What can you expect from nine live performances over nine months at the intimate Burnham Hall in Lincoln? “Full houses and amazing music,” said organizer Beth Duquette, who together with her partner Mark Mulqueen launched the new music series Burnham Presents last September.

“It’s been so gratifying,” Duquette summed up. “ I don’t take any of this for granted and am just so happy people keep coming back to experience the music and be with their friends. Many of our performers are completely new to people, but I think the audience trusts that they are going to hear something that’s fun but also performed at a high level. I’m glad they are taking a chance with us.”

The series began with Bon Débarras, followed by Caitlin Canty (Oct. 7), The Ladles (Nov. 4), The Vermont Mandolin Trio (Dec. 2), Freeway Clyde (Jan. 6), March Lights (Feb. 10), Larry & Joe (March 2) and Rani Arbor & daisy mayhem (April 4). The final concert of the series will be held on Saturday, May 4, featuring the award-winning Quebecois trio Genticorum.

With nominations for Juno and ADISQ awards, as well as five Canadian Folk Music Awards, Genticorum stands out as one of the premier groups in Quebec’s traditional music scene. The trio skillfully intertwines intricate fiddle, flute and accordion melodies with beautiful vocal harmonies, subtle guitar tones, and lively foot percussion. The joy that these musicians derive from creating and performing together is palpable, both in the studio and on the stage.

Yes, this will be the last concert for this first season, but don’t fret. Duquette assures us that this won’t be the final concert for Burnham Presents.

“The series will return in September with a full season lineup of great new music,” she said. “The upcoming roster of artists will be announced sometime in late June.”

“I love Burnham Hall,” said Mulqueen, who engineers the sound and helps organize the series and with Duquette as well as the Burnham Foundation. “The Burnham committee has been so supportive, and they’ve really worked to make it a great place to bring audiences and musicians together. The people in Lincoln and beyond have welcomed the series and it’s fun to be able to do this right where we live.”

“We have a great core of volunteers and everyone is instrumental in creating a warm and welcoming environment for our artists and audience,” Duquette noted.

And musicians agree:

“We consider ourselves fortunate to have this gem of a listening room in our state,” said Will Patton of the Vermont Mandolin Trio. “It’s the closest thing to playing in your living room with a 100 or so of your best friends. This season has been remarkable for the breadth and high quality of the performers. Vermont is richer culturally for Burnham Presents at Burnham Hall.”

“Burnham Presents is the Lincoln Center of center Lincoln!” praised Michael Chorney, Tony Award-winning composer and bandleader of Freeway Clyde. “First class sound, hospitality and promotion leads to a first class audience of eager attentive listeners. I have lived here more than 30 years and to have such an exceptional series developed here in our little town by Beth and Mark is the essence of a thriving community.”

“What an extraordinary weekend,” commented Rani Arbo of Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem. “It felt like such a gift to play for your community, and Burnham Hall felt so deeply like a community, so alive and together.”

Simply put, “It’s a gift to be able to do this in our hometown,” said Duquette.

She and Mulqueen are working now to fill the calendar for the second season, which will begin on Saturday, Sept. 7, and continue through May on the first Saturday of the month at Burnham Hall in Lincoln.

But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. First, let’s conclude this first season of Burnham Presents with a packed house for Genticorum on May 4. The doors will open at 7 p.m., with music starting at 7:30 p.m. Genticorum will play two sets. Homemade refreshments will be available. Admission is $15 for general, $20 for preferred seating, and $25 for VIP. Tickets and additional details can be found at burnhampresents.org. For more information about Genticorum, visit genticorum.com.