Richard Ruane

Vermont folksinger/multi-instrumentalist Richard Ruane, who has been actively playing music since he was a teenager, started out in the acoustic quartet Feast or Famine in the 1980s, writing much of the group's music; handling a bulk of the lead vocals; and playing mandolin, mandola, guitar, and percussion. The group frequently toured the Northeast and Midwest and released two albums, including the Philo Records' release Brecon Beacon. After that, Ruane helped form the world beat-minded Sundog, again handling most of the lead vocals and songwriting (and playing electric mandolin). That group released one recording. Subsequently, he turned his attention to fatherhood and retired from touring, focusing on the local Vermont music scene. Ruane helped start the Ripton Community Coffee House (a concert series), formed a sound company, and has served on the board of directors of two music series/festivals in Middlebury, VT. He has also embarked on a solo career, releasing the album Things That Strangers Say in 2001. ~ Erik Hage