THE KNICKERBOCKER MUSIC CENTER

35 Railroad Avenue, Westerly, RI 02891 (Misquamicut) | (401) 315-5070

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Venue Description

The Knickerbocker Café, a storied music club in Westerly, Rhode Island, was built in 1933, shortly after the end of Prohibition. The Café itself is named after a train that passed through Westerly station at the time of the Café’s founding.

The club thrived as one of the leading entertainment centers in southern New England, hosting regional and national bands with an emphasis on the blues. Some of the greats that played on the Knickerbocker stage included, Big Joe Turner, Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, Johnny Nicholas, Leon Russell, Eric Burdon and Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 1967, Roomful of Blues was born in Westerly, when guitarist Duke Robillard and pianist Al Copley started a band that played tough, no-holds barred Chicago blues. Making the Knickerbocker Café their home club, it did not take long before they started exploring swinging, jumping blues and added a horn section. Roomful would pack the house every Sunday and still plays their great brand of blues today.

Fast forward and the Café has become the Knickerbocker Music Center, a non-profit organization formed in partnership with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. The mission of the Knickerbocker Music Center is to preserve, cultivate and grow the “Knick’s” unique brand of blues, as well as expanding access to music of all genres, by transforming the Knick into both an exciting performance venue and an exceptional center for music education.

Today

Tuesday
16

Wednesday
17

Thursday
18

Friday
19

Saturday
20

Sunday
21

Monday

Closed Today

Live Music

NIGHTLIFE: Let's Dance Wednesdays. Live Bands from 7:30-10pm. Offering Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Age
21+

Cover
10

Music
Live Bands

Atmosphere
Busy

Closed Today

Live Music

DINING: The Best Fish and Chips.

NIGHTLIFE: Live Music. National to local acts. Visit www.knickmusic.com for more info.

Age
21+

Music
Live Bands

Atmosphere
Busy

Live Music

NIGHTLIFE: Live Music. National to local acts. Visit www.knickmusic.com for more info.

DRINK DEALS: Drink Specials Available.

Age
21+

Music
Live Bands

Atmosphere
Busy

Closed Today

Special Events

25 June
Glenn Thomas -
Full Band Show With Strings Glenn Thomas returns to the Knickerbocker on its reopening night, where he worked for several years before moving to Nashville in 2018. After fronting the RI based alt-rock trio Wild Sun, Glenn turned his focus to his solo career and folk-leaning songwriting and made the move to music city. In Nashville, he teamed up with producer Jordan Lehning (Rodney Crowell, Kacey Musgraves, Andrew Combs) and recorded his debut solo album “Reassure Me There’s a Window.” The album features lush string arrangements supporting Glenn’s plaintive, reflective songs and backed by top Nashville session musicians including the legendary Charlie McCoy. It was released on May 15, 2020 to to praise from Billboard, PopMatters, The Bluegrass Situation and more. While unable to perform live to support the album during the pandemic, Glenn played virtual festivals alongside artists including Billy Bragg, Frank Turner, Katie Pruitt and many others and his music was featured on SiriusXM. This will be Glenn’s first live performance supporting the album since its release, and will feature an 8 piece band including strings. “The 11-song set is a reinvention for Thomas, its rich melodies and careful arrangements nothing like anything he's released before.” - Billboard “What makes Thomas' songs so compelling is that nothing is wasted. Each lyric is turned again and again, shaped to perfection with such thoughtful care... Reassure Me There's A Window, holds the sort of understated, pastoral beauty that would make A.A. Bondy or Tyler Ramsey proud.” - Analogue Music “A smokily sung collection of Americana that sometimes calls Paul Simon to mind…Thomas has thrown open a window to the world of the heart, and the view is wonderful.” - Folk Radio UK “...easy-going reflectiveness...with the additional guitar twangs and the sound of violins like hazy streaks of sunset while travelling solitarily on an open road.” - Atwood Magazine “A subtle melange of string instrumentation paint a plaintive image, swirling into percussive, low-key folk.” - PopMatters “Glenn is an absolutely fantastic songwriter. He is totally tapped into the deepest part of himself and so gorgeously articulate in expressing his feelings.” - Layng Martine Jr, Nashville Songwriting Hall of Fame member Ten-Time “One to Watch” by Nashville Songwriting Association International Show: 8:30p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $20 *Limited ticket sales. ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Please Note: The Knickerbocker will be following any covid restrictions that are still in place when we reopen. Shows listed with "limited tickets" will be at 50% capacity.
26 June
Greg Piccolo Songbook -
Greg returns to the Knick with a nine piece band to celebrate and reminisce to songs he has penned though the years and new songs no one has ever heard! Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $20 *Limited ticket sales. ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Please Note: The Knickerbocker will be following any covid restrictions that are still in place when we reopen. Shows listed with "limited tickets" will be at 50% capacity.
02 July
Soul Shot Album Release Show -
The Players— David “Daveydread” Turano on bass, David Prout-guitar, Rob Liguori alto, tenor and flute Frank Moniz tenor sax, Grayson Farmer on trumpet, Mark Berney on trumpet, Thom O’Brien rhythm guitar and vocals, Dion Knibb-vocals, Eric Williams-vocals, Ken Stewart on keys, Rider McCoy on Keys, Krys Jackson on drums ,and Zeke Carlson on percussion. Band portfolios— All the veterans have lengthy and impressive portfolios, the most notable that of Ken Stewart who has spent over 20 years as keyboardist and manager of the world famous SKATALITES, doing numerous recordings . Dion Knibb, guest vocalist, son of the late legendary drummer Lloyd Knibb, has recorded in Ja with the Fab 5 and has toured the US with the SKATALITES. Thom O’Brien , singer/songwriter of the group has penned over 100 songs. Mark Berney also spent 3 years touring and recording with the SKATALITES. He also plays coronet for the Klezmer Conservatory Band and has performed with Izak Perlman and Aretha Franklin and is a regular with the 10 Ft. Ganga Plant Band. Band History— The band was formed in 2003, playing clubs and festivals around New England and the New York area. We recorded our first album, THE ECHOBASS SESSONS in 2005, recorded live to ¼ inch tape! In 2010 we released our second album, SHOT HEARD ROUND THE WORLD,consisting of nine originals and 5 cover tunes, five composed by Thom O’Brien. In 2008 Soulshot was invited to perform on the small stage at the Jazz and Blues Festival in Montego Bay, Ja. and so impressed the management that they were called back in 2009 to perform on the MAIN STAGE along side the likes of Lionel Ritchie, The O’Jays, Chicago, Maxi Priest and many more! While in Ja in 2008 Soulshot also appeared at the Black Mystory Concert in Kingston and at several other venues about the country. Soulshot has been the backing band for Jamacian legend Ernie Smith on many occasions and has also backed the legendary Alton Ellis at the Rhode Island Reggae Festival, (Alton put a video from this performance on his website before he passed), Roger Robin from the UK, Doreen Shaffer, queen of Ska, and touring vocalist with the Skatalites, and Dalton “Screwdriver” Lindo on several occasions. Current News— SOULSHOT Album release party "LIARS and THIEVES", JULY 2 , 9PM at THE KNICKERBOCKER MUSIC CENTER. Lots of new ORIGINAL MATERIAL from TOM O'BRIEN. Two new tracks and some wicked horn arrangements from MARK BERNEY Two new tracks from Reggae Legend ERNIE SMITH and contributions on the album from local legends DUKE ROBILLARD, TONY LAMB, FRED "PROFESSOR ROOTS" JACKSON , Root Steady's JIMMY MURRAY and Also a Mark Berney original track featuring legendary Reggae guitarist ANDY BASSFORD who will be playing the entire set with Soulshot. Show: 9p | Doors: 8p Tickets: $15 *Limited ticket sales. ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Please Note: The Knickerbocker will be following any covid restrictions that are still in place when we reopen. Shows listed with "limited tickets" will be at 50% capacity.
03 July
Johnny and the East Coast Rockers -
Where people are swinging in Rhode Island and Connecticut, Johnny and the East Coast Rockers are playing. A premiere Rhythm and Blues dance band in the Northeast for over 28 years, Johnny MacLeod and his band perform original tunes and favorite covers from the 40's, 50's, and 60's in an eclectic mix, that combines elements of traditional blues, swing, jazz, R&B, and roots rock. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $15 *Limited ticket sales. ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Please Note: The Knickerbocker will be following any covid restrictions that are still in place when we reopen. Shows listed with "limited tickets" will be at 50% capacity.
09 July
Mystic Dead -
Opening with Wooly Mammoth In 2018 a group of musicians got together for a once a month Dead night at the Captain Daniel Packer inn in Mystic,CT. It turned out to be a seriously good time that translated to more shows, more fun and Mystic Dead was born. Deep dives into all things Grateful Dead coupled by the freedom to remain true to their own creative individuality has been and will always be the mantra of all 6 members of Mystic Dead. Mystic Dead is: Toby Kniffin - Guitar & Vocals Ian Kelly - Guitar & Vocals Jay Hartley - Drums Ronnie Lewis - Drums & vocals Marty Moroney - Bass & Vocals Paul Sauvageau - Keyboards & vocals -- Gray Hallberg is the founder & lead guitarist of Wooly Mammoth. In addition to honing his guitar chops by studying with local legend Chris Leigh, Gray studied jazz performance at UVM and theory and composition at the University of Colorado. Currently residing in Boston, he plays and sings with the punk rock group At Least We Tried and blues driven Wooly Mammoth. Mike LaChance is the bassist. He lives in Mystic and also plays double bass with Cabin Fever, a local bluegrass band and the euphonium, as a volunteer with the New London Salvation Army. Toby Halsey has played guitar for fun for 30 years. He joined Wooly Mammoth at the first Mystic Blues Festival and played at the Racer’s Jam for 5 years supporting Mudhead Benefit Cup for Hospice. Jay Hartley keeps the beat for Wooly Mammoth plus plays with Green Tea, the Phil Adams Group and is in demand for many other CT & RI bands. Scott Parry’s blues driven piano style was inspired by local legend, Al Copley, the original keyboardist in the local Grammy-winning band Roomful of Blues. Scott and Al’s moms were friends and Al inspired Scott to take up the piano at the advanced age of five. He had been playing in bands ever since. -- Show: 8:30p | Doors: 7:30p Tickets: $15 *Limited ticket sales. ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Please Note: The Knickerbocker will be following any covid restrictions that are still in place when we reopen. Shows listed with "limited tickets" will be at 50% capacity.
10 July
Ward Hayden & The Outliers -
Opening with Los Texicanos Ward Hayden & The Outliers (formerly Girls Guns & Glory) formed as a way to break from the music so commonly found on popular radio airwaves. Hayden’s foray into country music and early rock ‘n’ roll began with a fateful borrowing of a few of his mother’s cassettes. When asked, Hayden remarks, “I was doing these long drives and there was nothing appealing to me on the radio. I was twenty years old at the time and had been through my first experiences with heartbreak and loss. When I put some of these cassettes on the player in my Oldsmobile Delta Eighty-Eight, all I could think was, “this is everything I’ve been searching for.” It took a few years after that to get the band up and running, and now with a line up featuring Paul Dilley on Upright/Electric Bass, Josh Kiggans on Drums and Cody Nilsen on Lead Guitar/Pedal Steel the band has cut it’s teeth the old fashioned way: on the road and on the stage. Since their formation they’ve barnstormed far beyond their Boston hometown, playing honky-tonks, beer joints and more recently concert venues throughout the U.S. They’ve amassed a loyal legion of fans along the way. The media have noticed too, including Rolling Stone, which heralds them as a “modern-day Buddy Holly plus Dwight Yoakam divided by the Mavericks.” Spending much of their young-adult lives relentlessly touring the US and Europe has not been without hardships, but also not without it’s rewards. The experiences the band has gone through on the road have led to a broader songwriting perspective, but also conditioned the band into a well-oiled machine. And when it comes to versatility and musicianship, these guys are second to none. I’m not sure there’s an instrument under the sun that someone in this band can’t find a way to play. Their love for early rock ’n’ roll, true country, raw blues and pretty much any kind of authentic American music branded them quickly as anomalous — and electrifying. The song topics run the gambit of love, hope, work-a-day life, the grind and the results of those experiences on the body and mind. The band, hailing from the Northeast, have always been outliers in the world of country music, often joking they were born out of time and out of place. But, they have stayed true to the sounds that inspired them and the genuine life experiences they’ve gone through no matter where they hail from. Their new album “Can’t Judge a Book” is a collection of songs written by other songwriters that have inspired their journey. Plus one original song written by the full band titled “Naturally Crazy”, an ode to the state of mind needed to be a touring musician, complete with the “highest of highs, followed up with your soul in the dirt”. It’s all there. And includes unique covers of songs written by some of the greats like Chuck Berry and Nick Lowe. Ward Hayden and The Outliers are a musical force to be reckoned with. From heart wrenching ballads, to foot-stompin’ rock ‘n’ roll, whether live or on record, Ward Hayden and the Outliers deliver every time. -- Very special guests Los Texicanos playing Tex Mex Rock and Outlaw Country features Rhode Island legends with Texas Legacies: Drew Townson, Guitar; Rory MacLeod, Bass; Jack Moore, Drums and featuring newcomer Sam Taber, Keyboard. A Psalm to Doug Sahm and paean for to all cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $20 *Limited ticket sales. ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Please Note: The Knickerbocker will be following any covid restrictions that are still in place when we reopen. Shows listed with "limited tickets" will be at 50% capacity.
16 July
The Hoolios w/ special guests The CarLeans -
The Hoolios are steeped in the rhythms of the Gulf of Mexico: Americana, Latin, Reggae, Texas Folk and Zydeco. Singer/rhythm guitarist, Sarah MacLean shares the lead vocals with an amazing range of emotion from raw grit to tender soprano. Other members include: Sandy Allen – harmony vocals, mandolin/percussion, Corina Malbaurn – bass, Ronnie Lewis – lead vocals, drums, Billy Light – harmony vocals, slide guitar, and special guest Rachel Sargent – harmony vocals. Jim Carpenter & The Hoolios have been gracing some of New England’s most popular stages for five years, including: The Mohegan Sun Wolf Den, Block Island Music Fest, New London SailFest, Jonathon Edwards Winery Fest, Café Nine, Black-Eyed Sallys, Javelina Festival, Cuban Revolution, Hygienic Art Park and the Knickerbocker Café. Jim Carpenter is a singer-songwriter born on Chincoteague Island VA and raised in Cape May, Key West and Miami. That southern childhood and diverse musical climate still inhabits his vast repertoire of melody, lyric and fiction. As a performing songwriter, Jim Carpenter’s narrative lyrics, driving acoustic guitar and intimate vocal delivery have garnered songwriting awards and placed him on stages with performers such as Greg Brown, The Resentments, Robert Earl Keen, Jeffrey Foucalt, the Subdudes, Marcia Ball, Lucy Kuplansky, Dave Mallet, Garnet Rogers, Bill Morrissey, Catie Curtis and Richard Shindell. -- The CarLeans are a musical collaboration between singer-songwriters Jim Carpenter (guitar, vocals), Sarah MacLean (guitar, vocals) and Rachel MacLean-Sargent (vocals). Along with bassist Corina Malbaurn, the Connecticut-based quartet blend their diverse musical backgrounds to create a captivating sound that had been garnering much attention from New England to Florida to Texas. Their vast repertoire adapts well to the various regions they tour through (folk, cajun, latin, and americana) . . . at once narrative, humorous, raw and powerful. Jim's percussive, driving guitar joins with Malbaurn’s equally solid upright bass to lay groove for the MacLean twin's soulful, commanding voices. The performance is at once a gritty, emotional whisper; dynamic sibling harmony, and a stunning R&B confession . . . offset by a sudden comical exchange and inevitably inciting the audience to its feet to dance. The CarLeans have had the good fortune to perform at such esteemed venues as the Infinity Hall CT, Daryl's House NY, Awendaw Barn, SC, The Narrows, MA, Isis Music Hall NC, Skinny Pancake VT, Saxon TX, Neutral Ground LA, Katharine Hepburn Theater CT, Good Stuff NC, Prohibition FL, Eugene O'Neil Theater CT and Osippee Music Fest ME . . . sharing the stage with The Subdudes, Mipso, Marcia Ball, Hurrah for Riff Raff, Chris Ross, Donna the Buffalo and Birds of Chicago. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $15 advance / $20 door *Limited ticket sales. ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Please Note: The Knickerbocker will be following any covid restrictions that are still in place when we reopen. Shows listed with "limited tickets" will be at 50% capacity.
17 July
Forever Young -
A Tribute to the Music of Neil Young Now in their fourteenth year, the Forever Young band is a group of performers that pay tribute to the SONGS of Neil Young. No one in the band tries to imitate Neil Young. There are five vocalists in the band and the songs are fronted by different members with added backing harmonies. All of the musicians performing in Forever Young are staples of the Rhode Island music scene and veterans of many national and regional tours. In addition, they are all fans and have been influenced by the music of Neil Young. Four of the members are performing singer songwriters who have their own projects on the side. Drawing on the 40+ year career of Neil Young the show highlights many of Young’s popular songs and a few “deep cuts”. The band performs both the acoustic and electric songs that Neil Young is famous for. Their performances are reminiscent of and are heavily influenced by the "Four Way Street" live album recorded by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. They are a high energy band that is just as fun to watch as to listen to. Audiences are always “wowed” by a Forever Young show! THE SHOW: A typical Forever Young show will be two sets of music and run from 2-3 hours depending on the venue and audience. Sometimes even three hours is not enough for the fans! During the set they will seamlessly play through the rock, folk, and country styles of Young's music. The performers trade off on lead vocals and will switch instruments many times during the night. Two, three, and four part harmonies have been incorporated into many of the songs. The numbers include anything from Young's Buffalo Springfield days all the way up to his current Promise of the Real phase. Forever Young never disappoints and garners new fans with every show! Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $25 *Limited ticket sales. ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges. Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and seats are not guaranteed with ticket purchase.)
24 July
Chris Leigh Band -
Guitarist, singer, and composer Chris Leigh is graduate of Connecticut College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music with a concentration in classical guitar performance. He was also a student of jazz guitar legend Sal Salvador and attended the University of North Texas jazz studies program as a graduate student. A love of blues and roots based music from an early age however was the driving force behind his passion for the guitar and is the inspiration for this latest incarnation of The Chris Leigh Band. As a freelance, professional guitarist Chris has worked with numerous rhythm and blues and jazz groups, most recent and notably with Eight to the Bar. Over a thirty year performing career he has had the privilege of opening for or performing on stage with James Cotton, Robert Randolph, Pine Top Perkins, Johnny Winter, Jaimoe, Earl King, and many other musical luminaries. A private guitar instructor for nearly thirty years, he is the co owner of String Theory School of Music in East Lyme, Connecticut which he began with his wife Amy in 2007. They are also co-founders of the Mystic Blues Festival. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $15 *Limited ticket sales. ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Please Note: The Knickerbocker will be following any covid restrictions that are still in place when we reopen. Shows listed with "limited tickets" will be at 50% capacity.
30 July
Eight to the Bar -
Swing/Boogie Woogie/Rhythm & Blues/Soul and Motown Drawing its musical influences from American roots music - swing, boogie woogie, rhythm & blues, soul, Motown, - Eight to the Bar is known for its outstanding instrumentalists and sophisticated musical and vocal arrangements, highlighted by female vocals. With the support of independently-produced albums and videos, Eight to the Bar has cultivated a large, enthusiastic following that has put them in clubs from Disneyland to Disney World as well as Europe and the Caribbean. Their rigorous performing schedule (approximately 200 dates per year), has included opening spots for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Manhattan Transfer, Robert Cray, Neil Young, Roy Orbison, and Ray Charles. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $15 *Limited ticket sales. ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges. Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and seats are not guaranteed with ticket purchase.)
31 July
90s VS 2000s w/DJ Jay R One -
Saturday July 31st come out and party with DJ Jay R One as he plays all of the hits from the 90s and 2000s!! If you love artists like Nelly, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Puff Daddy and the Bad Boy Family, then this event is for you!! Doors open at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm and DJ Jay R One will be keeping the party going until 11:00pm!! Tickets are $10.00 each and can be purchased online at djjayroneattheknick.eventbrite.com or at the door. Food will be available for purchase in the room as well as directly next door at the Tap Room so come early and grab a bite to eat before the show begins! This event takes place at the Knickerbocker Music Center located at 35 Railroad Ave in Westerly, RI. If you came to the last party then you know you do not want to miss this one...get your tickets early and come out and enjoy yourself!! *Limited ticket sales.
06 August
Neal Vitullo and the Vipers -
NEAL & THE VIPERS are a Rhode Island based band who play American Roots Music encompassing blues, rock & roll, rockabilly, and surf, that will get you up out of your chair to dance all night long! When the show is over, you will feel full of energy and looking forward to catching the next show. The Vipers are professional musicians; all experts in their instruments with decades of playing experience that is one of the the keys to their amazing performances. You can feel the chemistry between them as they play hits from their many original songs off their CD's as well as covering classic songs such as "Little Wing", "Hey Joe", "Right Place Wrong Time" and instrumentals like "Sleepwalk" and "Pipeline". The Vipers always put their own spin on these classic songs, making them their own. Some fans even say that they enjoy hearing their versions better than the original. Maybe you're thinking, how did it all begin? Neal Vitullo, lead guitarist and Dave Howard, lead vocalist are the original founders of what started as "Young Neal and the Vipers" in the early 1980's. Steve Bigelow joined the band a few years later and they played all over the north east and regularly in New York City and that was where they caught the attention one night from the Atlantic Record founder & president Ahmet Ertegun, who signed them to their label in 1989. That same year they were signed to Atlantic Records they played 300 shows. Their first CD, "Hooloovoo" ended up being released on "Big Noise" records in 1991, where it went on to be the best selling CD in 1991 and 1992 by "TheNicePaper" as well as the 1991 Critic's Choice Award from "The Providence Journal". "I'm Finally Alone", their second CD also released by "Big Noise", went on to be the best of 1993 from "The Providence Journal" and the best selling CD of 1994 from "TheNicePaper". They continued to win awards from "Best Music Poll" from "The Providence Pheonix" to the "Best of Bands" and "Best of Blues Acts" from the "Hartford Advocate". Steve Bigelow and Dave Howard decided to leave the Vipers back in the early 90's to pursue other projects and Neal continued on as lead vocalist and lead guitarist, playing as a trio with The Vipers. Neal never stopped recording CD's and touring as far west as Texas and also all over Europe. Neal was signed by Bob Greenly to King Snake Records for the next 4 albums, and 2 self-produced Live CD's between 1991-2012, The Vipers also have tracks featured in 9 other compilation albums released by Big Noise from 1992-1998. Current drummer Mike LaBelle joined the Vipers in 2003 when The Vipers were still a trio until Dave Howard and Steve Bigelow reunited with Neal in 2010, coming "full circle". October of 2010, after 20 years of not sharing the same stage together, Neal, Dave, and Steve reunited together with Mike on drums to play at the Knickerbocker Cafe in Westerly, RI. Soon after, they recorded the 8th CD "Full Circle". Today, NEAL & THE VIPERS continue to play shows every week and they finished their 9th CD, "One Drunken Kiss" that was released June 1, 2018 and is available for sale on this website online store and at all shows. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $15 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
07 August
Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez. Opening Ma -
Christine Ohlman is the current and Longtime vocalist of the Saturday Night Live Band On Matt York's "Boston, Texas," The singer-songwriter uses basic building blocks – Holly's chords, Hank Williams' swagger, Steve Earle's boozy wisdom, Paul Westerberg's straight-up-drunk wisdom – to construct an album of beauty, optimism and heartbreak." – Boston Herald About Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez: 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 (SNL40’s anniversary post-show concert also featured her star turn onstage with Jimmy Fallon, Elvis Costello and the B-52's), whose latest CD, 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 topped the Alternate Root.com’s Readers’ Poll as top Americana vocalist, joining other winners Paul Thorn, The Mavericks and Rodney Crowell. Ohlman’s legendary voice and stage presence (she’s known as “The Beehive Queen” for her towering blonde hairdo) have most recently been featured on the 2016 AMA Conference in Nashville; the PBS series “Music City Roots” with Bonnie Bramlett, Sarah Potenza and the McCrary Sisters (June, 2016); 2016 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival’s Tribute To David Bowie; on numerous guest vocal shots on the HBO series “Vinyl" that feature a duet with Elvis Costello; on SNL’s 40th Anniversary telecast (pulled onstage by Jimmy Fallon at the after-party concert at the Plaza Hotel, she tore the roof off with the B52s as her backup vocalists), “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” (guest shot with Black 47); 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, 2013 and 2015 Little Kids Rock galas in NYC (taking the stage with Bruce Springsteen, Brian Wilson, Elvis Costello, Steve Miller, Graham Nash, Bill Medley, Tom Morello and others); and the 2012-2015 WC Handy Festivals (she was the special guest of the Blind Boys Of Alabama and soul queen Candi Staton, and helmed a sold-out tribute to legendary producer Jerry Wexler; in 2015 she was the festival’s Grand Marshall and co-billed with iconic guitarist Travis Wammack), as well as on both SNL’s 25th and the aforementioned 40th Anniversary telecasts; Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary bash at The Garden (with George Harrison, Chrissie Hynde, and others); the 2013 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 (two private evenings of duets she calls “absolute highlights”), Americana stalwart Paul Thorn, Bonnie Bramlett (who has become a longtime friend), Muscle Shoals legends Donnie Fritts and John Paul White of the Civil Wars, and New Orleans mainstays The Subdudes (she joins The ‘Dudes, BB King, Irma Thomas, Richard Thompson and others on Get You A Healin’ to benefit the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and has guest-hosted five editions of “Down On The Bayou” during successive Jazz & Heritage Fests with Widespread Panic’s JoJo Hermann, again to benefit The Clinic); worked often with the late blues giants Hubert Sumlin and Eddie Kirkland; collaborated on critically-acclaimed tracks with Marshall Crenshaw (Labour Of Love: The Music of Nick Lowe), Big Al Anderson (Pawn Shop Guitars), and Ian Hunter (When I’m President and Shrunken Heads); edited legendary Rolling Stones producer Andrew Loog Oldham’s autobiography 2Stoned and appears also on Oldham’s historic 2013 release “Andrew Loog Oldham and Friends Sing The Rolling Stones Songbook Vol. 2”). A musicologist of note, Ohlman is a cover-story-writing contributor to Elmore Magazine, and worked with Bonnie Raitt, Ry Cooder & others on the Rhythm & Blues Foundation Awards. Ohlman tours relentlessly, torching clubs up and down the Eastern Seaboard in support of her recordings (Strip, The Hard Way, Radio Queen, Wicked Time, 2008 career retrospective Re-Hive, the aforementioned The Deep End, 2011 concert DVD Live Hive and 2016’s “The Grown-Up Thing” with her band Rebel Montez (Michael Colbath-bass; Cliff Goodwin-guitar; Larry Donahue-drums). “I’ve come here tonight to set your souls on fire,” she’ll tell an audience. And she will. About Matt York The Boston Herald says of Matt York’s new album Boston, Texas that ”the singer-songwriter uses basic building blocks — Holly’s chords, Hank Williams’ swagger, Steve Earle’s boozy wisdom, Paul Westerberg’s straight-up-drunk wisdom — to construct an album of beauty, optimism and heartbreak”. Matt's new album explores a cross-section of everything from straight-up rock n roll to hints of outlaw country. His album has received radio airplay throughout the world. His album "Boston, Texas" was named Limelight Magazine's Debut Album of the Year". His most recent release, Between the Bars was listed as one of the top albums of 2017 by the Patriot Ledger, Gatehouse Media, Ryan's Smashing Life and radio stations WATD 95.9 FM's Almost Famous Radio and PIXY-103FM. Matt grew up in Foxboro, Massachusetts and began playing the clubs of Boston as a teenager. Since then, he's played on stages through New England, New York, Nashville and Toronto. His latest album "Between the Bars" was released in November, 2017. Gatehouse Media's Peter Chianca wrote of the new album "Put Boston’s Matt York in the 'should be rich and famous department' -- his country rock with a jangly edge has instantaneous appeal, combining wry lyrics about barflies, ex-lovers and fading summers with infectious melodies and a rocker’s penchant for strumming his way through heartbreak". Show: 8p | Doors 7p Tickets: $20 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
27 August
Wooly Mammoth & Mac Daddy -
About Wooly Mammoth: Gray Hallberg is the founder & lead guitarist of Wooly Mammoth. In addition to honing his guitar chops by studying with local legend Chris Leigh, Gray studied jazz performance at UVM and theory and composition at the University of Colorado. Currently residing in Boston, he plays and sings with the punk rock group At Least We Tried and blues driven Wooly Mammoth. Mike LaChance is the bassist. He lives in Mystic and also plays double bass with Cabin Fever, a local bluegrass band and the euphonium, as a volunteer with the New London Salvation Army. Toby Halsey has played guitar for fun for 30 years. He joined Wooly Mammoth at the first Mystic Blues Festival and played at the Racer’s Jam for 5 years supporting Mudhead Benefit Cup for Hospice. Jay Hartley keeps the beat for Wooly Mammoth plus plays with Green Tea, the Phil Adams Group and is in demand for many other CT & RI bands. Scott Parry’s blues driven piano style was inspired by local legend, Al Copley, the original keyboardist in the local Grammy-winning band Roomful of Blues. Scott and Al’s moms were friends and Al inspired Scott to take up the piano at the advanced age of five. He had been playing in bands ever since. About Mac Daddy: Connecticut's Original Classic Rock Experience Don’t you want real music? You have to be tired of hearing the same overplayed bullshit on 5 CT classic rock stations. We have a superb cast of pro musicians that know how to get under the layers of crap and bring you our versions of great classic rock songs (except Joe, we still don’t know why we let him play). Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $15 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges. Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and seats are not guaranteed with ticket purchase.)
01 September
Johnny & The East Coast Rockers -
Let's Dance Wednesday! Jazz/Swing/Motown/R&B/Rock n Roll Music: 7:30-10p | Doors: 6:30p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Offering Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p
08 September
The Cartells -
Let's Dance Wednesday! Show: 7:30-10p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Offering Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p
15 September
Cherry Pie -
Let's Dance Wednesday! Blues, Swing, Zydeco, Rockabilly, Latin Music: 7:30-10p | Doors: 6:30p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Offering Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p
22 September
Roger Ceresi Trio -
Let's Dance Wednesday! Playing music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Music: 7:30-10p | Doors: 6:30p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Offering Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p
22 October
Roger Ceresi’s All Starz -
Paying tribute to the great music legends of the 50s & 60s Roger rocks the planet with the "All Starz". With Roger's powerful vocals leading the way and his ability to motivate and incite crowd participation, the "All Starz" will deliver high energy jump blues, rhythm & blues and a bit of rock & roll WITH GRIT, SOUL, AND PASSION THAT WILL ROCK YOUR SOUL AND MAKE YOU MOVE YOUR FEET & Dance All Night long!! Backed by a stage full of incredible musicians, each a star in his own right, Roger leads this horn-driven band with all of his soul. Roger is an engaging performer who draws from all his life experiences to create a powerful, high-energy performance filled with passion, excitement and pure unadulterated fun! Audiences are immediately swept up by his energy and enthusiasm. But, like any other great performer, he knows that without a great group backing him up, it wouldn't be the same. To that end, Roger says "this is the best group of guys I've ever performed with, hands down no doubt! I love this band. I have found my home and I'm loving it!" Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $15 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges. Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and seats are not guaranteed with ticket purchase.)