harmony, and trust her ear as her guide.

That early foundation grew into a distinctive musical style. Today, she plays almost entirely by ear, creating expressive bass lines and weaving melodic and harmonic layers on electric cello. 

Her sound is warm, intuitive, and deeply rooted in the joy of making music with others.

He grew up between small-town Massachusetts roots and New Hampshire hills, where he discovered the guitar at sixteen and found a lifelong love of making music. 

Since then, he has performed on guitar, bass, and keyboards with numerous southern NH bands, from the bluegrass drive of No Time Flat to the improvisational spirit of Null Set.

Alongside his musical life, he earned an English degree and a JD from Vermont Law School, eventually building a career in public service. He now serves as the Zoning Administrator for Hanover, supported by a wonderful wife and a teenage son whose musical talent keeps inspiration close to home.

Joseph’s musical journey began in high school, when he and three friends performed “She Loves You” by the Beatles—translated into Latin (“Amate, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!”)—for their foreign language final. That moment sparked a lifelong love of performing, leading to solo gigs on Cape Cod and his first jug band. 

In the 80s, while running a music club in the Upper Valley, he and friends formed Spare Parts. 

Today he plays with The Occasional Jug Band and the Classical Folk Trio, and he’s delighted to join the Stone Soup crew.

Robin began playing the bodhrán in 2010, inspired by her daughter’s wedding, which featured music from Ireland and Newfoundland. 

Since then, she has honed her craft with top instructors—among them Mickey Stewart from Scotland and teachers at the Gaelic College in Cape Breton and Craiceann on Inis Oírr. 

While her foundation is in traditional Irish music, Robin has enjoyed sessions that blend folk, Americana, and even classic pop and rock. 

She plays each year at Trails, Tails and Tunes in Newfoundland and has performed across New England, California, Ireland, England, and Canada. Today, she’s a proud member of the Monday night Hootenanny at the Norwich Inn.