THE KNICKERBOCKER MUSIC CENTER

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

Open Today: 1am

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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

Saturday
Special Event on this day 1
21

Sunday
22

Monday
23

Tuesday
24

Wednesday
Special Event on this day 1
25

Thursday
26

Friday
Special Event on this day 1

Live Music

SPECIAL EVENTS: Phish Tribute Night

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)

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 (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

Live Music (7:30pm – 10pm)

SPECIAL EVENTS: Sue Foley

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.

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: Knickerbocker All Stars®

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

Special Events

20 October
Phish Tribute Night -
Phish Tribute Night Featuring Phil Adams Adams Group: From the guy who brought The Music of John Mayer to The Knickerbocker, Phil Adams' music yields the accessible familiarity of popular music, while the Group's arrangements, and grooves guide the audience through musical exploration. Phil Adams Group's nightly excursions, are sure to satisfy a wide audience. In his career, Phil has shared the stage with the likes of Max Creek, Donna Jean Godchaux, Assembly of Dust, Twiddle, Adison Groove Project, Ryan Montbleau, Consider The Source, The Movement, Badfish, Bella's Bartok, The Breakfast, Formula 5, and Keller Williams, to name a few. Feel good music unafraid to explore, and guaranteed to make you move... Show: 9p | Doors: 8p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
24 October
Sue Foley -
Sue Foley is a multi-award-winning musician and of the one of the finest blues and roots artists working today. She is a veritable triple-threat of musical talent as a guitarist, songwriter and vocalist. As with many blues women of the past, Foley has a long history of defying convention, and being a positive role model for aspiring, young female musicians. The Canadian has been working professionally since the age of 16, and by the age of 21, Foley had relocated to Austin, TX and began recording for Antone’s—the esteemed blues label and historic nightclub that helped launch the career of Stevie Ray Vaughan and many others. In the two decades that have followed, Sue Foley has been busy touring and recording steadily, all while toting her signature pink paisley Fender Telecaster. In 2001, she won the prestigious Juno Award (Canadian equivalent of the Grammy) and also holds the record for the most Maple Blues Awards and has earned three Trophees de Blues de France. She has also garnered several nominations at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis, TN. With 11 recordings under her own name, an instructional DVD and book, as well as various compilations and projects, Foley is set to release her new album, The Ice Queen (March 2, 2018) on Stony Plain Records. “I’m extremely excited to be working with Holger Petersen and Stony Plain Records. Holger is one of the most knowledgeable “real music” people in the business”, says Foley. “Stony Plain is known to put out great music and I know The Ice Queen has found her home.” Recorded throughout 2017, The Ice Queen represents Foley’s full circle journey – her return to the roots of her career in Austin with producer Mike Flanigin. The album was recorded with her long-time friends and collaborators Jimmie Vaughan and Billy F Gibbons (ZZ Top) as well Chris ‘Whipper’ Layton from Double Trouble, Charlie Sexton, and members of the Tedeschi Trucks and Gary Clark Jr bands. “When I was a teenager I idolized Jimmie Vaughan and Billy F Gibbons,” Foley says. “They're both legends now so this feels like an historical event (at least it does for me). And I grew up sitting at the feet of players like George ‘Big Beat’ Rains, Derek O'Brien and The Texas Horns. I spent many nights watching Charlie Sexton and the Arc Angels with Chris Layton. I learned and grew more musically in my years in Austin than at any point in my life. The fact that all these mega talented musicians have graced my album is beyond anything I hoped for. I am still pinching myself.” A flood of inspiration and themes can be found on each of the tracks – ranging from lost love, anguish, and struggle to release, forgiveness and rebirth. Mostly recorded live-off-the-floor, Foley’s emotional vocal delivery, conviction, accessible yet inspired lyrics and intrepid guitar playing are all laid out, bare and raw for the songs to reveal. Opening with the radio friendly and funky “Come to Me”, The Ice Queen also features upbeat and rollicking tracks “Run”, “The Lucky ones” (a duet with Jimmie Vaughan) and “Gaslight”. There are several bluesy and soulful tracks including “81”, “The Ice Queen”, “Fool's Gold” (featuring Billy F Gibbons on vocals and harmonica)”, “If I Have Forsaken You”, and a cheeky, guitar-heavy cover of Bessie Smith’s “Send Me To The ‘Lectric Chair”. Foley also provides some more mellow and unexpected songs on The Ice Queen with the jazzy “Death of a Dream”, the flamenco-blues hybrid “The Dance” and a beautiful cover of the Carter Family’s “Cannonball Blues”. The Ice Queen represents Sue Foley’s indefatigable commitment to her craft, and her transparency with the journey that birthed her, further proving that you can’t keep a good blueswoman down, particularly when she is The Ice Queen. Show: 7:30p | Doors: 6:30p 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.) Visit Website: https://suefoley.com
26 October
Knickerbocker All Stars® -
FEATURING DARCEL WILSON and a tribute to Aretha Franklin CD Release Show Love Makes a Woman is The Knickerbocker All-Stars 4th recording. When two phenomenal vocalists such as Darcel Wilson and Thornetta Davis get together for a session, it’s going to be special. Love Makes a Woman was inspired by the great female soul and R&B singers who popularized the genre. These carefully selected tunes barely scratch the surface of the sacred music of early Soul and R&B. This recording spans a wide range of emotional and musical content including an instrumental that allows the band to let loose. Darcel Wilson has one of the more sensual and engaging voices, especially when she serenades her listeners as performed on “Talk to Me.” She has worked as an instructor of theory, ensembles and voice at Berklee College of Music in Boston since 1998. Darcel’s contribution to this album was invaluable. For blues enthusiasts, Thornetta Davis, Detroit’s Queen of the Blues, needs no introduction. Thornetta is an internationally recognized vocalist and songwriter and has won 30 Detroit Music Awards. Her voice is confident, vibrant and sends a clear message of the meaning and emotion of her songs. There are very few singers who can perform Bonnie Raitt’s “Nick of Time” with similar compassion and tenderness. As Duke Ellington announced at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival, “I hope you will enjoy these things – we’ll start by Just Scratchin’ the Surface.” -J.P Sheerar, JP Cadillac Records 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. Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and seats are not guaranteed with ticket purchase.) Visit Website: http://knickerbockerallstars.com
27 October
Green Tea -
Opening act Jabbawaukee "Sinners and Saints" CD Release & Halloween Party. Costumes Encouraged – Cash Prize Awarded Green Tea's 18th Year Anniversary! Green Tea was formed in 2001... after 16 years they are going strong with a wealth of original material, a 5th studio CD in the works and contagious momentum. The seven-piece line up consists of two guitars, bass, keys, drums, percussion and the dynamic Amie Coffey on vocals. Toby Kniffin is the primary songwriter, with his well-crafted compositions work. He has been playing and writing for over twenty-five years, has performed up and down the East Coast and has learned how to harness emotion and craft songs that can be delivered by a live band. He spent the late 80s and most of the 90s fronting the very successful group Third Stone. Since then he has been a leading force in the bands Liquid Dead, based out of Burlington, VT and The Desolation Angels from New York. Rounding out the line-up are Jamie Conroy, Marty Moroney, Michael Chicoria, Jason Hartley and Gino Maiorano. Music influencing the sound of Green Tea ranges from the melody and magic of Garcia/Hunter, to the driving rock n roll and melody work of the Allman Brothers. Mix that with a Dylanesque writing approach that focuses on the lost art of “the song”….you get Green Tea, a unique and rich sound that is chock full of our forefathers, yet pushes all corners of the proverbial envelope. Show: 8:30p | Doors: 7:30p Tickets: $10 cover includes complimentary copy of the new CD. ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
31 October
Eight to the Bar: Halloween Party -
Best Costume Contest: First Prize: Four Knickerbocker Show tickets (good for up to $100) Second Prize: Two Knickerbocker Show tickets (good for up to $50) 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: 7:45p | Doors: 6:45p Tickets: $12 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
02 November
3d Annual Swing into the Holidays Fundraiser -
3rd Annual Swing into the Holidays Fundraiser Featuring Johnny and the East Coast Rockers Swingin' Rhythm and Blues A benefit to support the North Stonington Elementary School Drama Club and its mission to encourage a lifelong appreciation of the arts and recognition of the educational power of the theatre. Joining us to open the show will be Ledyard High School's Chamber Choir followed by Johnny and the East Coast Rockers. This event is open to the public so please join us for an evening of incredible music and dancing along with the chance to win some spectacular raffle prizes. Time: 7p Tickets: $10 donation ($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.)
03 November
Superchief Trio -
Opening with Chris Monti Trio The Largest Trio in R.I. Superchief Trio features a unique combination of two-fisted piano, red hot trombone, blazing guitar, rock solid bass, powerful vocals and frenzied percussion antics. Swing, New Orleans R&B, jump blues, boogie-woogie — it’s all in there. And with a repertoire of tasty original tunes and carefully selected covers, this group is the ultimate dance-party band. Chris Monti Trio The Chris Monti Trio plays Swing, Boogie, West African Music, Caribbean Soka, Mambo, Surf and more. Chris is on electric guitar and harmonica, with a killer bass and drum rhythm section. The repertoire is the danceable end of Chris' songs and great dance music from around the world. 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.)
07 November
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.)
09 November
John Speziale Friends & Squeezebox Stompers -
John Speziale and the Friends Original songs and handpicked covers performed in an Americana vein that keeps dancers and listeners happy and hopping. John Speziale is an important star in the constellation of Gulf of Connecticut singer-songwriters that make Southwestern Rhode Island and Southeastern Connecticut the most fetile ground for trending music in New England. John is surrounded by great musical talent including Westerly’s fabulous Jimmy Tarbox leading the guitar charge and multiinstrumentalist Sandy Allen adding his understated flourish on mandolin and lap steel that convert a rocking blues trio into something altogether more musically intriguing. And Dave Allen anchors the rhythm section and adds to the vocal mix. This is a rhythmic and melodic stew. Squeezebox Stompers Returning from Boston to the Knickerbocker this krewe draws on Louisiana music, bringing Gulf of Mexico stylings from Bayou Cajun and Donwtown Zydeco to New Orleans brass, a big sound and a big dance party. The Stompers take traditional instrumentation of squeezebox and fiddle and add the jazzy blues of sax and the plaintie call of the penny whistle for a musical gumbo that would be at home in Lafayette but comes from the other hub city, Boston. "Listening to the Squeezebox Stompers is like taking a walk through the streets of the French Quarter. The Stompers keep the dance floor busy with their trademark Louisiana sound injected into every genre from Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, to country. They are a refreshing change of pace in New England, a long way from the warm Bourbon Street vibe they lovingly conjure with every performance.” Brett Cromwell, Lowell Sun Show: 7:30p | Doors: 6:30p 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.)
16 November
Will Evans & Rising Tide -
(Album release show) Opener TBA 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: $18 advance / $20 door ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
17 November
The Wailers -
Opening with Soul Shot Presented by Westerly Sound The Wailers - Keeping the Music Alive The legendary Wailers band returns to bring its revolutionary sound to fans around the world. Steered by famed bassist and founder Aston “Familyman” Barrett, and joined in solidarity with original Wailers’ guitarist Junior Marvin, The Wailers continue to make musical history. From 1973 to 1980, Bob Marley & The Wailers recorded, toured, and performed before countless millions worldwide. Since 1981, Familyman and Junior Marvin have carried on the mission to “keep The Wailers together,” just as Bob requested, affirming: “By doing that, you keep me alive through the music.” In tribute to the late co-founder and drummer Carlton “Carly” Barrett, The Wailers present Aston Barrett, Jr. on drums. It’s startling how the young powerhouse delivers with his uncle’s inspiring landmark style. Lead singer Joshua David Barrett is a Rastaman by lifestyle and culture. Josh delivers Bob’s powerful message of Jah love and unity through his performance and interaction with the audience. Also on stage is Anne-Marie Thompson, an experienced gospel singer and veteran Owen “Dreadie” Reid on guitar/bass and Andres Lopez on keyboards. 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. how: 8:30p | Doors: 7:30p Tickets: $30 advance / $35 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.) Visit Website: https://www.thewailers.net
21 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.)
23 November
The Cartells -
A band transcending the boundaries of style and able to adapt to virtually any performance situation, The Cartells have built a reputation for being the band of choice for concerts, nightclubs, & private functions of all kinds, and is one of the most popular bands in Connecticut. For the past 31 years, the Cartells have been one of the premier dance and vocal groups on the East Coast. Jazz, swing, motown, R&B, rock and roll, popular music of all styles are equally represented in their impressive repertoire, and their dedication to defining and fulfilling the wants & needs of their audience results in every appearance being an event to remember. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
24 November
Troublemakers & Franklin Lymestone -
About The Troublemakers: 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, Whitesmoke, Soul Searchers, Brother Big Eye, Green Tea, Water St. Quartet, Crows Toes, and The Collective. Ronnie Lewis plays the drums and handles lead vocals. Sitting next to him is Don “DC” Culp who plays the drums as well. Together they create a devastating pocket. The always busy - and in high demand - Dan Sherer holds down the keyboard/piano duties. Bill Light handles most of the lead guitar work and backing vocals. The band is rounded out by the younger but already seasoned Josh White (rhythm/lead guitar) and Marty Moroney on bass. About Franklin Lymestone 40 years of playing all Southern Rock Music. Guitarist/vocalist Geoff Corkhill, guitarist Dan Ravenelle and guitarist/vocalist Jay Dempsey, formed a Southern rock group called Franklin Lymestone. Show: 9p | Doors: 8p Tickets: $12 ($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 November
Johnny & the East Coast Rockers -
Let's Dance Wednesdays! with Johnny & the East Coast Rockers Swingin' Rhythm and Blues Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p. Music from 7:30pm-10pm. Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
30 November
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.)
01 December
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 Adam Ezra Group’s songwriting is making waves around the country. The co-write, “Let Your Hair Down” with producers Shep Goodman and Aaron Accetta, (American Authors), just received “Song of the Year” at the New England Music Awards. A songwriting partnership with the legendary John Oates is taking Ezra back and forth between Nashville and tour. The theme song, “Grow Your Own Way,” was central to Midwest insurance giant, Country Financial’s 2014/15 marketing campaign. In addition, Adam Ezra’s debut efforts in movie scoring have lead to an appearance at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival and the release of Adam Ezra Group’s new album, aptly titled, Songs for a Movie. This 16 song marathon studio production is the culmination of three years of writing, planning, arranging, and recording for the independent film release, “Folk Hero & Funny Guy.” Much of the writing and recording occurred while on tour; in hotel rooms, hallways, green rooms, and while literally driving the American highways often referenced within the album. A tireless touring outfit, the Adam Ezra Group (AEG) played upwards of 200 shows in 2015, often devoting their time to local charities and always going out of their way to connect with fans. The Group is made up of lead singer, songwriter and guitarist, Adam Ezra, Alex Martin on drums, Turtle on percussion, Corinna Smith on fiddle, Francis Hickey on bass and Josh Gold on keys. Together they are creating a powerful, inclusive community around AEG shows that is beginning to be compared to a social-movement as much as a traditional music fan-base. It’s this dedication to fans that inspired the 2016 “Get Folked Concert Tour” in which Ezra ventured solo/acoustic to the homes of 30 fans in as many days and almost as many states to play house concerts throughout the entire month of January. Ezra started his own non-profit organization called RallySound in order to better support fans and activists dedicated to making the world a better place. The proceeds from the video for the latest single “Let Your Hair Down” are being donated toward micro-grants for cancer patients struggling to make ends meet while in treatment. The Adam Ezra Group hosts a free festival each year called The Ramble. Last year over 3,000 people came out, and another 2,000 people tuned in via livestreaming from around the country and they raised money to help build a handicap accessible home for a wounded veteran. Throughout the rest of 2016 The Adam Ezra Group will be on the road throughout The United States, playing music from Songs for a Movie, and working on their next studio release, slated to drop within the next year. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $18 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
05 December
The Chris Leigh Band -
Last Let's Dance Wednesday before the fall! 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.)
07 December
The Al Copley Quintet -
It’s time for the “Bern-Outs”!! The Al Copley Quintet (Dan Moretitn sax, Jeff Galindo trombone, Steve “Big Swing” Peck drums and “Blue Lou” Bocciarelli on upright bass) perform at the legendary “Knick” before their trip to Bern, Switzerland. Pianist and singer; arranger and co-founder of "Roomful of Blues" - the renowned American jump band nominated for two Grammy Awards while he was with them. After 16 years with Roomful, relocated to Europe in 1984, and back home to the US in 2010. Al has been performing extensively in Europe and the northeast US for the past few years, and continues to develop in style and taste, always noted for energy, versatility and impeccable harmony. In June 2002 and 2009, Al Copley performed four of his own full symphonic orchestrations before an audience of more than 25,000 with the Boston Festival Orchestra at Summer Pops. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $17 advance / $20 door ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
08 December
Hayley Jane & The Primates -
Opening with Jabbawaukee. Hayley Jane & The Primates combine Americana, soul and rock & roll with rich lyrical imagery that electrifies the heart. At the helm is rising star, Hayley Jane. She leads the band through an infectious live experience filled with powerful vocal range, vibrant dance choreography and dramatic performance that captivates her devoted fanbase. Hailing from Boston MA, the band was the winner of the 2014 New England Music Awards’ Roots/Americana Act Of The Year and has been performing at premiere venues and festivals across the country. Hayley Jane has also established herself as a strong female presence in the national music scene and was recently featured in the RELIX “Women Who Rock” Issue. The band’s first full-length album, Gasoline, was engineered by Brian Wallace of Sublime and released in 2014. The album was recorded during a West Coast Tour that kicked off at the iconic Whisky a Go Go and ended with a Monday Night Football performance at Qualcomm Stadium. Hayley Jane and the Primates are releasing their sophomore album “We’re Here Now” in the Fall of 2017. Produced by Craig Brodhead of Turkuaz, the album carries an energy and poetry that represents the best of American music. Hayley Jane- Lead Vox/ Washboard Justin "Juice" Hancock- Guitar/Vox Josh "Tree Beard" Carter- Bass/Vox Greg "Smitty" Smith- Guitar/Vox Ryan "The Claw" Clausen- Drums About Jabbawaukee: Mixing elements of progressive jam, rock, danceable electronic, funk and Americana with four part vocal harmonies. Wearing dance floors out in the New England & beyond! Nominated for "Best Jam Band" 2018 Motif Music Awards Brendon Bjorness-Murano- Bass/Vocals Graham Gibbs- Guitar/Vocals David Hobson- Guitar/Vocals Jason Laplume- Drums Albert Castelli - Keys/Vocals 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.) Visit Website: http://hayleyjaneandtheprimates.com
22 December
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
28 December
Steve Smith and the Nakeds -
A Christmas show! 45 Years of Rockin’ Rhythm & Blues Steve Smith and the Nakeds, is a 10 piece Rhythm and Blues Band . The Band consists of Steve Smith on vocals, a four piece Rhythm Section, a five piece Horn Section. The instrumentation is as follows, Bass guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards, Drums, Trumpet, Trombone, Alto sax, Tenor sax, Baritone sax. Steve Smith and the Nakeds: One of the northeast's premier Rhythm and Blues Bands. Natives of the Providence, RI area, the band has traveled the U. S. and Canada and is celebrating it's 45th year of performing. Their credits include performing on their own, traveling as the backing band for Clarence Clemons, playing back up to such performers as Gary U.S. Bonds, Nils Lofgren, The Temptations and John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. Show: 8:30p | Doors: 7:30p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Visit Website: http://www.thenakeds.com
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.)
12 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: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)