 December 1, 2023 (Friday): The Capitol Fools (of the Capitol Steps)  details
Wow…there will be lots to “mock” about after this election cycle!
Who better to do it than these old friends. After a hiatus, the cast who brings us the stairway to heavenly political satire originally laid by the Capitol Steps, continues upward with The Capitol Fools — the new musical parody group created by the performers and co-writer from the Capitol Steps. The Capitol Fools hold up a mirror to our crazy political culture, providing hilarious song parodies and foolish reflections that continue to inspire belly-laughter.
Audiences will continue to see the A list of cast members from past seasons of the Capitol Steps performing all the beloved bits, the show-ending and mind-boggling backward talking spoonerisms, breakneck costume changes, over-the-top impressions, and all new song parodies reflecting the day’s news. Check them out on You Tube and see some familiar faces!
December 3, 2023 Sunday): Annual Christmas Craft Fair click
for details
Our Halls are "decked" alright!!
Two beautiful halls full of some of area artisans and crafters. These are the prettiest Christmas rooms in the Valley. We are proud to announce once again our annual Christmas Craft Fair. Santa will be parking and The SMAC Box Office will be open for all kinds of gift ideas like concert tickets deals and gift certificates. The Bar will be open in the Queen Post Café for some Christmas cheer and The SMAC Kitchen will have a nice brunchy/lunchy menu available all day. C'mon by and get all yer shopping done! It's a Christmas Tradition!!
CRAFT FAIR DINING
Serving from 10 to 3:00 Anything from omelettes and waffles, to burritos, salads, soups, and desserts. Table Reservations are available and suggested in our pretty Maine Hall, both barn balconies, and our four season porch. Make sure you let us know if you can do stairs or tall chairs. You can also grab lite bites at the bar for some walk aroud snacks and bevis.
December 6, 2023 (Wednesday): Taste of Christmas Rooster Luncheon click
(This event is Recommended for our Seniors)
Can't get out to see us at night? Here is a little taste of a night out at SMAC for Christmas in the day time!!! A home cooked meal served with love to be followed by a short Christmas Carol concert given by owner Carol Noonan all beginning at noon.
*Lunch includes salad, chicken entree, dessert, coffee and tea and dessert in our Maine Hall. Extra beverages not included and a tip is always welcomed for our hardworking staff
December 8, 2023 (Friday): Dana Cunningham & Carol Noonan details
Annual Christmas Concert at the Little White Church in Eaton, NH
ONE SHOW ONLY
Dana the composer and pianist, and Carol the singer songwriter together form a really beautiful and fun Christmas show that they play annually at this special place on Crystal Lake in the quaint village of Eaton NH.
Join Dana and Carol for a very special holiday memory at the Little White Church. in Eaton NH
* Doors open at 7:00 pm - Show begins at 7:30pm
Again, this concert is held at the Little White Church in Eaton NH (not at SMAC)
* Tickets may only be purchased through the Stone Mountain Arts Center Box Office.
* Please Note:
This is not a SMAC produced show, so SMAC memberships or credits do not apply.
December 9, 2023 (Saturday): Martin Sexton click
for details
So excited to have Martin here!. Plain and simple....he is one of the best singers I have heard in my lifetime. I was lucky enough to have him sing on one of my albums when he was kicking around Boston, many, many years ago. Little did I know how big a star he would become, and we most humbly welcome him for another visit to Stone Mountain."His outstanding taste in songwriting as well as a soul marinated voice that can easily be compared to the likes of a young Steve Winwood or Van Morrison."- Rolling Stone "The best live performer I've ever seen."- John Mayer. We couldn't agree more…
December 13, 2023 (Wednesday): Comedian Bob Marley click
for details
I don't know any other person who worked harder to keep us entertained during 2020 and beyond than comedian Bob Marley. His daily videos were a comic relief from the world's challenges, and there have been many. Bob has a gift and a way of finding the hilarity in the obvious and the seemingly common occurrences in our sometimes mundane lives. In fact, he would make fun of me for saying all this!!. I can just hear him mocking me now!
On a personal note, Bob kept my staff from going crazy! We appreciate him for being one of the artists that was willing to do shows in whatever way he could to make venues and people laugh..whether it was a small capacity show or a drive in…he did it all. Nothing can stop the Bob Marley train and we love him for that. And yes, I said artist!!
Bob is not just our Maine comedian, he is one of the funniest people in the current world of comedy. His viral videos have thrust him into further popularity as one of the hottest and most sought after comedians in the country. But we are lucky he will still come to us! You know'em, you love'm...more than 15 years as a stand-up comic, Maine's own Bob Marley has been featured in his own special on Comedy Central, and is one of the few comics to do the complete late night TV circuit: The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and Craig Kilborn. But all those accolades aside, he is just one of us, and we can't get enough of him. And geesh don't we all need to laugh right now. Always a quick sell out!
December 15, 2023 (Friday): Stone Mountain LIVE for Christmas details
Hosted by Carol Noonan and the Stone Mountain Boys
featuring
Duke Levine, Kevin Barry and very special guest Guitar God Bill Kirchen FINALLY!
There is simply no better place to celebrate the holidays than at Stone Mountain Arts Center! With the lights all strung and garlands galore, Stone Mountain LIVE at Christmas is the whole "Experience"... it takes all the best aspects of this special place on the hill and packs it into one fun festive night! Stone Mountain's owner, Carol Noonan, who hosts this unique revue style show with her house band the Stone Mountain Boys ... featuring guitarists Duke Levine and Kevin Barry. Featuring special guest, the one and only Bill Kirchen...famed of his Commander Cody days and his version of Hot Rod Lincoln, well if we could have a a favorite Uncle for SMAC, it would be him!!
December 16, 2023 ( Saturday): Stone Mountain LIVE for Christmas details
Hosted by Carol Noonan and the Stone Mountain Boys
featuring Duke Levine, Kevin Barry and very special guest Guitar God Bill Kirchen FINALLY!
There is simply no better place to celebrate the holidays than at Stone Mountain Arts Center! With the lights all strung and garlands galore, Stone Mountain LIVE at Christmas is the whole "Experience"... it takes all the best aspects of this special place on the hill and packs it into one fun festive night! Stone Mountain's owner, Carol Noonan, who hosts this unique revue style show with her house band the Stone Mountain Boys ... featuring guitarists Duke Levine and Kevin Barry. Featuring special guest, the one and only Bill Kirchen...famed of his Commander Cody days and his version of Hot Rod Lincoln, well if we could have a a favorite Uncle for SMAC, it would be him!!
December 29, 2023 (Friday): Tricky Britches click
for details
The RETURN of one of our favorite bands. It’s been too long. Some bluegrass , some country, some folk…some all of that! Tricky Britches formed in 2009, when four friends in Portland, Maine, took their fiddle tunes and country songs on the road across the US. Since then they have released three albums of original material: Comin’ in Hot (2016), Good Company (2013), and Hard Fought Day(2011). They have played on stages big and small across the US, Hawaii, and Europe. But Tricky on our stage is just the most special.
December 30, 2023 (Saturday): Stone Mountain 2023 "Wined Down" Wine Dinner
Featuring Carol Noonan and friends with of course: Our Bafoon of a Wine Critic Nigel Hoggsbottem!! (Mike Miclon)
A “FUNdraiser" for SMAC!!
Say goodbye to 2023 with this fun event and support SMAC at the same time!
It is no secret that SMAC started off this unpredictable year, challenged for attendance and dollars. Well we want to end this year by helping make up for that and look forward to a properous new year! And what a fun way to do it!!
Stone Mountain Musical Wine Dinner is a A Not So Serious Musical Wine Dinner Come see one of the most unique events SMAC has to offer .
Between each course there will be segments of music, film clips and silly banter from Nigel Hoggsbottem!
The fun starts at 6:00 (doors at 5:30) in the Lobby with apps and your first wine so be prompt.
An evening of five courses of great wine and food as always, layered with music, film clips, and a surprize wine critic! Yes, its back, Carol and friends will treat you to a wine dinner unlike any you have ever been to.
Forget those wine dinners where they just tell you about the wines....this one has live music, film clips, great food, and of course wonderful wines.
And ask us about a taxi service if you need it or there is a special price for designated drivers.
Price Includes:
* A Five Course Meal TBD (there will be a choice of three entrees)
* FIVE wines to try!!
* And of course the night's musical and visual entertainment by Carol Noonan and friends is on us!
* Tonights Dinner Does not include tip, or additional beverage charges.
It does include a lotta fun and a great way to support SMAC.
And we Thank you for keeping SMAC and our staff working!!!
December 31, 2023 (Sunday): NYE with the Duke Robillard Band details
(Normal showtimes apply so you can be home for your own countdown :>)
Guitar master, Duke Robillard puts new emphasis on the Blues. His resume is decorated with Grammy nominations, Handy Awards and Blues Music Awards, and other honors for his artistry, recordings and productions within the United States and internationally. On his latest release, "Duke Robillard and his Dames of Rhythm" on M.C. Records, he wields an acoustic archtop and joins six thrushes for evocative and enjoyable renditions of 1920s and 1930s swing tunes; it's a worthy successor to his 2016 BMA-winning "The Acoustic Blues And Roots Of Duke Robillard.” With a killer band including that amazing singer Chris Cote . And as always a little toasting bubbly will get passed around at encore time! And again, you should make it home to your own cozy couch for your countdown!
|
January 25, 2024 (Thursday): On A Winter's Night click
for details
Featuring John Gorka, Patty Larkin, Lucy Kaplansky, and Cliff Everhardt
Presenting the Reunion Tour of “On A Winter’s Night” from veteran singer-songwriters that remain among the brightest stars of the singer/songwriter movement for the past three decades. In 1994 musicians gathered together, to showcase music of the Winter Season on the now-classic On A Winter’s Night CD, followed by several years of touring collaborations. As soloists, these artists have released dozens of recordings and toured steadily through the decades, with fond memories of their touring days together. The winter season is again celebrated by these unique and popular performers, back together by popular demand.
February 2, 2024 (Friday): Gibson Brothers click
for details
There’s a reason why Ricky Skaggs pulled Eric and Leigh Gibson off the stage at the Ryman two decades ago and offered to produce their debut record.The same thing that led David Ferguson and Grammy Award winning producer and Black Keys front man Anaerobic to co-write and produce their 14th album “Mockingbird” (2018) and release it on his own label Easy Eye Sound alongside cultural icons such as Hank Williams Jr. and Dr. John:the Gibson Brothers are the real deal.They can pick.They can sing.And they can write a damn good country song. They’ve won about every bluegrass award you can name and released albums on almost every premier Americana label you can think of including Sugar Hill and Rounder, and, if that’s not enough, their songs have been recorded by bluegrass legends no less than Del McCoury. It’s a resume almost anybody in country music would be proud to have. But despite all of this, the Gibson Brothers are not yet household names.heir latest album, “Darkest Hour,” produced by dobro master Jerry Douglas might just change that.
I tell you what they are household names in out house!! Oh, I love these these bluegrass greats!!! You name a bluegrass award and they have won it : Songwriter of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Emerging Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year....and some of these multiple times! These brothers of bluegrass, write really amazing songs, have beautiful voices and are just the real deal. In a climate of new grass and a glut on new string bands, these brothers hold true to the old time bluegrass and country. They were featured on Prairie Home Companion last year and of course many of you have seen them here at Christmas....they always bring the house down. They have a sound that is so sincere. Its like they grew up in a country band decades ago, when the divisions of country music were not so defined. But they are every bit of here for today's' stages. They have a killer band, and are a personal favorite of mine....Come highly SMAC recommended.
February 10, 2024 (Saturday): Kat Edmonson click
for details
Kat is Back!! We just love her..her music, her stories, her joyful presense. And if you haven't seen her well JUST DO IT!!!
The first time I saw Kat was on CBS Saturday morning ("Saturday Sessions" is a great program that showcases rising stars.....highly recommend it). She is known most as a jazz singer, but she calls her music vintage pop. Whatever you call it, it is completely pure. She has shared stages with the likes of Lyle Lovett, Asleep at the Wheel, and Chris Isaac with appearances on Prairie Home Companion and E Town. When I heard her, there was something about her that reminded me of hearing Joni Mitchell when I was a kid.. She doesn't sound like her, or the music isn't the similar, but the command of her craft and her band reminds me of Joni. A terrific song writer with the sounds of a jazz singer, but the feel of a vintage folk singer. Oh, and she is an actress too!
Speaking of jazz, check out this video of one of the many sides of her. But this is the sweet song that stopped me in my tracks when I heard it.
And these are just samples of her live...take some time and get lost in some of her videos on YouTube. Like her songs, they are like mini vintage movies harkening back to a time when ceramic dogs and typewriters were the norm. (for some of us,it still is :>) There are so many great videos of her....too many to pick, so again, spend a few minutes and discover this amazing talent. Seems like everyone in the critical world knows about her.....now its your turn. Comes Very Very Highly SMAC Recommended
February 17, 2024 (Saturday): Glen Phillips and Shawn Mullins details
Wow…two of our absolute favs!!! Comes SMAC Highly Recommended
Glen Phillips ...
We just love this guy! The singer and songwriter of the alt rock group Toad the Wet Sprocket. has been splitting time between Toad and an inspired solo career. Many solo albums and collaborations later, he constantly reinventing and creating. Those collaborations continue with a super pairing with another folk rocking singer song writer, Shawn Mullins
Shawn Mullins:
We just love this guy too! Grammy nominated Shawn Mullins' critical breakthrough came when his song "Lullaby", from the album Soul's Core, became a radio and video hit. Another familiar hit, "All in My Head", was featured on the hit television sitcom "Scrubs". But since then, he continues to write amazing songs and do amazing shows. This is one of those performers who people thank me for bringing to SMAC after he plays.
Don't miss this great combo of talent!
February 18, 2024 (Sunday): Judy Collins click
for details
We are honored once again to present this beautiful icon of folk music to our humble hall on the hill. Judy's songs are historic and her rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" on her classic 1967 album, Wildflowers. "Both Sides Now" has since been entered into the Grammy's Hall of Fame. Winning "Song of the Year" at the 1975 Grammy's Awards show was Judy's version of "Send in the Clowns," a song that no one has been able to touch since. An Evening with Judy Collins...how special. Oh, and p. s... she tells the best stories!!!!
February 23, 2024 (Friday): Chris Pierce & Sunny War click
for details
War and Pierce
?
Sunny War and Chris Pierce first met at mutual friend, producer/musician Jared Faber’s Silver Lake studio for a meet and greet and out of that meeting was born “Any Day Now”, the first song written and recorded by the collective. They all felt so inspired by the luck of their first encounter that they tried to repeat it...to see if lightning could indeed strike twice. Each time they got together they wrote and recorded what would ultimately become their debut EP, the self titled “War & Pierce”.
SUNNY WAR (born Sydney Lyndella Ward), originally from Nashville, TN is a force of nature that is tough to pin down. Her style lies somewhere between Punk and early Blues. Yes, she may be a Robert Johnson with a shot of Bad Brains, but even this description falls short. The only way to really know Sunny is to immerse oneself in her music. Sunny’s inimitable guitar technique mixed with her haunting vocal sound is unique & intoxicating. Sunny was hopping trains from a tender age, riding free on the rails and living homeless on the streets. Her music has always been raw, and she refuses to shy away from a brutally open honesty about the rougher parts of her life. As a solo artist she has opened for Booker T, Keb’ Mo’, Mavis Staples,Valerie June, Madeleine Peyroux, Mindy Smith, The Levon Helm Band, & Angelique Kijo among others.
CHRIS PIERCE Chris Pierce first gained national prominence with “We Can Always Come Back To This”. His hit co-write aired on 3 episodes of the #1 NBC primetime series ‘THIS IS US’, then went on to peak at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart, and #12 on iTunes Top 100. Pierce has done worldwide headlining tours and has performed on stage with: Seal, Cold War Kids, Al Green, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Jill Scott, Toots & the Maytals, Sara Bareilles, Buddy Guy, Keb’Mo’, Blind Boys of Alabama, B.B. King, Aaron Neville, Jamie Cullum and others. Pierce’s 2020 collaboration with artist Sunny War in Americana duo WAR & PIERCE yielded the hit single “AMEN". "AMEN" was featured on NPR’s WORLD CAFE and aired on 200+ AAA / NonComm stations, then racked up over 1M spins on Spotify. Chris Pierce's 2021 album, 'AMERICAN SILENCE' has garnered massive critical acclaim from NPR, SiriusXM, The Bluegrass Situation, NoDepression, Rolling Stone Country, AmericanaUK and more. Pierce is confirmed for BottleRock Music Festival in September of 2021.
February 24, 2024 (Saturday): Soggy Po' Boys click for details
The Soggy Po Boys, native to New England, have quickly become an institution. They are spreading the good news of New Orleans music across the northeast and beyond, playing at concert halls and street corners; music festivals and burlesque festivals; bars and libraries; wherever the party requires. Part of the beauty of New Orleans music is that it's celebrated and appreciated wherever it goes, from the street to the theater.?
The Po Boys formed in 2012 to shake the walls of a local club on a Fat Tuesday but have honed their sound and become more than a Mardi Gras centerpiece. Exploring the vast musical traditions of New Orleans and expanding their repertoire to look beyond NOLA jazz, the band includes traditional Caribbean tunes (it’s been said that New Orleans is the northernmost city in the Caribbean), as well as Meters funk, soul, and brass band / street beat music.
“...These guys have done their homework, worked it out on the bandstand and put in the hours in the studio. It all adds up to a party you can bring with you when you want to treat your friends to a real good time.” -Ben Schenck of New Orleans’ Panorama Jazz Band.
There are a myriad of traditions that flow into New Orleans culture just as there are tributaries that feed the Mississippi, and the Po Boys are eager to explore what makes the music of New Orleans so damn special. You’ll hear the heavy influence of the New Orleans sound across the band and in the stories told by their original tunes. Despite the scope of its sound, the outfit is only seven people, and thrives on the interplay and group dynamics that bring this music to life.
March 9, 2024 (Saturday): Missy Raines & Allegheny click
for details
Iconic bluegrass instrumentalist and award winning Missy Raines is coming to us with her own band, Missy Raines & Allegheny. A bluegrass ensemble featuring banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and bass.they will give more than a nod to Missy’s deep bluegrass roots. Allegheny offers Missy fertile ground to bring a together a lifetime of traditional inspiration along with her unique approach to string band music
GRAMMY® nominated Missy Raines was named 2021 International Bluegrass Music Association Bass Player of the Year, for the 10th time, more than any other bass player in the history of the organization. She has proven herself without doubt as an iconic bluegrass instrumentalist. But with the success of her latest release, Royal Traveller, Raines has stepped into the spotlight as a songwriter and singer as well. Royal Traveller was nominated for a GRAMMY® in 2020 and was produced by Compass Records co-founder and renowned banjoist. In 1998, Raines became the first woman to win IBMA's Bass Player of the Year award. Her album, Royal Traveller, highlights this particular piece of Raines' history with the stand out track “Swept Away”, which features the first 5 women to win IBMA instrumentalist awards, Raines, Brown, Sierra Hull, Becky Buller, and Molly Tuttle. “Swept Away” was named 2018 IBMA Recorded Event of the Year. Missy’s version of the iconic Flatt & Scruggs “Darlin Pal(s) of Mine”, (from the same album), was named 2019 Instrumental Recording of the Year by the IBMA. In 2020, Missy received the IBMA Song of the Year award along with co-writers, Becky Buller and Alison Brown for “Chicago Barn Dance”, a song written specifically for the Chicago-based band, Special Consensus.
Well if that’s not enough accolades to get ya here…here's from me…she is super great and had been recommended to me by many great bluegrass performers…..and they otta know!!
March 15, 2024 (Friday): Shemekia Copeland click for details
OMG….WE LOVE Shemekia. She’s back!!!
In a span of less than two decades, Shemekia Copeland has evolved from teenage upstart to one of the most prominent voices in the blues. She's currently the most feted woman in the blues world and actually had a coronation where she was crowned and declared Queen of the Blues at the Chicago Blues Festival in 2011. Shemekia earned her crown with a series of high-quality recordings and an unrelenting tour schedule that has taken her to all corners of the globe. She's played all the major festivals and concert dates from Europe to Iraq to a memorable performance at the White House in front of an audience that included the President of the United States, sharing the bill with Buddy Guy, Mick Jagger, Jeff Beck, B.B. King and other greats. She has performed on Austin City Limits and was recently the subject of a feature on the PBS News Hour. Shemekia can be heard hosting her own popular daily blues radio show on SiriusXM’s Bluesville and with her latest album, Uncvil War, she is determined to stand her ground, help heal America’s wounds and continue to mend broken hearts with her voice and words. She brings people together in a way no other artist can.
Shemekia and her super band are like family, and a staff favorite...Come see why!
March 23, 2024 (Saturday): Altan click
for details
Wow, it’s been too long since we have seen these dear musical friends. With a career in Irish music for 35 years, Altan has achieved legendary status in a genre that has been equally shaped by the band's influence and genius. Audiences from Ireland to Japan to Australia to Europe have embraced their heartwarming, dynamic live performances and their exquisitely produced, award-winning recordings. Over a dozen releases to date, ranging from the most touching old Irish songs to hard-hitting reels and jigs. Chicago Weekly, said, "Thought by many to be the finest traditional Irish combo working today, Altan seamlessly blend dazzling instrumental prowess and the gorgeously delicate vocals of Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh" I would whole heartedly agree. They have not been here for many years and we have missed them. The real deal of Irish bands...don't miss their welcome return.
April 13, 2024 (Saturday): The Jacob Jolliff Band click for details
“Jacob is a serious player…he is a mandolinist to watch.” — Béla Fleck. Need we say more!! As part of Béla Fleck’s Bluegrass Heart tour you may have seen this super player here at SMAC. Mandolinist Jacob Jolliff a former member of two massively popular progressive bluegrass bands, Joy Kills Sorrow and the Yonder Mountain String Band, Jolliff remains one of the country’s premier contemporary mandolinists.
A fixture of the national bluegrass community, he has collaborated and shared the stage with Darol Anger, Sam Bush, Ronnie McCoury, Michael Daves, Tony Trischka, and David Grisman to name a few. When Joy Kills Sorrow disbanded in 2014, Jolliff got the call to join Yonder Mountain String Band and toured full time with them until the end of 2019.
Now with his own band, Jacob’s main focus is The Jacob Jolliff Band. This ensemble is a group of virtuosic pickers that play Jacob’s original instrumentals, as well as showcase his singing. They tour nationally in the US and have also travelled to Scotland and Australia to perform. The group has released two albums, “Instrumentals Vol. 1” in 2018 and “The Jacob Jolliff Band” in 2022. A new act for SMAC, and like I always say they are the gems you don’t want to miss. If it’s good enough for Béla well its good enough for you! Check him out!
April 19, 2024 (Friday): Chris Smither click
for details
Simply one of those shows that you walk away ,
blown away after the show. Honing a synthesis of folk and blues for over 50 years, Chris Smither is truly an American original. Having distilled his own signature sound of blues and folk for over 40 years, Chris Smither is one of the best to ever hit our stage. With profound songs, dazzling guitar skills and his distinct gravelly voice he casts a spell over the audience one song at a time.
Says the Chicago Sun Times - "Chris Smither has traveled countless miles with his careworn blend of folk and acoustic blues. His hallmarks include the fingers of an effortless musician, a voice as craggy and deep as the earth, the soul of a philosopher and master poet, and the foot-tapping percussion of a restless wanderer..."
Couldn't have said it better myself. I hope he never retires!!!
April 20, 2024 (Saturday): Ruthie Foster click
for details
Here with her quartet, Ruthie is mostly considered a blues singer, sometimes a folkie, and sometimes known for being a songwriter. But if you have seen her, you know her as one of the most soulful singers out there today no matter what she sings. Her shows lift you up and her spirit will stay with you long after you have left our barn. A Grammy nominated artist with multiple awards to her resume, she is admired by many of her peers in the musical community. "I love Ruthie Foster. That's my little sister. A phenomenal woman, yes indeed. She's great."- Mavis Staples. A seal of approval from Miss Mavis, would be enough for me....but if you need more assurance, come see the "phenomenal" Ruthie Foster.
May 4, 2024 (Saturday): Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas click
for details
This Celtic duo is a musical partnership between Alasdair, long regarded as Scotland's premier fiddle ambassador, and the sizzlingly-talented California cellist Natalie Haas. A toe tapping night of fiddle music and Scottish stories...SMAC at its best when they are here.
May 10, 2024 (Friday): Le Vent du Nord click
for details
Simply one of the best bands that comes to SMAC and if this band doesn't make you happy well you need happy therapy!!! Simply joyous is how I would describe an evening with this band. Heavily influenced by Celtic music, these guys are better every time w see them. Le Vent du Nord is one of the premier folk bands coming out of Canada today winning multiple awards and accolades from our friends up north. They have a huge and exciting sound using traditional instruments and foot stomping rhythms.....and they even play the hurdi gurdi!! They put on a whale of a show and you will leave here smiling and wanting more, like we always do. Take a minute to watch this video.
May 11, 2024 (Saturday): The Weight Band click for details
We all miss Robbie, Rick, Levon, Richard, Garth ..."The Band".
But "The Weight Band " has been keeping that spirit and music alive.
This A list band, is composed of band leader, renowned guitarist Jim Weider (The Band, Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble Band, Jim Weider Band), keyboardist Brian Mitchell (Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble Band), bassist Albert Rogers (Jim Weider Band, Jimmy Vivino), drummer Michael Bram (Jason Mraz) and keyboardist Matt Zeiner (Dickey Betts). The veteran quintet shares a deep appreciation and knowledge for this music, which Weider describes as the “Woodstock Sound.” The Weight Band continues to serve as its torchbearer, with their moast recent album, Shines Like Gold
representing a sublime example of these masterful roots musicians at work.
We've been trying to get them back here for awhile.....they are worth the "Weight" (sorry couldn't resist). Check them out on the ole YouTube.
May 17, 2024 (Friday): Session Americana click
for details
Late one Sunday night in October 2003, Session Americana had its first jam around a table in the back of Toad in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Looking back, the group has had a natural, almost inevitable evolution from a loose bunch of friends sitting around swapping songs in a bar, to a hot-ticket weekly residency, to a touring collective. Along the way, the band has made nine records (so far), played clubs and festivals across the U.S. and Europe, and developed deep collaborative bonds with a wide community of musicians. Session Americana’s diligent avoidance of music business “shoulds” has led the band down a quirky and joyful path through the music world. Swapping instruments, trading off lead vocals and sharing songwriting credits, Session Americana is constantly exploring new collaborations and touring like a band out of time, always searching for a welcoming and homey venue, a long lunch with old friends, and a good glass of wine. https://concertedefforts.com/roster/session-americana/
“The group, whose members have played with a variety of acts including Patty Griffin, Josh Ritter and the J. Geils Band, expertly blends vintage American roots music styles — from country to jazz to rock — in a rowdy but deft fashion.” – Rolling Stone
May 25, 2024 (Saturday): Louisiana Calling click
for details
with Sonny Landreth and The Iguanas
The deep roots tag team of Cajun slide guitar phenom Sonny Landreth and legendary New Orleans Latin-Americana rockers the Iguanas presents a mind-blowing musical trip through the scenic soundscape of the bayou. Still wet from crawling out of the swamps, this cross-pollinated confection will be both savory and sweet.
Louisiana’s calling—here’s your chance to answer.
Sonny Landreth Southwest Louisiana-based slide and blues guitarist, songwriter, and singer Sonny Landreth is an award-winning musician's musician. . GRammy nominated, Landreth's style derives from many root sounds, including Cajun music, zydeco, Delta blues, swamp pop, and R&B, as well as rockabilly.His artistry has graced numerous recordings dating back to the 1970s by artists ranging from Elliott Murphy and Zachary Richard to Kirk Whalum, Irma Thomas, and dozens more. Hen has appeared multiple times at Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival and garnishes wide-ranging acclaim from fellow players and fans worldwide"Sonny Landreth is probably the most underestimated musician on the planet, and also probably one of the most advanced.” (Eric Clapton).We couldn't agree more and we LOVE Sonny!
The Iguanas: What if Americana music actually encompassed ALL of North America? You’d have the Franco Acadian inflections of Canada, as best exemplified by the accordion, blues and jazz, the only truly indigenous music the US has ever produced, and the lilting grace and fiery passion of the music of Mexico. You’d also have New Orleans’ premiere distillers of this continental musical melange, The Iguanas. Taking their cues from all of the above influences and then some, Juarez, the band’s first studio album since 2012’s Sin to Sin, redefines the notion of Americana, crossing cultures, styles, eras...and even languages. It’s as if Rue Bourbon, Muscle Shoals and Plaza Mexico were all within earshot of each other and The Iguanas were the musical conduit between them. Based out of New Orleans for the past couple of decades save for a short, Katrina imposed exile in Austin the members of the Iguanas have (collectively or individually) played or recorded with everyone from Charlie Rich, Alex Chilton, and Willie DeVille to Emmylou Harris, Allen Toussaint, and Pretty Lights. Happy to get them here finally to our stage!
May 31, 2024 (Friday): John Gorka click
for details
Since his 1987 Red House release, I Know, introduced renowned artist John Gorka to the public, the Minnesota-via-New Jersey guitarist and songwriter's wit and honesty has made him one of the most respected, beloved songwriters currently carrying on the folk tradition. Many well known artists have recorded and/or performed John Gorka songs, including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nanci Griffith, Mary Black and Maura O'Connell. John has graced the stage of Austin City Limits, Mountain Stage, etown and has appeared on CNN. His song "Where No Monuments Stand" is featured in the upcoming documentary Every War Has Two Losers, about activist Poet Laureate William Stafford (1914-1993).
On a personal note... He is just wicked funny and I am always sad when his show is over. Come see one of the most honest and endearing performers I know. Here is a song of his that I love. It's sad and beautiful. But that's John...makes you feel when you should.
June 22, 2024 (Saturday): Paula Cole click for details
Simply one of the best female singers I have ever heard. Songs like "Where have all the Cowboys Gone" and "I Don't Want to Wait" put her on the list of chart busters. But the first time I heard her she was singing back up for Peter Gabriel. When he featured her, it was clear by the hush and then roar of the crowd that she was headed for bigger and better things. Of course her star rose quickly and now we are lucky to be able to present her in our humble hall. Her emotionally charged voice singing her own songs of life, love and a philosophy and intense artistic presence is not to be missed.As creative and powerful as ever…that is Paula Cole.
Need to be reminded?
Paul Cole and Peter G : A Throwback Video
August 16, 2024 (Friday): Tom Rush click
for details
Since Tom Rush's 1962 debut as an unknown folk-blues musician on the Boston/Cambridge music scene, he has established himself as a consummate performer and singer-songwriter. A few years back, a sold out celebration of his five-decade career anniversary at Boston Symphony Hall proves his fan loyalty and endurance. When you think of the importance of the folk scene in the 60's you should think of Tom. These days he is just as vital and entertaining. We welcome him back with a big hug!
|
Thanks
for checking out our schedule... Tickets are on sale Online or at the Arts Center Box Office.