February 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Bottom Line in New York City, the legendary club that shut it’s doors in 2004 after 4 decades serving as the epicenter for great music in the metro area.   This month’s panel was recorded in 2021 for the virtual NERFA Conference of the same year and features the co-founder of the The Bottom Line as well as two artists who performed numerous times at the club. 

Hosted by series creator Sonny Ochs and co-host Ron Olesko

FREEBO - Freebo is no stranger to NERFA - a singer-songwriter, and producer noted primarily for his work with Bonnie Raitt, he is also a session musician who has recorded and performed with Ringo Starr, John Mayall, John Hall, Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Willy DeVille, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Maria Muldaur, Kate & Anna McGarrigle and many others.  Freebo has also produced recordings and is currently working with Alice Howe.

CHRISTINE LAVIN: Christine Lavin has become an icon of the folk community.  She worked at Caffe Lena in Saratoga, New York until Dave Van Ronk convinced her to move to New York City and make a career as a singer-songwriter.  Since then she has released numerous solo albums and as a former member of the Four Bitchin Babes as well as producing compilation album.  Christine is a tireless supporter of the folk 

ALAN PEPPER: Alan first worked in the Village booking shows at Folk City before opening the Bottom Line. For 30 years, the Bottom Line was the epicenter for the finest music performances - from Bruce Springsteen's historic "Born to Run" showcase shows, Harry Chapin's 2000th performance, to artists including Eric Clapton, João Gilberto, Carl Perkins, Linda Ronstadt, Patti Smith, The Police, Adrian Belew, Prince,  Miles Davis, Laura Nyro, Emmylou Harris, Neil Young, Leo Kottke, Doc Watson and thousands of others.