Johnny Cash Tribute recap

We had a fun time last night kicking off the 2010 Americana Music Tribute series with the Johnny Cash tribute at 6 Pence. Aaron Whited, Steve Peck, Matt and Will Kirkland, Jonny Nutter and a band that includes Matt Zyla (who works for the shelter) all did great sets. We had a "surprise" performer, in the middle there, who I will have to track down the name of, and he did a couple of numbers borrowing Steve's guitar. The contests were fun, and lots of good prizes were given out. The "I've Been Everywhere" verse reciting is getting to be quite the tradition, and the giving of the Johnny Cash action figure is getting to be quite the hype! This year was added a Folsom Prison wall clock (and time keeps dragging on....) the t-shirts and tickets to the next event, add to the overall "flow" of the series, so that is a good thing. Thanks to all the musicians who performed and the audience for coming out; and thanks to Kim at 6 Pence and her crew.
The vinyl record event commemoratives that Lisa D-P made were a big hit!!!

Loyalty to my good old music blog

I have been posting this blog for a good while; it serves me well to chronicle my musical meanderings and following the Greens, the Americana Tribute shows, the concerts and shows I attend, and some musical discoveries. I feel a little sheepish, having switched over one important thing over to a facebook page- I have been posting (over there) a song of the day for a few weeks. I enjoy getting some feedback THERE about the songs I select- some quick replies from a wide variety of people; so that's been fun, as opposed to the dominant lack of responses to posts here! I should post these songs of the day both places, just for the sake of steadiness.
For instance, today's post over there was : Jerry Jeff Walker's "Mr. Bojangles."
This one goes deep into my favorites lists from way back: how Jerry Jeff captured the story of a great American character so well; such a well covered song over the years- Jerry Jeff brought a great one into the music world with this one!

Tonight: 5th Annual Johnny Cash Tribute benefit in Parkersburg

Tonight we are holding our 5th annual Johnny Cash (birthday Feb 26) Tribute, as a benefit for Children's Home Society of West Virginia, Parkersburg, and our work with area children and families. $5 donation at the door. The show starts at 9 pm tonight, at 6 Pence Pub on 7th St. in Parkersburg. Local musicians play sets of songs celebrating the life and music of Johnny Cash. There are a few contests and door prizes interspersed throughout the evening. The music will begin right at 9 pm with Aaron Whited the first act. Aaron is a local musician with lots of enthusiasm for the music of Johnny Cash. From there we have about 5-6 other acts lined up, all of which will pour lots of enthusiasm and creativity and musical skills into their sets. Get ready for a good evening of music, and if you are scattered across the country, or can't make it out in the weather, look for a report over the next few days here.

Here is a link to a Johnny Cash tribute contest from No Depression

http://www.nodepression.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2342817%3ABlogPost%3A121616

Avett Brothers show last night in Athens Ohio

The Avett Brothers and their adoring audience had a great show last night in Athens Ohio. Apparently the first show on a tour, after two month off- they love the Athens scene and crowd, and the crowd loves them! Low Anthem opened (Rhode Island group)-

lyrics to Man in Black- wear Black this Friday for Johnny

"Man In Black"
Well, you wonder why I always dress in black,
Why you never see bright colors on my back,
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.
Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.

I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,
Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,
But is there because he's a victim of the times.

I wear the black for those who never read,
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,
About the road to happiness through love and charity,
Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.

Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose,
In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes,
But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back,
Up front there ought 'a be a Man In Black.

I wear it for the sick and lonely old,
For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold,
I wear the black in mournin' for the lives that could have been,
Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.

And, I wear it for the thousands who have died,
Believen' that the Lord was on their side,
I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died,
Believen' that we all were on their side.

Well, there's things that never will be right I know,
And things need changin' everywhere you go,
But 'til we start to make a move to make a few things right,
You'll never see me wear a suit of white.

Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,
And tell the world that everything's OK,
But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,
'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black.

Traveling Music- great stuff!

Two trips to Charleston and back the last two days. I listened to Guy Clark's new CD "Somedays the song writes you" and Will Kimbrough's new CD "Wings" and snuck John Hiatt "Same Old Man" in there too. (Awaiting his new CD soon). Well, I can't help it, I'm an old fashioned music listener- I LIKE hearing these guys music, as a full CD- the way THEY put the songs together- I LOVE all three of these singer songwriters, and greatly admire and respect their full body of work, and so I WANT to hear a CD all the way through, the way they chose it- On Guy's the storytelling is fantastic, and you love going from one to the next- his ways of observing a relationship, turns of phrases and his worldly voice.
Will's is also a great listening experience for me- nice tunes and sharp lyrics and messages in the songs- he ties in the angel/ wings/ miracle themes among the songs, so that you want to listen to it through and through. And then back to John Hiatt, just such life experiences portrayed in these songs- and better as a whole, if that can even be (the individual songs are great!!) but the themes and observations of life are a great whole too.

Avett Brothers in Athens tomorrow night

The Avett Brothers will play tomorrow night at OU in Athens. They are a big favorite in the area; and are bound to have an enthusiastic audience rarin' to go. Low Anthem opens for them, starting at 7:30 pm. Mem Aud.

Johnny Cash Tribute this coming Saturday

Saturday beginning at 9 pm we will be having our 5th annual Johnny Cash Tribute as part of the Children's Home Society of WV-Parkersburg's Americana Music Tribute Series. I began these tribute shows, actually 8 years ago, with the first John Prine tribute, and they have built to a 6-8 show series, all centered around live local music events, (though there have been some documentary movie nights, too) The Johnny Cash tribute is the second longest running event. For three years it was held at the Boreman Wheel House in downtown Parkersburg, hosted by Chris Hopkins, and the other fine people that used to run the Wheel House over those years. The Wheel House was the Greens "home away from home"- with many memorable holiday shows, CD releases, etc. The tributes were always a rollicking good time down there, and we had a brief interlude at the Front Row, and 5th St. Pub, before gravitating lately to the 6 Pence Pub on 7th St. in Parkersburg. Kim is making this place a welcoming place for the tribute shows. Last year we had a huge crowd there, probably the biggest crowd I have ever seen there. And the excitement was amazing! We ran several other shows there last year, and have most of the shows scheduled there this year. I've got 5-7 acts of music lined up- its always a little fluid!! But the musicians really put their heart and soul into it, and we always have a good fun evening. We don't even care if a number of acts play Folsom Prison Blues, or Ring of Fire, always glad to hear different renditions!!

Greens rockin' the house last night

The Greens shook off the winter blahs with a great show last night at 6 Pence Pub in Parkersburg. They were really rocking; on the second set, adding a little keyboard action from Larry Neely to the sound, which kept the dancers going for hours. From the opening notes of "Confessin'" ("sure has been a long cold winter....") to the final desparate notes of Apocalypso, it was a night of great Greens classics, and lots of weaving around among the songlist. Great to see a good size crowd of the Greens loyalists, and everybody having a good time ("I know I sure am") Lots of folks able to get their hard working exercise in on the dance floor, and lots of folks content to just sit back and enjoy the craftsmanship of the Greens. Clicking on all cylinders last night; Nate getting really frantic on the drums, Ben pounding the bass notes through all kinds of styles of songs. Andy trading off on his two new guitars with pretty equal abandon- lots of guitar solos worked through the songs. Larry Neely fitting right in on the second set jams and funk and soul and all. The Greens are going to be having at least a monthly trip in to 6 Pence through the next few months; so get those dates on your calendar. Not too many other Mid Ohio Valley shows lined up; and we are excited to have them on the bill of our Outdoor Festival, June 12, before Andy and Brandy head out west on a road trip.

Luminescent Orchestrii

This show at Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville last night was very good. This four piece band (guitar, bass, two violins) were very entertaining, and diversified- in their Klezmer, Eastern European- Gypsy type music, and very engaging in their stories and stage presence. They incorporate some modern stuff in a fun way; some rap / hip hop type things, but have a great roots and appreciation for the Yiddish/ eastern European traditions.

Greens tomorrow night- 6 Pence Pub

The Greens are finally back in Parkersburg tomorrow night at 6 Pence for a show. We are eager to get a good listen in, and enjoy re-connecting with the guys and the fans. Hope you can come on out-

Stuart's Opera House tonight!

Luminescent Orchestrii is performing tonight at Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville. This group sound wildly eclectic and is bound to be a great show. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow........ We're taking a carload.

review of Pieta Brown

Folk/Americana - Acclaimed producer Don Was literally pulled off to the side of an L.A. freeway when he heard the voice of Pieta Brown live in the studio from trendsetting radio station KCRW. A few phone calls, emails and months later, Brown and guitarist Bo Ramsey met up with were at his home to play him some new songs. Wanting to capture her remarkable voice "unadorned", Was grabbed his bass and joined Brown and Ramsey in the studio, mixing the impromptu sessions live as they went down. The result is the wondrous Shimmer (November 10, Red House), a seven-track mini-album that captures Brown's poetic lyricism, wonderfully sweet and smoky voice and the intimate immediacy that comes from three skilled musicians plying their crafts with palpable inspiration.

Residing stylistically somewhere between Lucinda Williams' alt-country twang and the eclectic, boundary-blurring songwriting of Cat Power and Leslie Feist, Brown draws deep upon her slow-cooked rural roots but unlike most, moves ahead into her own quietly daring territory. Beneath her soft, folksy drawl lies an intensity -- what Was calls "major star power magnetism" and the BBC has termed "seductive simplicity." Songs such as "You're My Lover Now" drift and sway with easy, graceful moves as Brown's deceptively wispy voice is suspended in air, seemingly close enough to feel her breath in your ear. Highly recommended.



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Mountain Stage last night

Went to a sold out Mountain Stage last night at the Cultural Center. A great show! Robert Earl Keen was the closing act; and went through about 5 songs from the Rose Hotel. The title song, Flying Shoes by Townes Van Zandt, the tribute to Levon Helm song, "I kinda like just doin nuthin" and the Wireless in Heaven song. He wore a spectacular bright red set of longjohns in honor of Valentines day and a dudley do right/ smokey the bear hat. Had his great back up band with him. Ray Wylie Hubbard was the act just before his, and he had his son, a teen guitar whiz accompany him, as well as members of the Mountain Stage band. He had some great songs off HIS new CD and then finished with Snake Farm; including making it a sing along. The Sweetback Sisters were the middle act; they were very high energy and audience-engaging with their western swing (mostly) type music; and a great Roger Miller cover: my uncle used to love me but she died- very funky and cool. A WV native fiddler, Jesse Milne, and a great band of electric guitar, stand up bass, and drums, too. Darrell Scott was on the bill and did some great songs; starting with Paul Simon's American Tune, and then originals; powerful. Opening act was Danny Barnes, with a banjo and his accompanying electric sounds (he joined REK during his set for some banjo work!) It was a great lineup front to back, and a good festive feel for the Valentine holiday.

Mountain Stage tonight sold out!

With last week's show that had to be cancelled due to weather, and "yet another" distraction and preoccupation with "yet another" big storm moving into the area tomorrow, we'll hustle down to Charleston tonight to see a Mountain Stage that is sold out- Robert Earl Keen is my specific draw; but as always, it will be a great show up and down the line up.

Songwriter Night at the Galley last night

Patrick Sweany was the featured performer at Todd Burge's songwriter night last night at the Galley in Marietta. He put on a great show to a packed (sold out) audience, of obviously RABID fans- he is a high energy, audience-engaging, versatile performer- with some heavy hitting songs, and great guitar styling! He played many new songs off of an upcoming release; which probably had everyone in the audience ready to pre-order or scarf up at the first chance.
Josh Buskirk and Billy Matheny did opening sets, and then there was a quick lightning fast song writer invitational afterward. Stayed long enough to catch Nick barry's 3 song set- which got good appreciation from the crowd, who has known Nick for a long time in the Mid Ohio Valley's music scene.
Keep checking Todd's www.songwriternight.com website for updates on future shows, and PODCasts of the shows.

Songwriter Night at the Galley in Marietta Saturday night

There is a songwriter night at the galley in Marietta this Saturday, starting at 7 pm. Visit www.songwriternight.com for details. There is something FRIDAY night at Court Street Grille in lines of a songwriter night, too. So visit THAT website (the Court St. Grille in Pomeroy OH) for THAT information. Todd Burge has several good things lined up on into the future for the live local music scene.

I heard my first song off Will Kimbrough's new CD last night on Crossing Boundaries

Mark H played a song off Will Kimbrough's new CD last night on WOUB's crossing boundaries- "It Ain't Cool" (co-wrote with Todd Snider)- leaving me eager to receive my copy of the CD soon, since I "pre-ordered" through Will's website.

Robert Earl Keen - Mountain Stage next weekend

I am eager to see Robert Earl Keen at Mountain Stage next Sunday night. The Rose Hotel has been a good listen since getting it a few months ago. I fondly remember REK and band at Stuart's Opera House a few years back, and know that he doesn't necessarily make it to this part of the country too much.

John Hiatt has a new CD coming out in March

I don't know any details, but see that John Hiatt has a new CD coming out soon. He is in Europe touring now.

Greens snowed in, in Morgantown

Andy regretfully reported that he and Ben were snowed in, in Morgantown, and thus couldn't make the show last night here in Parkersburg at 5th Street Pub. Andy always hates to have to miss a show, but they were buried under at least 20 inches of snow. I hope the Head Changers were able to carry on, and a decent enough crowd came out, braving our lesser amount of snow here, but still enough to scare some people off the roads. The next Greens show scheduled for the Mid Ohio Valley is February 20th, at 6 Pence.

Sorry, its in Nashville- but a great series in Americana music

AMERICANA MUSIC ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES
2ND ANNUAL “LIVE AT THE BLUEBIRD CAFE” SERIES
Every Thursday February 18 through March 25


February 5, 2010. Nashville, TN: Every Thursday from February 18 through March 25, 2010, the Americana Music Association will present the second annual “Live at The Bluebird Cafe” concert series celebrating some of the genre’s best-loved and most influential performers. The six-show series, sponsored by the Gibson Foundation, will feature artists who help define Americana music in the uniquely intimate setting of the world-famous Bluebird Café.

Americana Music Association Board member Raul Malo will kick the series off on February 18 at 9pm. On March 4th, in an evening billed as “White Trash In Your Living Room,” fellow Board member Rodney Crowell will appear with Mary Gauthier, Minton Sparks and Elizabeth Cook. Later in the month 2004 Americana Instrumentalist of the Year Will Kimbrough will be on hand at the intimate venue.

“It’s terrific to be back at the Bluebird for a second year” said Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the not for profit organization. “This series is an extension of our annual festival and conference in that it offers yet another opportunity for music lovers to experience Americana at its finest.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the Americana Music Association again to host some of the genre’s legendary artists and performers,” said Erika Wollam Nichols, General Manager of the venue. “The intimacy of the Bluebird allows the audience to connect to the music in a traditional fashion, just as if the performers were playing on your front porch – up close and personal!”

Series passes are priced $125 for all six shows and available through February 10 at 3pm CST from the Americana Music Association by calling 615-386-6936. Individual shows are priced $25 per show. For more information contact www.bluebirdcafe.com or call the Americana Music office.

A good review of a Steve Earle concert

http://www.nodepression.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2342817%3ABlogPost%3A114340

Review of a recent Todd Snider show (note reference to new backing band that will be with him in Nelsonville in May)

http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2010/jan/29/concert-review-todd-snider-and-great-american-taxi/



DALLAS — With this review, I'm fairly certain that we're striking a record for the most Todd Snider reviews on any site that isn't primarily billed as a fansite. That's because I consider the guy my personal poet laureate, and I rarely miss a show.

The distinguishing factor tonight was Todd's simultaneous opener and backing band, Great American Taxi. Although I missed their opening set, I quickly saw that they fit Todd like a glove, augmenting his songs without overshadowing them. Bandleader Vince Herman (of Leftover Salmon fame) anchored the show, bringing a coherence I've only seen in the rare one out of 15 Snider shows that featured his original band, The Nervous Wrecks. Herman's mandolin added another layer to Snider's clever songs, making them as much Grateful Dead as Elvis Costello or Bruce Springsteen -- making for a special night of music.

Perhaps the biggest surprise (and disappointment) was that Todd only played one song from his current release, The Excitement Plan, especially since the one track -- Greencastle Blues -- played so well. In particular, Taxi's keyboardist Chad Staehly brought gravity to the Randy Newmanesque-number, along with honky-tonk piano on favorite rockers.

On Snider classic "Alright Guy," there was a local lyrical twist, as instead of looking at a book with pictures of Madonna naked, he was looking at "Rhett Miller" and instead of being pegged for a scumbag, he was "an Old 97's fan."

The main set closed with a rollicking version of "The Devil You Know," a song that has inspired me over the last few years. It's combining of electric guitar, mandolin, and honky-tonk piano elevated it over any performance of it I'd heard before. The encore brought Todd, Taxi, and early opener The Trishas together for what might be the most beautiful version of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" that I've ever heard. The harmonies made me wish I'd arrived earlier.

The closing "Hound Dog" with longtime road manager Elvis was a fitting ending to one of the more skilled and classic-rich Todd Snider shows I've seen. I hope it yields more shows with as strong musicianship and a more diverse setlist.

Levon Helm wins first ever best Americana Album Grammy Award

Levon Helm Wins First Ever Best Americana Album Grammy Award.

In arguably the most decorated category of the Grammy Awards, 2008 Americana Artist of the Year Levon Helm’s Electric Dirt garnered the legendary drummer his second consecutive Grammy Award.

The category also included brilliant albums by Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Wilco, Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel, all of whom, with Helm, have contributed significantly to the emergence and recognition of the Americana genre. These artists have cumulatively taken home 38 Grammys including three Lifetime Achievement trophies to Dylan, Nelson and Helm (for his work with The Band), marking the Best Americana Album category among the most critically acclaimed ever.

The Americana Music Association applauds and congratulates all of the nominees on their musical contributions and the Recording Academy for their acknowledgement of the Americana Genre.

About the Americana Music Association
The Americana Music Association is a professional non-profit trade organization whose mission is to promote awareness, provide a forum, and advocate for the creative and economic vitality of the Americana music genre.

The Association produces events throughout the year including the annual Americana Music Festival and Conference which will take place September 8-11, 2010 in Nashville, TN, widely recognized as one of the premier events in the music industry. The Americana autumn event features educational music related panels by day and a stacked schedule of musical showcases throughout the city by night. The week’s capstone is the critically acclaimed Americana Honors and Awards show at the historically cool Ryman Auditorium, recognizing both annual and lifetime achievements in the Americana music world.

Americana Music Festival and Conference Registrations are now available by calling the Americana Music Association office at (615) 386-6936 or through the store at www.americanamusic.org