Narrows Grass

The "Father of Newgrass," Sam Bush, from Bowling Green, Kentucky, made his Narrows debut Saturday night.

Without Sam getting the ball rolling decades ago (at a fairly young age I might add), there might not be Narrows fave Crooked Still, jam banders, and others who've taken the banjo, mandolin etc. to a new level.

A 2011 Country Music Association nominee for "Musician of the Year," he's a 3-time Grammy winner and the 2010 Americana Music Association "Instrumentalist of the Year."

He was a founding member of the New Grass Revival, which is like being a Beatle for those following the genre.

The Narrows making history again with this show. Yeah, yeah, yeah!

A Night of Friends

It was like a gathering of old friends--because, in fact, it was!

The annual invitation-only show for Narrows' donors Friday night.

Narrows fave Seth Walker and his group provided the tunes and vibe, and people like Patrick, Clem, Deb, Peter, Marilyn, Laura, Fred, Eddie, Catherine, John, Helen, Mary, Mike, Deirdre, Maggie, Carl, Kathleen, Polly, Kevin, David, Sue, Gary, Joseph, Ed & Peggy, Beth & Buzz, Andrew, Bingo, Bill, Paul, Robin & Beth, Eileen, Valerie, Vangy, Kim, Jim, Alex, Senator Tom...provided the friendship.

Not a bad way to start the weekend!

Are You a Friend of the Narrows?

This coming Friday is an invitation-only event featuring a Narrows fave, Seth Walker.

Sounds kinda exclusive, huh?

It's not really--if you help the Narrows as a donor.

Not a bad way to help the arts and help the community, too. The Narrows is clearly an economic engine for a city that has fought high unemployment for decades. People flock to Fall River to attend the concerts and see the art shows--and many spend their money at local restaurants and other local businesses.

So keep the Narrows healthy for years to come. Join me in becoming a donor. Here's more information.

Rosanne Wraps It Up!

What if there were 101 songs? Rosanne Cash mused midway through Saturday night's concert at the Narrows, referencing her CD The List, from a compilation of 100 essential country songs developed by her dad.

The list includes "Long Black Veil," and "500 Miles," both performed during the show.

Hmmm. What would be the 101st? What might fall into the classic category?

Her husband--producer, co-writer, and sideman-- John Leventhal answered the question by strumming the distinctive, ominous yet bouncy rhythms of a song from decades ago: Bobbie Gentry's Ode to Billy Joe. Ms. Cash performed it reverently, breathing in new life, new feeling and a renewed interest in the question: Why did Billie Joe McAllister jump off the Tallahatchie Bridge? And what did the narrator and Billy Joe toss off the bridge?

It was a particularly special evening as the sold-out Narrows wrapped up its 10th anniversary celebration with a historic first visit to our performance space by Ms. Cash.

You may remember she came into the nation's mainstream consciousness through her 1981 country and pop hit "Seven Year Ache," which she performed last night. The track and the album of the same name were produced by Narrows alum Rodney Crowell, who happened to be her husband at the time.

Another momentous evening at the Narrows, thanks to Ms. Cash and Mr. Leventhal's warmth and musicality. Hope they visit us regularly!

Opening for Rosanne

Jeffrey Foucault opening for Rosanne Cash, as we celebrated our 10th anniversary tonight!

Jeffrey is an old friend of the Narrows, dating back to nearly our beginnings! So it was particularly appropriate he join us as we celebrate our 10 years.

Eclectic? You Bet!

Roots faves David Wax Museum brought their joy to the Narrows on Thursday night, as we continued our celebration of the Narrows 10 years!

The wonderful Parkington Sisters provided a strong opening to the show, no doubt winning new fans.

And You Thought We Were Only About Music

The show, "The Art of the Brick," continuing through November 19, is the most popular art exhibit in Narrows history!

Since the show opened in early October, we've been doing about 16 tours weekly of 4th graders from Fall River area public and private schools. Each tour has about 25 children. So that's a lot of kids! And more are coming!!!

And the Narrows has arranged for the transportation for many of the tours, with the help of the Rotary Club of Fall River. So the taxpayers aren't footing the transportation bill!!

And many of the kids get a hands-on Lego workshop, courtesy of the Children's Museum of Greater Fall River.

Congrats to Deb Charlebois, Patrick Norton and all making this happen!