Sarah Borges Kills 'Em At Narrows Saturday Night

Sarah Borges, whose Silver City CD has been one of the top recordings on the Americana charts across the country, tore off the rafters at a packed Narrows Saturday night with her energetic country punk. Hope these photos give a flavor of the night.




This is Sarah's 3rd visit to the Narrows, the 2nd with her full band. Last time she played with only guitarist/steel player Mike Castellana at her side. By the way, there's an underground fan club for Mike at the Narrows because of his wizardry at the frets and his always seeming to give Sarah's songs the appropriate dynamics.

Since Sarah is originally from nearby Taunton, MA, she usually brings a bunch of family and friends.

Opening the night were the The Heygoods, with their quirky songs and down-home folkiness. Their latest CD "Fleetwood Skynyrd" is one of your humble blogger's favorites of the year.

The Good Times Roll At The Narrows

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band turned the normally staid Narrows into a slice of of the French Quarter Friday night, playing to the most enthusiastic crowd this side of Bourbon Street (or the Brown University campus--ouch!).

Toward the end of the night, some of the dancers hopped on stage and got down with the band!

Really Cool Group Opening for Sarah Borges Saturday Night

One of the coolest records of the year is "Fleetwood Skynyrd" by The Heygoods, out of the Boston area.

The Heygoods open for Sarah Borges, whose "Silver City" CD was one of the more popular Americana records in the nation this year, based on radio airplay. To our furry ears, "Silver City" was one of the greatest CDs I've ever heard. And I'm not kidding.

But back to The Heygoods. Here's an excerpt from something I wrote for Americanaroots.com:

“Fleetwood Skynyrd” by the Heygoods (Hi-N-Dry)—Former Boston rockers Katie and David Champagne, along with their bass guy Kimon Kirk, have created what should be a contender for Americana record of the year, along with the likes of Sarah Borges and Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez. The songs on “Fleetwood Skynyrd” have a loose “I don’t give a damn” folk/country attitude brimming with good-natured, sexy, even infectious cynicism. (Is that possible?) All tunes were written by David Champagne, and feature words like: “Dazzling green eyes, I wish you kept your glasses on”; and “See how long her virtue keeps you warm.” If Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez’s “Red Dog Tracks” is the warm, romantic CD of the year from a duo, this one has to be the warm, cold, snotty, romantic CD of the year from a duo.

Narrows Making Progress--But Not Out of Woods

If you get the weekly Narrows email, you have probably read the following:

Special thanks to those who donated or attended a show last weekend. Attendance was good and we raised $750 through donations. We need to raise another $4,250 to end the year in the black. If you can help us out by donating or by attending a show we would appreciate it. The Narrows also has Gift Certificates available. Nothing like giving the gift of music while assisting your favorite venue.

To which I might add that even though we're making progress, if we miss a mark attendance-wise for even one show, we could be back over the $5,000-in-the-red mark.

Thank you for supporting the Narrows! For information on how to make a charitable donation, please email Deb at publicrelations@ncfta.org.

Dirty Dozen Brass Band Write Up

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band is coming to the Narrows this Friday. Tickets have been moving at a pretty good clip, too!

Here's a link to a little write-up I did on their latest CD. Click here.

Think April, Think Bensusan

Just got word that April 14 sees the return of Pierre Bensusan, one of the world's greatest guitar players.

He's based in the Paris, France, area but is well known to the Narrows due to at least two previous appearances.

And--he's not only a performer, but he's a donor to the Narrows.

If you're interested in following in Pierre's footsteps, please email Deb at publicrelations@ncfta.org.

As you may know, the Narrows is facing a $5,000 plus deficit this year and is barely hanging on. While we don't pay staff, we do pay rent, maintenance etc.

Turnout for several shows was not as high as expected, which contributed to the fiscal problems. A lot of venues, both non-profit and for-profit, face similar issues. But--the Narrows does NOT have a liquor license. So we can't make it up "at the bar."

Thanks for thinking Narrows when you're deciding your end-of-the-year charitable contributions!

Sarah Borges Returns Saturday Night

Sarah Borges, who kicks butt on stage, returns Saturday night to the Narrows.

Sarah, originally from Taunton, MA, had one of the most popular CDs this year--called Silver City--on the nationwide Americana radio charts. Plus, to these furry ears, it was one of the best CDs I've ever heard. And I'm not kidding.

She sings with unbridled passion, making every note count, every phrase a knockout.

If you like alternative country--heck, if you like music with a kick--this is the show for you.

Passing the Hat

Thanks to all those who contributed to the "pass the hat" at Saturday night's Livingston Taylor show!

As you may be aware, the Narrows is facing a projected $5,000 plus deficit this year. Although we're entirely staffed by volunteers, the artists who perform their music do get paid. Even if, for some reason or another, a lot of people don't show up.

That's what's happening this year. And that's not good for the Narrows' longterm survival.

So, it's pass the hat time, we suppose.

Unless there's somebody who wants to make a $5,000+ grant or donation. Is that you? Contact publicrelations@ncfta.org and Deb will work out the details. The Narrows, by the way, is an official non-profit, so your grant or donation is tax deductible, if you're interested in that sort of thing.

Songwriters Night Friday Night/Photos

Tom Pacheco and Tim Grimm showed what songwriting is all about Friday night at the Narrows. Above, Tim, who opened the show, pauses to pose with Narrows volunteer extraordinaire Marilyn Edge.
As your humble blogger writes this he is listening to Tim's new CD The Back Fields. Frankly, I was knocked over by his performance (I'd never heard of him) as were a lot of patrons, who eagerly lined up to purchase his CDs. I plan to write a review of The Back Fields for my Hugs and Misses column for americanaroots.com. Look for it a week from this coming Tuesday.

Tim, by the way, has had an extensive career in movies and TV. Click here to see his credits.

The headliner, Tom Pacheco, formerly of New Bedford, now of Woodstock, N.Y., brought his legendary bag of songs for--I believe--his 3rd appearance at the Narrows. Tom still has friends and family in the area, and many showed for the show.

Charlie Hunter Trio Photos

Ace eight-string guitar player Charlie Hunter and his mighty musical partners jazzed the Narrows Thursday night.

Songwriter Tom Pacheco Friday Night

Tom Pacheco, originally from New Bedford but now based in Woodstock, NY, returns Friday night after about a year and a half away.

If you enjoy singer/songwriters, this is your show, particularly since Tom's songs have been covered by Jefferson Starship, Richie Havens, The Band and others. This guy has got the goods!

If you're from the Fall River/New Bedford area, you may remember Tom from way back when.

Usually old friends and family come to his shows at the Narrows.

To meet Tom, click here.

Charlie Hunter Trio Thursday Night

Tickets are still available for the Charlie Hunter Trio, who are making their first visit to the Narrows on Thursday night.

Charlie Hunter is a wonderfully inventive guitarist (Playing the 8-string guitar!) and plays what might be called jazz.

Learn more by clicking here. Info about tickets here.

Livingston Taylor Tickets Available--But For How Long?

Livingston Taylor (left, brother James right) makes his first trek to the Narrows Saturday night.

Last I heard, tickets were still available--but that situation may change over the next 48 hours.

So if you'd like to see this master songwriter, musician and all around entertainer, make your move.

He should be bringing with him his new CD, which, at this time, is only available through his website or at shows. It's called "There You Are Again" and features brother James, Carly Simon, Kate Taylor and Pam Tillis.

BTW, if you're a budding performer or a student of the performing arts, you might be interested to know that Liv has taught performance at Berklee College of Music. Therefore, come to the show and take notes!

Clicking here will lead you to where you can buy tickets.

The Mark Twain of Kids Music

Last week, 2- time Grammy nominee Bill Harley attended the Tish Hinojosa show at the Narrows. That's him with your humble blogger. Bill is the one without glasses.

Although it was his first visit to the Narrows, he's been a huge presence in the Providence area music scene for decades, founding the legendary Stone Soup Coffeehouse.

He's also one of the first people to step forward to aid a good cause. Your humble blogger helped produce a couple of benefit CDs over the past decade and Bill was one of the easiest people to work with.

You may know Bill from his contributions to National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," but he is best known for his high quality kids' recordings, which earned him a couple Grammy nominations.

Entertainment Weekly wrote "Harley might well be called the Mark Twain of contemporary kids' music."

Learn more about him by clicking here.

Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Photos

Jay Ungar and Molly Mason did the honors at the Narrows Saturday night. Some commemorative photos.

Saturday Night

http://www.jayandmolly.com/

Hinojosa Photos/Ticket Winner for Hoppen

Texas-based singer/songwriter Tish Hinojosa played the Narrows Thursday night, and your humble blogger was their taking shots.

But before we get to those: Congrats to Joe G. for correctly answering that Lance Hoppen is Larry Hoppen's brother and played bass in Orleans. Joe G.--two tickets will be waiting for you tonight at the door for the Larry Hoppen/Robbie Dupree show.

Okay, more photos:


Over there is Tish with her sideguy, the magnificent Marvin.

And here's Barry Brown, who opened the show with some tasty instrumentals.

Hoppin' With Larry Hoppen/Win Tickets

Larry Hoppen, playing the Narrows Friday night with Robbie Dupree, had a brother in Orleans during its heyday. That's Orleans up above. Larry's on the bottom right. John Hall is above him and Wells Kelly is the guy on the bottom left. The cat with the ugly mustache and glasses--that's Larry's brother the bass player.

For two tickets to Friday night's show, be the first to tell me his brother's name.

Email me at slouishug@comcast.net.

If you've won recently, please let someone else have a shot!

In case you didn't know, Orleans is perhaps most famous for "Still The One."

"A" is for Alpert/Musings on Kooper Etc.

Congrats to Frank O who correctly answered that trumpet dude Herb Alpert was the "A" in A & M Records.

Frank gets himself a pair of tickets to see Tish Hinojosa at the Narrows on Thursday night.

Musings:

...Friday night Larry Hoppen of the group Orleans will make his first visit to the Narrows. This is a reunion of sorts between Mr. Hoppen and your lowly, humble blogger. Twenty-six years ago I interviewed Larry when I was a DJ at a radio station in Poughkeepsie, New York. Orleans' comeback record "Love Takes Time" had just been released.

...John R. dropped your humble blogger a note via email regarding the possibility of booking the legendary Al Kooper, the guy whose accidental organ became Bob Dylan's new sound back in the 1960s (that's Al sitting at the organ in the photo). Al, if memory serves, actually founded legendary jazz/rockers Blood, Sweat and Tears, singing for them before David Clayton Thomas came aboard and Al went bye bye. He later discovered Lynyrd Skynyrd and had many other projects. John R. says Al now lives in Somerville.

...John R. also suggested Jon Pousette-Dart. While your humble blogger never met Mr. Pousette-Dart, I used to play his music on my radio show on Boston College's radio station, WZBC. I also saw the Pousette-Dart Band at Boston College in the mid to late 1970s. Never could understood the hypen in his name, but loved his music anyhow.

...If you have a suggestion for a booking, leave a comment or you can email me at slouishug@comcast.net. Remember, we can only hold a few hundred people, so we don't have the capacity to do a show with Emmylou Harris or the Dixie Chicks. Plus, frankly, we're more interested in up-and-coming artists than established superstars (though we, too, love it when Richie Havens, Livingston Taylor, Roger McGuinn and the like play the Narrows). Also, if your company would like to underwrite a show (i.e. put up a couple thousand to cover the nut), we'd be more than happy to talk. Remember, we're all volunteer and don't have a liquor license. Ticket sales and grants are pretty much our bread-and-butter.

Win Tickets to See Tish Hinojosa Thursday Night

Thursday night the Narrows Center for the Arts once again welcomes, out of San Antonio, Texas, songstress Tish Hinojosa.

Would you like to go to the show for free? Well, partner, you can win a pair of tickets to the show by being the first person to email me at slouishug@comcast.net with the correct answer to this question:

Tish Hinojosa was once signed to A & M Records, the same label as the Carpenters. Who is the "A" in A & M Records. Hint: He was a well known trumpet player who had a bunch of hits in the 1960s, including "The Lonely Bull."

If you have won in the past 30 days, please give others a chance!