Feelin' Groovy

Folk pop duo The Kennedys got the crowd a-smilin' Saturday night at the Narrows, bringing their good vibes and infectious 60s' style approach to music to a stormy night in the Northeast.

They may lean retro, but make no mistake--they are solid performers, with Pete exhibiting guitar virtuosity and Maura showing impressive vocal styling. 

Your blogger also is impressed by their entrepreneurship, releasing many CDs and hosting a Sirius radio show.

Edgy But Happy

Justin Townes Earle, the twenty-something son of the great Steve Earle, showed that he's got his daddy's songwriting gift Thursday night at the Narrows.  The 6'3" or so gangly dude with the slicked back hair is somewhat scary at first--smoking outside the Narrows before the show with eyes that have perhaps seen too much.  And pacing onstage when his sideguy takes a solo--bending and twisting like a punk rocker or maybe Johnny Cash on a bender.

But then you notice that he's not angry; nope, he's smiling, happier than heck to be playing for you, acknowledging applause with a down home "Thank you all!"

He sings as if he's lived every lyric and then some, leaning down into the microphone 1950s rural radio broadcast style.

No question: one of the best shows of 2008.  Keep an eye on this youngster!

Jeff Olson Update

Musician Jeff Olson is home and recovering reasonably well from his near-death experience from Legionnaire's Disease.

He is healthy, but as of yet can only walk a few steps.

I watched the Patriots at his house yesterday with him along with Folks Together bandmate Vinnie Pasternack. Jeff, of course, was disappointed with the Patriots' loss, but he feels fortunate to be around.

This whole health thing has been a tough fiscal blow for the Olson family, so the Narrows is hosting a fundraiser on Sunday, October 5, 1 p.m.

By the way, thanks to Philippe and Jorge in the Providence Phoenix for the recent blurb about Jeff.

Swansea's Songstress

Cheryl Wheeler, with her base in nearby Swansea, MA, had the Narrows laughing Saturday night as she played her annual concert at our beloved venue.

Some news, particularly for Cheryl fans: she's recording a new album!  

Other stuff: she's dismayed about the political situation (of course!), she loved the overcast weather in August (inspiring her to write a new tune), she's dreading her flight to Houston next week ('cause flying hasn't been enjoyable since the 1950s), and she urges her fans to support the Narrows Center for the Arts (thank you, Cheryl!).

A regular reader of this blog suggested I add more "behind the scenes" stuff.  Okay, here's some dirt: before the show Cheryl quietly sat in our "green room"; and moments before showtime helped me find the switches to turn on the ceiling fans.  Yep, it's fascinating!

We look forward to Cheryl's next visit!

"If you must keep talking, try to make it rhyme..."

The bridge between jazz and blues (and a damn funny songwriter) Mose Allison brought his piano stylings to the Narrows on Friday night for the first time.

"When I discovered Mose Allison I felt I had discovered the missing link between jazz and blues," says Ray Davies.

This 80+ year old hep cat with a voice of a 35 year old jive talker kept a packed house hanging on every dry-witted lyric, like the one your humble blogger is using as the headline. That's from Mose's song "Your Mind in on Vacation But Your Mouth is Working Overtime," a favorite of mine (and of Van Morrison and Elvis Costello, who covered it).

"If talk were criminal, you'd lead a life of crime.  'Cause your mind is on vacation and your mouth is working overtime."

Mose posed below with his bassist, Paul DelNero, in the Narrows "green room" shortly before the performance.

Take Your Pick!

That guitar pick above is an official Tom Rush pick, something he gave away to an unexpected donor of $1,000 Saturday night at the Narrows.

That's the kind of guy Tom is.  Your humble blogger, during his usual introductory remarks before bringing the featured performer on stage, noted that the Narrows now has a WALL OF RECOGNITION, for donors at various level of giving.

Tom, who has been very generous to the Narrows himself, offered--tongue squarely in cheek--- to give away his official pick to donors.  People laughed, but heck a little while later a generous donor stepped forward.  As always, thanks Tom!

A sold-out crowd delighted in Tom's music performance of course, which was streamed live on mvyradio.com.  And Tom spent quality time with the fans signing autographs and chatting with folks who, no doubt, have been following his career since his early days in Cambridge, MA.

Backstage with Bonoff

Karla Bonoff returned to the Narrows Friday night, bringing her polished West Coast folk pop sound.  Left to right in the photo above is her fine guitarist, Nina Gerber, and Ms. Bonoff.  This was "backstage" a little while before the concert.  

The pink blouse that Karla is wearing later turned into a liability while playing the guitar.  She kept pushing it back off the strings--but finally she just rolled up her sleeve, noting that it wasn't a good shirt to wear and play guitar.

The show was opened by longtime producer and collaborator, Kenny Edwards (pictured below).

By the way, several members of the audience drove all the way from Buffalo, NY, just to see the show. I'm sure they felt it was worth it! One of the best concerts of the year at the Narrows!

Jeff Olson Update

Jeff Olson is pulling through.  He's getting physical rehabilitation currently and should be home very soon.

Right now the docs are determining the long-term effects, if any, of the ordeal that nearly took his life.

Check down further on this blog for information about the benefit concert and to learn more about him in case you don't know this outstanding musician and all around fine gentleman.

One More Time!

Eric Lindell, below, wrapped up the main stage at Sunday's Narrows Festival of the Arts. 

Eric brought his swampy Big Easy funk to the Fall River streets--and the people responded wildly when Narrows prez Patrick Norton raised his finger and asked if they wanted Eric and his band to return to the stage for one more song.

Down Home with The Holmes Brothers

Please indulge your humble Backstage Blogger for publishing the above photo of me hangin' with The Holmes Brothers after their show at the Narrows Festival of the Arts on Sunday. Left to right, that's Sherman Holmes (bass, vocals), Popsy Dixon (drums, vocals), the Backstage Blogger, and Wendell Holmes (guitar, keyboard, vocals).

The Holmes Brothers, by the way, will soon be touring for an extended period in Norway, Sweden, Germany, France, Austria and other countries.  There are no language barriers when it comes to Sanctified Soul.

Loving Lauderdale

Grammy-winner Jim Lauderdale brought his country tunes and fun attitude to the Narrows Festival of the Arts on Sunday afternoon.

That's our volunteer coordinator Marilyn Edge in the photo above getting a hug from Jim before the show.  She and Jim got to know each other through their involvement with the Americana Music Association.

We hope to see Jim again sometime in 2009 at the Narrows.

Narrows Festival: Carrie Kicks Off Main Stage

The annual Narrows Festival of the Arts was a huge success Sunday! Tropical Storm Hannah blew in and blew out Saturday night and left a beautiful sunny day for the festival, part of which was carried live on mvyradio.com.

Carrie Rodriguez kicked off the main stage, located outside the Narrows Center for the Arts on Anawan Street.  Above, Carrie and her band put together their set list moments before performing.

More photos of the festival coming up.  Watch this space.

Also, check out mvyradio.com over the next few days to hear some of the performances.

How Do You Warm Up?

Rebecca Pronsky, who opened for Catie Curtis Friday night, uses yoga as a warm up.  That's her in the photo back in the Narrows' "green room" a few minutes before she got onstage and charmed the crowd with her voice, songs and wit.

Catie

Catie Curtis brought her tunes, her humor and musicianship to the Narrows Friday night.

Save the Date

Jeff Olson Update

Your humble blogger has visited Jeff Olson at the hospital...as noted earlier, Jeff is a fabulous musician with Folks Together, and has been involved with various musical projects with your humble blogger and others in the area.

Jeff was striken with Legionnaire's disease, and was in a very serious fight for his life--but, as expected by those of us who know and love him, he was able to beat back the threat.

However, although he's out of intensive care (as of a few days back), he's going through a difficult recovery in the hospital. So please remember him in your thoughts and prayers.

A benefit concert is being planned for early October at the Narrows.  Watch this space for more information.

Thanks

Glory Be

Got the word that former Sarah Borges' guitar god, Mike Castellana, left the group due to his wife having their first child very soon..

and he is playing with a group called the Glory Tellers with whom he's going to tour Europe very soon.

Best wishes, Mike.  Maybe the Glory Tellers will be coming to the Narrows in the future.

Congrats to you, your wife and your baby boy Caetano (due to arrive October 30).

Stay Forever Young

Who knew?  That a Neil Young tribute group made up some of the better known Rhode Island area musicians would have drawn such a crowd?

Forever Young did just that on Saturday night at the Narrows.

Created by John Fuzek (left photo) and starring (in upper photo, l-r) Becky Chace, Dan Lilley and Mark Cutler, the ensemble, backed by several other musicians, put the pedal-to-the-metal for Neil Young songs such as "Heart of Gold" and "Harvest Moon."

New Tables

Narrows program manager Deb Charlebois was a busy person this week, bringing in a bunch of fancy new tables and chairs.

She and president Patrick Norton--with the support of our board, our volunteers and many nice folks in the community--continue to class the place up!

Over the past 12 months or so, here are the improvements: new sound system, new lighting system, installation of an elevator, installation of ceiling fans, new accessible bathroom (with more bathrooms to come)--has your humble blogger missed something?

Probably!

Blueswoman!

It's not often that we get a female electric blues player at the Narrows--in fact, Friday night was perhaps the first time (the great Rory Block is an acoustic blueswoman who has played the Narrows a bunch of times).

So Debbie Davies and her group showed how to play what some might term "Chicago blues" with a female being the "guitar god." Or make that "guitar goddess."

Debbie Davies certainly was that, although her interaction with the audience was more like somebody who lived next door to you. Imagine if you lived next to Buddy Guy, Albert Collins etc. and they came to your house to borrow your lawnmower.  

If you missed her this time and are an electric blues fan, be sure to catch her in the future.  She's got the chops!

Sarah Borges' New Guitar Player

Narrows' faves Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles have a new guitar player: Lyle Brewer.

He's a young roots cat whom you can see at his myspace page right here.

Major Improvements for Jeff Olson

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers for Jeff. I guess they're working!

The latest word I have is that Jeff has come out of his coma and is eating normally, and that he's out of immediate danger. His longterm prognosis remains to be seen, but it is much more positive than a few days ago.

He will remain in the hospital for the near future as his recovery continues.

Watch this space for more updates.

Laura Cantrell: A Voice That Stirs

One of the more beautiful voices echoed in the Narrows' rafters Saturday night as alt-country singer,songwriter,guitar strummer Laura Cantrell made her debut.

Narrows fave Jimmy Ryan was the opener and side-guy for her.

Laura hasn't been gigging much in recent years, she explained, because she became a mom and has been sticking close to her New York digs. 

She played tracks from her latest CD "Trains and Boats and Planes" and other selections.

 

Personality Blues

Friday night was the debut of Watermelon Slim and the Workers at the Narrows.

It was blues, but a bit different--no guitar "god" to feature, although Slim was playing some pretty mean slide as well as harmonica.  (Also note: the drummer, who kinda looks like CNN news guy Anderson Cooper, was awesome, in the eyes of your humble blogger.)

It was more the stories, the personality and the showmanship of the group that made the evening a delight.  Watermelon Slim's personal history, which you can read on his website, informed the performance, which was filled with passion, humor and occasional wackiness.

Of particular note is Watermelon Slim's blues song for his friend Howard Zinn, probably a first!

Patriot Ledger Sings Narrows Praises

Probably one of the best, most comprehensive articles about the Narrows has been published by the Patriot Ledger, up there near Boston.

Read it here.

Latest on Jeff Olson

Your humble blogger asks that you continue to send your thoughts and prayers to Jeff Olson and his family. See previous entries for more info about Jeff.

The latest is he's showing some improvement but is still in very serious condition and is in a coma.

I'll post information here when it becomes available.

Jeff Olson Shows Some Improvement

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers for Jeff Olson. The word I've received is he showed some improvement Friday.

Jeff is a wonderful songwriter, musician, singer, producer etc. who is best known for his work with Folks Together, which has played the Narrows a time or two. Jeff also has volunteered at the Narrows. Jeff is one of the good guys you'll come across in life.

He was hospitalized a few days back for Legionnaires, and his prognosis was not positive.

Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers. I'll keep you posted on his condition.

Old Friends

Chris Hillman (Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, the Desert Rose Band), left in photo, and Herb Pedersen (Desert Rose Band, and other groups with the likes of Jerry Garcia) took their two-man tour to the Narrows' Friday night.

They played the roots of what became country rock and arguably the roots of some of today's country music as well as alternative country or Americana.

These guys met back in their late teens, and have been together on various projects ever since, including the Desert Rose Band, which is reuniting for a few gigs very soon.

Highlights included "Turn Turn Turn," lyrics by, as Chris noted, King Solomon, "Eight Miles High," as well as "If I Could Only Win Your Love," which Emmylou Harris and Herb had a country hit with as a duet.  

Chris played mandolin and guitar during the show, and Herb played guitar.  Both united for gentle harmonies.

Your humble blogger snapped the above photo "backstage" (actually in a room behind the audience) a few minutes before show time.

After the concert, Chris and Herb were generous with their time, signing CDs etc. and posing with fans for photographs (including one with your humble blogger).

Please Send Your Thoughts and Prayers Out

Jeff Olson, one of the greatest musicians and gentlemen I've ever known, is in very serious condition and is in intensive care at an area hospital.

His wife Donna called me and asked that everyone send out their thoughts and prayers for his recovery. He was stricken a few days back with what appeared to be pneumonia, but turned into a more serious situation.

Jeff is a member of the folk group Folks Together, which has played the Narrows a number of times.

See For Free Nominee for Artist of the Year

The Narrows Festival of the Arts is coming up September 7 and will feature a nominee for Americana Artist of the Year--our guy Jim Lauderdale.

Above is a photo of Jim performing at the Narrows.

See him live--for free!

Tell your friends and bring the kids, too.

Sarah Borges Guitarist Gone

Fab guitarist with Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles, Mike Castellana (far left in the photo at the Narrows), leaves the band in mid-August.

Mike has been incredibly important to the group's sound and will be missed greatly.  No word on why he's leaving or who is replacing him, as the group prepares to head to the studio to record their 3rd CD.

Mike really could do no wrong, as far as your humble blogger is concerned.  He knew when to play, when to pause, and when to let loose.  Very tasteful and a nice guy too.

Best wishes Mike from your friends at the Narrows!

Hear Walter Trout and Greg Brown

We are very proud to note that mvyradio.com has posted the Narrows' Walter Trout show and the Greg Brown show on their website, for your listening pleasure.

Your humble blogger's voice makes a very brief appearance at the beginning of both.

Check the shows out here.

Asylum Street Spankers: Uniting Roots with Theater

The wild and wacky Asylum Street Spankers, from deep in the heart of Texas, paid a visit to the Narrows Thursday night, expounding on the evils of weed wackers and demonstrating that roots music and theater can co-exist on the same stage.

Waybacks on the Web

Left Coasters The Waybacks brought their high-spirited rootsy sound to the Narrows on Sunday night, accompanied by rain and lightning.  And was that thunder, or their drummer?

Our friends at MVY Radio streamed it live on their website mvyradio.com.

If you heard the show on the Internet, let us know!  Please leave a comment.

Ronnie Earl Does What Ronnie Earl Does

A packed house at the Narrows Friday night were treated to the blues stylings of Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters.

Ronnie, in the photo above, looked almost scholarly as he played the electric guitar to standing ovations almost from riff number one.

Your humble blogger noticed something about Ronnie's playing that he hadn't noticed before: While he's a blues player, his choices within the blues are usually non-traditional, uniquely his own.  

Any other thoughts about Ronnie's choices on the guitar?

Streaming Live Sunday Night

The Narrows Sunday night show starring the Waybacks will be streamed live at mvyradio.com.

They recently streamed the Walter Trout show live, and the quality was fab.

The stream will start when the show starts...about 8:10 to 8:15 usually.

This is a groundbreaking collaboration between the Narrows and WMVY radio, out there on Martha's Vineyard.

Thanks to the support of our audiences and donors, the nice folks at WMVY, and the Narrows' leadership and volunteers (most importantly Prez Patrick Norton and manager Deb Charlebois), the Narrows continues to break new ground to increase accessibility to the arts.

Watermelon Slim Review

With blues cats Watermelon Slim and the Workers making their Narrows debut in a few weeks, your humble blogger presumed you may wish to browse a review of their latest disc.

If so, click here.

Narrows Crew Makes Due With Lighter Schedule

While the Narrows has been having a lighter schedule in July, the Narrows crew has been creeping to other music events, trying to satisfy our sometimes insatiable musical appetite.

For example, your very humble blogger went and saw Billy Joel.  Yes, yes we realize that many of us hipsters don't fully embrace the Piano Man.  Nonetheless, it was a great show.  So there.

Narrows Prez Patrick Norton headed west to the Green River Festival in Greenfield, MA, which featured several Narrows alums, including Mavis Staples and Crooked Still.

Above is a photo of the vivacious Mrs. Norton at the festival with Brad Madison of Mongrel Music, which books many of the Narrows' musical artists.

  

Dates for Shelby Lynne, Crooked Still, Others

Soon to be posted on the Narrows schedule:

October 17

The Iguanas 

Some call their music "roots rock." But those who have grooved to the sound of these New Orleans fixtures call their music "fun." Another taste of the "Big Easy" at the Narrows. www.iguanas.com. $18, $20  

November 7 

Kris Delmhorst 

Note for note, song by song, Kris is one of the finest singers, instrumentalists and songwriters ever to grace our stage. She's particularly well known in the Boston area, but is building a following in our neck of New England. Get to know her: www.krisdelmhorst.com. $13, $15  

November 13 

Shelby Lynne 

She was supposed to be part of Nashville's star-making machinery--but it wasn't her. She switched gears and eventually got herself a Grammy, but not a hit. Lately, she's done an album of Dusty Springfield covers that's won acclaim and an appearance on The Tonight Show. This will be a truly special evening, with a truly special artist. www.shelbylynne.com. $35, $40  

November 22 

Kelly Jo Phelps 

A Narrows fave, singer songwriter Kelly Jo Phelps keeps getting more and more fans of his music--including the likes of Steve Earle and others. Find out why we like him so much at www.kellyjophelps.net. $15, $17 

November 28 

Crooked Still

One of the hottest young roots groups around. Their last appearance at the Narrows was fab. Don't miss them this time. www.crookedstill.com. $20, $23

Shelby Lynne Coming to Narrows

Shelby Lynne is coming to the Narrows in November.  Soon to be on the official schedule.

Radical

Thursday night at the Narrows was radical.

First, electric blues madman Walter Trout and his group the Radicals pushed the pedal to the metal, playing fast and loud, kicking the blues to the extreme. Trout's fingers were some of the fleetest ever to digitize a fretboard on our stage.  And the bass, drums and organ drove him even further. BTW--his cover of Hound Dog Taylor's "Give Me Back My Whig" was one of your humble blogger's favorites. Another BTW--Trout is a better-than-average-singer too.

Second, the concert streamed LIVE on mvyradio.com.  Another first, and the beginning of more live streams courtesy of WMVY (based in Martha's Vineyard) from the Narrows.  Your humble blogger and other Narrows' volunteers listened to some of the show on-line in the Narrows' office.  Cool.  Keep an eye out for more on-line action very soon.

Radical.

Narrows Alum Featured in Newsweek

Banjo player Abigail Washburn, who performs with Uncle Earl, is written up in the latest issue of Newsweek.

Abigail, in the photo (with the banjo) in 2006 performing at the Narrows as a member of Uncle Earl, is profiled due to the release of a CD with her group the Sparrow Quartet and her interest in China.

Read the article here.

Narrows' Open Mic on My Space

Your humble blogger should have posted this awhile ago.  The nice folks who run the Narrows weekly open mic have a myspace page featuring recordings of the performers.

Check it out here.

Hither and Thither

Just some random stuff re: the Narrows--

• Chuck Prophet left a comment on a blog entry about his show Thursday night.  I think that's the first time an artist has checked in.  Thanks Chuck for taking the time!  Great show.

• Don't know if it's a secret or not but an upcoming Narrows concert will be streamed live on the Internet via our good friends at WMVY.  Another first.

• The Infamous Stringdusters are coming to the Narrows in late October.  Read a review of their new CD here.

• Some new plumbing has arrived at the Narrows.  First the new sound system, the elevator, the ceiling fans, then this. Congrats Narrows prez Patrick Norton and manager Deb Charlebois.

• Did you know Narrows alum John Sebastian played harmonica for The Doors?

• The radio station for folkalley.com is pretty darn good.

• No Depression magazine died, as you may know.  I'm supposed to get some issues of Paste Magazine as a replacement, courtesy of No Depression.  Finally read a hard copy of Paste the other day (although I'm still waiting for it to come in the mail).  Pretty good.

• One of my swimming friends worked at Woodstock (the original event) helping flipped out concert goers make safe landings. He went to the concert as a fan (he says he still has his ticket), but was recruited because he was studying social work stuff in college.  He makes a living these days selling balloons and such at parades and he's an expert on the history of the Alamo.  What a long strange trip!

• Currently reading the book Hip Hop Matters: Politics, Pop Culture and the Struggle for the Soul of the Movement, by S. Craig Watkins.  I know, I know.  You think because your humble blogger emcees at the Narrows that he only likes folk music, jazz, jam band and all the politically correct stuff.  Not rap or metal.  Well, you'd be wrong.  Keep an open mind and set of ears.  Remember: the kids are alright.
  

Return of Jim James

It may be a bit of trivia, only of interest for long-time Narrows fans and volunteers: Thursday night marked the return of the Jim James Band.

Well, not exactly.  The opener for Chuck Prophet was Brad Huff, who played guitar for that band and seemed to be its leader (there was nobody named Jim James in the group).  They played the Narrows a time or two or three way back in the beginning, probably opening for somebody or another.

Then they were gone.  Too bad, because your humble blogger thought they had a lot of promise.

Welcome back Brad.  This old time Narrows guy remembers.

Beyond the Blackboard Jungle

Alt-rocker Chuck Prophet and his band brought their San Francisco groove to the Narrows Thursday night--kind of a Tom Petty meets The Beatles meets roller rink organ.  Very cool.

Your humble blogger chatted with Chuck before the show regarding Chuck's dad being in the breakthrough rock 'n' roll film Blackboard Jungle in 1955.  Chuck says his dad was an extra in several classroom scenes--sitting next to actor Vic Morrow (remember Sgt. Saunders in the TV show Combat!?).  His dad was a student at USC at the time.

Chuck attracted an enthusiastic crowd, larger than when he last played the Narrows about 4 years ago.  We're delighted to see the growth in his fan base here on the East Coast, and hope to have him back soon.

Chuck was backed by his wife on keys and harmony vocals, as well as a drummer, bassist and guitarist.  Chuck, himself, played some mean lead guitar, by the way.

Shindell Couldn't Make Summerfest

As reported earlier, Richard Shindell had an untimely accident with an axe, affecting one of his fingers.

Although the initial word was he was going to tour anyway, a reader has posted that his appearance at Summerfest in New Bedford was cancelled.

And now his website is canceling more shows and providing more details on the accident.

Click here.

Chuck Prophet Gets Thumbs Up

This coming week's Narrows show with Chuck Prophet is a pick for the editors at The Providence Phoenix.

Your humble blogger mentions this because Chuck Prophet is not exactly a household name in these parts, even though his last show at the Narrows a few years back was fab.

Check out the Phoenix write up here.

Steve Earle's Son Coming to Narrows

We hate to do this to any son of a famous performer, but, heck, you'd figure it out anyhow.

So here goes: Steve Earle's son is coming to the Narrows.

His name is Justin Townes Earle (yep, Townes is for Mr. Van Z), and he's coming September 25.

It should be posted very soon.

Give a listen to this young man by clicking here.

Richard Shindell: Don't Axe Me

For those of you who follow the health issues of those who perform at the Narrows, here's a tidbit about Richard Shindell:  Over the weekend his left index finger got hurt by an axe (no other details).  The finger is out of action for a couple months, but he will continue to tour despite it.

He claims it's the second stupidest thing he's ever done.  "Never mind about the first."

Great Music at Bargain Prices

Your very humble backstage blogger, with a little time on his hands because of the break in the Narrows' schedule, stumbled across a find the other day at Newbury Comics in Attleboro.

It was The Blasters reunion DVD from 2003.

Although not really up-to-speed on the group (Narrows' prez Patrick Norton is a big fan, though), I did dig guitarist Dave Alvin's gig opening for James McMurtry at the Narrows last year. The DVD features Dave, his brother Phil and the other original members of the group, except for one who has passed.

Now get this: the unused DVD was something like $4. New.

Which got me thinking: isn't it cool to know that the good stuff isn't always pricey? Narrows patrons know this for the most part. Compare our prices to the big venues.

Which reminds me: the latest Rolling Stone reports that "Gas Prices, Economy Shake Sales for Summer Tours." The magazine reports that Bonnaroo didn't sell out, Springsteen tickets aren't moving like before, and tours for Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, Maroon 5 and George Michael "are struggling."

Which is why the Narrows is your best musical investment. Chances are, you don't have to travel as far to get to the Narrows, and our tickets, while not dirt cheap, are very affordable when compared to these huge venues.

So as we struggle with $4+ gas prices, don't "blow your wages for a snuggle and a peck on the cheek" (to quote Ray Davies), come to the Narrows, where the talent is the finest and the parking is free.

Sound from Greg Brown

The nice folks at WMVY radio recorded Greg Brown's recent visit to the Narrows. It's now on the station's website. Here it by clicking here.

David Lindley Booked for August 28

Don't think it's on the Narrows official schedule yet, but David Lindley is booked for August 28th at the Narrows. You might know him from his work with Jackson Browne and Ry Cooder.

Also, word is that Donna Jean and the Tricksters, Eilen Jewell and Sarah Borges have been booked for the fall.

Keep an eye on www.ncfta.org.

Get your tickets pronto!

Photos of Dickey Betts at the Narrows

Your humble backstage blogger was taken ill last week, so he missed Dickey Betts'  sold-out debut at the Narrows.

However, we've got some photos, thanks to photofan CJ.

Respect the Uke Man

A nearly full house dug the ukelele sounds of the amazing Jake Shimabukuro Saturday night at the Narrows.

With all due respects to our personal fave, the late Tiny Tim, Jake took the instrument into a new realm, riffing and strumming with the best axe god.

All the while keeping a twinkle in his eye as he showed us "Going to California" by Led Zepplin could sound cool on this instrument more associated with Don Ho than Dave Davies (although we hear the late George Harrison and the very much alive Paul McCartney enjoyed the uke--and didn't Queen use the instrument on a song or two?).

Apparently there were a number of "parrot heads" in the house as Jake had done a stint opening for Jimmy Buffett, adding to his fan base.

By the way, this was no novelty act.  Jake is a true artist who, no doubt, earns the respect of all who see him.

And for all you Jake fans who visited the Narrows for the first time--hope we see you again real soon!

Nice Weekend Coming Up But Blogger Sick

Starting tonight (Thursday) there's the fab Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey at the Narrows. Friday it's the sold out Dickey Betts Show, and then Saturday it's ukelele sensation Jake Shimabukuro.

Unfortunately, your humble backstage blogger has been felled by a very nasty sore throat that he hasn't been able to shake for a week. I hope I'm back in the saddle for Saturday night's show with Jake S., but we'll play it by ear (or, in this case, by throat).

If you take photos of these shows, if possible please leave a link to your photos in the comments section.

Thanks. And if you have a favorite treatment for a sore throat, please leave a note in the comments section.

Greg Brown Made It Through The Rain

The word we got is that Greg Brown almost didn't make it from the flooded fields of Iowa to play Friday night's gig at the Narrows.

Which, perhaps, is why he started the show with watery songs, including Randy Newman's "Louisiana."

By the way, the show was recorded by WMVY radio, which may be streaming it on their website over the next few days.  Their website: www.mvyradio.com.

Gandalf Murphy Photos

Thanks to an intrepid photographer--who more or less filled in for your humble blogger--the recent Narrows' visit by Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams has been captured on film.

If anybody ever takes photos of any shows at the Narrows and would like to share, please leave them in the "comments" section.

To get to the photos, please click here.

Local Perspective on Bo Diddley

Phillipe and Jorge's article on Phillipe's dealing with Bo Diddley back in the 1970s is particularly well done and moving for your humble blogger. Kudos to them and the Providence Phoenix.

Take a look here.

The Radiators Rock

Out of the swamps of New Orleans, The Radiators are not only funky, but are straight ahead rock artists as well.

They showed their versatility Friday night at the Narrows, starting out with a Funky Meters kind of feel, easing into a smart cover of the Zombies "She's Not There" before breaking out into full-fledged rock.

A large dancing crowd showed up, jammin' themselves right up to the stage to better view the musicians.

Sarah Borges & Broken Singles Back In Studio Soon

The word we got is that Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles hope to start recording a new record later this summer.

 

In Case You Missed It: Bo Diddley Passes

It happened a few days back, but rock 'n' roll pioneer Bo Diddley has died of heart failure.  

He's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, of course, and you can read the Hall's profile of him here.