The Hungry Monks are centered around the creative talents of Hazel Ketchum on guitar, percussion and vocals, and John Holenko on mandolin, guitar and vocals. The Hungry Monks have performed in clubs, at contra dances, festivals, and concert series. Ketchum and Holenko have been playing music together for more than 20 years and have been featured on TV and radio throughout the US. Featuring guitars, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, whistle, bohdran, and vocals, the Hungry Monks perform Traditional, Contemporary, and Original acoustic songs and instrumentals in the Celtic tradition, while drawing on a wide range of influences including Medieval & Renaissance, Folk, Blues, Classical and Jazz. Combining strong original songs and instrumental compositions with an ear toward improvisation, The Hungry Monks weave a rich tapestry of sound, melodic and rhythmic, grounded in the folk traditions of many cultures. Combined with the traditions and technique of Western Classical Music, this eclectic mix produces an interesting ensemble sound featuring acoustic sounds and beautiful vocals.
The Hungry Monks have released several CD recordings on their own label, Hungry Monk Recordings. As well as being active performers, The Hungry Monks are music educators and publish their own work through Hungry Monk Publications.
Read more...