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The Unitarian Church in Westport

10 Lyons Plains Rd., Westport, CT 06880 - Ph: (203)227-7205 Sunday Services: 10:00 AM

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Voices Café: Ash & Eric and The Whispering Tree – Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 8:00 PM

Ash & Eric have been called “a match made in heaven”, with the blended musicality of Ashley and Eric L’Esperance. The pair first felt the electricity of their undeniable chemistry at an impromptu song swap. A year and a half later they were married, and had released their debut album, “Where We’ve Been & Where We’re Going” under the moniker The Promise of Hope.

Ashley performs subtle melodies with a classically trainedyet folksy voice. Her poetic lyrics explore the deep mysteries within nature and human relationship. Eric’s reverence for the beloved songwriters of the 60’s and 70’s shines through his soft, deep voice. His lyrics unravel the joys and struggles of life’s journeys, mingling freeform with exquisite craftsmanship.

Their top tier writing, warm harmonies, swirling acoustic guitars, and easy stage presence have earned them a dedicated following in the folk/singer-songwriter scene.

As they continue their journey under the name Ash & Eric, their dedication and passion to their craft continues.Their voices are still as vulnerable and honest as their lyrics, and they still hold the promise of hope, a shoulder to lean on, and a hand to hold at the end of a long day.


The Whispering Tree, a duo which includes singer/songwriter Eleanor Kleiner and multi-instrumentalist Elie Brangbour, craft richly immersive folk-rock, with evocative lyrics, nature imagery, perspectives from travel, and a range that encompasses traditional folk, indie rock, classic rock, and 1960s pop and rock n’ roll.

Eleanor and Elie met at music school in London, where Eleanor was a singer-songwriter seeking to collaborate, and Elie had a reputation of being one of the institution’s most gifted musicians. Their debut album, “Go Call the Captain”, was named “one of the year’s most luminous albums” by The Big Takeover Magazine, and NYC’s The Deli magazine called The Whispering Tree “one of the most talented duos to take stage in NYC.” Marquee moments include showcases at the Northeast and Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Conferences, Kerrville New Folk finalists and Philadelphia Songwriter’s Project winners. Eleanor and Elie also added their voices to Pete Seeger and Lorre Wyatt’s album, A More Perfect Union.

The Whispering Tree’s 2018 album “Invisible Forces” was released to strong acclaim, with Americana UK saying “Invisible Forces is a musically diverse take on classic Midwest Americana sung with the soul of the gospel.”

Thematically, “Invisible Forces” explores the struggle for a sense of permanence in the face of inevitable change. This album’s track “Heavy”, the duo’s aesthetic touchstone, shows the breadth of their inspirations, encompassing New Orleans-style jazz, folk, blues, and the 1960s rock and pop harmony vocal tradition. The Whispering Tree duo continue their commitment to bringing strong, powerful music to the world, saying simply “creating and performing gives our lives meaning and purpose”.

  • Social Justice at TUCW
    • Welcome to Social Justice
    • Advocates for Prevention of Gun Violence
    • Beardsley School Committee
    • Immigration and Refugee Committee
    • KIVA Microfinance Committee
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    • Westbridge Coalition

     The Unitarian Church in Westport
     is a member congregation of the
     Unitarian Universalist Association

      CLICK HERE if you have any questions      about The Unitarian Church in Westport

Church Hours: Tuesday - Friday
9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Summer Hours:
July & August until after Labor Day:
Tuesday - Friday 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

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