Nearly twenty years ago, singer and guitarist Susie Burke and her husband, guitarist/mandolinist David Surette, began a series of annual holiday concerts with pianist/guitarist/bassist Kent Allyn. The shows soon became part of many people’s holiday traditions. David passed away in December 2021, leaving very large shoes to fill, and is sorely missed by so many.

Last year, Susie and Kent called on multi-instrumentalist Steve Roy, one of David’s great pals and very favorite musical collaborators, to join them for a series of holiday shows. The three return this year, in a festive concert featuring selections from their holiday CD release “Wonderland,” alongside a repertoire ranging from centuries-old traditional carols to unique takes on modern holiday classics. They will also feature a guest number performed by some of David’s students, several of whom are now teacher/performers themselves.

With influences and styles ranging from folk to jazz, Celtic to rock, blues to Broadway and beyond, this trio presents seasonal repertoire with heart, humor, flair, and energy.

Susie Burke is a singer, guitarist, educator and songwriter from southern Maine. Well-versed in a variety of contemporary and traditional folk styles, Susie is best known for her work in a duo with her husband, multi-instrumentalist and composer David Surette, with whom she recorded seven albums and performed for thirty-five years. Reviews in the Boston Globe have said of Burke’s singing, “her dark crystal voice is transporting”, and “her phrasing is unerringly devoted to the lyric”. Susie continues to perform and teach throughout New England and beyond, bringing a collaborative and joyful style to sharing music.

Kent Allyn is an in-demand accompanist and studio musician, as well as a key member of several groups, including Ben Baldwin & the Big Note, and the Renovators. His stellar bass, piano, and electric guitar work have been heard on numerous recordings, Susie and David’s among them.

Steve Roy is a multi-instrumentalist from Eliot, Maine who plays and teaches upright bass, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and ukulele. Fluent in a vast array of musical styles from bluegrass to jazz to heavy metal, he has toured with many of the acoustic world’s top acts, and is well known locally for his work with numerous groups such as Old Hat Stringband, Jazzputin and the Jug Skunks, High Range, and Steve and Dave Play Dead, his Grateful Dead tribute duo with David Surette.

The concert takes place at Concord Community Music School on Saturday, December 14 at 7 pm in the Recital Hall. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students/seniors, and can be purchased online or in person at the Music School. For questions, please call 603-228-1196.