By all accounts Malin thrilled his most die-hard fans, some who traveled all the way from Boston, with his stripped-down two-set acoustic Cupsaw Concert which included an inspiring mix of the songwriter's own tunes and select covers. The fans in attendance were treated to two-and-a-half hour show that included the songs 'Downliner', 'Hotel Columbia', 'Almost Grown', 'Wendy', 'Operator', 'Going Out West', 'Since You're In Love', 'Pocahontas', 'Indian Summer', 'Riding on the Subway', 'Brooklyn', 'Queen of the Underworld', 'Swingin Man', 'High Lonesome', 'Janey Don't You Lose Heart', 'Block Island', 'Mona Lisa', 'Solitaire', 'Silver Manhattan', 'Arrested', and the amusing medley of 'Hungry Heart/Gypsys, Tramps, and Thieves'.

During the set Malin commented how his holiday performances with Springsteen in 2004 and his appearance at the Light of Day shows the same year had really opened up his fan base and he seemed most appreciative of the large audience who had gathered together on this night. Malin also mentioned how good the vibe of this venue felt and alluded that this might be the wave of the future as shows like this "are safe."

Afterwards, Malin stuck around to sign autographs and sell his latest product, a DVD entitled Star * Smile * Strong – Live In Concert.

On October 17, 2004, the kids from Philadelphia, Marah, appeared at the Cupsaw Concert Series. Marah is a four-man band based out of the city of brotherly love. They have been friends since childhood and have built a strong following with their gritty, urban rock. Marah's arrangements are heavy on guitars accented with the harmonica and banjo. They compose compelling lyrics and melodies, which has earned them praise and comparisons to Springsteen, The Replacements and The Rolling Stones.

The band came on around 6 p.m. and started with an anecdote about their van, called Adrian, and the trip to Ringwood. Adrian has been with Marah since 1997 and she has taken a beating over the years. As the band was driving to northern New Jersey they were surprised to see mountains in the distance and it dawned on them there could be hills. Skyline Drive, the main road into Ringwood is more than a hill – it is a steep and curvy mountainous road. Somehow, Adrian filled with the band's abundant gear, made it over Skyline Drive but she would be left behind at Drew's having made her last journey in service of the band.

Early on, the band's lead singer Dave Bielanko commented that they couldn't believe they were still in New Jersey, surprised by the beauty of this somewhat rustic, hilly town of Ringwood. This remark once again served to point out Drew's ambassadorship of the region. The appearance of Marah made sure that many fans from south Jersey and Philadelphia made the pilgrimage to Cupsaw Lake and they were also taken by this small town's idyllic setting. "I thought we were in Kentucky or something," commented Bielanko before delving into the evening's extensive set list.

Before introducing Marah, Drew mentioned the fact that he had only set up two rows of chairs because he figured "Marah is a stand-up band". Humor and foot tapping started the show off on an up-tempo groove.

The band's 20-song amplified set had many in attendance claiming that this was one of the band's best shows in recent memory. The band's set-up was also the most complex ever undertaken at the Cupsaw Concert Series and at times included 2 guitars, bass, banjo, lap steel, keyboard and percussion. Highlights included 'Freedom Park', 'Livin' on the Road', ''Why Independent record Stores Fail', 'Barstool Boys', 'Baby love', ''It's Only Money Tyrone', 'Price of a Song', 'Phantom Eyes', 'My Baby', 'Body', 'This Town', and 'Walt Whitman Bridge'.

Marah's third release was accused of being over-produced and popish in contrast to their previous CDs. Marah's fourth, entitled "20,000 Streets Under the Sky" is considered a return to their edgier, rock format. Due to their predicament with their van, Drew, the resourceful host made sure that all the band members had a ride home.

Jesse Malin set the attendance record during his February 2005 show.

On November 21, 2004, Graham Parker a popular, repeat guest performer played the Cupsaw Concert Series. Graham Parker hit the musical radar in the mid 70's with his band The Rumour. They became one of the UK's top live acts and they also toured worldwide. After they disbanded, Graham pursued a solo career in music and writing. Mr. Parker continues to release new material and he still tours regularly.

Graham's latest release Your County is a diverse blend of genres that ranges from melodic to rock. His lyrics are strong and personal demonstrating that Mr. Parker is still a compelling songwriter. Since this was Graham's fourth appearance at the Cupsaw Concerts Series, Mr. Parker was declared an honorary citizen of Ringwood and Drew gave him a Ringwood baseball cap.

Graham was plugged in with an acoustic guitar, a harmonica and he used his foot for the rhythm section. Clad in a red shirt and shades he was at ease and in good spirits. Mr. Parker was warmly received by the crowded house.

Graham played twenty-five songs including three encores. Early in his set he performed a group of songs related to Thanksgiving and 'Christmas is for Mugs'. Beforehand he explained that in England, a Mug is considered a fool. He jested about converting to Judaism for better jokes and to avoid all the Christmas hype. His clever holiday song contrasted kisses and hugs with shoplifters and thugs. "Lucky non-gentiles, ... people, kids get greedy, this here is a song with the word greed in it."

"Moving on to the revenge angle I am going to play a cover of 'Tear Your Playhouse Down'." After playing a few familiar tunes he did a series of songs that will be featured on future recordings. Graham mentioned that he would be going back into the studio working with the band The Figs. After that he has material that is slower and "not Fig worthy". The new songs were insightful, dealing with serious topics such as the recent election, a town bulldozed or "of no consequence" such as "Bad Chardonnay."

The audience enjoyed the new songs as well as the classics. Graham was pleased stating, "it's fun to play new stuff." Mr. Parker performed an animated set, which included stories, humor and quality musicianship. His two dozen songs were a good mix of future material and familiar tunes. Graham said this is "great deal of fun, you people are so great" before he finished with a cover and tribute to Ray Charles. The crowd sang along to 'Tell Me What I Say'.

Thanks again to Drew who graciously opens up his home for music. His concerts are intimate and fun. He attracts a crowd who truly enjoys music and appreciates the rare up close and personal contact that these shows provide. Over the past three years many other performers and their fans have made the trek to perform at the now classic Cupsaw Concert Series including Dan Bern, Willie Nile, Garland Jeffries, John Wesley Harding and Freedy Johnston.

Hey Drew, isn't Springsteen doing some acoustic warm-up dates for his new Devils and Dust CD in April? Someone please call the The Boss and tell him to get on up to Ringwood, where New Jersey is still beautiful and the music is alive!

Graham Parker during his record setting fourth Cupsaw Concert performance.

Related Links: For more information on Ringwood and the Cupsaw Concert Series and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- RingwoodNJ.net | JesseMalin.com | Marah-USA.com | GrahamParker.net

(Originally Published on February 20, 2005)