The Watchung Arts Center presents on Saturday, February 5th, 2000 at 8pm The Wood’s Tea Company, a band praised for their powerful acoustic blends, harmonies and a relaxed humorous rapport with their audience. Reservations are recommended for our evening performances and can be made by calling (908) 753-0190. We will hold tickets at the door for you.

Based out of Vermont, The Wood’s Tea Company spend much of their time on the road, touring in over thirty states including such as the prestigious venues as Lincoln Center, The Hatch Shell and the Chautauqua Institute. Weaving a hearty blend of Maritine sea chanties, lively folk music, spirited blue grass, and haunting Celtic ballads, there is something for everyone. Individually and collectively the vocals, four part harmonies and the instrumentals are impressive but together they are one solid full sound of crowd moving music.

Rusty Jacobs plays pennywhistle, guitar, bodhran and sings. His penny whistle playing "would entice all the snakes out of Vermont and his flat-picking guitar would have them two-stepping along the way." Michael Lussen a master on the 5-string banjo, plays the bouszouki, guitar, bodhran and sings in the Stan Rogers style. Tom MacKenzie can pick and fiddle the hammered dulcimer like you’ve never heard and also plays 5-string banjo, guitar, keyboards and sing a cappella so fine. Howard Wooden brings in the stand up bass, guitar, bodhran, and when he picks up the concertina and sings, that’s when you’ll really see how versatile this musician is. With all those talents and instruments The Wood’s Tea Company gives you much more than expected. They do play the pub songs the Clancy Brothers made famous with a wit and enchantment. They’re wild at times, with fast guitars, feisty dulcimer action, and merry pennywhistle among jangling banjos. At other times, the music is relaxed with poetic a cappella songs and soothing guitars.

The Wood’s Tea Company has five recordings to date, the most recent being "Side of Each" on the Wizmak label. Recently honored by the Irish Heritage Foundation for their creative contributions. Their writing and composing shows their dedication to their art. "Where Am I To Go" was their first recording and they on their way.