Series #21 Shows

A Canadian Rockies-raised rodeo kid, Corb Lund pleases large crowds on several continents with songs that are thoughtful and deliberate, full of descriptives and unique to a land of fluke prosperity that allows for a massive artist class thriving in our redneck midst.  His songs are viral anthems which bridge social gaps, celebrating the need for sin and sacrament as much as superior horsepower in doomsday scenarios.  And his band is terribly helpful in all this.
--Encyclopedia of Canadian Country Hallmarks

If David Lynch had directed 'O Brother Where Art Thou?', Nathan's music would be the soundtrack.
--Michael Wrycroft, CBC Radio

Jesse Winchester is one of the original inspirations for the Sings Like Hell series.  His songs are so well written and so beautifully delivered, they transport the listener to places half-remembered, loved ones dearly missed and feelings never acknowleged.  When Jesse plays, time vanishes in the experience of excellence in artistry. 

Tom Rush is the professor emeritus of the contemporary folk music movement.  His time in the Village in the 60's resulted in his discovery and championing  of many fledgling artists, including Joni Mitchell, and his songs have become hallmarks for emerging artists to lean upon.  One of the most talented and gracious artists we have had the pleasure to know, he's still writing great songs and delivering them with passion.

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JImmy LaFave is the King in the Land of Indie.  He can go from the depths of honesty to height of arrogance, with just one carefully selected word or strategically placed note.  His Red Dirt Music runs from cutting rock and savage blues to heartfelt ballads.  It's all here, in the critically acclaimed songs that are equally adored by his legions of fans.

Joel Rafael has a quiet way with words.  His low key ballads and cleverly humorous political commentaries have a way of sticking around in your head long after the show is over. Widely considered the natural interpreter of Woody Guthrie's legacy, he has spent years touring a tribute show, but his own work is highly original and beautifully played, with the warmth and charm that only a great musician brings to his art.

The Lovell Sisters are hot, hot, hot.  See them now so you can say you saw them when!  Jessica (21), Megan (17) and Rebecca (16) are all crack players, but their familial harmony vocals are absolutely stunning.  The music has deep roots in Appalachian bluegrass and branches ever up and out, reaching for parts as yet unknown.  Move over, Dixie Chicks!

One of Britain's most eloquent performers, Michael Weston


King has earned a formidable reputation as a stunning live attraction and as a songwriter of the highest caliber.  Let's just say that Townes Van Zandt cut one of his songs...

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If Heaven wasn't ready for him yet, Hell sure is. The artistry of Alejandro Escovedo  is as good as contemporary music gets.  His work has inspired rapturous critical praise: a virtual music press thesaurus of acclimation and and an ever-expanding audience as dedicated as any in rock'n'roll.  Thanks to the stunning breadth of his musical vision, the depth of his emotional expression and the sheer quality and musicality of his work, Alejandro Escovedo is his own heartfelt punk-rock  ballad country blues norteño hellfire musical genre. 

A. J. Roach is a deep woods troubadour with a cunning wit and southern Gothic spiritualism that sounds older than VooDoo.  His music is parochial and far-flung, witchy and romantic.  He's a shitkicker poet with a voice that crackles, pierces and smokes...then smooths it all out with a shared shot of hope.

Saturday, September 15 
John Cowan Band + Jed & Kelley

John Cowan will take your Americana Newgrass Thrashrock whatever and double the stakes.  One of the originators of whatever genre of contemporary acoustic music you're prone to, he has been there and done that in a big way.  One of the great live performers on the scene, The John Cowan Band is coveted by festivals the world over because of their fantastic musicality and showmanship.  As one reviewer said, "Fun never sounded so exquisite."

Jed & Kelley come out of Memphis by way of Texas.  With exquisite harmonies and memorable songs, their first album "Lose to Win"  (produced by Keith Sykes) just hit the Americana charts and radio running.  With comparisons to Emmylou Harris & Gram Parsons and Buddy & Julie Miller abounding, it's best to hear them live to get the full impact of the tightly written songs, Kelley's angelic voice and the exceptional harmony of their vocals and style.