Charissa Hoffman ft. Jejune Jr. & Karen Hogg
March 13, 2024 @ 7:00PM — 8:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center: 605 Main St Middletown, CT 06457 Get Directions
"This is music that deserves a wide listenership and expands the Folk definition of composition and structure in song." -Paul McGee, Lonesome Highway
Charissa Hoffman’s story is as eclectic as her instrument. A 6th-generation musician raised in Nashville, TN, her path to music seemed inevitable, but her choice of instrument- the ukulele - came out of nowhere. As a young recipient of the David Chow Humanitarian award and director of the Uke Can End It campaign to combat human trafficking, her heart has always been for the vulnerable, the underserved, and the underdog instruments.
Through the influences of genre- bending artists like Chet Atkins and Duke Ellington, she soon exceeded expectations for her instrument, establishing herself as a formidable chord-melody player and earning a spot as the first ukulele principal to be accepted to Berklee College of Music in 2017 and recipient of the 2020-21 Fletcher Bright Award. Her songwriting earned her a place as participant in the prestigious Acoustic Music Seminar, and on stages at clubs and festivals across the country.
Musically, Charissa has been influenced by artists ranging from Amanda Palmer to Joni Mitchell to Béla Fleck; within her there is a daring, open-hearted performer, a wistful, introspective songwriter, and an intentional instrumentalist who is driven to break down barriers for her instrument. She draws on singer-songwriter roots and jazz training in her music, creating dreamy, ethereal worlds for her listeners.
"...different view’ is an impressive debut showcasing Hoffman as a talented innovator and songwriter who deserves more attention in the coming years as she continues to explore Americana.” - Kimberly Bright, Americana UK
"The comparisons to Joni Mitchell have never been stronger but this is a woman claiming her own space.” - Danny Brothers, For Folk’s Sake
"Charissa Hoffman is a fresh voice for the indie folk scene with her Joni Mitchell-esque vocal style, beautifully sparse yet sinuous string arrangements, and songs that are a bit dark but not heavy." - Ana Lee, WMOT Roots Radio, The Local Brew
“Charissa Hoffman is a wonderful, unique and completely uncategorizable musician! Her amazing songs and deep, creative ukulele playing transport the listener to beautiful new worlds. Dig her music and enrich your life!” - Matt Glaser, Artistic Director, Berklee American Roots Music Program
Links: Website | Facebook
This concert and other Buttonwood Tree events brought to you by our generous donors, volunteers, and the following organizations:
