Fri, Dec 19, 2025 | 8:00 pm
The Oasis Room, on the mezzanine level, is a cozy 100-seat “living room” theater ideal for jazz and other intimate music, theater and comedy performances as well as conferences, speakers, dining and private events.
Tickets
General Admission
Seating by Section
$25 plus fees
ABOUT THE SINNER’S CIRCLE
“To think it all began on an uneventful morn” –Bob Dylan
Sinner’s Circle is a Nashville-style songwriters’ circle in southern New England where local musicians share and perform new material in a supportive, collaborative environment. Founded in 2010 by Ben Parent, Jim Carpenter, Hugh Birdsall, and John Fries, it provides a space for songwriters to connect with peers and a discerning audience.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
John Fries – Host
John Fries’ songwriting seamlessly blends the raw emotion of blues with soul. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of musical legends, including Amos Lee, John Prine, Martin Sexton, Eric Clapton, D’Angelo, the Black Crowes, Joey Landreth, and Chris Whitley, John has carved out a unique sound that captivates audiences and resonates deeply with listeners.
From a young age, John was immersed in the rich tapestry of musical influences that would shape his artistic identity. With a natural affinity for storytelling, he channels his personal experiences and observations into his songwriting, crafting lyrics that are both relatable and poignant. His powerful vocals and evocative guitar playing bring to life a technicolor array of songs exploring themes of love, loss, and societal climate.
Throughout his career, John Fries has garnered recognition for his compelling performances and his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. Whether performing in intimate venues or gracing larger stages (Fries opened for blues legend Robert Cray on the Garde Arts Center’s main stage), his dynamic presence and heartfelt delivery leave a lasting impression. His authenticity and dedication to his craft have earned him a loyal following and accolades within the music community.
Currently, John is in the studio working on a new album that will feature a fusion of his blues and soul influences, as well as collaborations with fellow musicians who share his passion for creating music that speaks to the heart. John’s commitment to his craft continues to drive him as he navigates the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.
Marc Douglas Berardo
Marc Douglas Berardo is a thought-provoking songwriter as well as a fancy wooden guitar player who uses humor and deft storytelling to rally an audience and lead them into a deep and sometimes spiritual experience. After over 35 years of performing in every conceivable situation and winning awards and recognition for his songs in a boatload of national festivals like Rocky Mountain Folks, Telluride, Kerrville New Folk, Suwanee and Wiildflower as well as being voted “best interview and live performance feature” on Sirius/ XM Satellite Radio show The Village, Berardo has established himself as the real deal. A “lifer” that No Depression Magazine called: “sincere, fluid, charming and above all gripping.”
Berardo’s highly regarded 2025 release “The Beauty of This Now” was recorded in Austin, Texas and produced by Texas legends Ron Flynt and Walt Wilkins. It was one of many highlights in a year that included Berardo as the subject of a feature story by Jan Tomay in the legendary Ink Magazine as well as, along with the fiery dobro player Abbie Gardner, a headline appearance at the 40th Tucson Folk Festival in Arizona.
John Apice of Americana Highways wrote: “There’s a seriousness to Marc’s compositions that’s not apparent in the slew of artists who seem to have a lot of nothing to say in an album’s worth of music…Marc is cut from the same cloth as James Taylor, early Elton John or maybe Mark Twain…”
Louise Coombe
Louise Coombe grew up on a farm in middle TN with English parents, and writes lots of Americana-folk songs and tells the stories behind them.
Compared to Nanci Griffith, Emmy Lou Harris and Alison Krauss, she’s opened shows for America, Joe Ely, Jonatha Brooke, Allison Moorer, Greg Trooper, Malcomb Holcombe, Mindy Smith and Cliff Eberhardt.
Coombe weaves together narratives between songs peppered with humorous personal stories and historical anecdotes with her unique Southern POV. Louise is a classically trained singer with a big pop voice (and a touch of twang) and an award-winning songwriter. Audiences love her stories behind the songs and honest polished delivery.
She has won top honors at songwriting contests around the country including Kerrville (TX) New Folk (2x winner), Telluride Bluegrass Festival (CO), Rocky Mountain Folks Fest (CO), Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (NY) and SolarFest (VT). Louise’s historical songs have also been used in two documentaries broadcast on PBS.
Sarah Mac
Hailing from the east coast and married to a deep love of storytelling, Sarah Mac weaves songs of love, loss and the human spirit that feel timeless and deeply personal. With a voice that blends natural strength and vulnerability, she paints vivid portraits of life’s highs and lows – drawing inspiration from an experience that seems equally familiar with deep sorrow and powerful joy.
Whether performing on renowned stages or in the warmth of a living room, her lyrics capture the essence of everyday life—its quiet moments, its struggles, and its beauty. Known for her authenticity and heartfelt connection to her audience, she is carving out her place as an important voice in the New England singer-songwriter landscape.