Okee dokee folks … have we all settled comfortably into 2016? Hands? I have successfully written the date a couple of times on checks, and I made no resolutions, so I am all set. Besides, I have plenty of stuff left over from last year to take care of. Not resolutions, just stuff. When I get into disorganized states, sorting things out is akin to an archeological dig. I find layers of things from different time periods. Sometimes it can be kind of fun to come across a big chunk of items that evoke a pleasant memory. Sometimes it’s a drag and you put this big chunk of stuff in a bag and drop it on your ex’s doorstep. I should hire interns to help with my dig. Maybe by the end of 2016 I will get through the ’90s! Anyway, to get into the swing of 2016, read on…
The Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich has an impressive schedule of music for early 2016. Several attempts have been made to make the Odeum a happening venue. Events were presented at the theater, but then it would go dark. This may be the year that things become consistent. The summer will see a renovation of the venue and a reopening in the fall. The lineup for the winter/spring includes The Yale Whiffenpoofs In Concert on January 30 and Dar Williams on February 6. As the season goes on, I’ll give you in-depth artist and show info. In the meantime, you can keep up on any additions by stalking theodeum.org.
Common Fence Music presents A Gathering of Fiddlers and Fishermen #17 with Master of Ceremonies Ilana Katz on Saturday, January 23. The annual fundraising show will take place at the Common Fence Point Community Hall on Anthony Road in Portsmouth. The Irish Session begins with Jack Wright, Irish tunesmith and warbler. He will raise his bow to commence the “seisiun” when the crew weighs anchor at 6:30pm. Stage performances begin by 7:20. A Gathering of Fiddlers and Fishermen features cameo performances from some of the area’s best talent. Fiddlers 17 MC is musician, author and painter Ilana Katz. Ilana’s music mainstay is blues and old-time Southern fiddle, but her versatility as an improvisational musician beckons her to play all kinds of music. This will be Ilana’s first appearance on the “Gold Lame Stage.” Among those performing this year are regulars The Tiffany Rozenas Family Band, Ron Marsh, Greg Ferreira and Friends, and The Slackwater String Band. Back after a two-year hiatus is The Spindle Rock River Rats. The full lineup will be announced on the evening of the show with advance previews via social media. I (yes, me) will be on hand to fulfill the remainder of my MC duties; I’ll perform a song or two and perform the ceremonial passing of the bull-rake to Ilana. Tix for the show are available through Brown Paper Tickets anytime, and at the door until sold out, which happens! Bring a picnic basket and some wine or you can purchase food and non-adult beverages prepared by CFM’s dedicated galley staff of cooks and bakers. For more, cast over to commonfencemusic.org.
Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland will present two shows in January. BRT opens its concert season on January 16 with two hot Boston-based groups. Fresh Haggis is composed of Elias Alexander (border pipes, vocals), Eamon Sefton (guitar, vocals), Kathleen Parks (fiddle), and Patrick Bowling (flute, whistles, vocals). Splitting the evening will be the Mari Black World Fiddle Ensemble, performing diverse styles of traditional and modern dance music. Joining Mari are Joseph Carmichael on guitar and whistle and Joe Magar on bass. On January 30, Celtic harpist Áine Minogue returns to BRT with a show focusing on Imbolc – the Feast of Saint Brigid – celebrated on February 1, which marks the first day of Spring in Ireland. Áine has unearthed some unusual and haunting selections, and wrote some original tunes. Always a fascinating evening of Irish harp music, ethereal vocals, poetry and storytelling. For more, pluck it to riverfolk.org
In one of my Netflix binges I watched the documentary about the Eagles. I was already a fan and saw them long before hell froze over, and the movie made me want to see them again. Who knows when they will play and I am sure the tix will be crazy ‘spensive, so catching a tribute band is acceptable. Hey, I am in a tribute band as well! Another Tequila Sunrise, touted as he best Eagles tribute band in the land, returns to the Stadium in Woonsocket on January 29. Another Tequila Sunrise plays all of the Eagles hits you love as well as the hits from the solo careers of Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Glenn Frey. On February 20 at the Stadium, it’s The Marshall Tucker Band, and on February 27 The Machine performs Pink Floyd. For more, fast lane to stadiumtheatre.com.
Acclaimed musician Lindsay Adler returns to Sandywoods for a unique musical adventure. Enjoy global folk fusion inspired by American, French, Celtic and Middle Eastern styles on a wide variety of stringed, wind and percussion instruments. Lindsay will be joined by special guest artists including a Middle Eastern sword dancer and a percussionist. Praised by critics for her fluid and intricate finger style guitar, sensual vocals and playful rapport with her audiences, Lindsay Adler has been featured on radio, film and television. Whimsical door prizes will be given to audience members throughout the evening, so don’t miss out! Fore more, dulcimer to sandywoodsmusic.com.
Now to squeeze more in! The Debra Mann Trio is at Slater Mill’s 8th Annual Knitting Weekend Luncheon, 12:30 to 2:30pm Sat, January 16 (slatermill.org). The fourth Annual Hurdy Gurdy Palooza with Tim Eriksen, Shamanic and more happens at 7:30pm on January 17 at The Gallery at 30 Cutler St in Warren. Wednesday, January 20, 7-10 pm is Contra Dance with Paul Wilde calling and fiddler Emmalee Holmes-Hicks and Ben Foss on guitar and feet at Sandywoods. Anna Nalick and Seth Glier are at The Narrows on January 20, David Bromberg is on January 21, Marshall Crenshaw is on January 28 … the list goes on and on (narrowscenter.org). The Olney Room, Providence’s newest music and arts venue, featuring roots/blues/rock, will open Friday, January 22, featuring The Diving Ducks. It’s at 38 Dike Street in Olneyville. On January 23, Becky Chace, Kim Trusty and Cheryl Aruda play a special show at Blaze on Main St in Pawtucket. Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys play Saturday, January 23 at The German Club in Pawtucket. Sarah Potenza will be at The Met on Sunday, January 24 at 7pm (themetri.com), Rose Weaver is at Chan’s on Saturday, January 30 (chanseggrollsandjazz.com). RISA’s 12th Annual Songwriters In The Round Anniversary Show at AS220 with Jacob Haller, Craig Sonnenfeld & Allison Giuliano, Jan Luby, Rick Drost, Elad Vilk, Jim Tata, Hugh O’Doherty, Kala Farnham, Joanne Lurgio, Harvey Marcotte, Grant Maloy Smith, and Ryan Fitzsimmons is on Saturday, January 30. The Zeiterion has Trombone Shorty and his band, Orleans Avenue, on February 3 (zeiterion.org). On Thursday, February 4 there will be a Mardi Gras Dance at The Towers with Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys (thetowersri.com). The Wamsutta Salon Concert series in New Bedford presents Jeff Scroggins and Coloradois on February 6 (wepecket.com). Empire Review presents the Seven Deadly Sins show on Sunday, February 7 at AS220.
Phew! That’s it for now. Thanks for reading. JohnFuzek.com
