Coming up on November 7th

Kenny Selcer
Kenny's a warm, eclectic performer who plays a wide range of material: folk rock, blues, country and reggae.  He's new to our stage, but those in the know say that "his stunning guitar work and intimate vocals keep audiences asking for more.  He plays known classics with original spice, as well as originals that will get you tapping your feet and singing along."  Check out more at www.kenselcer.com.

Barrett and Eastburn
Guitarist and award-winning composer Chris Eastburn directs the Arlington-based Family Folk Chorale, and has performed with Bill Staines, Robbie O'Connell of the Clancy Brothers, Tracy Grammer, Sol y Canto, Scott Alarik and others.  Chris teams up with his friend, fellow guitarist and vocalist Mike Barrett to present a lively, harmony-filled blend of Buddy Holly-era rock, John Prine-inflected folk, Ricky Skaggs-inspired gospel, and Willie Nelson-style country.  That's Chris on the right; Mike is hiding behind the tree.

Sugar Snow
We don't have a picture of these guys, but we had a lot of fun listening to them a few months ago.  This minimalist/acoustic/pop trio hails from Brookline, and sounds like "something none of us has done before."  Their influences include such stellar songwriters as (to name just a few): Aimee Mann, Marshall Crenshaw, John Doe, and Jerry Garcia.  You can hear more at www.myspace.com/sugarsnowmusic.

Well THAT was fun!

October 17th at the Acoustic Showcase: excellent music and great fun.  We began the evening with some originals from David Keevil, backed by Groove Pops bass player Don Strauss.  Don's playing adds such warmth, stability and nuance to these songs -- quite a treat.  We're hoping to continue the collaboration long-term.

After a half hour of original music, David switched to harp, and David Moore and Gordon Fromm joined in for a blues jam.  Moore gave us rousing vocals and Fromm some tickling, scorching solos that were a highlight of the evening.  A blast.

Next, Rick Drost took the stage.  His songs are tuneful, melodic, pensive and cheeky by turns -- put across with deft finger-picking and a sweet tenor.  My wife's uncle and aunt were visiting -- he gave Rick a couple of standing ovations, while she was brought to tears more than once.  Thanks, Rick!


And then came Rob Carlson.  Wowee wow wow (as Judy Moody says).  Rob is an A+, top-notch, accept-no-substitutes musician.  Pretty much for his entire set both of my knees were bouncing up and down and I couldn't keep a delighted smile off my face (really, that's not a cliche -- if you had a picture of me during the set you'd see this huge "oh-my-god" smile plastered on -- I couldn't control it).  Thanks Rob; come back ANY time.

I continue to be gratified and impressed by the musical skill and feeling we are able to share at the Acoustic Showcase -- the spirit of warm community created by interested listeners and generous musicians.  Turn off the TV and make some music!

Coming up 10/17/09!

On October 17th we'll be exploring the "solo-white-male-acoustic-singer-songwriter" genre; stop by and give a listen to some excellent examples of the breed!

David Keevil (with special guest David Moore)
The Los Angeles Times said his installations were "strong and memorable" while High Performance Magazine called his spoken word performances "work of resonant originality and beauty."  Now, as a nascent singer/songwriter (and organizer of the Showcase) he appears every third Saturday.  Come hear what all the fuss is about.  Tonight David will sing his songs for a half hour, then pick up his harmonica and join David Moore for a blues jam.

Rick Drost
Rick started writing and singing in coffeehouses around DC and New England in the 70s, finally settling in Cambridge MA, where he started playing with the folk-rock group Parts and Labor.  In the late 90s Rick took up choral singing again, then Parts and Labor regrouped to record "Twelve Shared Dreams" (cdbaby.com/cd/rdrostpal).  Rediscovering songwriting with help from the (national!) live music community, Rick has now found that living so that music comes out is its own reward.

Rob Carlson
Yes, it's THE Rob Carlson.  He's a consumate musician who has written and performed in every genre: acoustic, electric, live and electronic.  He graduated from Berklee where he majored in songwriting and big band jazz arranging; he also studied voice for eight years with Joanne Messier at the Boston Conservatory.  Currently Rob plays in a Caribbean bnad, writes music and plays guitar for a number of singer-songwriters, and owns/operates a recording studio.

The Year So Far

The Acoustic Showcase has been up and running for almost a year now, but this blog is new.  Here are photos of just a few of our performers so far.  Lots more to follow in the months ahead!

  

Lexington native Mikel McCavana is an energetic treat: chops, wit, and musicianship.

 The Wicked Pickers let 'er rip with their scintillating bluegrass fusion

 Dami Noah plays songs like spider webs, with the same tensile strength...

Samantha Farrell, with that funky bi-coastal sound -- check out those B. Holiday pipes

Rick Drost (and others) listen to Alina Ostrow

 

 Two views of k.b. Marie -- folk/country/pop? with a great voice and a smooth delivery

Robert Cedrone and Noah Mendelsohn, with rousing songs by Van The Man and others

Via Perkins (a.k.a. Kidd Strange) ~ simple delivery of surprisingly affecting songs

Jeffrey Terrace, one of a number of truly skilled high school bands we've enjoyed so far.  They're funky, inventive, and a whole lot of fun.