Musical happenings in and around the Capital City
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Toolbox
Published: October 2, 2009
As most of my regular readers know, up until recently I booked the Langdon Street Café. So, what does a person who specializes in finding good talent do when he does not have a steady venue to book? He starts booking other venues! Look for the two "edified presents" (the name of my booking company) shows that will be at The Black Door this weekend later in the column, and keep your eye out for many more at various venues in Montpelier this fall.
In the interest of not going overboard with the shameless self-promotion, I'll kick off with the venerable Langdon Street Café, as my replacement Ben. T. Matchstick has lined up some interesting stuff. Tonight, Brazilian artist MOMO appears with his band, offering up a tasty stew of psychedelic tropical folk tunes. With a sound reminiscent of the '70s, but entirely original and created out of his diverse influences, the dude has worked with some of the finest musicians in the Brazilian music world, and has garnered widespread praise for his music. A unique show starting at 9 p.m.
For those who want to check out something a bit earlier, LSC hosts a happy hour tonight featuring jazz with the Ira Friedman Quartet starting at 6 p.m.
Saturday afternoon at 12:30, traditional Irish folk act Skellig plays tunes from the Emerald Isle and beyond for those who prefer their music by daylight. No word on a cover via the Langdon Street Web site for any of these shows, but you can call ahead to check at (802) 223-8667.
For those looking for something somewhat more familiar, look no further than Charlie O's on Main Street in the Capital City tonight when The Dave Keller Band takes the back of the barroom for a night of kickin' blues and soul. Dave has been perfecting his craft around these parts for as long as I can remember, and has recently found success beyond the Green Mountains having recorded and performed with blues legend Ronnie Earl. Get your old-school dance on starting at 10 p.m.
Saturday night at O's, Vermont-based Americana band Red Hot Juba returns to the back of the barroom with a roots-rock sound that happens to fit the atmosphere quite well, also at 10 p.m. Both shows are, as always, no cover.
And speaking of familiar, what could be more familiar than the Fab Four? I'm talking about The Beatles, of course, and though they won't be making an appearance from beyond the grave (RIP John Lennon and George Harrison), perhaps the best facsimile ever will be at the Barre Opera House tonight when "1964 … The Tribute" takes the grand Granite City stage. For more info, visit www.barreoperahouse.org.
Now, back to The Black Door and what I've booked there through their superstar bartender-cum-booker, Jay Bothwell. Tonight, if you're into a New Orleans-style brass band party, this is the gig for you. The High and Mighty Brass Band hail from NYC, but they just as easily could have come out of the Big Easy with their funky, authentic sound. Fans of more famous Nawlins' brass bands such as Rebirth and The Dirty Dozen, or folks that just like a seriously good dance party, take note – this is the real deal!
Saturday night at the Door, another NYC-based act climbs the back stairwell when indie-folk orchestra LaStrada appears. Featuring "old-world instrumentation through new-world amplification," the band creates wholly original tunes with soaring vocal harmonies, accordion, and string-driven melodies set to rock rhythms. I've booked these guys previously a few times at LSC, and they are a flat-out treat to see live. For those of you wondering what I'm up to, or who just want to hear some seriously great music, check these shows out starting at 9:30 for the usual honor cover.
Outside of the Capital City up in Morrisville tonight, Burlington-based indie-poppers Ghosts of Pasha appear at The Bees Knees on Lower Main Street. The duo features a rotating cast of guest players, and perform a mish-mash of genres that virtually defines the word "alternative." They've garnered press from the likes of Spin, Rolling Stone and The New York Times – so how can they be playing the diminutive resto in Mo-Vegas beyond having a stellar publicist? Find out for yourself by checking out the show!
Saturday night, acoustic Latin-jazz group Cosa Buena brings the gentle sounds of the tropics to a crisp fall evening at the Knees. On Sunday, if you could not catch the aforementioned MOMO at LSC tonight, you'll have another chance when he plays once again. All shows at the Bees Knees start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Finally, for those of you looking for music on any given night, virtually all of the venues covered in this column have Web sites – just Google 'em! It's a great way to find out what's going on without having to stop me on the street (not that I mind!) … a little Internet goes a long way!
Until next week, remember: change is good, and go see live music!
Ed DuFresne is the former talent coordinator for the Langdon Street Café and occasionally produces concerts. He lives in Montpelier with an aspiring lawyer, a budding artist, an annoying bird named Lucy and a clutter of submitted CDs that are steadily being replaced by Web links.
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