The Folk Project Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series presents Ayreheart and Gabe Parsons

For centuries, the lute was known as the “Prince of Instruments,” and lute players were celebrities in royal courts across Europe. Ayreheart, a progressive folk quartet founded by Grammy-nominated lutenist Ronn McFarlane, strives to restore the lute to its former glory – but in a modern context. With backgrounds in rock, folk and jazz, the members of Ayreheart (McFarlane on lute, Will Morris on fretless bass, violin and colascione, Mattias Rucht on percussion, and Heather Aubrey Lloyd on vocals and acoustic guitar) bring fresh energy to old traditions.
A great groove is timeless.

Gabe Parsons is a Folk Rock singer-songwriter from Hopewell Valley, NJ,whose music traces the long roads between home, heart, and change. After developing his sound in New Orleans while studying at Loyola University’s School of Music Industry, Parsons returned to the Northeast, where he has since played over 150 shows and gigs and built a strong following—particularly in Philadelphia, with appearances at World Cafe Live, Milk Boy and other notable venues.
In 2024, Parsons performed at French Quarter Festival alongside Kristin Diable and opened for the Crowe Boys on their national tour. His debut LP, Long Road Traveler, released in mid-October 2025, earned positive reviews in several music publications, including a feature in EARMILK, and was celebrated with a sold-out release show in his hometown at Needle Creek Brewery. He was also recognized as WXPN’s Local Pick of the Day, further cementing his growing presence in the regional Folk Rock scene.