Filthy Still w/ Henry's Rifle
Filthy Still is a band from Providence RI. These cats really hit it hard, and we're very excited to get them on the No Pepper stage. You can read their whole bio through the link, and it's worth a read. This band has had some reasons for quitting, but so far they've come through with an intensity that only adversity can breed.
Any time I hear a banjo in a punkacana context, I can't help but think of Dave Macon (he ain't my uncle). A lot of the old time cats only got any recognition in their later days. I think Dave Macon would have been in good company with any of the young dude/tte/s out there hitting the highways today in their rusty econolines with a trailer full of instruments that didn't used to go together like banjos and Fender Twin Reverbs and drums and stuff. I guess Macon would have been pretty comfortable with Henry's Rifle or Filthy Still, or any of the ball busting bands from Muddy Roots.
We're totally stoked that they're coming to Americana Tuesdays on Feb. 14th with Henry's Rifle. Henry's Rifle is continuing to hit the road like a trooper, carrying his message with a machine gun banjo and a head full of fire. Keep an eye on this dude: with a work ethic like this and a stage performance like he's got, he might go far, provided his van don't bust.
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The Music of Bill Monroe
Friday, January 13th, Dan Johnson and his Expert Bluegrass Pickers are going to be up at Caffe Lena, gathering with a bunch of local pickers to celebrate the music of Bill Monroe, legendary songwriter, mandolinist, and tenor singer. Known as The Father of Bluegrass Music, his great spirit still stretches over the ever-growing borders of the genre and infuses the harmonies and breaks with a driving seriousness. Don't miss this great opportunity to hear a bunch of great picking and singing.
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The Year Detuned:
Highlights from a Dark Club
I'd have to say one of the most amazing thing I've ever seen at Valentine's is Star Anna and the Laughing Dogs performing to about 15 people. Star Anna has major starpower. She's also got the most satisfying and aching aesthetic about her textures and sounds. Def get with her music if you're into any kind of electric americana.
One of the other highlights from this year has to be the Hayes Carll show, even though I mistook some English hippie for Carll out in front of the club. Carll has the stage presence of someone who's been on the road a long time, but not too long. It's like seeing a burning firework on the way up into the big dark glowing sky. His songs are hard hitting and straight up, with a good measure of self-effacement and some good-natured irony.
I think my absolute favorite moment of this year, though, was the Blackwell Sinners' performance of "Kansas Was a Good Man," way back in February. They did the last couple choruses a capella, and everyone in the place was singing along and clapping. In that moment I knew everything was good about the place where I lived and the people I knew, and that things were going to work out.
Americana Tuesdays has come a long way since last February, when we kicked off the series with an amazing show featuring Woody Pines and his spectacular band including David Long and Zack Pozebanchuk. We've had a blast with everyone that's come through this year, and we'd like to recognize a few folks who've helped us along the way.
Thanks first and foremost to the continued support and encouragement of Howe Glassman, who's responsible for the venue and the weekly concept. We're not worthy!
Next, thanks to our sponsors, especially Chris Wienk and the crew at WEXT and Greg Haymes and the people at Nippertown.
Last, thanks to all the sidemen. These are the cats who really keep things going between shows, and I'm lucky as hell to have had the chance to play with all these guys: Pete Murphy, Max Figarsky, Roger Noyes, Evan Gavry, Brian Elsenbeck, Jeff Arensberg, Dan Archer, and Dave Walsh.
It's been a real fun year. Stay tuned or get tuned!
