This is not a joke. The Welterweights are coming to the Ripton Community Coffee House on Saturday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. 
Lowell Thompson and Kelly Ravin are the Welterweights. Their band is a collaboration of the two songwriters who have created a cohesive and thoughtful collection of music. The original songs, accompanied by skillfully played guitars ? both acoustic and electric ? can be best categorized as Americana or alt-country.   
Kelly Ravin rose to prominence as a driving force behind Waylon Speed, an “underground outlaw dirt rock band” the Washington Post called “a cross between Metallica and the Lumineers, with an unnecessary dash of Prince showmanship.” As members of Waylon Speed shifted focus to other endeavors, Ravin focused on his solo work. Ravin’s 2015 release, County Tracks, found him setting off on his own. On it, Ravin plays every instrument, bringing his arrangements and vision to life in a raw, scarily efficient fashion. 
A musician who splits his time between Burlington and Austin, TX, Thompson was called “the most genuine sort of musician out there,” by Big Heavy World. Any way you cut it, Thompson’s work speaks for itself and has been vetted by his fellow musicians ? hand-picked to share stages with the likes of Graham Parker, Justin Townes Earle and Dawes. His latest effort titled “Stranger’s Advice” was released in January 2015 and was met with critical acclaim.
As always, the Ripton concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with an open mike set, followed by the featured performers. Open mike performers are encouraged to call in advance and reserve one of the four open-mike slots. Admission to the coffeehouse is $3 kids (12 and under), $10 general admission, and $15 generous admission. The economically challenged may pay what they can afford.  Refreshments will benefit The Friends of the Ripton Elementary School. The coffeehouse is held on the first Saturday of each month, except August.   For more information, contact Richard Ruane or Andrea Chesman at 388-9782. 
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