Acoustic quartet Red Hen delves into the deeper roots of American traditional music, playing songs and tunes from Appalachian Old-Time and Celtic sources. Their authenticity is enhanced when mixed with award-winning music and songs written by band members. Red Hen is Jane Rothfield (fiddle, banjo and vocals), Linda Schrade (guitar, vocals), with Scottish native Allan Carr (guitar, acoustic bass, vocals) and Dave Kiphuth (banjo, banjo-dobro, vocals). Boasting distinctive lead voices with great harmonies and hot tunes, Red Hen is acoustic Americana at its best – true roots music!

The band

When Red Hen members met in the mid ’80s, they knew that someday they would have a band together. Finally, after playing non-stop for 9 days at the 2006 Clifftop Appalachian Mountain Festival (and winning the prize for Best Non-Traditional Tune), they realized their unique sound, their rich vocals and red-hot tunes were just too much fun. Red Hen was born.

Jane Rothfield

Fiddle, banjo, vocals – Jane’s award-winning fiddling adds fire and whimsy to the Red Hen sound. She moves easily from driving old time to country tunes and romantic Celtic melodies and doubles on groove banjo. Her clear, true voice adds a plaintive note to Red Hen. Jane also performs and teaches at Old Songs and Philadelphia Folk Festivals with Groovemama and teaches every summer at Old Songs Fiddle & Strings Camp.

Linda Schrade

Vocals, guitar – Linda’s pure voice and expressive singing goes right to the heart, with a powerful quality that stops people in their tracks. Whether singing lead or harmony, her voice rises to the top. With Parents’ Council awards for two Gentle Wind children’s albums, Linda has recorded with John and Trish Miller, vocalists Sarah Pirtle, Lui Collins, Cosy Sheridan and more. Linda’s rhythm guitar with Red Hen defines their solid groove.

Allan Carr

Vocals, guitar, bass – Born and raised in Aberdeen, Scotland, Allan brings his amazing Celtic guitar, bass playing and powerful voice to the Americana music of Red Hen. With wife Jane Rothfield, Allan has performed for 30 years, beginning as a duo and in Scottish band Rothfield, Hadden and Carr (with Silly Wizard bassist Martin Hadden) and in NY-based band Atlantic Bridge. His originals songs and arrangements are essential to Red Hen’s band sound.

David Kiphuth

Bluegrass and old time banjo, dobjo (dobro-banjo cross), vocals – “Lonesome” Dave, a banjo devotee since 1962, is an outstanding bluegrass, old time banjo player and singer. His tasty playing is unrivaled for backing up a singer and on blazing tunes. David has played with Phil Rosenthal and for years played the bluegrass circuit. David’s high, lonesome voice lends a true mountain flavor to Red Hen.

The music

Listen to, read about and purchase their debut album Crossing right here.

Book ‘em!

Jane Rothfield | 518-522-7445 janerothfield@gmail.com | redhen.info

In Groovemama, Jane Rothfield works with fiddler Donna Hébert to teach and perform at Old Songs and Philadelphia Folk Festivals every summer. The Great Groove Band of young musicians is coached by Jane, Donna, Groovemama and their cohort of volunteer music educators to a main-stage performance on Sunday afternoon at each festival. 

“Groovemama stirs up a wild storm of music!” Philadelphia Folk Festival

Clockwise from top left: Jane Rothfield, Max Cohen, George Wilson, Stuart Kenney, Donna Hébert (ctr)