Award-winning twin brothers Joseph and John DeMasi are contemporary folk singers, songwriters and recording artists whose songs are imbued with their Unitarian Universalist beliefs of love, inclusion, tolerance, understanding, and worth and dignity for all. With Joseph on guitar and John on guitar and fiddle, the DeMasi Brothers bring a unique musical experience full of wit, humor, intellect, and poignancy to every concert and show they perform.
Joseph and John, "the DeMasi Brothers" are award winning contemporary folk singers, songwriters who began their folk music career in the folk clubs and coffeehouses in and around New York City where they were born and raised. As part of the 80's folk music revival scene they appeared and performed regularly at Greenwich Villages famed music club "the Speak Easy" and were featured performers on the "Fast Folk" music series. They shared the stage with such folk legends as Harry and Tom Chapin, Christine Lavin and Oscar Brand and have appeared regularly on NPR radio.
In 1992 they joined forces with their lifelong friend Chris Burke, the award winning actor with Down syndrome best known for his starring role as "Corky" on the hit ABC-TV show "Life Goes On" who they met while working as music counselors at a recreation program for children and adults with disabilities. The trio formed a group and went on to sign a major recording contract with BMG/Kidz. They recorded four CD's for kids and families, one nationally released and their CD titled "Forever Friends" received a Parents Choice Gold Seal for Excellence Award. They toured the world with Chris for over 20 years performing a musical presentation that celebrated ability awareness and inclusion for all.
When Chris retired from the group in 2014, Joseph and John returned to their folk singing roots. "We were very active in our UU congregations so combining our love of folk music with our social justice values and beliefs was the perfect fit for us " says John. "We strongly believe in equal rights for all, economic justice and saving the environment AND we believe you should have fun doing it." "That is why we interject so much humor into our shows" says Joseph. "We have to be upbeat. "We are genetically predisposed to be happy because our blood type is B positive!"
The DeMasi Brothers have performed for over a hundred UU churches across the U.S. and currently tour the country performing musical services, Special Music and music concerts for UU and UCC congregations as well as performing at folk festivals, coffeehouses , house concerts, active adult communities and rehab and nursing centers.
"Music has been great to us" they both agree. We get to do what we love and promote what we believe in! "AND we both met our wives at gigs" says John. "How great is that!"
Joseph and John DeMasi, the DeMasi Brothers infuse their concerts with a mix of their Unitarian Universalist values, their unique blend of harmonies and toe tapping rhythms with fun filled folk music that is sure to put a smile on your face and a song in your heart. Their show features John on fiddle, guitar and vocals and Joseph on guitar and vocals performing original songs that delight, intrigue and inspire as well as songs you will know, love and remember. Their shows include "Who Do You Say I Am?", a song written about the quest for religious truth, "Huggin' You", a humorous alternative to exercise, "I'm Gay", an insightful look at the folly of sexual discrimination and "Billy Blue", what country music sounds like when played by two Italian boys from Brooklyn! They draw upon the seven principles of UUism as inspiration for their music and incorporate sing a longs, audience participation and funny stories that everyone can relate to. Their warm, friendly personalities and unique blending of "twin voices" give a sincere and personal feeling to all of their performances. They are recipients of many awards, had a record deal with BMG, appear regularly on NPR radio, have appeared on many national and local shows including "Good Morning America", "Crook and Chase" and "Entertainment Tonight" and have toured the nation and the world performing at numerous coffee houses, folk clubs, concert halls and UU churches. Remembering yesterday, living today and working for a better tomorrow is what the DeMasi Brothers music and shows are all about and will surely touch you deeply!
