About The Rafters

The Rafters are an acoustic based pop-folk duo whose music focuses on melody and lyrics that evoke a sense of nostalgia and hope amidst life's melancholies. Wow, that was a mouthful...

The Rafters (Dave and Miki) met when they were both attending college at UMASS Lowell. After 15 years together (married for 9), having 2 children, attending 50+ Indigo Girls concerts, playing in many bands (none of which they were in together!), they decided it was time to start a band of their own - and the Rafters were born! Miki and Dave both write songs, sing, play guitar, like Japanese food, sleeping late, and warm weather.

The Rafters first show was on June 2nd, 2006 in the middle of a classic 3 day New England Nor'Easter. Soon after that first show the sun came out and the ground began to dry...coincidence? Maybe...maybe not! They jumped into the thriving open mic scene in the greater Boston, MA area and over the next 6 months were offered feature performances at many area coffee shops, clubs, festivals, and fairs.

Some performance highlights: 2006 GRRL Rush concert series, 2006/07 Lowell Folk Festival, 2007 Viva La Vinal Festival, 2007 Newburyport Yankee Homecoming Festival, 2007 Bolton Fair, they have appeared on 91.5 WUML morning Sunrise program, and their music has been played on PIXY 103FM. Ok, so that's great, but what's next...

On July 28th, 2007 The Rafters released their debut self titled CD. A blend of modern acoustic - singer/songwriter - pop-folk. Miki's soft and assuring vocals, described as "Suzanne Vega-esque", set the tone for the CD, with instrumentation that ranges over acoustic & electric guitars, mandolin, violin, organ, and drums. The CD is a true DIY effort, from the recording, arranging, mixing, and promoting...except for the featured track "Helicopter" which was produced by the prominant local producer Lorne Entress (Lori McKenna, Mark Erelli, Catie Curtis).

The Rafters have just finished a successful Fall run of shows which helped them sell out of the first 300 CDs that were printed! Over December '07 - January '08 the Rafters go back into the studio to start tracking their follow up CD and rehearsing for a stretch of shows in the early Spring which is highlighted by an opening spot for The Laws at the prestigious Lancaster Coffeehouse Concert series. The Rafters look forward to 2008 and the chance to make new musical and personal connections. Come out and say hello!