Ti Ti Chickapea

Ti Ti Chickpea is a trio of three locally and internationally celebrated performers from diverse musical backgrounds based in Ithaca, NY. Together, they play a rich blend of original vocal and instrumental music from a broad array of influences including old-time, folk, rock, and improvisational styles.

Richie Stearns is a banjo player and singer-songwriter known for his deep roots in Americana, folk, and old-time string band music. He is well-regarded for his solo work and his dynamic duo performances with fiddler Rosie Newton. His rich musical footprint includes extensive collaborations and deep community roots. He helped define the Ithaca old-time music sound with his influential band The Horse Flies and is a founding member of Donna the Buffalo. He has also toured and collaborated with artists like Natalie Merchant, Joan Baez, and David Byrne.

Immersed in the traditions of jazz, acoustic folk and blues, electrified rock and experimental music, violinist and guitarist Eric Aceto has been active as a session player, touring musician and designer of world-class musical instruments for over 30 years. In a addition to Ti Ti Chickpea, he’s performed with artists such as British guitar virtuoso Martin Simpson, Doug Robinson, the Mectapus band, the Scott B.Adams Acoustic Ensemble, the Burns Sisters Band, the Eric Aceto Quartet, Kevin Kinsella, and the Gypsy Swing band Djug Django.

With a career spanning over 50 years, internationally acclaimed jazz and improvisational cellist and composer Hank Roberts has performed throughout the world with a diverse array of celebrated musicians, including on a regular basis with the great guitarist Bill Frisell, as well as ‘Oceans And’ with Tim Berne and Aurora Nealand, Ti Ti Chickpea with Eric Aceto and Richie Stearns, and the Hank Roberts Trio with drummer Ashley Ickes and pianist Chad Lieberman. His playing is featured on many recordings, including dozens of his own as a leader and collaborator.