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!

Fun For The Whole Family

We had a great time last night at the Acoustic Showcase.  Two acts new to our stage, one old hand.  Two young women with lovely voices and great material, seven "grown ups" with experience and talent to spare.  It made for an excellent mix.


We began with Elli Loria.  A talented singer/songwriter, she came to our attention via her teacher, Chris McKenney (that's him on the right adding some excellent country licks).  

Elli's been playing guitar for five years (her first guitar was a sparkly pink Daisy Rock!), and writing for longer than that.  She sings refreshing, touching songs about life and love -- her voice is flexible and true.

Elli's dad backed her on one song, a bitter-sweet meditation on what's gained and lost by growing up.

Here's only a small part of Elli's enthusiastic crowd.  She played a great set, got lots of well-deserved applause, and we'll have her back as soon as we can!


We continued the wonderful music with the next group, a quintet made up of (left to right) Tom and Ann O'Donnell, Gillian Goolkasian, Ellen Watters Sullivan, and Robert Cedrone.

What a great band!  Nice set list, strong vocal harmonies, tremendous musicianship, and that lovely 'cello!  

Among numerous high points were "Creep" by Radiohead, mixed with a Dvorak (I think) 'cello solo.  Beautifully done.

Here's Ann and her niece Gillian -- both are marvelous vocalists.  At 13, Gillian is already an accomplished performer, with a strong, clear, flexible voice.

And here's another enthusiastic, attentive crowd.  What a pleasure to get so many people listening!

We capped the evening with a set from Chris Nauman, accompanied by Ken Selcer.

I love Chris's songs.  Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen -- he's got some great influences.  A nice voice with some texture to it, and songs that are moving in lots of different ways.  Ken's guitar playing was deft, assured, playful -- all that good stuff.

I was a little tired and distracted before the show last night.  By the end of the evening I was energized and happy.  We had good music, but more than that we had great feeling, human warmth and community.  On with the show!