Richard Ruane

Vermont-based folksinger and multi-instrumentalist Richard Ruane has maintained an active musical life since his teenage years, beginning with the acoustic quartet Feast or Famine during the 1980s. Within that ensemble he composed most of the original material, delivered the majority of lead vocals, and performed on mandolin, mandola, guitar, and percussion. The group maintained a steady touring schedule across the Northeast and Midwest while issuing two albums, one of which appeared on Philo Records under the title Brecon Beacon. Ruane next co-founded the world-beat ensemble Sundog, again taking primary responsibility for vocals and songwriting while adding electric mandolin to his instrumental range; the band produced a single recording. He later stepped back from the road to concentrate on raising his family and participating in Vermont’s regional music community. In that period he co-established the Ripton Community Coffee House concert series, launched a sound company, and joined the boards of two separate music series and festivals in Middlebury, VT. He also launched a solo career with the 2001 release Things That Strangers Say.