Elevator Work Moving Forward--Fiscal Help Needed!

The photo is that of the temporary enclosure around the work being done to install an elevator at the Narrows.

Your fiscal support of this project is still needed!

Details here.

The Award

Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock Wrap Up Summer

Trad country Texans Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock wrapped up the Narrows summer concert season Friday night. The next shows in the facility are in September.

But the Narrows will have several stages at this year's Fall River Celebrates America. Visit www.ncfta.org for more information.

Anyway, it was the first visit of these legendary performers to the Narrows. Jimmie Dale graced us with his country soul vocals and his cosmic, almost childlike take on the world. Butch Hancock was more down-to-earth; the two balanced each other nicely.

Tickets Still Available for Tonight's Show

As of right now there are still a good chunk of tickets available for tonight's (Friday) Jimmy Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock show, so showing up at the door should be no problem.

This is the first time we've hosted these folks, and response has been good.

See you tonight at the Narrows?

Tony Trischka & Savoy Brown Added to Fall Schedule

Not yet posted.

November 23
Tony Trischka's Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular
$20, $23

November 30
Savoy Brown
$18, $20

Some photos of last year's Savoy Brown show available in the December, 2006 section of this blog.

RI Monthly Hitting The Streets

Your humble blogger has already received his copy of the new issue of RI Monthly (August 2007) in which the Narrows gets a "Best of RI" award for being the best place to hit the road to see a concert.

Page 74.

I'm sure I'm speaking for Patrick Norton and all of the volunteer staff, management and board of directors in saying that it was only possible through the willingness of our patrons to come to the shows over the past 5 years, to make donations and to spread the word about the Narrows.

This is a big win for all of us who love the Narrows!

Slaid Cleaves Song Used For Car Commercial?

Was it me, or was that a Slaid Cleaves song I heard on a car commercial yesterday?

Can't seem to find any info. Anybody know?

Narrows Gets "Best of RI" Award

Narrows president Patrick Norton accepted a "Best of RI" award from RI Monthly earlier this week. (In case you didn't know, the Narrows is located just over the line in MA.)

We assume that the next issue of the publication will have a write up of some sort; this was available this week from the magazine:

"Sure, there’s plenty of good music in Rhode Island, but sometimes a good melody –inspired road trip is in order. When the urge hits, head to The Narrows, a Goldilocks-sized (not-too-big, not-too-small at 280 seats) performance space in a renovated mill overlooking the water. Roots music is centerstage here- bluegrass, blues, folk and country by musicians ranging from big names like Richie Havens to talented up-and comers like Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles. An added bonus: you can bring your own food and alcohol, a sure sign this is as far away from the corporate produced concert scene as you can get."

Jerry Missed The Gig

While Jerry Garcia fulfills other commitments, Buddy Cage did the honors

The New Riders of the Purple Sage, once a side project for the Dead's Jerry Garcia, brought their cosmic Americana country approach to the Narrows for the first time Friday night.

Original members David Nelson (who was once a candidate to replace Bob Weir in the Dead) noodled with steel guitar whiz Buddy Cage, as members of the crowd danced.

New Shows Include First Visit By Rodney Crowell

Not yet posted:

October 6
Rodney Crowell
$25, $28

Jan 11
Old School Freight Train
$15, $17

Jan 18
Jorma Kaukonen
$30, $35

Newport Folk Festival Film on Concert TV

If you subscribe to Cox or Comcast cable, chances are you can see a 45 minute film about the Newport Folk Festival, 1963-1966.

See Bob Dylan ask "Does anybody have an E harmonica?" People throw several on stage.

See Peter Yarrow--of Peter, Paul and Mary--with a healthy head of hair.

See Howlin' Wolf, Son House, John Hurt and Fred McDowell live.

See Joan Baez and Judy Collins.

See Narrows' alum Odetta sing with Pete Seeger about "studying war no more."

Humble Blogger Seeks Rejuvenation at Fountain of Youth

Your humble blogger is reporting live from FLA, a center for death metal, Jimmy Buffet and the Bellamy Brothers.

And, of course, the Fountain of Youth, located in St. Augustine.

It's in a park that your humble blogger suspects is run by a commune of hippies.

Pete Seeger & Bruce Springsteen Record Together

It was a natural, after Bruce Springsteen's CD and tour recognizing the pioneering music of Pete Seeger.

Bruce and Pete have done a couple of tracks together.

Details here.

Emmylou Harris Plans Releases

Came across this info about what the Queen of Alt.Country Emmylou Harris is up to.

Lori McKenna, Mark Erelli, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

It's nice to see when nice people do good.

Narrows alum Lori McKenna (that's her in the photo) has been kinda "adopted" by country superstars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. And Narrows alum Mark Erelli ain't doing badly himself.

Read more in this article from projo.com.

Bryan Ferry Croons Dylan

Style-driver Bryan Ferry has just put out a new CD--this time covering the songs of Bob Dylan.

It's called Dylanesque, and it's worth checking out.

For more click www.bryanferry.com.

Did You Work With Loudon Wainwright III In RI?

In a fab article in the latest No Depression magazine, it's noted that Louden Wainwright III (coming to the Narrows later this year; visit www.ncfta.org) "worked for a time in a Rhode Island boatyard..." in the late 1960s.

No other details, but perhaps You know a bit more, or maybe even worked with him!

Leave a message if you have info.

See Earlier Version of Songs Covered by Sarah Borges

One of your humble blogger's favorite tracks on the new Sarah Borges' CD is "Stop and Think It Over," written by a fairly obscure garage rocker named Greg Cartwright.

Turns out he's not so terribly obscure. He produced a new CD for Mary Weiss, former lead singer of the '60s girl group "The Shangri-Las" (one of their big hits was "Walking in the Sand").

On that CD is "Stop and Think It Over."

Mary Weiss did it on Conan O'Brien and you can see her performance here.

Also, Sarah covers "False Eyelashes" which you can see Dolly Parton in the 1960s sing right here.

Aztec Two-Step: Feel Good Music

Aztec Two-Step's Rex Fowler provides the visual as the duo sings about "velvet Elvis."

A satisfied patron was heard saying after the concert that it was a night of "feel good music."

A great description of the show, as Aztec Two-Step had the house humming Saturday night with their poppy folk approach that was serious, but didn't take itself too seriously.

It was a nice send-off for the Narrows, as it takes a few weeks off (hopefully to get the elevator project going). Next show is July 12. Learn more at www.ncfta.org.

"Backstage at the Narrows," however, is not expecting to take a hiatus. Please continue checking this space for news, reviews and more.

Walter Wolfman Howls At The Narrows

Walter Wolfman Washington and the Roadmasters made a triumphant return to the Narrows Friday night, bringing the soulful and jazzy sounds of New Orleans.

The Wolf, although an understated guitar hero, nonetheless unleased some tasty riffs, as did his horn section (trumpet and sax), drummer and bass player.

The Wolf is a pretty fair vocalist, too. He reminds your humble blogger of an understated (like his guitar playing) Al Green.

The show was an official "lock," as declared by your humble blogger, who was nearly moved to tears when a member of the audience came up to him and noted that he had picked another great one.

A "lock" is a show from a lesser known artist that your humble blogger guarantees as excellent, throwing the full force of his tremendous influence and insight so people will buy tickets.

Keep an eye on this space for the next "lock."