AllenHopkins.org -comments

AllenHopkins.org — Comments and Clippings

Legendary Rochester singer Allen Hopkins...a virtual encyclopedia of the music, instruments and history of American folk music. — Mark Schreiner,The Leader, Corning NY
Allen Hopkins...an exceptionally versatile musician with expertise on a wide range of instruments...a good singer, too, with a really interesting repertoire. — Dr. Jerry Epstein, Program Chair, Folk Music Week at Pinewoods Camp
Hopkins' vast repertoire of folk and traditional songs attracts market-goers, and his ability to play at least a dozen instruments amazes them. The well-spun story that accompanies every song servies to entertain and inform audiences...Allen and his music are in great deamand througouut Western New York...— Livingston County News feature article
A folk musician with a vast repertoire of songs and with the historical knowledge to tell the story behind each piece he performs...he played at least ten different instruments, with music ranging from American traditional to contemporary, with some Celtic reels, a bit of Yiddish, and some bluegrass thrown in for good measure... — Perry Herald, Perry NY,
Hopkins is well-known throughout the greater Rochester area as a multi-instrumentalist and interpreter of many genres of folk music — Chuck Agonito, Finger Lakes Times, Geneva NY
Opening act Allen Hopkins' political comments were greeted with lusty cheers as well. Accompanying himself on guitar - and, for two songs autoharp because he figured Bromberg wouldn't have one - the president of the local Golden Link Folk Singing Society closed his short set of Americana songs with a trilogy from Texas, risking discord within his home. "Any state that gives you George W. Bush and Tom DeLay," he said of his wife's idea of his picks, "doesn't have much going for it." — Jeff Spevak, Gannett Rochester Newspapers, reviewing David Bromberg concert October 2005
Allen Hopkins, whose impressive dulcet tones filled the St. Johnsville Community House auditorium...performed a variety of traditional and contemporary Irish immigrant songs...The concert was enjoyable because of the hypnotizing power of Hopkins' music, which was so alluring that it kept everyone in the room on the edge of their seats...Hopkins stole the show. — Clara Smith, Ft. Plain NY Courier-Standard-Enterprise
Allen Hopkins has long been known as a multi-talented instrumentalist (have you ever seen his mandolin collection, as well as his Autoharps, concertinas, etc.?), a wonderful backing performer for other artists, a patient and gifted teacher... — New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club Newsletter, New York City
Allen Hopkins provides all of the instrumental accompaniment on a wide range of instruments, and each is played with skill and subtlety. Each accompaniment is completely appropriate to the song and serves to reinforce the often-political messages of the pieces. I have a feeling that this album may not have turned out so well without Hopkins' instrumental contributions. — Jean Emma Price, Rambles.net, review of Anne Price's album Remember Me (read entire article)
Folk musician Allen Hopkins...set up his array of century-old instruments...Hopkins held true to the spirit of History Day, channeling such folk classics as Oh, Susannah on his instruments: a Civil War-era guitar, a pair of concertinas (squeeze boxes), and Autoharp, a mandola and mandolin, and, of course, a banjo. As he unpacked his collection and tuned up, Hopkins told the history of each instrument... — Philip Anselmo, Messenger Post Newspapers, Canandaigua
Allen's talents are astounding, aren't they? — Southern Tierjerkers Folk Club Newsletter, Naples NY
A notable presence on the local folk scene for years, playing all manner of string instruments. — Jeff Spevak, Gannett Rochester Newspapers
Come out and join this one-man Hootenanny! — Cranberry Coffeehouse, Binghamton NY
Hopkins is one reason there is so much folk music in Rochester — Judith Reynolds, City Newspaper, Rochester
Hopkins's heart-felt singing and his accomplished musicianship provide listeners a great evening's entertainment — Ann Burlingham, Burlingham Books, Perry NY
Allen Hopkins is an accomplished musician who plays a wide range of instruments, from strings to reeds...He enjoys fostering interaction and participation in an open, carefree and improvisational setting. — Dick Swain, Program Chair, Folk Music Week at Pinewoods Camp
For those of us looking for virtually any song...Allen is Rochester's own "unofficial Library of Congress" for folk music in these parts. His musicianship constantly sharpens right below our noses. Because he lives next door, I might have missed how well he has jelled as a fine musician and entertainer, with those stories of his! — Gordon Munding, Walkin' Willie Show, WDYN radio, Rochester
You were the perfect artist to open for Bromberg. You are not only a gifted player, but also a gifted performer. Your wit won the audience over...the audience enjoyed your set and that makes everyone happy. You are welcome anytime! — Gerard Fisher, Up All Night Productions, Rochester
Monday evening's set of ethnic and locally important songs...was just the right length, just the right songs, and just the right amount of commentary. Our audience learned something while leaning back and enjoying the music. — Florence Smith, Lead Educator, Strong Museum, Rochester
The music you played reminded me of growing up in Kentucky in a family where music was as common as coal...thank you again for brightening my day with your beautiful music. — Congresswoman Louise Slaughter
I would like to thank you for a great performance...several of the old "codgers" told me how much they enjoyed the great show. The fact a good portion of the group sang (instead of "queching") was a great credit to you. — Milt Rapkin, Men In Transition group, Rochester Jewish Community Center
I want to formally convey my sincere thanks for your important contribution to the success of our Civil War program...The music you provided was also an excellent way for students to better understand the views, the feelings, and the personal responses of those who lived during that time...a great addition to the entire program! — Charmy Perry, Instructional Specialist for Gifted & Talented Education, Monroe-Orleans BOCES #2
What an addition to our Festival! You did a tremendous job; the music and activities were exactly what we were hoping for. I would very much like to have you come next year — please save the date for us. — Karen Mazzola, Community Events Coordinator, Helmer Nature Center
Thanks for a lovely evening. Your music was really wonderful and we all enjoyed the variety of songs you sang and the instruments you played. Again, thanks for helping bring our conference to such a perfect close. — Sara Cunningham, Director of Empire State Partnerships, New York State Alliance for Arts Education
Again, our thanks for your very great part in a wondrous community event–it was another joyous, happy and enthusiastic crowd you pleased. — Dorothy Mariner, Program Coordinator, City of Canandaigua Community Events Committee
My compliments also to Allen Hopkins whose music and original composition added a special touch the the Main Street dedications and celebration. — Mayor Thomas P. Ryan Jr, City of Rochester
We want to thank you for your time, your talent and your music. Your performance helped the pro-choice celebration...and made the night a success. — Diane Hope and Linda Gold Ruda, Greater Rochester Coalition for Choice
I truly appreciate your talent and love of history...what a great connection for some of our brightest minds! Thanks for such a rich relationship over these many years. — Elaine Berner, Resource Teacher, Project ADEPT, Monroe-Orleans BOCES #2
We had so much positive feedback about your performance...! Everyone truly enjoyed how you added "flavor" to the evening....one particular gentleman really liked the way that you explained the instruments and many commented on the variety of music. Many, many thanks! Here's to another delightful evening... — Carol Belczak, Riga Bicentennial Committee
You have a wonderful connectivity with the audience, a natural and unpretentious knowledge of the folk literature. Your ability to give intelligent and informative background on the songs brings such an enriching dimension to those old tunes we've heard since childhood. I know people were awed by your facility with the diversity of instruments, as well. The quintessential folk singer! — Dean Santos, Craft Antiques Co-Op, Rochester
I want to thank you for participating in the Wayne County Student History Jamboree. Your music was most entertaining and interesting, and your presence added much to the sucess of the event. — Deborah Ferrell, Department of History, Wayne County
Thank you for the great concert last night; we all enjoyed every selection you chose. Thank you for putting so much time into your planning — I was really impressed! I will have you come again next year. — Christy Simons, McGraw Branch Library, Irondequoit NY
Thank you so much for making our rally for National Health Care "merrier." You really did a super job! — Bob Flavin, President, Local 1170 CWA, Rochester
Your performance...was outstanding, and a huge hit! The work you put into organizing the performance, combined with the collective talent on stage, made for a truly enjoyable evening. — Bethany Adams, Educator, Public Programs, Strong Museum
As always, you did such a superb job with our little singers! You are a pleasure to work with and the railroad songs are a favorite part of the day! — Mary DuBois, French Road School, Brighton NY
Thank you so much for trekking south to the wilds of Bath to entertain us in our 18th annual Words & Songs For Peace. We do love to hear you sing and play. — The Bath (NY) Peace & Justice Group