Darlin’ Corey features the singing and playing of Erica Brown on fiddle and guitar, Matt Shipman on guitar, mandolin, bouzouki and banjo, and Kris Day on bass. Their music is a diverse and unique blend of folk with influences from bluegrass and old time music. Drawing on these threads of North American folk music, their elegant harmonies are the beating heart of their sound, in both their original music and the traditional Old Time, and Bluegrass and New England influenced music they regularly showcase. In Darlin’ Corey’s singing and playing, you can feel the many years of dedication to these celebrated musical traditions.
Together they create an engaging performance of thoughtful originals, traditional songs and tunes, and songs that influenced them along the way. Erica Brown’s fiddle-playing is at turns virtuosic and completely unpretentious. Matt Shipman is an ideal counterpart as his versatility on a dizzying array of stringed instruments (guitar, Irish bouzouki, 5-string banjo, mandolin) blend seamlessly, never timid or overpowering. Kris Day holds it all together with his solid bass playing.
With Matt and Erica’s harmony vocals, Erica’s expert fiddling, Matt’s solid guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, and banjo, and Kris’s steady and tasteful bass, Darlin’ Corey has become a well known and favorite act in the Portland area and beyond in recent years.
Notable 2022 Performances
- Headlining artist with Bangor Symphony Orchestra at the Kingfield Pops
- Ossipee Valley Music Festival
- Stone Mountain Arts Center
More About Darlin’ Corey
Matt Shipman
Calling Portland, Maine his home, Matt has been performing for many years throughout the United States and Canada. Matt is not only an interpreter of traditional music of which he has studied and played for many years, but also weaves that love of tradition into his songwriting. He plays and teaches guitar, mandolin, bouzouki and clawhammer banjo. Matt is also seasoned music instructor, and enjoys working with students of all ages and abilities in his home studio. He enjoys sharing his love of music with people, helping them have fun with music and reach their personal goals.
Some career highlights include playing with John Reischman and the Jaybirds, Tony Furtado, collaboration with both the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and a 5 year weekly residency with The Stowaways, featuring Joe Walsh, Erica Brown, Ron Cody and Steve Roy, and guests like Darol Anger. Matt currently performs with his wife Erica Brown in a duo called Darlin’ Corey, Erica Brown & The Bluegrass Connection, Josephine County and Side By Each. Matt has put out 2 solo recordings as well as recordings with High Range, Darlin’ Corey, Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection and most recently East to the West with Josephine County.
Erica Brown
Erica developed an interest in music at an early age. At the age of seven, she was competing in fiddle contests with kids twice her age. At age nine, she was traveling throughout New England, Canada, and even Louisiana with the Maine French Fiddlers. As a teenager, Erica also performed as a special guest with Mac McHale And The Old-Time Radio Gang. Erica was a recipient of a 2006 Maine Arts Commission Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Award and was recognized as a Master Artist by the Maine Arts Commission that same year.
As well as performing with Darlin’ Corey and Josephine County, she also has her own bluegrass band, Erica Brown & The Bluegrass Connection, which performs all over New England.
Performance highlights include opening for Grammy award winning country music superstar Dwight Yoakam, as well as Grammy award winning bluegrass performer Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder and collaborations with both the Portland Symphony Orchestra and Bangor Symphony Orchestra.
“Her talent for combining the precision of classical music with the spontaneity of country and bluegrass fiddle makes for a fun-filled performance every time she plays.”
– Bangor Daily News
“For the music of her heritage and her age, there’s no one any better.”
– Don Roy
“One of the best fiddlers in Maine… The kind of musician who gives musicians a good name.”
– Darol Anger
Kris Day
If you have been out to see music anywhere in Portland recently or in the last decade or two, chances are you have seen Kris Day playing. Kris Day has been a staple in the Portland, ME music scene for over 20 years playing bluegrass, jazz, rockabilly and everything in between. Kris has done a considerable amount of touring over the years including performances with rock and roll legends Link Wray, Dale Hawkins, Ronnie Dawson and Joe Clay. Kris enjoys his private teaching career in addition to recording with local artists and doing some session work around town. You may recognize him from the Jerks of Grass, King Memphis or King Day and his New Imperials.