A 'French Connection' Coming to Sharon in September

A local group known as "The French Connection" will take to the state at the on Sept. 15 as part of the church's "Not Just Another Coffee House" program.

The group features the likes of musicians Deck Nieforth, Dan Lanier and Mike Fischman. 

Nieforth’s life in music began with his grandmother, who carried a harmonica around in her apron pocket, while his father was a carpenter and old-time fiddler from Nova Scotia, according to the Unitarian Church of Sharon's website. Now, Nieforth handcrafts fiddles and wooden musical spoons, which he plays during French Connection performances. He also plays drums, harmonica, and washtub bass in other musical outfits as well.

Lanier, meanwhile, has played the violin, among other instruments, for more than 40 years in various settings. Having played in the 1960s and 1970s with some New England musicians and callers of the contra dance revival, he holds a deep appreciation for the old styles and the essence of the genre. He and Nieforth work together at creating spontaneous harmonies with reeds and strings, adding a fresh and exciting dimension to the music.

Fischman has played guitar, banjo, bass mandolin, harmonica, bodhrán, tin whistles, and other instruments in various bluegrass bands, ceili bands, singer-songwriter groups, and other music outfits. 

More information on the group can be found on the Dexter Fiddles website