The much-loved Friday Night Folk concert series kicks off the 2017 calendar with a fine double bill featuring hometowner Geoff Kaufman and touring legends Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen.

Kaufman, whose omnipresence on the local scene reflects his charm and skill as a performer, recently released his "Restless Waters" album. A master interpreter, Kaufman covers 14 songs from across the folk and sea music tradition, making each tune his own.

Gillette and Mangsen each have enjoyed long-running and globally-respected solo careers but have been traveling and recording as a duo since their 1989 marriage. Gillette is also known as a stellar songwriter whose material has been covered by John Denver, Garth Brooks, Linda Ronstadt and others. As always, Friday Night Folk takes place in New London's All Souls UU Congregation.

Friday Night Folk, 7:30 p.m. Friday, All Souls UU Congregation, 19 Jay St., New London; $17 advance, $20 door, $10 students and military; brownpapertickets.com, (860) 443-0316.

If you go

Caffe NV

57 Boson Post Road, Waterford

(860) 444-8111

Cuisine: Greek/American, Mediterranean

Atmosphere: Comfortably, enjoyably refined

Service: Warm and efficient from a staff clearly proud of the place

Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.

Prices: Appetizers, soups and salads $5.50-$15.95, sandwiches and wraps $8.95-$10.95; Greek specialties, pasta and entrees $11.95-$25.95

Handicapped access: Brick steps to main entrance and narrow pathways; it's a small restaurant

Credit cards: All majors

Reservations: Not a bad idea on weekend nights