THE KNICKERBOCKER MUSIC CENTER

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

Open Today: Open

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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 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

Wednesday
Special Event on this day 1
26

Thursday
27

Friday
Special Event on this day 1
28

Saturday
Special Event on this day 1
29

Sunday
30

Monday
01

Tuesday

Live Music (7:30pm – 10pm)

SPECIAL EVENTS: Michael Nau and The Mighty Thread

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: Sugar

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: Roger Ceresi's All Starz

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)

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

Closed Today

Special Events

25 April
Michael Nau and The Mighty Thread -
PLAYING IN THE TAP ROOM OPENER TBD Michael Nau returns this year with an expanded full-band lineup now known as The Mighty Thread, comprised of musicians from all over America who have been a part of his touring and recording life over the past few years. “We’ve all played together in various arrangements over the past few years”, says Nau. “We made a record with this core group last year and did a west coast trip at the end of ’17. It was fun and so we want to try and keep it going wherever we can. As such, we’re going to do a string of shows coming up wherein any show listed as "Michael Nau & the mighty thread” will be full band shows comprised of Will Brown on keys, Benny Yurco on guitar, Graeme Gibson on drums, Robinson Morse & Evan ApRoberts on bass and hopefully get to release some music featuring these bandmates in the near future”. Show: 8p | Doors: 6p | 21+ Tickets: $10 advance | $14 door ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
27 April
Sugar -
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.)
28 April
Roger Ceresi's All Starz -
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: 8:30p | Doors: 7:30 p Tickets: $12 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
02 May
The Keepers -
The Keepers, Playing Swing, R&B, Blues and Jazz. LET'S DANCE WEDNESDAYS! Offering Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p. Doors open at 6:30p. Music from 7:30-10p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
04 May
A Higher Place Hurricane Relief Benefit -
A Benefit for Hurricane Relief honoring the music of Tom Petty Last fall, the combination of the devastation of the September hurricanes and the death of Tom Petty led a small group of local musicians to want to do something positive to both honor Petty's music and help out people in need. A Higher Place benefit concert series (named after a Petty song) was pulled together to accomplish just that. Over 30 musicians are covering an evening of Tom Petty's hits and album cuts that South County music lovers will appreciate as they help out our fellow citizens who were and are still affected by the hurricane damage. The proceeds of the event will be directed to All Hands and Hearts - a Massachusetts nonprofit that focuses on disaster relief in Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and Texas. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $10 advance / $15 door ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
05 May
Cinco de Mayo Dance Party -
The Troublemakers & Los Souper Six Starting right at 7:45p. Doors at 7p. The Souper Six A Cinco de Mayo project bringing a ration of Tex-Mex folk music to the Knickerbocker Saturday the 5th of May pays homage to its birth in Westerly, RI where they will never give up making SOUPY, while simultaneously echoing its musical roots in conjunto combos the Texas Tornados, the Mavericks and Los SUPER Seven. The band starts with a core of honky tonk musicians who tour internationally with Girls, Guns and Glory, singer/songwriter Ward Hayden, guitar ace Cody Nilsen, and drummer Josh Kiggans who now makes his home in Westerly – well, Pawcatuck, same difference. Drawing on the Gulf of Connecticut’s endemic music tradition, we mix in two players from the Mystic Horns who have taken their own turns with Roomful and younger walkabouts with the greats of Texas folk music, bass player Rory Macleod and Trumpeteer Danny Motta. And the icing on the cake, in the Augie Meyers catbird seat, is Ralph Tufo, accordion player for the Hub city’s (around here that means Boston although south of the Mason Dixon line it means Lafayette) Squeezebox Stompers. The fusion of Americana, neotraditional country, Tex-Mex, wester swing, and country pop is credited to the Mavericks by Wikipedia; and they are certainly masters of the space. But move over Raul and company, the Souper Six are comin’ at ya. Don’t miss this rare chance to see a souper group of musicians, who more often focus on Nashville, Memphis, Chicago and New Orleans, turn southwest Rhode Island to the musical Southwest. We’re talking SWxSW on music’s biggest night of the spring. Starting right at 7:45. Don’t be late. The Troublemakers: A Tribute To The Allman Brothers The lineup includes the areas most in-demand and seasoned veteran players, coming from groups such as 100 Watt Suns, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, The Hoolios, Green Tea, Water Street Quartet, and more. Members are: Ronnie Lewis, Don DC Culp, Dan Sherer, Bill Light, Josh White, and Marty Moroney. Show: 7:45p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Visit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetroublemakersbandct
09 May
The Cartells -
Let's Dance Wednesdays! Jazz/Swing/Motown/R&B/Rock n Roll. 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.)
11 May
Stelth Ulvang (of The Lumineers) -
Stelth Ulvang (of The Lumineers) with Y La Bamba and Glenn Kendzia Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $17 advance / $19 door ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
12 May
Say Darling & The Carleans -
About Say Darling: Sometimes, what you were looking for comes right when you're not looking at all. You might say that's how Say Darling was formed. In 2016,old friends Celia Woodsmith and Chris Hersch found themselves taking a step back from their international touring projects. Grammy-Nominated singer and songwriter Celia Woodsmith – of the acclaimed bluegrass band Della Mae – and critically lauded guitarist Chris Hersch of the alt. country rock band Girls Guns & Glory, had each independently decided to relax their rigorous schedules, both ending up back home in New England with time on their hands. These two road warriors and workaholics didn't last long before delving into a new and exciting project: Say Darling. “I don’t think we had much pressure on ourselves to create something, but we had so much fun ... we just knew we had to follow it up”, says Woodsmith. Blending distinctive original songs with classic tunes that pay homage to a shared musical heritage, Say Darling evokes the funky drive of Little Feat, the moving vocals of Bonnie Raitt and the instrumental prowess of the Tedeschi-Trucks Band. Hersch, who was voted amongst the best roots guitar players nationwide by The Alternate Root, leads the band with melodic support and blistering solos, while Scott Coulter is virtuosic on the Hammond B3. Paul Chase on bass and Jared Seabrook on drums round out the rhythm section, making Say Darling a 'lethal combination of all-star musicians'(Manchester Ink) from the New England roots rock scene. The quintet can go from pin-drop silence to a cascading roar in the span of one song, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. In their first year, Woodsmith, whom the Boston Globe describes as “Unvarnished and intimate (…) but then sounds like she's about to part the Dead Sea,” penned 5 of the six songs on their debut EP “Say Darling” (the sixth being a co-write with Hersch). Red Line Roots describes their first foray into recording as a “Badass force of bluesy goodness”, while Maine Today calls the album a “home to a half dozen smoky, sizzling roots rock tunes”. Say Darling will get you off your chair and dancing, or keep you spellbound with evocative vocals and performances. No one else can so effortlessly combine their influences in one electric and contemporary package. About The CarLeans: 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.)
16 May
The Chris Leigh Band -
Let's Dance Wednesdays! 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.)
18 May
Eight to the Bar -
Swing, Boogie Woogie, Rhythm & Blues, Soul and Motown. About Eight to the Bar: 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: 8:30p | Doors: 7:30p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
19 May
Ernie Smith 50th Anniversary Tour with SoulSh -
Ernie is continuing His 50 year vibration with shows in NYC and The Knickerbocker Café in Westerly RI on May 19. Ernie will be backed up at the Knick by local favorites SOULSHOT who will also be performing a set of their original roots reggae music. About Ernie Smith: "I have written this song, maybe you could find someone to record it". He sang his song with piano backup. They told him, "We have a band coming in at 2p.m., you stay and record it." So began the professional musical career of Glenroy Anthony Smith who became fondly known as ERNIE SMITH, with his original composition "I Can't Take It". Johnny Nash later recorded it as "Tears On My Pillow". In 1972 at The World Popular Song Festival of The Yamaha Foundation in Tokyo, he won the Grand Prize with his original composition of "Life Is Just For Living", competing against songwriters like Neil Sedaka, and Michael Legrand. Ernie has written well over 200 songs, several of which have been recorded by other artists, including Johnny Nash, Rita Marley, Chakka Demus and Pliers, Sanchez, Twiggy, Ken Lazarus, John Jones, Judy Boucher, Goldie Hawn, Eddie Lovett, Yellowman, Grace Thrillers and others. Ernie played on many stages around the world including repeat performances at Madison Square Garden - New York, multiple venues in Europe, the USA , Central and South America the Caribbean and of course his homeland – Jamaica. On October 30, 2010 Ernie had the signal honour of receiving a Congressional Proclamation from the United States House of Representatives at the behest of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, a Certificate of Recognition from the Executive Chamber of the State of New York under the hand of Governor Paterson and the Pinnacle Award in memory of the struggles of founders of the Rastafarian community in Jamaica. With Ernie Smith time has no boundary, and today, he is as vibrant and fresh as ever and ready to move on through any challenge his musical journey may encounter. His latest Release: COUNTRY MILE is fresh, current and hypnotic. It is Ernie's offer to you, to enjoy, while discovering or, re-discovering the essence of Jamaican musicality and versatility. On September 29, 2017, Ernie celebrated 50 golden years in the music industry with a huge show at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica along with guest performers: Pluto Shervington Ken Boothe Naomi Cowan Carlene Davis Winsome Benjamin Susan Couch Capleton Ras-I Dean Fraser Dizzy Minott Wayne Armond Ojay Smith Sahara Smith Junior Tucker Charmaine Limonius Lymie Murray Peter Ashbourne Boy band “8” accompanied by the great Desi Jones Band. The show had 3 segments, first ”songs that touched me” paying tribute to music that influenced His own work and growth in music, second, musical tributes- interpretations of His songs by His musical guests, and third, Ernie performing His original songs. The event was performed before a very enthusiastic sold out audience. Ernie is continuing His 50 year vibration with shows in NYC and The Knickerbocker Café in Westerly RI on May 19. Ernie will be backed up at the Knick by local favorites SOULSHOT who will also be performing a set of their original roots reggae music About Soulshot: The Players— David “Daveydread” Turano on bass, David Prout-guitar, Rob Liguori alto, tenor and flute, RJ Avalone on trumpet, Mark Berney on trumpet, Thom O’Brien rhythm guitar and vocals, Dion Knibb-vocals, Eric Williams-vocals, Ken Stewart on keyboards, Krys Jackson on drums and Papa Zeke 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, son of the late legendary drummer Lloyd Knibb, has recorded in Jamaica 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, some of which appear on SOULSHOT’s SHOT HEARD ROUND THE WORLD album. 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 many more. 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. 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 Mystery Concert in Kingston and at several other venues about the country. Soulshot has been the backing band for Ernie Smith on many occasions and has also backed the legend 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, renowned Jamaican vocalist and touring vocalist with the Skatalites, and Dalton “Screwdriver” Lindo on severaloccasions. 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. Show: 9p | Doors: 8p | All Ages Tickets: $12 advance / $15 door ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
23 May
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.)
25 May
Fleet & Motion Radio -
Fleet is an alternative/funk/rock blues band based in Southeast CT. They play fun, lively and catchy originals and covers with bass, drums, vocals and guitars. Fleet has played many venues in CT and RI, including Tapped Apple Winery, Arrigoni Winery, Lansdowne Pub Mohegan Sun, Stella Blues New Haven, Stomping Ground Putnam, Strange Brew Pub, Donald Oat Theatre, 33 Golden St New London, Blue Back Sq West Hartford, Brick & Basil Pizza, Sneekers Groton, Daniel Packer Inn and Tamarack Lodge to name a few. Similar artists to Fleet include Grateful Dead, Black Keys, Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon & Royal Blood. Motion Radio is an Indie Alternative Rock band from Eastern CT featuring Matt Hamilton on Vocals & Guitar, AJ Longo on Bass & Vocals, and Bryan Briggs on Drums. They have a sound that tips their hat to such influences as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The White Stripes with catchy melodies accompanied by a high energy atmosphere! Show: 9p | Doors: 8p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
26 May
Vince Thompson & Biscuit City -
Vince Thompson and Biscuit City Vince Thompson and the Next Fun Thing is Connecticut's answer to Bob Wills with the best talent playing a vintage western swing sound punctuated by originals. "Thompson's "Hurricane" is a thoughtful, literate and melodic work that conjures what might happen if James Taylor raised B.W. Stevenson from the grave and they hotwired Vince Gill's tour bus for an all-night ride to Nashville." - Rick Koster New London Day BISCUIT CITY is a Rhode Island based band playing rootsy rock and country at venues throughout New England. The band’s influences are diverse and wide ranging and the music they play is best described as a blend of honky-tonk and alt-country with traditional country blues, along with elements of classic rock. Their country repertoire includes songs by George Jones, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, as well as Rodney Crowell, The Mavericks, Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, Lucinda Williams, Neil Young, Ryan Adams, Dwight Yoakam, J.J. Cale, CCR, Doug Sahm, Uncle Tupelo, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed and Townes Van Zandt. Most importantly, for any gig at the Knickerbocker, they have a backbeat, dance-inspiring style that won’t quit. Biscuit City is Bro Dunn, drums, Paula Clare Ciminero, keyboards, harp and vocals; Richard Ribb: bass guitar and vocals; Josh Schurman, acoustic/electric guitar and vocals; and Mike Tanaka, electric guitar. Show: 7:30p | Doors: 6:30p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Visit Website: http://www.reverbnation.com/vincethompson
01 June
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: 8:30p | Doors: 7:30p Tickets: $15 advance / $20 door ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
02 June
Jonah Smith -
Jonah Smith is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter that is based in Los Angeles, CA. He pulls from the deep well of American blues and many of its offshoots, including soul, country, and folk. Smith is essentially a songwriter with the voice of a soul singer. In 2014, Jonah Smith auditioned with his band on the NBC show, "America's Got Talent", where he was a semi finalist..He sang his original song Skyscraper Blues and received a standing ovation from judges Howard Stern and Howie Mandel. He has shared the stage with other artists like Los Lobos & Little Feat. He has released several records including the eponymous debut on Relix Records, Lights On, Little Known Cure and In The Kitchen. “You’re the real deal. You can play, you can sing… you are terrific.” — Howard Stern “At its best, the singer Jonah Smith’s amalgam of American Roots and soul evokes The Band (Garth Hudson’s accordion on an early record didn’t hurt).” — New York Times “Easygoing, soulful music, which calls to mind J.J. Cale, early Van Morrison and Ben Harper.” — Wall St. Journal Show: 8:30p | Doors: 7:30p Tickets: $15 advance / $20 door ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
09 June
Neal Vitullo and the Vipers -
CD Release Party 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 are working on their 9th CD that should be released before the end of this year. Show: 8:30p | Doors: 7:30p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
13 June
The Cartells -
Let's Dance Wednesdays! Jazz/Swing/Motown/R&B/Rock n Roll. 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.)
16 June
Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez -
Current and Longtime vocalist of the Saturday Night Live Band 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. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)