SALEM — Dulci-More: Folk & Traditional Musicians will host Magpie at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15 in the Meeting Room of the Dale Shaffer Research Library of the Salem Historical Society, 239 S. Lundy Ave. Parking is available in the municipal lot across Lundy. The building is handicapped accessible. Admission is free for the spring and summer and fall 2025 concert series as a thank you gift from Dulci-More recognizing all those who have supported the events through the years and welcoming new audience members.

Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner began to play music together in Kent, Ohio in September of 1973. They chose the name Magpie for their band, a name which grew in personal significance for them as years went by. Terry was a student in her senior year at Kent State University in the fall of 1973, and when she graduated the following spring, she and Greg packed Greg’s VW bus and moved to the Washington, DC area. In the years since then, they have traveled and toured extensively, performed in concerts, at folk clubs and festivals around the world, and recorded many times.

Terry’s voice is a truly impressive instrument, not only because of its natural power, but also because of her versatility. She is a gifted singer of jazz and blues in the tradition of Connie Boswell and Billie Holiday, but is equally comfortable with the subtle beauty of traditional folk and contemporary songs. Add to this her uncanny ability to find the perfect harmony line, and, in a powerful blend of their two voices, you have a real treat for the ear. As if this weren’t enough, Terry is also an excellent player of the harmonica, mandolin, fretted dulcimer, and rhythm guitar.

Greg is an outstanding guitarist whose fingerstyle approach owes a lot to his heroes, guitar legends such as Reverend Gary Davis, Big Bill Broonzy, Nick Lucas, Phil Ochs, and Rolly Brown. His playing is the solid basis of Magpie’s sound, providing whatever is called for, whether it be a hard-driving rhythm, or a ringing lyrical beauty. From a slow Scots air or a plaintive ballad to a rollicking ragtime blues or infectious swing, Greg covers it all. His high baritone voice has equal range and his captivating interpretation gives power and beauty to the full spectrum, from growling blues, to a Chilean lament, to a sweet croon.

From the beginning Terry and Greg’s interests in various musical styles have led them to be eclectic in their repertoire. Rather than confine themselves to a single style, Magpie has always embraced a musical rainbow, and with impressive proficiency in each different genre. From traditional, classic country, swing, and blues of the nineteen twenties and thirties, to contemporary songs written by themselves and others, Terry and Greg cover a lot of musical ground.

Over the years, Terry and Greg have become distinguished for producing programs of music for museums (including the Smithsonian Institution), schools, and other special events. They are internationally known for their musical work in the environmental movement. They have been heard on many recordings, including eight of their own, two with Kim & Reggie Harris, and several compilations. A recording from 2000 is entitled Sword of the Spirit and features 11 songs including seven originals, all about famed abolitionist John Brown, his family, friends, and associates. The CD was produced as a companion piece to Greg and Terry’s one-act play of the same title based on the life and letters of Brown and his wife Mary. The premier performance of the play, featuring Greg as Brown and Terry in the role of Mary Brown, took place Feb. 18, 19, and 20, 2000 at the Old Opera House in Charles Town, West Virginia, across the street from the old courthouse where John Brown was tried and convicted in 1859.

Greg and Terry are both from northeast Ohio originally and still have family in the area. They were with us for Dulci-More Festivals 12 and 21 in 2006 and 2015 and for this concert series in the spring of 2014 the fall of 2017, and the spring of 2022. They also performed for the Zadok Street Festival during the Salem Bicentennial in 2006 with Sword of the Spirit at the Quaker Meetinghouse and a performance at the main stage in Centennial Park.

Since its founding in January of 1993, Dulci-More has met twice a month to enjoy playing and singing, and a second group also meets once a month focusing on ukuleles as DUH! Dulci-More Ukulele Hangout. Dulci-More has performed for many festivals, fairs, schools, churches, clubs, nursing homes, and others over the years and is still available to do so. Dulci-More also presented its own Dulci-More Festival for 25 years over Memorial Day weekend through 2019 at Boy Scout Camp McKinley in Lisbon.

No advance tickets or reservations are needed for the concert series. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information or directions, contact Bill Schilling at 234-564-3852 or bill@dulcimore.org or check on the web at www.dulcimore.org for more information about the club.