Harp Showcase
by Anita Farley, Patrice Haan, Verlene SchermerThree harpers showcase their fabulous instrument, the Neoceltic
harp.Anita Farley has performed at renaissance fairs and historical events since the 1980s. Anita specializes in Celtic and traditional ballads with accompaniment on the Irish lap harp. In 1993, she released Kind Friends and Companions, an album of traditional ballads with additional tracks by John Taylor (Emerald), Richard Ferry (Golden Bough), Peg Healy, Robert Hill, and Caolifhionne.
Patrice Haan performs original songs of immediacy and power and tunes from the Celtic tradition. Patrice has always wanted to play harp and finally took it up six years ago. Patrice may be more familiar from performances with Sylvia Herold (Flaming Dames) or Tony Marcus (Leftover Dreams). Patrice is the current president of the Bay Area Folk Harp Society (BAFHS).
Verlene Schermer is a South San Francisco Bay Area based singer, songwriter, and harpist with an eclectic style that leans toward blues and jazz. She performs as a solo artist and with her combo of bass and drums. She accompanies her dynamic and versatile singing voice on Celtic harp and cross-strung chromatic harp. Her original songs cover a wide range of topics from themes of dreaming, vision, and creative process, to poignant observations about modern living. These can be heard on her four solo recordings, Comfortable Blues, Dreamtime, Rendezvous with the Moon, and Persephone's Art. Verlene's recordings and performances are often described as "transformative" and "empowering." She tours the U.S. and Europe performing in concerts and teaching harp and voice clinics.
