Old Friends

Two regulars and a repeat performer who we'd like to make a regular ASAP: it was another good night at the Acoustic Showcase, IMHO.


We began with Barrett, Donahue, Hatem, Eastburn, and Eastburn (law firm, anyone?). As usual, their song selection ranged from old-time rock and roll to good-time country numbers, with various appealing road-side attractions along the way.

That's Jack Donahue pounding the skins -- he also played bass and harmonica. Down the other end is Chris Eastburn, a stand-out on guitar, mandolin, and tenor harmonies (and parenting five year old violin players). Mike Barrett sang lead, while mountain man Paul Hatem joined in on guitar and high harmonies. These guys are great fun -- at least half the audience was singing along most of the time.  

Quinn Eastburn added his country fiddle to some particularly appealing numbers. As I've said before, his rhythm, intonation, and melody are outstanding. Anybody up for another rockin' round of "This Old Man"?








After we cleared away the chairs, mic stands, and cables, David Keevil came on and played a solo set.  

Clearly, this man takes his music seriously (or maybe he's just wondering if there's time for another latte). David played some (by now) familiar numbers, mixing in one of his earliest ("I Don't Dare") and his latest, a Sesame Street-ready ditty titled "Small." Thanks to Barrett, Eastburn, and Hatem for sticking around and singing harmonies from the audience.


And then it was time for the extremely entertaining Josh Beetler.

Josh is a guitar wizard, and I use the term advisedly. He's endlessly inventive and playful -- listening, you hook into his joy and enthusiasm. He performed a nice mix of original songs, instrumentals, and covers. No beat box this time, but great use of a loop machine, as he created an architecture of harmonies and rhythms.

Josh also sports a jaunty chapeau!








And that does it for another Acoustic Showcase. It's always a good time -- stop by and check it out!