Roots Report: March 2023

Okee dokee folks… I can’t believe that it’s already been a year that I have been hosting the Motif Roots Report Podcast. In that time, I have produced almost 60 episodes! I really didn’t know what to think when I started doing this, but honestly, I just wanted to be able to share the cool conversations that I am fortunate to have. I have talked to comedians, actors, musicians, promoters, and more. For years I had been doing interviews and transcribing them, or using a few quotes in a column, but I always thought that it would be so much better if you could just hear the conversations. When I started podcasting, I had never even listened to a podcast, I just made it all up as I went along! Creating the podcast it a lot of fun, but they are a LOT of work. I spend HOURS trying to arrange the interview, researching the guest, doing the actual interview, and finally editing, which is the longest part of the process. If you have not yet listened to one,what are you waiting for? I do this for you! LISTEN! Read on…

Get on board the “Runaway Train,” and head to the Greenwich Odeum on March 18 when Soul Asylum plays an all acoustic show. The band know for its Grammy Award-winning music will be performing as an acoustic duo for this performance. I had a chance to talk with original member, Dave Pirner about the band and upcoming show. You can listen to it on the Roots Report Podcast. Also coming up at The Greenwich Odeum: Roomful of Blues on March 10, Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac tribute on March 23, Pink Talking Fish will play a 50th anniversary set of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and more on March 25, and Ska pioneers The English Beat will “Save It For Later” on April 1. For more, find “Somebody to Shove” and get to: greenwichodeum.com

Newport Live is presenting a Spring Solstice Record Release Party with Mark Erelli and company on Thursday, March 23 at the Jamestown Arts Center. Over his two decade-long career, the singer-songwriter-sideman-producer-writer has produced albums for artists like Grammy-winner Lori McKenna; served as guitarist for artists like Paula Cole, Marc Cohn, and Josh Ritter; as well as writing and producing his own material. For more, “Jimmytown” over to: newportlive.org

For years Anais Mitchell was just a folk singer like so many others. She wrote songs, played shows, went to the Folk Alliance conference, and tried to make it as a performer. She was doing fairly well, but then she had a stroke of genius and wrote a musical – a huge departure for any folk singer. Not only did this musical make it to Broadway, but it won EIGHT Tony Awards and a Grammy. Mitchell’s brilliant production, Hadestown will be at Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) March 21 – 26. Hadestown combines two mythic tales – Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone. It takes you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. You don’t want to miss this one! For more, go “Any Way The Wind Blows” to: ppacri.org

Also coming to PPAC is the The Simon & Garfunkel Story. This immersive concert-style show chronicles the journey of the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. The show uses state of the art projection photos and original film footage as well as a live band performing their hits including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound,” and many more.

The United Theatre in Downtown Westerly has been featuring some great music in addition to films in recent months. The theatre has many multi-purpose event and gallery spaces, as well as a state-of-the-art music school. The United is a very active space. You may want to check out these upcoming shows at The United: Watchhouse (formerly known as Mandolin Orange) on March 2, The Wood Brothers on March 6, and The Cowsills (trio) on April 16 (watch for my podcast with Susan Cowsill). For more, “Love, American Style” over to: unitedtheatre.org

I love comedy, and Kathleen Madigan is in my ever-lengthening list of favorite comedians. I have been waiting for years to see her live and she is doing TWO area shows! If you are not familiar with her, then you mustn’t have watched her specials Bothering Jesus, Madigan Again, and her latest: Hunting Bigfoot on Amazon Prime. I spoke with Kathleen for my Roots Report Podcast about her specials and upcoming shows. She also has a podcast called Madigan’s Pubcast. She will be at Foxwoods on March 31 and at The Wilbur in Boston on April 1. Don’t look in the “Wrong Ocean,” just go to foxwoods.com or thewilbur.com for more.

I will be mortally wounded if I do not mention this show. My girlfriend, Lori Mars, came across a band called The Ritualists and managed to help them get a Providence show. She loves them and thinks that everyone should go to the show. They will be playing at Askew on March 31 along with Family Township and Dred Buffalo. For more, wham, bam, glam to: askewprov.com or theritualists.com. Am I safe now?

For those who didn’t get tix, or couldn’t afford tix to see The Boss in concert, the next best thing will be at the Park Theatre and Event Center in Cranston. The E Street Shuffle Springsteen tribute will appear on March 11. For more, hit “The River” and get to theparkri.com

Finally, my band, Forever Young – A Tribute to Neil Young, will be at the Narrows in Fall River on March 18. We had to reschedule our show from January because of COVID. If you had tickets to that January show they are good for the new date and if not, get your tickets now! narrowscenter.org Don’t forget you can listen to my podcasts at: motifri.com/rootsreportpodcast. You can also find my concert photographs at motifri.com/fuzeksfotos.

That’s it for now. Thanks for reading and listening. johnfuzek.com