Bull Run Restaurant

The Blind Boys of Alabama

5-26-2013

The Blind Boys of Alabama are recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music. Celebrated by The Grammys and The National Endowment for the Arts with Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, sung for two presidents in the White House and winners of five Grammy® Awards, they have attained the highest levels of achievement in a career that spans over 70 years and shows no signs of diminishing. Longevity and major awards aside, The Blind Boys have earned praise for their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material by acclaimed songwriters such as Curtis Mayfield, Ben Harper, Eric Clapton, Prince and Tom Waits. Their performances have been experienced by millions on The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, the Grammy® Awards telecast, 60 Minutes, and on their own holiday PBS Special. Their music has been featured in the HBO series “The Wire” and the ABC series “Lost”. The Blind Boys’ live shows are roof-raising musical events that appeal to audiences of all cultures, as evidenced by an international itinerary that has taken them to virtually every continent.

"A superweapon of roots-music uplift." - Rolling Stone

“They proclaim their reverence in close harmonies and gutsy improvisations that leap heavenward.” - The New York Times

"Inspired and relevant...borders on the miraculous." - The Washington Post

Watch a video about the Blind Boys HERE

Dave Davies Band

5-30-2013

What can you say about Dave Davies that hasn’t already been said? He founded The Kinks with Pete Quaife in 1963. His brother Ray, who became the best-known member of the band, joined soon after. The quartet was formed when drummer Mick Avory joined. As lead guitarist, Dave is one of the most unpredictable and original forces in rock. Without Davies guitar, heavy metal and punk would have been inconceivable. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dave's massive guitar sounds have inspired bands from Van Halen to Green Day. The Kinks in “Swinging London” in the 60’s were an innovative, mad vehicle driven by two quite different British brothers. Both were geniuses in their own right; struggling with their own demons. Dave invented the signature riffs that we have come to think of as standard Classic Rock guitar. And he wrote some of the hits too, including "Death of a Clown", "Love Me Till The Sun Shines", "Susannah's Still Alive" and "Living on a Thin Line". In addition to his dozens of albums with The Kinks, Dave has released three official solo albums, while touring to rave reviews with his Kink Kronikles show. In 2010 he was sidelined by health issues and had to fight his way back to the stage day by day. The effort was well worth it and Davies’ current show is still the Rock & Roll monster it was always meant to be.

More info: http://www.myspace.com/davedavies47

Open: Jeff Root - An unabashed, die-hard Kinks fanatic, Jeff is thrilled to be opening for one of his all-time heroes. A prolific and highly imaginative songwriter, Jeff writes, engineers and produces an album of his own each year while also helping numerous others to do the same at his Root Cellar studio.

POPA CHUBBY

5-31-2013

Popa's last album, "Back To New York City" received great reviews including Best of the Blues in Mojo Magazine & Record of the Month in Classic Rock!

Urban blues was becoming rather monotonous and repetitive when up popped (or is it exploded?) Popa Chubby from Brooklyn who gave the whole thing a damn good shaking up. Warning: this blues is not for wimps; this is the hard stuff that respects no rules, or anything else for that matter. This blues gets straight to the point and no messing about. This is the blues of the 21st century; this is New York City Blues, "know what I'm talkin' about"? His "Brooklyn Basement Blues" album was a revelation; "The Good the Bad and the Chubby" was even more hard-hitting and largely inspired by the 9/11 attacks that were deeply felt by Chubby. This year Chubby will release his second CD on the esteemed Provogue Label. His first release on Provogue was the Blues Rock masterpiece "The Fight Is On." 2010 saw his highest grossing year to date with concerts in 11 countries. In 2011 Popa rocked the "Monsters Of Blues Rock Tour" with the legendary Walter Trout, in France, Germany, Switzerland , and The U.K. There is talk of bringing the tour to North America. Popa Chubby is an artist who stands for musical and personal integrity. His shows are always hot; red hot. This is not music to sit and contemplate subtle chord changes and lacy fills. This is a freight train barrelling down the mountain. Get onboard or step aside.

Rod MacDonald Trio

5-31-2013 (Ballroom)

Rod MacDonald is an ingenious songwriter who has recorded nine critically lauded albums over the past 15 years or so. During the '80s he was at the forefront of a Greenwich Village music scene known as Fast Folk, which, produced hugely successful artists such as Shawn Colvin and Suzanne Vega. The Smithsonian Folkways Recordings have made available the entire Fast Folk collection - more than 100 albums - on compact disc and MacDonald is one of the most heavily represented artists on the recordings with 29 songs.
His newest CD, "Songs Of Freedom", contains 16 new (mostly) acoustic songs, with a mix of socially prog tunes and some personal things, including one song co-written by his kids 6 & 3, perhaps the youngest published songwriters around.

This time Rod will be accompanied by Mark Dann on bass, who has played bass with Christine Lavin, Jack Hardy, Lucy Kaplansky, Cliff Eberhart, the Belmonts, the Dharma Bums, and the Robert Ross Band. And Craig Harris on percussion, who, aside from his numerous shows with Rod and many other artists, is the author of "The New Folk Music."

Open: Nancy Beaudette - Nancy doesn’t just write songs, she paints them. She was a Canadian finalist in 2009 and 2010 in the Mountain Stage New Song Competition, finalist in the 2010 New England Song Contest and the 2010 Acoustic Roundtable Song Competition.

Loudon Wainwright III

6-1-2013

Signed to Atlantic Records in 1968 by the legendary Nesuhi Ertegun, Loudon was later lured to Columbia Records by Clive Davis and recorded his first hit, "Dead Skunk." His recording career now spans a total of 23 albums, including 2009’s Grammy-winning "High Wide & Handsome", a musical tribute to Charlie Poole (1893-1931), the legendary, yet obscure NC singer and banjo player. (Awarded ‘Album of the Year’ status by Entertainment Weekly editor and NPR contributor Ken Tucker.) Wainwright has collaborated with songwriter /producer Joe Henry on the music for Judd Apatow's hit movie "Knocked Up", written music for the British theatrical adaptation of the Carl Hiaasen novel "Lucky You", and composed topical songs for NPR's "Morning Edition", "All Things Considered" and ABC's "Nightline". Loudon Wainwright songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, Earl Scruggs, Rufus Wainwright, and Mose Allison, among others. Loudon's acting career includes an early recurring role as Capt. Calvin Spalding, the singing surgeon, in TV's M.A.S.H. and a stint in "Pump Boys & Dinettes" on Broadway, and more recent work in films directed by Hal Ashby, Tim Burton, Cameron Crowe, Martin Scorsese, Christopher Guest, and Judd Apatow. He also appeared as a regular in Apatow's critically acclaimed TV series "Undeclared".
For Loudon's new album "Older Than My Old Man Now", he's sought the help of a surprising number of friends and family members, recording tracks with his children Martha, Rufus, and Lucy. He also enlisted ex-wife Suzzy Roche and father figures Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Barry "Dame Edna" Humphries. Even Wainwright’s own late father gets involved when Wainwright reads one of his prose pieces. "I've been playing the family card for a long time," Wainwright muses. "I've written about my kids, my parents, grandparents, and sister... it certainly made sense to get the family members on the record. They all happen to be good singers, so that helps."
"Mr. Wainwright has proved to be far and away the most candid diarist among the singer-songwriters who... brought confessional poetry into popular song... Mr. Wainwright wrings more human truth out of his contradiction than any other songwriter of his generation." - New York Times, Stephen Holden

Open: Mark Frederick Fisher - Mark has won two awards for “Best Male Vocalist” & “Best Solo Performer” and has been a three time nominee as “ Best Folk Act” in the Worcester Phoenix music poll.

Ken Macy Band

6-6-2013

Central Massachusetts independent recording artist Ken Macy is a hard working, passionate musician who has recorded five original CD's and has played at hundreds of venues throughout New England. He's won four Worcester Music Awards including Best CD: "What If ...", Best Blues Act (twice) and Best Solo Act. Ken also had his original music featured on 92.5 FM the River's "Home Grown Radio Show", 106.3 Frank FM, Pixy 103, Carter Alan's Sunday Morning Blues Show on Boston's 100.7 FM WZLX and on TV: NECN New England Cable News.

With styles ranging from Tom Petty to The Eagles and The Black Crowes, his live show is energetic, fun and upbeat with powerful vocals and distinctive guitar playing. Ken is now a proud user/endorser of Celestial Effects guitar pedals made in Hudson MA.

Ken will be playing his new album ‚"Outlines‚" in it's entirety with a full band and more.

"First and foremost, Macy exhibits a superb guitar tone that features a distinctive growl. That combined with his convincing vocals makes Macy a blues-rock powerhouse. Macy is a welcomed treat to this critic's ears. Outstanding!" - Metronome Magazine

"Great songwriters are a dying breed. But with talent like Ken Macy, there's great hope for the future." - Pulse Magazine

Farren Butcher, Inc.

6-7-2013

Sprung from the legendary Boston music scene in the 80's Jon Butcher and Charlie Farren have had prolific music careers, achieved world-wide recognition and acclaim and fronted two of Boston's most notorious rock bands, Jon Butcher Axis and The Joe Perry Project. Both are master musicians, riveting performers, soulful and expressive  singers. Both are hit songwriters, together having sold millions of copies of their songs around the world. Both have written for television, motion pictures, and have toured and performed in many of the most prestigious venues in the world. Both have grown and developed through years of creating the soundtrack for so many lives.


Jon Butcher and Charlie Farren have now combined forces to present a new duet that is much more than a sum of its parts. Their unique talents multiply each other, creating an evening that is instrumentally stunning, vocally powerful, lyrically touching, and just plain fun! Join Charlie Farren and Jon Butcher for stories of Luck, Lust, and Love.

One thing is clear when you spin their disc, you can simply feel that these songs come from within the hearts and souls of these two veteran artists. Friends who have joined forces after all these years, perhaps by fate, to simply let it fly.

More info at: www.farrenbutcher.com/

Lori McKenna - CD Release

6-8-2013

My name is Lori McKenna. I am releasing my 6th full-length studio record in April 2013. It is called MASSACHUSETTS. I’m a housewife and a townie. I am a songwriter – or song chaser depending on the day. A song can be a tricky thing – no matter how simple it is. And most songs have a tendency to haunt me. But I believe that blessings come in disguise and that demons do too. And that, if we work it out right, our demons can be our blessings.
The short version of the long story is that music has provided me with some of the most important and meaningful relationships in my life. I wanted to make a record with some of those people who have been part of my musical life since it’s very beginning. It was time to make a record in the community of musicians that gave me the opportunity to learn who I am as a songwriter.
Producer Mark Erelli weeded through about 70 songs before deciding on the 13 songs we tracked live in a barn in North Reading, Massachusetts – Chris Rival’s Middleville studio.
There is the darkness and there is the light: I am drawn to sad songs. I want to make you feel something. I don’t necessarily want you to see it coming. I’d like the feeling to surprise you. I think those moments make us feel alive. Make us feel human. Everybody has a sad song in their lives. We all have reasons to sit at kitchen tables under the buzz of that light above the sink. We all have a patch of floor for pacing. We all hold onto something we should let go. Everybody has a story and every story should have a song. We picked 13 songs that reflect the darkness and light of an average life.
Mark Erelli’s musical approach to recording Massachusetts was based around what best fit the lyrics. The core of each song was played live in the studio - anything that doesn’t sound perfect is because, well, music really isn’t ever completely perfect. To me and to Mark – the goal was emotion – not perfection.
If Massachusetts were a book and the songs were chapters, then together they would tell the story of a life. It’s not all my life. But some of it may be yours. Or someone you know. Or someone you bought coffee from, or sat next to on the bus one day.

Digney Fignus

6-13-2013 (Ballroom)

Singer/Songwriter Digney Fignus is renowned for his infectious melodies and energetic, rootsy, "cajun opera" vibe. Critic CD DiGuardia of Northeast Performer calls Digney's music "a window into a hazy, warm-colored world of swamps, storytellers, and shufflin' swang".
Critic John Jones of No Depression magazine simply calls him hands down "The best Boston musician." Ted Drozdowski of the Boston Phoenix says Digney's music is: "An easy-to-digest but sophisticated blend of blues, folk, Cajun, and old-time music with a rock-and-roll heart...Fignus’s clear-toned, flexible voice puts his story of loss, faith, and hope across with ease, and his ensemble’s playing is always dead on - precise, spare, yet loose enough to serve the backcountry spirit that the lyrics evoke."
Digney Fignus' latest CD, “LAST PLANET ON THE LEFT”, received national and international airplay spending a month in the TOP 40 on the national Americana Chart and reaching #6 on the International Roots/Rock Chart. Digney also won the WZLX Boston Anthem contest with his song "BOSTON TOWN". The song is featured on the four-song CD BOSTON TOWN which was nominated for RECORD OF THE YEAR by the Mass Country Music Awards Association. One of the songs from the CD, "End of the Line," won one of the SONG OF THE YEAR awards. “Dig” arrived on the music scene playing guitar and singing in a three-piece Boston punk band called the Spikes, scoring on local radio with songs like "Air Raid" and "Summer Vacation." Digney's big break came in when he won the MTV basement tapes with his hit song and video "The Girl with the Curious Hand".

Open: Hayley Sabella - With clever lyrics based on the notion that the best songs start with having something to say, Hayley Sabella pulls not only from her past musical influence but through her contemporaries as well. Drawing from names like Jeff Buckley, Anais Mitchell, and Sufjan Stevens, Hayley defines a style that is passionate, dynamic, and all her own.

Vanilla Fudge

6-14-2013

In 1967, Vanilla Fudge rocked the world with a new sound, influencing a generation of musicians and creating a legion of loyal fans. They were "one of the few American links between psychedelia and what soon became 'heavy metal." Things started to pick up for the band in 1968: early in the year, they headlined the Fillmore West with the Steve Miller Band, performed "You Keep Me Hangin' On" on The Ed Sullivan Show, and released their second album, The Beat Goes On. That summer, Atco reissued "You Keep Me Hangin' On," and the second time around it climbed into the Top Ten. It was followed by Renaissance, one of VF's best albums, which also hit the Top 20. The band supported it by touring with Jimi Hendrix, opening several dates on Cream's farewell tour, and late in the year touring again with the fledgling Led Zeppelin as their opening act. While the band did record original material, they were best known for their loud, heavy, slowed-down arrangements of contemporary pop songs, blowing them up to epic proportions and bathing them in a trippy, distorted haze. 1970. Bogert and Appice first formed the hard rock group Cactus, then later joined up with Jeff Beck in the aptly named Beck, Bogert & Appice. Currently, three of the four original members, keyboardist Mark Stein, guitarist Vince Martell and drummer Carmine Appice are touring along with Pete Bremy replacing Tim Bogert on bass. Their big hits, “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” “Take Me For A While” and "Season Of The Witch" are still played on classic rock stations.

Watch live clips HERE   and   HERE 

Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers

6-15-2013 (Ballroom)

    •    2012 Boston Music Award winners "Blues Act of the Year"
    •    2012 Boston Blues Challenge Solo/Duo Competition Winners
    •    Competing in the 2013 International Blues Challenge Memphis
    •    2012, 2011 and 2010 Boston Music Award nominees
    •    2011 International Blues Challenge Semi-finalists

In a genre that is often dominated by men, Erin Harpe has been hailed as “an authentic blues chanteuse”, earning a reputation for her raw style and “total, selfless and compelling immersion in the music”. Growing up in the Washington DC area, Erin began playing the guitar in her teens taught by her father, bluesman Neil Harpe. She soon began performing at folk festivals, coffee houses, bars and parties in the DC area, developing a strong blues guitar and vocal style of her own. She relocated to Boston to develop her music career, where she met local blues talents such as Paul Rishell and Susan Tedeschi.
Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers gives the music a new twist to create a genre they call “Charles River Delta Blues”. Audiences can’t get enough of their upbeat, danceable sound featuring original and classic blues from 1930’s delta blues and ragtime to early Bonnie Raitt.
The Delta Swingers features Erin on electric and acoustic guitar and lead vocals, backed by Jim Countryman on bass, Bob Nisi on drums and vocal harmonies and a revolving cast of Boston’s best blues soloists, including the blistering electrified harmonica, slide guitar and barrelhouse piano of Richard “Rosy” Rosenblatt.

“This blues chanteuse breathes new, whiskey-soaked life into the likes of Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe, with a sound that's uniquely Charles River Delta.” – Boston’s Weekly Dig

Chris Duarte

6-21-2013 (First day of summer)

New CD "My Soul Alone" just released on Feb 26 and will be available for signing at this show.

Chris Duarte has established himself as one of the most formidable fret-board scorchers on the contemporary blues-rock scene. Since emerging in the mid-1990s from Austin, Texas, a blues guitar hotbed, Duarte has forged new pathways for the blues and scouted numerous fresh trails for creative musical expression. Lauded for the exquisite artistry and vivid tonality of his six-string work, over the last decade Duarte has also proven his considerable mettle as a songwriter, singer and bandleader. Blues Access called him a "genius," but Duarte sees his work in a much more basic and fluid context. "I'm a musician who is still out there searching for better ways to get from point A to point B, and better my craft. I'm just not content staying in one place." In 1979, at the age of 16, he moved on his own to Austin "and bought a '63 Stratocaster for $500. He soon earned a virtual Ph.D in blues music. Playing with Texas favorites like Bobby Mack & Night Train and Junior Medlow & The Bad Boys, he quickly earned a rep as a hot new gun in a town with an army of guitar talents. At the same time he dug into the work of such Austin guitar legends as Jimmie Vaughan, Denny Freeman and Derek O'Brien, paying special note to the rhythmic foundation that's a hallmark of the Lone Star blues style.
Watch Chris on Video HERE

Open: Dan Lawson is one of America’s premiere guitar players with a charismatic blues-rock sound like no other.  Band members are: Dan Lawson on lead guitar, Tim Provost on drums and Jason Adams on bass.

Bull Run Summer Blues Spectacular

06-22-2013

Boston's Diane Blue is a soul-stirring vocalist, skillful harmonica player and a crowd-pleasing entertainer. Voted "Outstanding Female Singer" in The Blues Audience 2011 Readers' Poll, Ms. Blue is a soulful and sassy performer with a strong and energetic delivery, serving up her own spin on soul, blues and R&B. She won the 2010 Massachusetts Blues Challenge.

Wali Ali is no stranger to the music world. He helped as a lead guitarist for The Temptations, Eddie Kendricks, Teena Marie, Rick James & Patrice Rushen. He has toured as guitarist with Marvin Gaye, The Jacksons. Aretha Franklin, and the Undisputed Truth. He wrote a song that was recorded by Gladys Knight and the Pips. His guitar prowess is matched by strong soulful vocals.

Murali Coryell is a triple threat contemporary blues artist who can sing, write and play guitar with the best in the business. As the son of guitar legend Larry Coryell, Murali grew up around the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, & Carlos Santana. And though he is well versed in many styles of guitar playing, it's with the Blues that he comes alive. His playing is exciting, smart, unrestrained and brilliant. And as a vocalist you'd be hard pressed to find a smoother silkier voice in blues, as his last album, "Sugar Lips," which reached # 5 in 2010 on the Living Blues Radio Chart, proves.
"He can play beer-soaked blues until last call, and he can also hang with more pop-tinged material, think a grittier, bluesier John Mayer." - Mark Uricheck/Living Blues

Powerhouse bassist and frontwoman Lisa Mann is a proud inductee into the Cascade Blues Association’s Hall of Fame after winning the Muddy Waters Award for Bass Player of the Year three times in a row. In Nov of 2012, Lisa took home the Muddy for Bass yet again, and to top that off, she took home Female Vocalist of the Year and her “Really Good Band” won Contemporary Blues Act of the Year. Her influences run the gamut, from low down blues sisters Etta James and Koko Taylor, to singer-songwriters like Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Crow, to R&B belters like Little Milton.

LittleWolf fashions a unique, dynamic roots/blues/rock explosion; a fusion of guitarist Steve Lott's 35 years of experience & Kristi Clanton's youthful exuberance. Bred in West Texas, Steve Lott has toured the world extensively and released two award-winning albums in Australia in 1999 and 2001. Currently, his compilation CD “Blues from Down Under” is #13 on the Living Blues Australian Radio Chart. And Kristi Bess Clanton, the other singer/writer/guitarist in the band, has been a singing star since childhood in Texas. She has blossomed into a great slide-steel guitarist and songwriter. At 21-years, she can handle anything from a traditional blues shout to a heartbreaking ballad. Nominated for Best New Artist of the Year by Alternate Root Magazine.

The Uprising; 3 of New England's fastest rising talents!

6-28-2013

Nemes, like you have never seen them before. With four performances at Bull Run as an acoustic trio under their belt, opening for Rusted Root, Air Traffic Controller and a sold out headline show in the upstairs Ballroom, Nemes will finally be bringing their full band, high energy electric rock act to the Sawtelle stage! Since being named one of Alternative Press' top 5 unsigned bands in 2010, Nemes has embarked on two tours of the Eastern US, inked a deal with Sugarpop Records, worked with Grammy winning producer Ducky Carlisle and is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on a full length album. The band seamlessly transitions from arena-sized rock songs to violin-plucking tunes with perfect precision and emotional intensity. They are the must see act that Worcester Magazine calls; "A Nuclear Power Plants worth of energy!" Come see (and hear) for yourself!

Antje Duvekot

6-29-2013

Ellis Paul has called Antje Duvekot (AUNT-yuh DOO-va-kott) "the next great American folk singer-songwriter. " Not enough of a recommendation? Legendary rock critic Dave Marsh calls Antje a "terrific writer and singer, with the instincts to do things right, over and over and over." Born in Germany, Antje came to the U.S. as a teen. Following the path of Natalie Merchant, Dar Williams, and Patty Griffin, she's still something of an outsider, with a fresh poetic palette. Her last album, "The Near Demise of the High Wire Dancer," was voted the best release of the year by the listeners of the influential Boston radio station WUMB. Her newest CD, New Siberia, which was released in September, 2012, goes even further into the heart. Antje says "it includes a song about my mother that took me 20 years to write ('Phoenix'), a song about my dreams of making music becoming shattered ('The Life of a Princess'), and a song about not fitting into high school ('Glamorous Girls').''
No one writes quite like Antje, who was influenced lyrically by the very greats - Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen, who are Mt. Rushmore-like figures to her. Producer Neil Dorfsman, who has worked with Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Sting puts it best: "She creates an entire, detailed world in verse, and takes you there with beautiful and understated melody. Her songs are stunning paintings of color and shade." And Dave Marsh, once again wraps it up with, "Antje is the whole package."
Watch video HERE - - More info at: www.antjeduvekot.com/

Opener: Kwesi Kankam - More info and listen at: http://kwesikankam.bandcamp.com/

Nick Locapo - Celebrity Magician

6-29-2013 (Ballroom)

Nick Locapo is an award winning magician and entertainer who has performed all over the world. Nick combines charm, wit and incredible hair to create a one of a kind magic experience.

If you have any preconceived notions of a ‘magic show’… you can toss them out. Forget the top hats, big boxes, and magic rabbits. Nick’s one man show is a roller-coaster of excitement that mixes comedy with mind-blowing sleight-of-hand.

He has been featured at Universal Studios in Orlando, performed for celebrities, and appeared at multiple corporate functions and colleges across the country.

In 2009 Nick won "Close up Magician of the Year" by the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 81.

He will be appearing in the Ballroom at The Bull Run for an Intimate Evening of Magic Comedy and Mystery. And with limited seating available, do not miss your chance to see magic "up close and magical" by one of the areas top performers.

"You were a hit!" - NBC Universal
"Our guests keep asking when Nick and his hair will be back!" - Seminole Hard Rock Casino
"The best hair in magic. Period." - The Magic Estate Awards.

The Installers - Summer Blues & Barbeque Party!

7-5-2013

The Installers play the blues. Sounds simple, right? Think again. At one end of the band you have drummer Jim Burns itching for a romp through “Texas Flood,” or any other sort of Austin-inspired, guitar-driven blues. At the other end, guitarist Kevin Visnaskas is teaching The Installers Tiny Grimes’s 1940s jazz blues “Drinking Beer.” Yet this long-running combo formed by Burns and singer Stephen Clarke manages to pull it all together and remain a popular draw around New England...
"What’s cool about this band is the constant creative tension,” Visnaskas said. “I’m more the jazz guy, even though I grew up in rock bands and still love it. But if I had a second life, I’d be a jazz musician. Jimmy and Steve want to blast it out. I rein in, they push out.” And it works like a well-oiled machine." ...The Installers have been rockin' people in clubs around New England for more than thirteen years. They've played with some of the best: Roomful of Blues, Duke Robilard, and Sugar Ray Norcia to name a few. They’ve also had the privilege to play alongside Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee Jay Geils, who joined them for a handful of shows over the past several years and produced their first album, “Nail It”. Over the years the band has had line up changes but have stuck to their principle dynamic sound that fans come to expect at their shows. In the summer of 2009, after being together for almost 10 full years in one form or another, the band took a hiatus. Some of the members needed to get re-charged. Another left. And with that break and the idea brought up of having horns in the mix, the band has been resurrected!

Their current line-up is Stephen Clarke - vocals, Kevin Visnaskas - guitar, Shawn McCann - keyboards, Jim Burns - drums, John Bruner - bass guitar and Jeff Giacomelli - saxaphone.

Leon Russell

7-11-2013

Leon Russell has played on, arranged, wrote or produced some of rock and roll's most important records. He's released four Gold Albums himself. He penned "Delta Lady" that gave Joe Cocker his huge hit, "A Song for You" for Ray Charles. "Roll Away the Stone" for Mott the Hoople." George Benson's cover of Leon's "This Masquerade" was the first song in music history to occupy the number one spot on the jazz, pop, and R&B charts and won "Record of the Year" and a Grammy in 1976. He produced and played on sessions for Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, George Harrison, Delaney Bramlett, Ringo Starr, Elton John, BB King, Freddie King, Eric Clapton, J.J. Cale, Ike and Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, The Ventures, Bobby Darin, Wayne Newton, Sam Cooke, Johnny Mathis and on and on. He played on most of Phil Spector's landmark records. In the 70's he was reported by Billboard Magazine to be the top concert attraction in the world. He and his group The Starlighters, which included J.J.Cale, Chuck Blackwell and Johnny Williams, were instrumental in creating the school of music known as the Tulsa Sound. His albums "Shelter People" and "Carney" were responsible for some of his big hits like "Tight Rope", "Sweet Emily", "Smiles Just Like a River", "Magic Mirror" and "Masquerade". After receiving his fourth gold album for "Will O' The Wisp," which included the hit single "Lady Blue," he teamed with Willie Nelson and they achieved success with the "One For The Road" LP which won the Country Music Association's "Best Album of The Year." In the '90s he toured with Edgar Winter on a double bill for two years and shared the stage of Austin City Limits with him. In the 2000's he was touring with Dave Mason of Traffic fame. And most recently he and Elton John recorded a duet album produced by TBone Burnett, "The Union," which was released October 19, 2010. The single, "If It Wasn't For Bad" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. Leon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and given the Award for Recording Excellence in March 2011. He was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in June 2011. With each new reincarnation, Leon Russell proves why he's still the rock 'n' roll master.

Bob Marley - Comedy

7-12-2012 (Sawtelle Room)

Yes, he's back again! Bob always sells out, so get your tickets early.

This guy's not funny, he's a riot. Celebrating 15 years as a stand-up comic, Bob Marley is one of the hottest and most sought-after comedians in the country. He has been featured in his own special on Comedy Central, and is one of the few comics to do the complete late-night TV circuit: “The Late Show” with David Letterman, “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, “Late Night” with Conan O’Brien and “The Late Late Show” with Craig Ferguson and Craig Kilborn. A regular at the Aspen and Montreal comedy festivals, Marley was named one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch,” Marley has also appeared in several films, including the cult favorite, “Boondock Saints,” where he played Detective Greenley. Marley, a Maine native and University of Maine at Farmington graduate, uses biographical and observational material for his high-energy routines. He began his career in his hometown of Portland, and then moved to Boston to gain experience in a city known for spawning comedy all-stars. He works nonstop throughout the country, in such cities as Los Angles, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., Boston, New York and Denver. And after living in Los Angles for several years, he, his wife and three children have returned to Maine to live.
Watch video clip HERE         -              More info at: www.bmarley.com

Roy Book Binder

7-12-2013 (BALLROOM)

Back in the early 1960s, Roy Book Binder learned his craft from the legendary blind street singer, Reverend Gary Davis. After two years of traveling the folk-blues circuit with his mentor, Roy struck out on his own. Along the way, he befriended Pink Anderson, an old Carolina medicine show performer (who, by the way, was the "Pink" in Pink Floyd). Pink's stories and songs will forever be kept alive as long as Roy has a stage to perform on. Roy has toured with Bonnie Raitt, Hot Tuna and J.J. Cale. He's played at many festivals around the country including: The New Orleans JazzFest, the Chicago Blues Festival, The National Story Telling Festival and MerleFest, where he has hosted the acoustic blues stage for the past 14 years. A few years ago, the PBS Emmy Award-winning series "Arts Across America" joined him on the road, documenting his colorful career in a segment titled "Keeping Traditions Alive." For almost 40 years Roy Book Binder has traveled the world as a "keeper of the flame" and ambassador of the blues. He is certainly a national treasure and one of the finest fingerpickers working today.

Donna the Buffalo

7-13-2013

Donna the Buffalo's feel-good, groove-oriented, danceable and often socially conscious music all began over twenty years ago with roots in old time fiddle music that evolved into a soulful electric Americana mix infused with elements of cajun/ zydeco, rock, folk, reggae, and country. Some long-time fans still refer to the band as "Dawn of the Buffalo", the proposed group name before a slurred overture by an intoxicated M.C. dubbed them Donna the Buffalo to which the name stuck. Their dedicated fan base, self-named The Herd, follows the band with zeal and has created a unique and supportive community online and at DTB shows across the nation. The group’s core are vocalists Tara Nevins, who plays fiddle, guitar, accordion, and scrubboard, and guitarist Jeb Puryear. Keyboardist Dave McCracken, bassist Kyle Spark, and drummer Vic Stafford complete the ensemble. The dynamic songwriting tandem of Jeb Puryear and Tara Nevins have penned over 150 songs in their collaboration with DTB, and they show no signs of slowing down. They are known for touring the country remaining fiercely independent as one of the industry’s most diverse roots-music bands and have earned a reputation as one of the most respected, eclectic and hardest-working acts today. "Donna the Buffalo is in the enviable position of being a homegrown entity, a group that finds itself outside the coloring lines of the accepted formula, a formula that is now in the past tense...People doing what they love, and better, sharing that passion to the benefit of the public, is the strongest business formula ever written. Donna the Buffalo is living proof of that." states Beat Magazine. Edd Hurt with the Nashville Scene writes, "Folkies with a superior sense of rhythm are rare enough, but folkies with a good beat and a healthy disrespect for eclectic clich's are a national treasure....they’ve never sounded better..."

Listen HERE   -  More info at: www.donnathebuffalo.com/

Jim Hurst

7-14-2013 (Ballroom)

To listen to Jim Hurst is to be amazed by his tasteful and flawless performances. Perfect timing, tone and his unusual picking style has enchanted guitar players from the novice to his peers.
His eclectic career has made him a remarkable performer, an experienced instructor and a highly sought after session musician. Jim honed his musical style after being influenced by the likes of Tony Rice, Clarence White and Jerry Reed.
He received national exposure with Holly Dunn’s Rio Band, toured with Trisha Yearwood and several high profile television and radio appearances led to performances with Travis Tritt, the McCarter Sisters and Sara Evans. Itching to play more bluegrass, Jim joined the Grammy-nominated Claire Lynch and her Front Porch String Band in 1995 where he teamed up with kindred spirit bassist Missy Raines. Jim and Missy earned IBMA Guitar and Bass Player of the Year for 2001 and 2002, performing as a duo. With four solo works to his credit, Open Window , Second Son , A Box of Chocolates, and his latest 2012 release Intrepid , Jim’s virtuosity shines as he sways audiences with his deft finger work and smooth vocals. Jim performs his solo show full time and teaches at guitar workshops and music camps in North America and Europe. While he occasionally collaborates with other bluegrass greats - notably David Grisman, and Rob Ickes, his solo performance is what keeps audiences mesmerized.

“When I met Jim Hurst for the first time last summer, I was almost surprised to discover he has just two hands." - David Morris - Bluegrass Today

The Young Dubliners

7-19-2013

The Young Dubliners are quite possibly Celtic rock's hardest working band, playing hundreds of shows to thousands of fans across the US and Europe every year. In recent years they have twice appeared on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!, had songs featured in TV shows (Sons Of Anarchy, Human Target) and toured extensively as a headliner and as the opener for such a diverse list of artists as The Flaming Lips, Collective Soul, Jethro Tull, Johnny Lang and many more.

Although the Young Dubliners sound is most commonly called 'Celtic Rock', that label, as labels often can be, is misleading. The Irish influence is there, certainly, but it's not the only influence that rears its head on their albums, or in live shows. After all, several of the band members have no Irish roots of any kind. "That was always the idea", Keith Roberts, lead singer for the band explains. "The sound was always intended to be a hybrid because we all come from different backgrounds. Even though two of us are from Ireland, a lot of the music we listened to growing up wasn't Irish at all, but when we got here, we got homesick and developed a new appreciation for Irish Music. In truth the Celtic riffs can just as easily come from the American band members. Everyone writes now so you never know what you'll end up with when you start on a new album.

The band is currently in the midst of recording their ninth studio album. This will be a unique experience for the band as they plan to release it independently for the first time in their career.

"We had a few offers but decided we were well overdue to take things into our own hands," says Roberts, "After eight albums on various labels it just seemed right to go it alone for once and maintain full creative control."

However 'going it alone' did not mean without financial support and for that they turned to their fans. After only two weeks the band had received over half the necessary funds to complete the recording, manufacturing and marketing plan for the album and work began on February 1st, 2012. The road intervened as is usual for this non-stop touring band and the recording process was put on temporary hold as they commenced a long US summer tour followed by a month long European Fall run. Now, safely returned to the US, the band is back in the studio full time and hopes are high to finish the album by March. By any rate, a new CD should be available by this show

Matt Schofield Band

7-20-2013

British guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer Matt Schofield is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive and innovative guitarists to have emerged on the world scene for several generations. He is rated in the top ten British blues guitarists of all time (Guitar & Bass Magazine) putting him in the company of such iconic names as Eric Clapton and Peter Green. In his relatively short solo career Schofield’s prowess as a blues guitarist has taken his band to twelve countries; seen him playing with iconic guitarists like Buddy Guy and Robben Ford; and brought him high praise in the Penguin Book of Blues Recordings as one of only two living British artists in recording history to gain a maximum four-star rating.

British Blues Awards Guitarist of the Year 2010, 2011 & 2012
     (Putting him in the British Blues Awards Hall of Fame)
Mojo Magazine Blues Album of the Year 2011
British Blues Awards Album of the Year 2010

"In Schofield, the UK has produced the best blues guitarist from any country in decades." LA DAILY NEWS, USA

"Another level altogether." MOJO

"The best of his generation's European players. His feel for the music is incredible." VINTAGE GUITAR, USA

"Top ten British Blues guitarists of all time." GUITAR AND BASS

"The UK’s most exciting blues guitar player." GUITARIST

Watch a video clip HERE

North Shore Acappella

7-26-2013

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND - This is another group that set off a torrent of emails after their first show here last year.
A truly great show for the whole family.

For over 30 years North Shore Acappella has excited audiences throughout New England adding an experienced blend of harmony, rhythm and tempo to songs from the 1940's through today. They sing everything from Doo-wop to R&B and classic radio hits. Every performance is arranged in a way that showcases each singer in a lead role - a trait that very few acappella groups in the country can claim. This harmony is brought to you by Tommy Duarte, Paul Lopes, Jimmy Martin, Vinny Straccia, and Guy Chiapponi.

In 1991 North Shore Acappella won The National Harmony Sweepstakes in San Rafael, California. Defeating six other top finalists from across the country. The special art of delivering music without instrumental accompaniment is what North Shore Acappella is all about. This award-winning group offers a continuously fresh repertoire comprising hundreds of popular hits.

In 2011 they were featured on NBC’s The Sing Off, dazzling listeners across the country. Thirty-five groups auditioned in Boston alone, and 250 auditioned nationwide for the contest. They have also appeared as the opening act for The Temptations, The Platters, Ben E. King, Johnny Maestro, Al Jarreau, Roberta Flack, Frankie Vallie, and Gene Pitney.

Most recently they opened for Jay Leno at The Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood, CA.

Trampled Under Foot

7-27-2013

Siblings Danielle, Kris and Nick Schnebelen grew up with the Blues. Their parents, Bob and Lisa, were active in the thriving Kansas City Blues scene, playing in local bands and competing in the Kansas City Blues Challenge. Bob and Lisa’s band didn’t make it to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis — but their kids did. When TUF arrived in Memphis for the 2008 IBC they were followed by huge, wildly enthusiastic throngs of hometown supporters, eager to cheer for their favorite musical family. And when TUF took First Place in the competition and Nick won the Albert King award for best guitarist, it was a sweet victory for the Schnebelen family and for Kansas City itself. TUF has been on a roll ever since, becoming popular repeat headliners at clubs, festivals and cruises around the world and releasing CDs and a DVD on their own label (TUF Records).
Trampled Under Foot’s brand new CD, Wrong Side of the Blues was produced by Tony Braunagel, and features guest appearances by Mike Finnigan, Kim Wilson, and engineer/guitarist Johnny Lee Schell. It also features one of their dad’s songs, and backup vocals by their mom. In the future, when people speak of the great Blues dynasties, musical families who breathed the same musical air and produced the highest form of the art, chances are they’ll refer to the Allmans, the Dickinsons, the Burnsides, the Brookses, the Neals… and the Schnebelens.

Watch video HERE

Doubtful Guest featuring Siobhan Magnus

8-2-2013

American Idol finalist, Siobhan Magnus is the new lead singer of Doubtful Guest, a band comprised of bassist Sammy Hudson (Everclear), drummer Tommy Stewart (Godsmack, Fuel), guitarist Peter Klett (Candlebox) and guitarist Tony Fredianelli (Third Eye Blind).  What can fans expect? The 22-year old Barnstable, Mass native is pleased to report that her arena rock vocals are ready for a workout, which they'll surely get as she belts out hits representative of each band member. Think: the full-on crescendo of Candlebox’s anthemic “Far Behind,” Third Eye Blind’s “Semi-Charmed Life,” Everclear’s “Santa Monica” or Godsmack’s “Voodoo" and you get the picture. “The set will be carefully selected ‘90s rock songs, with some alt-rock music re-invented,” she says. “The arrangements will bring new life to the songs.” The group is also working on original material. “I am so excited -- they are all very experienced players,” Magnus adds.

Jaimoe's Jasssz Band

8-3-2013

Legendary drummer and founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, Jaimoe and his Jasssz Band play American music. They combine elements of Blues, Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, and R&B into a unique blend that captures the spirit and stirs the soul. Their repertoire ranges from new interpretations of Allman Brothers and other classic tunes to original songs that are classics in the making. Jaimoe's Band features Jaimoe on drums, Junior Mack on guitar & vocals, Dave Stoltz on bass, Bruce Katz on keyboards and some of the finest horn players of our time, including Paul Lieberman on sax, flute, & piccalo, Kris Jensen on sax and Reggie Pittman on trumpet.

Born in Mississippi in 1944, Jaimoe came up playing the soul music circuit. One of his first big breaks and most treasured recollections is touring behind the legendary Otis Redding. “I learned so much from Otis,” Jaimoe says. In 1969, a few years after his experiences with Redding, Jaimoe found himself in Macon, Georgia, where he was introduced to a young hotshot guitarist named Duane Allman by record execs Phil Walden and Jerry Wexler. “I guess they figured that a long-haired hippie and a strange-ass drummer would be good together,” Jaimoe says. Along with Duane’s younger brother Gregg Allman on keyboards, second guitarist Dickey Betts, and an exceptional rhythm section that included bassist Berry Oakley and Jaimoe’s 40-plus-year drum partner Butch Trucks, the Allman Brothers Band was soon on its way to immortality.

“No one thing determines what I am or who I am,” says Jaimoe. "This is improvised, American music. "That’s why it’s Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band. When I go onstage, it’s like the first time I’ve picked up a pair of drumsticks, there must be that challenge. When I don’t feel like that anymore, it’s time to find something else to do.”

Tempest

8-9-2013

Since forming in 1988, Tempest has delivered a globally-renowned hybrid of high-energy Folk Rock fusing Irish reels, Scottish ballads, Norwegian influences and other world music elements. The last 24 years have seen the San Francisco Bay Area based act release fifteen critically acclaimed CDs and play more than 2,000 gigs. It's also enjoyed an evolving line-up that's enabled musicianship and creativity to rise with each new member. Hailing from Oslo, Norway, founding member and lead singer/electric mandolinist, Lief Sorbye, is recognized as a driving force in the modern folk-rock movement. He started Tempest after years of touring and recording on the folk circuit. San Francisco fiddler Kathy Buys brings her international award winning playing to the Tempest stage. Her experience performing world-fusion music with high energy dance bands combined with many years of playing Irish traditional music in America and Ireland makes her a perfect fit for Tempest. Newcomer Caith Threefires is from Boston. He's an old friend of the band, with a strong background in both Rock-n-Roll and Traditional Folk Music - he brings down the house with his energetic stage presence and skillful bass playing! Born in Colorado and brought up in small town Missouri, Gregory Jones is the latest in a long line of Tempest guitar greats. His fiery licks and hard-rocking approach to the instrument, combined with his experience and understanding of Celtic music is a fast favorite with fans, new and old alike. Cuban-born drummer Adolfo Lazo, an original Tempest member, colors the band's sound with inventive rhythms, and rock-steady drumming.
Signed to WEA-distributed Magna Carta Records, Tempest's releases are acclaimed worldwide. The group's latest studio CD, "Another Dawn," finds the band in peak form as it showcases inventive original and traditional material. Tempest is regularly featured at prestigious festivals including The Philadelphia Folk Festival, Denmark's Skagen Festival, Britain's Cropredy Festival and The Winnipeg Folk Festival in Canada. The band is also a mainstay at countless American Celtic festivals.

Natalie Turgeon Band

8-10-2013

Natalie Turgeon is a masterful vocalist, bringing a sultry and soulful side to all her music. She can morph from a softly and gently whispering angel, into rockin' raging powerhouse in the blink of an eye. Natalie has been on many stages this past year; from local venues and charity events to opening for country legend Ricky Skaggs and singing the national anthem on ESPN for hundreds of thousands at the Sylvania 300. And while she adores Country Music, Natalie is expanding with her band into Pop and Rock, wanting to express her soulful voice. As Natalie states “Music connects us to each other and stirs up our raw emotions. I love singing to my audience and being able to take them on a journey through my experiences and passions.” Her first original song "Countryish," brought her and her band to Austin, Texas, where the music video for the song earned her more than double the popular votes of any other contestant in the national competition, Dodge Ram's Battle of the Bands.
In one short year Turgeon claimed 2010 NHCMA’s best female vocalist of the year and 2010 NHCMA’s best female entertainer of the region. She also took by popular vote 2011 Cider Magazine’s Best Vocalist. Natalie and her band also landed in the finals, of the long running televised New England talent showcase, Community Auditions. Most recently, they were voted the Best Local Band Playing Mostly Original Songs in the "Best of 2012" issue of Hippo Magazine, voted Best Country Band 2012 by Cider Magazine, and were nominated for the prestigious New England Music Award for Best Country Band.

“Lead singer Natalie Turgeon belted out the lyrics with such force and conviction that you’d swear she was born in the Grand Ole Opry rather than New Hampshire.” - Ramzone

"It’s not easy to do country, and it’s not easy to rock out. Natalie mixed both seamlessly and instantly morphed into one badass chick–that can really sing..." - Wendy Geller, Yahoo Music

Natalie's fans call it "Nattitude".

The Coryells - A Father and Sons Trio

8-16-2013

• Larry Coryell - Guitar
• Julian Coryell - Guitar and Vocals
• Murali Coryell - Guitar and Vocals

Larry Coryell formed The Eleventh House, one of fusion's most influential groups, in the 1970's and has unleashed his guitar sorcery with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie and Charles Mingus to Randy Brecker and Chico Hamilton. Following in their father's steps, Julian and Murali both have rising musical careers.
The legend and his progeny deliver an astounding performance of amazing and diverse yet family-familiar guitar playing. Murali lends himself to more of a blues feel in both his awesome vocals and soulful playing while Julian has more of the jazz genius in his playing and amazing pop-sensibility vocals. Larry, of course, has created his own unique sound and has toured the world for over 50 years!  His style of guitar playing is diverse in itself; ranging from jazz be-bop to rock to country to classical to blues - you name the style, he can play it very well.  They don't call him the "Godfather of Fusion" for nothing!
Mix all three together and what do you get? A smoking blend of jazz and blues that will turn heads and ears.

On "The Coryells," their first-ever recording together, Larry's seminal approach to jazz guitar meshes naturally with Murali's blues guitar/vocals and Julian's lyrical jazz guitar riffs. Featuring a special blend of new songs, stellar jams and standout covers, The Coryells showcases both the complex interplay of their guitars and their unique familial ability to groove. Larry's "Sentenza Del Cuore" drips with delicate, flamenco-styled accents. Julian's lyrical "Sink or Swim" reveals a composer who is mature beyond his years. And Murali's searing vocals on "Love and Happiness" and the classic "Goodbye Porkpie Hat" will have your soul crying out for mercy. After one listen, it will be quite clear that playing guitar was a way of life in the Coryell household

Debbie Davies Band

8-17-2013

Having gotten her break with a supporting role in Albert Collins’ Icebreakers, Debbie has gone on to be one of the most outstanding guitarists in the blues world. In 1997 and again in 2010 she received the W.C. Handy Award for “Best Contemporary Female Blues Artist”.
Davies cut her teeth playing in blues and rock ‘n roll bands in the San Francisco Bay area before returning to Los Angeles in 1984, where she landed the lead guitar spot in Maggie Mayall and the Cadillacs, an all-female band led by wife of British blues pioneer, John Mayall. In 1988 she was recruited by Albert Collins to join the Icebreakers, and for the next three years she was a featured guitarist performing behind one of the most innovative bluesmen of all time. During her tenure with Albert, Debbie was invited to perform on John Mayall’s 1990 album, "A Sense of Place," and in 1991 she recorded with Collins and the Icebreakers on his Grammy nominated self-titled release. In September 1993 she came out with her debut solo release, "Picture This," on Blind Pig Records, which featured a cameo by Collins on “I Wonder Why.” People like to ask Debbie if she learned her technique from Collins, to which she gently points out that she had to play well from the start to hold her own with Albert at every performance. However, the experience taught her lessons in being a better musician, both onstage and off. Says Davies, “It was the most powerful band I had ever played with, so I learned to dig even deeper into myself to pull out the music. Albert was a man of so much grace and kindness, so I can only hope that I was able to absorb some of his humanity too.
Since 1993, Debbie has produced eleven solo recordings and two collaborative CD’s. The roster of other artists who have joined Debbie in the studio on her recordings reads like a who’s who of the blues: Albert Collins, Ike Turner, James Cotton, Mick Taylor, Peter Green, Coco Montoya,  Chris “Whipper” Layton, Sugar Ray Norcia, Mudcat Ward, Charlie Musselwhite, Bruce Katz, Per Hanson, Noel Neal, and Rod Carey. In 2009, Debbie Davies released the ground-breaking and acclaimed all instrumental CD, "Holdin' Court," on Vizz Tone Records. Her new CD, "After the Fall," features songs written by Debbie's long time drummer Don Castagno and a guest appearance by pianist Bruce Katz.
A thirty-year veteran of the road, this latest recording leaves no doubt that Debbie Davies is truly one of the leading lights on the contemporary blues music scene today.

"She wields an electric guitar as if it were a wand." – LA Times

“She pulls out all the stops. She can play it all: seductive, soulful material, down-home Delta blues or humorous tales of life on the road.”- Blues Revue

Debbie plays from the heart and her heart has a lot to say. She inspires me. - Charlie Musselwhite

I don't often give endorsements or references, but once in a rare while I hear a musician of such talent that I want people to know. I believe my reputation backs up my ability to recognize exceptional blues guitarists. Such a one is Debbie Davies. - John Mayall

Watch Debbie HERE   -   More info at: http://debbiedavies.com/

Shawn Mullins

8/22/2013

You probably remember Shawn Mullins from his 1998 hit "Lullaby." Though "Lullaby" has come and gone on the airwaves, Mullins' career has hardly been put to rest. Since we last heard from him on 2008's "Honeydew", the Atlanta-based singer songwriter and bandleader has undergone a series of transformative experiences, leading to a second coming for the veteran artist. Evidence of Mullins' newfound level of musical and lyrical ambition courses comes through with "Light You Up" (Vanguard Records, Oct. 12). This captivating new song cycle will likely be viewed as a flat-out revelation even by Mullins' most fervent fans. His experiences in Nashville included an indoctrination into the collaborative creative process by numerous bouts of intensive co-writing, in one instance putting him atop of the country charts via a key contribution to the Zac Brown Band's "Toes," marking his third #1 single, following 1999's "Lullaby" and the 2006 Triple A/Americana chart-topper "Beautiful Wreck." Further co-writing yielded nine of the 11 songs on the new album, which Mullins believes represents the strongest, most expressive writing of his distinguished career. All of this creative activity was topped off by the birth of Shawn's first child, Murphy, in August of 2009.
More info at: www.shawnmullins.com/

The Last Waltz LIVE

8-25-2013

An all-star re-creation of the Band's classic concert film
Featuring the Rev Tor Band & friends
A benefit for Music in Common

The Last Waltz LIVE is a re-creation of The Band’s classic 1978 concert film "The Last Waltz" featuring The Rev Tor Band and friends. The show includes renditions of all the hits by The Band featured in the film, such as “The Weight”, “Up On Cripple Creek”, and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” as well as songs by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Eric Clapton and many more. A diverse array of local, regional, and national artists perform the songs of the film’s original special guests, making the show a unique, all-star experience showcasing the finest talent from the local music scene and beyond. All profits from the Last Waltz LIVE benefit Music in Common, a non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen, empower, and educate communities through the universal language of music.

Visit www.lastwaltzlive.org and www.youtube.com/lastwaltzlive to learn more.

Carolyn Wonderland

08-30-2013

If you remember her when she was here last summer, I know you'll be back.
A musical force equipped with the soulful vocals of Janis and the guitar slinging skills of Stevie Ray, Carolyn Wonderland reaches into the depths of the Texas blues tradition with the wit of a poet. She hits the stage with unmatched presence, a true legend in her time.

WATCH CAROLYN HERE or HERE - IN GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE HERE

"She'd grown up as the child of a singer in a band and began playing her mother's vintage Martin guitar when other girls were dressing dolls. She'd gone from being the teenage toast of her hometown Houston to sleeping in her van in Austin amid heaps of critical acclaim for fine recordings "Alcohol & Salvation," "Bloodless Revolution," and most recently, "Miss Understood." Along with the guitar and the multitude of other instruments she learned to play – trumpet, accordion, piano, mandolin, lap steel – Wonderland's ability to whistle remains most unusual. By age 15 she had absorbed Houston influences like Little Screamin' Kenny and soaked up the Mad Hatter of Texas music, Doug Sahm. The Lone Star State was as credible and fertile a proving ground for blues in the '80s as existed, especially in Austin with Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Angela Strehli, Omar & the Howlers, and Lou Ann Barton all in their prime. By the following decade, Austin's blues luster thinned, but Houston, always a bastion of soul and R&B, boasted the "Imperial Monkeys" with the effervescent Carolyn Wonderland as ruler of the jungle. Her circle of musician friends and admirers broadened to include Ray Benson, the late Eddy Shaver, Shelley King, and yes, Bob Dylan, who likened her composition "Bloodless Revolution" to "a mystery movie theme." She also claims membership in the all-girl Sis Deville, the gospel-infused Imperial Crown Golden Harmonizers, and takes aw-shucks credit for inspiring Amsterdam's annual WonderJam.

"Carolyn Wonderland is the real deal! She's an amazing guitar player. She whistled a solo & even played the trumpet! And damn, can she sing." - Los Angeles Times

"One of the most impressively powerful voices recently heard anywhere, regardless of sex." - Matt Weitz, Dallas Observer

"A seething-hot Texas singer-guitarist. And she can write, too!... No wonder Dylan is an avowed fan." - Daniel Gewertz, Boston Herald

"Her voice can be as beautiful as an angel and as powerful as a Class 5 hurricane all within the drop of a hat" - Dante Dominick, Rockzillaworld Magazine  

BLUE COUPE - Joe Bouchard, Albert Bouchard & Dennis Dunaway

9-7-2013

The three iconic rock stars in Blue Coupe are the angry orphans of Blue Öyster Cult and the Alice Cooper group, and they're out to prove something to the world with show-stopping performances and a wall shaking sound that keeps their legion of fans calling for more.
Blue Coupe's multi-talented entertainers include Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Dennis Dunaway bassist of the legendary Alice Cooper group, along side multi-instrumentalist, Joe Bouchard who founded Blue Öyster Cult with his brother Albert Bouchard master of the drums. These revolutionary originals were the heartbeat of several of the best known songs in the history of rock. And note for note, their full-throttle expertise hits you over the head and grabs you by the heart in Blue Coupe.
With the original Alice Cooper group, Dennis co-wrote smash hits including "I'm 18," "School's Out," and "Under My Wheels" while Albert and Joe were co-writers and arrangers of many of Blue Öyster Cult's biggest hits including "Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll," "Hot Rails to Hell," and "Astronomy" (covered by Metallica). Joe, Albert and Dennis have sold over 15 million albums and have been awarded over 30 gold and platinum records worldwide.
In 1973 Blue Öyster Cult opened shows for the Alice Cooper group on a record-breaking tour of outdoor festivals and sold-out arenas that made the cover of Forbes magazine for the highest grossing tour of the year. As Alice Cooper became world famous with hits like "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and "Elected", Blue Öyster Cult continued with their own sold-out tours with hits like "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and "Burnin' For You." BÖC also pioneered their own groundbreaking stage show with rock's most elaborate lazer light show with pryotechnical explosions and a ginormous Godzilla.
But Blue Coupe have found continuing glory with their highly acclaimed album, "Tornado On The Tracks," which has multiple Grammy considerations in 2011 and 2012, including "Angel's Well" featuring Robby Krieger legendary guitarist for The Doors. And Blue Coupe continue to tour North America and Europe with such illustrious shows as the "Halloween Parade" in New York City where they were seen by more than a million people.
Blue Coupe are wrapping up their second album, featuring Tish and Snooky from Manic Panic, Ross the Boss from Manowar and the Dictators, Buck Dharma from Blue Öyster Cult and Goldy McJohn from Steppenwolf as special guest stars. The album was recorded at the Carriage House Studios in Stamford CT and is being mixed in LA’s Swing House Studios by Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, John Lennon, Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper, BOC, etc.) and Warren Huart (Aerosmith, The Fray, James Blunt, etc.)

Suzy Bogguss

9-15-2013

Grammy Award-winning and Platinum-selling artist Suzy Bogguss is a big country star. She has one of the finest voices to grace the stage in a very long time! Her "20 Greatest Hits" and nine albums on Capitol Records Nashville are a testament to that claim! Suzy is an artist who is constantly chasing the muse wherever it may lead, covering Country, Swing, Jazz and Americana Roots with grace. Her latest project, “American Folk Songbook,” was released worldwide in August 2011 and the live performance of this material has been lauded as a show not to miss!
She has one platinum and three gold albums, six top ten singles, and has won the Academy of Country Music’s award for Top New Female Vocalist (1988) and the Country Music Association’s Horizon Award (1992). You may have seen her on Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion Tour. In 1994 she recorded an album with Chet Atkins called "Simpatico", which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Vocal Collaboration. Chet said that Suzy has a voice that "sparkles like crystal." But it's not only her voice that makes her a crowd favorite. It's also her huge heart, which is always present at her shows, warming the audience to anything she might try. Fans and critics alike have admired Suzy’s vocal style, musicianship, and meaningful lyrics for decades. And after years in the spotlight, she remains one of the rare artists who has managed to walk the line between critical acclaim and commercial success.

"I think I learned what fans want, what really makes them happy, which is real simple. They just want people who sing to them genuinely. If you can do that, I think they're gonna give you all the love you need to keep you going." - Suzy Bogguss

Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez

9-20-2013

This queen of blue-eyed rock n’ soul, who grew up loving equally the sweetness of a Memphis horn line and the raunch of an electric guitar riff, whether played by Muddy Waters, Keith Richards, or Pop Staples, teased her blonde hair into a beehive in honor of Ronnie Spector and never looked back, picking up a guitar and forging a career as a songwriter in the process. She’s the current, long-time vocalist with the Saturday Night Live Band, whose latest CD, 2010’s "The Deep End," was honored on five national Top Ten lists and features special guests/duet partners Ian Hunter, Dion DiMucci, and Marshall Crenshaw, plus Levon Helm, GE Smith, Andy York, Eric “Roscoe” Ambel, Catherine Russell, Big Al Anderson, and others.
Ohlman’s legendary voice and stage presence (she’s known as “The Beehive Queen” for her towering blonde hairdo) have most recently been featured at the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Concert in Cleveland (filmed by HBO) the Carnegie Hall tribute to the Rolling Stones, the 2012 WC Handy Festival (where she was the special guest of the Blind Boys Of Alabama), and The Little Kids Rock NYC concert honoring Little Steven Van Zandt (onstage with Springsteen, vanZandt and Southside Johnny Lyon), as well as on SNL’s 25th Anniversary telecast; Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary Bash at The Garden (with George Harrison, Chrissie Hynde, and others); the Obama Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C.; The Lincoln Center “American Songbook” series with Sting, Lou Reed and Van Dyke Parks; and the Central Park Summerstage Tribute To Janis Joplin (where she fronted both Big Brother & The Holding Company and the Kozmic Blues Band).
She appears on Grammy nominees A Tribute To Howlin’ Wolf (with Taj Mahal and Lucinda Williams) and Charlie Musselwhite’s One Night In America (with Marty Stuart); sings the theme song for NBC’s 30 Rock; worked on a musical with the late Cy Coleman (who compared her sense of timing to Peggy Lee’s); duets live with friends like the aforementioned Miss Spector, Mac Rebennack (a private evening of duets in 2011 followed his inducution into the Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Fame).
“I’ve come here tonight to set your souls on fire,” she’ll tell an audience. And she will.

“You may not know Christine Ohlman by name, but you surely know the beehive haired blonde by sign and sound, from her regular stint as vocalist in the Saturday Night Live Band. Truth is, those 15-second musical stingers after the comedy bits don’t do her justice. On her own, Ohlman is one terrific, tough-as-nails singer and songwriter, mixing up hook-happy, hum-along rock , blues and pop originals with the kind of panache I haven’t enjoyed since Bette Midler was working the cabaret circuit.” - Rick Selvin

Candye Kane

10-12-2013

Seven time National Blues Awards Nominee Candye Kane has been called a survivor, a superhero and the toughest girl alive. A Los Angeles native, she is the 21st century version of Bessie Smith, singing a tough, smart, sassy and showbiz-savvy blend of blues and soul that takes no prisoners of any persuasion. Kane has been a lot of things in her life, from a mother and serious student to a pinup girl and actress (both on-stage and in risqué, to say the least, movies). She’d be just another fringe player in L.A. except for one thing - she can sing like nobody’s business and she has a sexy, intelligent and passionate musical vision to match her voice. On "Sister Vagabond," her tenth album, Kane has really put it all together for her finest studio outing yet, mixing blues, torch soul and funky swing numbers together into a smart and brassy whole; helped immeasurably by the brilliant guitar playing of longtime cohort Laura Chavez. The album, which was released on August 16, 2011 on Delta Groove Records and was #1 on the Living Blues Charts and on Sirius/XM Radio for two months, opens up with a fiery version of Johnny "Guitar" Watson's “I Love to Love You,” and it never stops til you reach the end. Kane sings her heart out on song after song, sometimes with a wink, sometimes with a sexy bravado, and sometimes with an indignant sense of injustice. She is nominated for the BB King Entertainer of the Year Award and Best Contemporary Blues Female for 2012. Candye Kane is an empowered, intelligent woman with a clear idea of what she’s doing, what era she’s in, and what her politics are, and best of all, she knows how to sing the blues in all of its flavors, and she sings 'em like she’s been there and done that and isn’t afraid of what the end of the night brings.

Peter Yarrow

10/19/2013

Peter Yarrow met Noel "Paul" Stookey and Mary Travers in Greenwich Village sometime around 1959 and by 1962 Warner Brothers Records released the Trio's first album, the eponymous "Peter, Paul & Mary". The album remained in the Top Ten for ten months, in the Top Twenty for two years and sold more than two million copies.
Peter’s talents as a creative artist, both with the legendary trio and as a solo performer, are frequently directed at using music to convey a message of humanity and caring. His gift for songwriting has produced some of the most moving songs from Peter, Paul & Mary, including “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” “Day is Done," “Light One Candle” and “The Great Mandala.” As a member of the renowned musical trio, Yarrow has earned multiple gold and platinum albums, as well as numerous GRAMMYs.
Peter's work as a solo artist is also stellar, turning any venue into a living room and encouraging the audience to change their part of the world. His shows are memorable evenings rooted in the historic milestones of his past, yet focused on the current issues that continue to call him to activism. Peter Yarrow’s life and work, culminating in the founding and leadership of "Operation Respect" with its “Don’t Laugh At Me” initiative, is based on his passionate belief that music, with its power to build community and catalyze change, can be a particularly powerful organizing tool.
And he writes and sings great songs....

The Tubes w/ Fee Waybill

11-01-2013 * THIS IS A HALLOWEEN SHOW - COME PREPARED!

From humble beginnings in Phoenix, Arizona to the streets of San Francisco THE TUBES were catapulted into Rock and Roll’s limelight in the mid 1970’s with such classic rock staples as White Punks On Dope, What Do You Want From Life, Mondo Bondage, Don’t Touch Me There, Sushi Girl, Talk To Ya Later and their Number 1 Billboard hit She’s A Beauty. No matter how memorable their recordings were, the lifeline of the band has always been their live performance. From the exuberant and imaginative to the outrageous, they continue to perform for hordes of fans throughout the world. Their current line up (still retaining four original members) consists of the enigmatic and unforgettable vocalist Fee Waybill, the elusive guitarist Roger Steen, the solid bass playing of Rick Anderson, the legendary Prairie Prince on drums, and keyboardist extroardinaire David Medd. The Tubes didn't invent the idea of rock & roll as theater, but they have certainly thrived on the concept. Few bands have had a more entertaining and over the top live show. Their influence can be seen in many of the visually oriented groups of today such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Marilyn Manson and others. Though they may have been ahead of their time in the eighties, they haven’t lost a step and continue to reinvent themselves. In a world where visual stimulation is king, they are right at home and masters of their domain. They’ve been recognized not only as a great band to watch, but a great band period! They continue to write clever, provocative material as heard on their most recent critically acclaimed release Genius Of America and continue to add to their body of work with DVD/Video releases from their live shows including The Tubes World Tour and the 2005 release Wild In London. They are currently in the studio preparing all new material for their new recording and tour. Though their roots are steeped in the classic rock they’ve created, The Tubes continue to innovate, evolve and ignite, no matter where they go.