THE KNICKERBOCKER MUSIC CENTER

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

Closed Today

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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
20

Wednesday
Special Event on this day 1
21

Thursday
22

Friday
Special Event on this day 1
23

Saturday
Special Event on this day 1
24

Sunday
Special Event on this day 1
25

Monday

Closed Today

Live Music (7:30pm – 10pm)

SPECIAL EVENTS: The Chris Leigh Band

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

Live Music (8pm)

DINING: Brand new food menu for Tap Room and adjacent Knickerbocker Music Center.

NIGHTLIFE: The Tap Room at The Knickerbocker is an intimate listening room with a retro speakeasy atmosphere that hosts acoustic sets. The Tap Room features a house sound system playing exclusively vinyl records on non-performance nights.

DRINK DEALS: The Tap Room offers specialty cocktails, eclectic cordials, local craft beer, and more!

Age
21+

Cover
No Cover

Music
Acoustic

Atmosphere
Busy

Live Music

SPECIAL EVENTS: The Other Favorites

DINING: The Best Fish and Chips.

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

Hours
1am

Age
21+

Music
Live Bands

Atmosphere
Busy

Live Music

SPECIAL EVENTS: Kat Wright

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

DRINK DEALS: Drink Specials Available.

Hours
1am

Age
21+

Music
Live Bands

Atmosphere
Busy

Live Music (8pm)

SPECIAL EVENTS: Youth on-the-mic

DRINK DEALS: The Tap Room offers specialty cocktails, eclectic cordials, local craft beer, and more!

Age
21+

Cover
No Cover

Music
Acoustic

Atmosphere
Busy

Live Music (8pm)

DINING: Brand new food menu for Tap Room and adjacent Knickerbocker Music Center.

DRINK DEALS: The Tap Room offers specialty cocktails, eclectic cordials, local craft beer, and more!

Age
21+

Cover
No Cover

Music
Acoustic

Special Events

20 November
The Chris Leigh Band -
Progressive Blues-Rock Doors open at 6:30pm. Free dance lessons starting at 7p. Music from 7:30pm-10p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
22 November
The Other Favorites -
The Other Favorites is the longtime duo project of Carson McKee and Josh Turner. Perhaps best known for their performances on YouTube, The Other Favorites are now based out of Brooklyn, NY and perform internationally. Together, Turner and McKee bring their shared influences of folk, bluegrass and classic rock into a modern framework, one distinguished by incisive songwriting, virtuosic guitar work, and tight two-part harmony. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $20 advance / $25 door ($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.)
23 November
Kat Wright -
Opening with The Wolff Sisters Kat Wright, whose voice is both sultry and dynamic, delicate yet powerful; gritty but highly emotive and nuanced, has been described as “a young Bonnie Raitt meets Amy Winehouse”. Add to that voice enough stage presence to tame lions, and the combination of feline femininity proves immediately enchanting. There’s soul flowing in and out of her rock ‘n’ roll with a serpentine seduction. Some of soul music’s sweet, grand dames belt, shout, seethe, and succumb, while Wright sings gently like a heartache’s apology. It’s funky in spots and beautiful all over. And it hurts a little … like it should. Winner Seven Days (VT) Best funk/R&B artist or group (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) Winner Seven Days (VT) Best Vocalist (2016, 2017, 2018) -- Gritty and raw folk-rock outfit The Wolff Sisters first broke into the Boston music scene as an acoustic trio. With haunting harmonies and songs reminiscent of washed up wanderers on New England’s salty coasts, Rebecca, Rachael, and Kat stole Boston’s heart (yes, they’re really sisters). Born to a poet and a musician, they grew up on the heavy realism of Dylan and Springsteen blended with the loose and loud Rolling Stones. Drawing inspiration from blues giants like Howlin’ Wolf and modern storytellers Dawes, The Wolff Sisters don’t fit into one genre of music. With Rebecca on acoustic guitar, Rachael on electric guitar, Kat on keys, and all three on vocals, the sisters spent years honing their sound together in an old Victorian house just outside Boston. In 2015, the trio amplified their performance with the addition of Will Rodriguez on drums, and a talented cast of rotating bass players. The band seeks to bring that loose blues, roots, and rock n’ roll sound back into the forefront of the music scene. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $15 advance / $20 door ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
24 November
Youth on-the-mic -
The United Theatre and The Knickerbocker Music Center are excited to present YOUTH ON-THE-MIC, a new open mic series for 6th to 12th graders who want to perform, sing, or play music (whether original or covers) to an audience. Open mics for adults are plentiful, and so often, open mics for adolescents aren't held at actual venues. We are thrilled to offer an alternative, providing kids and teens with a place to play and a community of music lovers eager to hear them. The first YOUTH ON-THE-MIC will be held on Sunday, November 24th at the Knickerbocker Tap Room from 6-8pm. Doors open at 5:30pm and sign-ups for a spot are first-come the night of. Solo singers, solo instrumentalists, and small bands are welcome, but the space is restricted in size with no room for a drum kit.
27 November
Sugar - Thanksgiving Eve! -
Disco/Funk/Hip-Hop/R&B About Sugar: Performing together as a band for over 15 years, we've really seen and done it all. We've shared the stage with the likes of Bo Diddley, Rick Derringer, Tower of Power, The Go Go's, Kansas, Toto, Dick Dale, Eddie Money, Trick Pony, Men At Work, J. Geils, John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band, and Peter Frampton, to name a few. To sum it up in one word... EXPERIENCE. This experience comes complete with full back-line, lighting, and a pro sound company for all events as well as the availability to travel to any destination in the world. Whether you need top 40 high-energy hits from the first song of the night or a more relaxing atmosphere as we slowly ease your guests into a night filled with excitement and dancing, we've got it covered. The Sugar music catalog boasts an enormous repertoire of material that spans a multitude of genres, styles and generations, past and present, old and new. We are ready to satisfy the broad musical tastes of you and your guests. Sugar will deliver with our unique blend of musical variety, vitality and class. We guarantee your event to be remembered by all who attend! Sugar consists of: Marcy Kelly - Vocals, Natalia Mortrude - Vocals, Joe Michael - Guitar, Israel Malek - Keyboards/Vocals, Andrew Chaney - Bass/Vocals, Ric Haddad - Drums, Matthew Dean - Percussion, & Klyph Johnson - Saxophone/Keyboards. Show: 9p | Doors: 8p Tickets: $10 ($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.)
29 November
SoulShot and Professor Roots -
About Soulshot: 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— We have just released our third album, SOULSHOT and FRIENDS with original tunes by Thom O’Brien, Dion Knibb and Eric Williams and original material from guest singer/song writers Jonah Tolchin and Ernie Smith. It is available on itunes along with Shot Heard Round the World. Check our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_btJkswIrSOPsHKL6nd7Iw Professor Roots is a Providence-based reggae band specializing in ska, rock steady, and reggae. We love to play original Jamaican music! Professor Roots was formed in 2014. We often have guest artists, but our core set of musicians are: Fred Jackson - harmonicas and vocals Kelly McCullough - bass guitar and vocals Krys Jackson - drums Peter Breen - guitar and vocals Geoff Greene - keyboards and vocals David Prout - guitar Frank Moniz - tenor sax Professor Roots has performed as opening act for The Wailers (featuring Aston "Family Man" Barrett) and SoulShot. We have featured many guest artists, including Becky Bass on steel pan and vocals, Jayrad Williams on drums, Chris Ottaviano on percussion, to name a few. Nominated for Motif Magazine Music Award in the category of Reggae/Ska - 2017 & 2018. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p | All Ages Tickets: $10 advance / $12 door ($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.)
30 November
Will Evans & Rising Tide -
Opening with Jake Mortrude About Will Evans: Will Evans has spent the last decade as the primary song writer, drummer, and front man for the roots rock outfit Barefoot Truth. Will recorded four full length albums and several EP’s of his original music with the band. Their most recent release, “Carry Us On”, debuted at #10 on the iTunes Rock Chart. With Barefoot Truth now on an extended hiatus, Will has opened a new chapter in his musical journey. His first solo release landed him in Entertainment Weekly as being right on target in the “Bullseye Of The Week” and warranted a #4 spot on the Northeast Billboards. Will’s entry into the Guitar Center sponsored “Search For The Next Great American Songwriter” also brought him national attention. Out of over 10,000 entrants, he was chosen as one of the nation’s top ten finalists. In October of 2015, while on a national tour as direct support to Trevor Hall, Will released his sophomore album, “Signal Flares”, and is currently touring in support of the album. With topics such as the album’s opener “Do It For The Love”, and “To Be Human”, it is clear that the singer-songwriter is once again speaking from his heart, advocating his own socially-conscious messages of love and inclusion. In his live performances, Will uses his impressive looping skills to combine his drumming background with his highly energized and entertaining acoustic style. When Will is on stage, the crowds always get to their feet and he always gets to their hearts. Will has shared the stage with many top artists including Crosby and Nash, Grace Potter, Bruce Hornsby, Rusted Root, Trevor Hall, Donavon Frankenreiter, Railroad Earth and members of Dispatch. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $20 advance / $25 door ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
04 December
The Founders -
Let's Dance Wednesdays! Blues Piano and Boogie Woogie Doors open at 6:30pm. Free dance lessons starting at 7p. Music from 7:30-10p Tickets: $12 advance / $15 door ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
06 December
Ward Hayden & the Outliers -
Ward Hayden & the Outliers Opening with Cowboy and Lady Our new album "Can't Judge a Book" is officially out now!! The album is a collection of songs that we picked up in our travels, sometimes it was a song we heard another band perform or a song that captured a moment while we were on the road, or in the case of Chuck Berry's "Promised Land" it was the story behind the song that made us want to record it. The album also includes a brand new original song called "Naturally Crazy" inspired by one of our tours through France and the realization that anyone who chooses to spend half their life on the road and rambling from city to city all over the world has to be naturally crazy, not only to want to live a life where you're constantly on the move, but also in order to roll with the punches, sometimes literally, and survive. 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 and Europe. They’ve amassed a loyal legion of fans along the way. The media have noticed too, including Rolling Stone, who 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 and 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. 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. Cowboy and Lady is a country-blues inspired duo featuring Tyler-James Kelly (The Silks) & Jess Powers. Show: 8p | Doors: 7pTickets: $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.)
08 December
Speziale & Friends Christmas Benefit -
Speziale & Friends 7th Annual Rock and Roll Christmas Show to Benefit Stand Up For Animals Opening with Sweet Mercy Food, drinks, prizes, and music by Speziale and Friends. Opening act, award-winning roots rock band, Sweet Mercy. Dancing Santa! Hula contest! Special guest Puppet Santa! Time: 6p Tickets: $12 donation ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
11 December
Superchief Trio -
Let's Dance Wednesdays! with Superchief Trio Swing/New Orleans R&B/Jump Blues/Boogie Woogie Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p. Music from 7:30pm-10pm. $10 Cover
13 December
Mystic Dead + Wooly Mammoth -
Mystic Dead is Southern New England's leading Grateful Dead cover band, made up of five lifetime Deadheads who came together in 2018 to pursue their passion of sharing the country's most amazing song book. While the Grateful Dead were from Northern California, some of their most faithful fans, and most memorable concerts, were from the Northeastern US. From the legendary 1980 shows at Radio City Music Hall in NYC, to Ithica, Hartford, Waterville, Boston and beyond, the Northeast was a special place for the Dead, they knew they could count on the fans to dance the night away. Mystic Dead and its five band members are based in one of America's favorite small towns, Mystic, Connecticut. Mystic has a great music, art and seafaring tradition that goes back to the 1600s. Mystic Dead is: Toby Kniffin - Guitar & Vocals Ian Kelly - Guitar & Vocals Ronnie Lewis - Drums & Vocals Marty Moroney - Bass Paul Sauvageau - Keyboards -- 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 the University of Vermont 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 has been hacking around on bass on and off since high school. He studies double bass with Jim Hunter at String Theory School of Music. Mike also plays with Cabin Fever, a local bluegrass band. 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 he beat for Wooly Mammoth plus plays with Gren Tea, the Phil Dams Band 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: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $10 ($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.)
14 December
Jason Cardinal -
Rock with a touch of blues and soul Singer Songwriter, multi instrumentalist, and vocalist, Jason Cardinal has just released his latest album "Five Stars." It's an all original five track rock/pop album with a soulful edge. He is both an original and cover artist. He is also traditional one man band with a modern twist. He performs guitar, drums, vocals, harmonica, and percussion, and does it all at the same time. For many of his shows, he redefines "cover music" mashing up and rearranging hits to keep audiences enthralled. In the past 7 years Jason has performed around 200 shows a year, including many cover-one-man-band performances. He has sang and performed at 60,000 seat arenas and has opened for major national acts. He has recently made a major push towards releasing and performing more of his original works. His latest release "Five Stars" is the beginning of a new step in his career. Show: 9p | Doors: 8p Tickets: $10 ($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.)
20 December
Jeff Pitchell & James Montgomery -
Jeff Pitchell with special guest James Montgomery and Texas Flood High energy Rhythm & Blues, Rock, Soul, and Funk. Jeff Pitchell has been blistering the paint off the walls of most clubs in the New England area for some years now and he is one of the hottest guitar slingers on the circuit, drawing comparisons to Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughn. Pitchell is an internationally acclaimed dynamic singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor, winning "best guitarist" in the State of CT when he was 15 years old. He has been performing recently with Charles Neville, Grammy Award winner, sold out 35 shows in a row with guitarist and Rock Hall of Fame nominee J. Geils, performed with Phil Lesh of Grateful Dead, played for the World Champion Boston Red Sox on national television and radio, had a #7 CD stay on the national Billboard charts for 12 weeks performed on the Don Imus show on national television and radio as well! Jeff also has guitar dueled with Kenny Wayne Shepard and Dickie Betts of the Allman Brothers! Hartford Magazine readers honored Jeff as Best Musician/Band in Connecticut! Special guest James Montgomery has finished his new CD and there's talk that the long awaited CD "From Detroit To The Delta may be nominated for a Grammy. The CD has many guest musicians including members of Aerosmith, Johnny Winter, James Cotton, DMC from the band Run DMC and others. The CD will be officially released this year. James Montgomery is currently going through one of his best periods ever. In the past two years Steven Tyler, Huey Lewis, Jim Belushi, Honey Boy Edwards, Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford from Aerosmith, Jay Geils, Billy Squier, James Cotton, the Uptown Horns, Kim Wilson, Barry Goodreau formerly of Boston, Johnny A, Grace Kelly, Duke Robillard, and Matt Kelly from the Dropkick Murphys are just a few of the artists who have performed on stage with the James Montgomery. Also in the past two years the band has been invited by Morgan Freeman to be his guests in Clarksdale at Ground Zero. James was featured in a movie with Morgan Freeman and Willie Nelson called "Delta Rising". It was these trips to Mississippi that inspired the new CD. Together, James and Jeff get their dueling-axes on and backed by Jeff's band, Texas Flood, tear up a high energy mix of Rhythm and Blues, Rock, Soul, Pop, funky Texas Blues and even a little Country. This one is a barn-burner! Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $15 advance / $20 door ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
21 December
Last Child - Aerosmith Tribute Show -
Chosen to perform at Steven Tyler's Janie's Fund event in Boston on Oct 2019 Last Child - Aerosmith Tribute Show featuring Steven Tyler impersonator Bobby Mann performing the best of Aerosmith from the early days to the present hits! Outrageous high energy performance and hit after hit songs by American's longest standing ROCK band! 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.)
27 December
The Hoolios with special guests The CarLeans -
The Hoolios are steeped in the rhythms of the Gulf of Mexico: Americana, Latin, Reggae, Texas Folk and Zydeco. Veteran singer / keyboardist Mike Derry shares the vocals with a scathing R&B style that leaves the audience spellbound. Folk sensibility, Contemporary Themes, Gulf rhythms and serious musicians who cross traditional genres with jam band energy a la Donna the Buffalo to make music that is irresistible to dancers but equally compelling for those who listen with serious music appreciation in mind. Launched from the Gulf of Connecticut's roadhouses, the Hoolios have graced big stages from the respected Eugene O'Neil Theater Center to the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun and the legendary Johnny Ds in Somerville, MA, and of course this return to Gulf of Connecticut's live roots capitol, the Knickerbocker Music Center. The CarLeans are a musical collaboration between Connecticut based musicians Jim Carpenter (guitar, vocals), Sarah MacLean (guitar, vocals) and Corina Malbaurn (bass, vocals). The blending of their diverse musical backgrounds creates a captivating musical experience. Steeped in passion for story telling and navigating the human experience, their original songs are raw and powerful - paired with a delivery and live performance that's honest and marked by well-placed musicianship and vocal presence. There's a versatile sound that comes from the three piece rooted in Americana/folk music, but extends through Country/Pop/Blues/Cajun. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $10 advance / $12 door ($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.)
28 December
Neal Vitullo and the Vipers -
Blues/Rockabilly/R & B/Surf American Roots Rock and Roll About Neal 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: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
31 December
Roger Ceresi's All Starz: New Years Eve -
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!" http://youtu.be/eLfVnofgSVs “Come On Let's Boogie” Live @ Waterfire Providence http://youtu.be/vzms1SpW2Ik “walkin on a tight rope” Live! at an Infamous Blues club in Hull mass The C-NOTE http://youtu.be/91jK38LMKl8 “Midnight Cannonball” http://youtu.be/5sx4vWEj8_g "Woke Up This Morning" Show: 8-12:15p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $20 advance / $25 door ($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.)
04 January
Sugar Ray and the Bluetones -
Award-winning Blues. About Sugar Ray and the Bluetones History written by Mudcat Ward, bass: In 1977, Sugar Ray Norcia and Neil Gouvin were working southern Rhode Island in their band, Sugar Ray & the Blues Stompers. Up in Boston, Ronnie Earl, still using his given surname Horvath, was beginning to try stage monikers such as Little Ronnie. After a while, the winds of change were swirling. Ronnie and bassist, Mudcat Ward were searching for musical colleagues that wanted to play bluer, lower down, earthier and produce the highest quality blues. Ronnie chose to book a series of dates out of town, under the name "The Dueces." Neil Gouvin, well-known blues drummer in southern New England, was contacted to make the dates and demonstrated that he could provide the sought-after groove. After reviewing the situation from his own vantage point, Gouvin made the suggestion that altered blues history: get his vocalist/harp player Sugar Ray into this picture. Although the band enjoyed the four-piece sound, they wanted a larger band and the addition of a piano player. A number of months later, Ronnie and Mudcat attended a show at Paul's Mall in Boston where Muddy Waters and his band were performing. The opening act, a band from New Hampshire, featured a damned good blues piano player. He turned out to be Little Anthony Geraci. Ronnie and Mudcat visited him in Newton, MA where he was in the middle of writing a sonata. The blues musicians offered Anthony the position and he signed on. The band christened itself Sugar Ray & the Bluetones. They have had multiple personnel changes over the last 40 years but remain true to their blues roots- returning to The Knick and touring throughout the New England area. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $15 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Visit Website: www.sugarrayandthebluetones.com
08 January
The Chris Leigh Band -
Progressive Blues-Rock Doors open at 6:30pm. Free dance lessons starting at 7p. Music from 7:30pm-10p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
11 January
Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez -
with special guest Matt York 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 __ 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-52s), 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 at 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 evening 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 upcoming “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. __ 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: $12 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
22 January
Ed Peabody And The Big Blue Thang -
Let's Dance Wednesdays! 1997 winners of the CT Blues Society Challenge Ed Peabody has been a fixture with the blues. With his band Blue Steele, Ed Peabody band, The Johnny Press Mess. And now his dream band Ed Peabody And The Big Blue Thang comprised of three other original members of Blue Steele. Brother Ned Peabody on drums, Larry Parquette on the keys, Michael Barrett on Guitar also Tony Carminati on Bass and Deke Kendarian on sax. Over the years Ed has sat on with any blues icons. James Montgomery, Jeff Pitchell, Neal Vitullo, and James Cotton to name a few. He has also opened for Roomful of Blues, Rod Piazza, and James Cotton. Ed is also a very popular featured artist at many of the local and regional blues jams. Doors open at 6:30pm. Free dance lessons starting at 7p. Music from 7:30-10p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
26 January
Youth on-the-mic -
The United Theatre and The Knickerbocker Music Center are excited to present YOUTH ON-THE-MIC, a new open mic series for 6th to 12th graders who want to perform, sing, or play music (whether original or covers) to an audience. Open mics for adults are plentiful, and so often, open mics for adolescents aren't held at actual venues. We are thrilled to offer an alternative, providing kids and teens with a place to play and a community of music lovers eager to hear them. The first YOUTH ON-THE-MIC will be held on Sunday, November 24th at the Knickerbocker Tap Room from 6-8pm. Doors open at 5:30pm and sign-ups for a spot are first-come the night of. Solo singers, solo instrumentalists, and small bands are welcome, but the space is restricted in size with no room for a drum kit.
29 January
Roger Ceresi’s Trio -
Let's Dance Wednesdays! Paying tribute to the great music legends of the 50s & 60s Doors open at 6:30pm. Free dance lessons starting at 7p. Music from 7:30-10p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
05 February
Cherry Pie -
Let's Dance Wednesday! Blues, Swing, Zydeco, Rockabilly, Latin Doors open at 6:30pm. Free dance lessons starting at 7p. Music from 7:30pm-10p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
12 February
Dan Lord & the Big Shots -
LET'S DANCE WEDNESDAYS! Blues/Rock Offering Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p. 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.)
17 April
Adam Ezra Group -
Opener: TBA "NOT SINCE SPRINGSTEEN AND BONO HAVE I SEEN A LEAD SINGER WITH HIS TALENT AND CHARISMA." - JACK CASEY, GENERAL MANAGER WERS RADIO IN BOSTON Talk to any Adam Ezra Group fan around the country and they’ll tell you that each AEG performance is a one-of-a-kind, community-driven experience, propelled by the spirit of the people in front of the stage. For both fans and band members alike, an AEG concert is a rally to live life with intensity and soak in the moments we share with one another. Hailing from Boston, AEG’s unconventional approach to the music world has allowed them to surge beyond their beloved hometown and emerge as one of the most uniquely powerful, underground live music experiences in the country. While Ezra has played with an array of musicians over the years, his current line-up featuring Corinna Smith on fiddle, Alex Martin on drums, and Poche Ponce on bass has been creating a new buzz around the country in 2019, as evidenced by their mind numbing tour schedule, ballooning tickets sales, and opening features with The Wallflowers, Galactic, John Oates, The Wailers, Southside Johnny, Graham Parker, and America. Not believing in set lists, every AEG show provides new and unique concert experiences that the band has been recording in real time and sharing with fans on thumbs drives as part of their "Live Sound Project" every night. Go to any Adam Ezra show, solo or with the group, and you will not only find fans who have traveled vast distances to be there, but also doubtless a fair number of rabid followers accumulating as many AEG shows as possible throughout the year. The fall of 2019 has AEG on more headlining tours supporting their 19th album release and the latest in a series of enhanced, remixed, live albums, aptly named "Better Than Bootleg"(Aug 24, 2019). The musicians who make up Adam Ezra Group are all believers in the power of real-time connection with their audience, explaining their non-stop touring schedule throughout the year. The Bootleg Series is Ezra's attempt at delivering recordings that have the energy and spirit of their live show, while also showcasing studio quality sound. Recorded at City Winery Boston December 2, BTB III also features “Juna Please, All I Am, and Hold Each Other Now” co-written with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, John Oates, and the standout track, “The Devil Came Up to Boston”, a parody of “The Devil Went Down To Georgia." Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $20 advance | $25 door ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)