A Whirlwind Weekend!

What other town can boast about being home to Bob Warren; Harold Ford, Laura Lucy and other members of the Spirit of Johnny Cash; and the members of Eastbound Jesus (among other incredible artists!)? What other town can boast about how ambitious, committed, and supportive the people of its community are? What other town can boast that all of these talented, special musicians performed in concerts back-to-back in one weekend, with their amazing community involving itself in the entire (or much of) explosion of musical expression!?

Eastbound Jesus

Eastbound Jesus started the weekend early with their CD release show at Upstairs at 111 on Thursday night. They PACKED the place with wonderful family and friends! All 50 customized CDs were scooped up and swept away to new homes. I've seen posts on Facebook such as "Can't stop listening to Eastbound Jesus!" and "...Eastbound Jesus is further proof that Greenwich, Washington County New York is the new epicenter of all things that rock. Can I get a witness?" Rather than attempt to accurately portray the gritty, awesome intensity of this hard-working band with words, I'll share this (amateur-ly recorded on a Flip video recorder) clip from the CD release show: Ghost Town. This was the opening tune!
If you are interested in purchasing "Eastbound Jesus Greatest Hits Volume 1" CD, go to thee Eastbound Jesus Facebook Band Profile page and let the boys know!

Next came Harold Ford and the Cash Band at the Elks Lodge on Friday night. This was a benefit show for the beloved Peter Maine, a stellar drummer from the area (he plays with the Cash Band). The Dry Town Drifters (from Argyle) started up the toe-tapping good time, followed by the featured performers. Part of the proceeds from the Eastbound Jesus show was thrown into the raised funds pile! Both bands were nothing short of fantastic. The event itself was touching and very community-reinforcing. It was a night to remember and Rural Soul was honored to have been a part of it!

Bob Warren and His Band graced Easton with their presence on Saturday night. A friendly crowd took over the town hall while Bob and friends shared songs from Bob's newest album, as well as some of his older hits. The audience spent equal time roaring with laughter, nodding in agreement, and wiping tears from their eyes. Bob's songs are easy to connect with, no matter people's political, socio-economic, religious backgrounds. The warmth enveloping us all came from the bodies and souls of all people involved - performers and audience members alike.

Teen Musician Showcase

This past December, Rural Soul hosted the debut performance of the Teen Musician Showcase at Upstairs at 111 (above 111 Main Street Restaurant in Greenwich). We were thrilled to feature Second Switch, an original alternative rock trio from Whitehall, NY with special guest Keanen Stark, also from Whitehall.

The TMS series' mission is to offer aspiring young musicians the spotlight at a legitimate GIG! Legitimate, meaning a widely promoted performance, held at an esteemed venue, where the musicians get paid part of the door profits! Maureen Kinsella at Upstairs at 111 has generously offered the use of this beautiful venue for these performances.

Beginning in February, there will be high school-age musicians holding concerts at least once a month as part of the TMS series. Expect separate evenings of jazz standards, bluegrass, alternative rock, and folk between now and June.

Please SPREAD THE WORD to aspiring teen musicians! Here is information from the series' promo flier, as blearily seen above :):

Teen Musician Showcase!

Calling all local high school musicians - bands of any genre, singer-songwriters, solo singers/instrumentalists - interested in being performers in a new series at "Upstairs at 111" (part of 111 Main Street Restaurant in Greenwich, NY).

• Concerts booked once a month. Request your spot now!
  
• Be the "special guest" (opener - 25 minute set) or the "featured performer" (main act - 60+ minute set).


• Performers get paid part of the door profits!


• Sound equipment is provided.


• Performers may sell paraphernalia (CDs, stickers, etc)


• Raw recording of the performance is included. Parents and friends are invited to videotape the performance.

Contact Chelsie Henderson (series coordinator): hendi.soul@gmail.com or 802-355-7410

Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, Easton style

Adam Brockway, with help from the cranial powers of Ryan Farrell and Kevin Warren, has been busting his butt to write an original (musical) version of the Grimm Brothers' "Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs", to be debuted this coming March/April at Burton Hall in Easton.

On Sunday, January 30th, there will be an initial production meeting where all interested parties can meet and greet and receive all relevant show information (rehearsal and performance dates, expectations, etc). This will be followed by a script reading and song sneak-peek!

Hootenanny Reminiscence

Photo by Nikki Pfeiffer

Before building momentum toward the next Burton Hall Hootenanny (coming May 2011), I would like to take a moment to reflect on the two that already took place in the lovely agrarian kingdom of Easton, NY.

The term 'hootenanny' may have been born in Appalachia and found its way into the vernacular of the hip folkies of the 60's. Not unlike Pete Seeger and friends sharing and exploring songs of those times in a casual setting, the mission of Rural Soul Productions' Hootenannies is to draw the community together for a local folk music explosion, complete with special guests and original material.

Our first Burton Hall Hootenanny - May 30, 2010 - featured a John Denver Tribute band; Harold Ford, Laura Lucy, and Les Wheeler of "The Spirit of Johnny Cash"; Adam Brockway and friends (Dave Wright, Kevin Warren, Laura Grillo, Brittany Harrington, and Chelsie Henderson); and Overland Gunslingers. This event marked the creation of the baking fairies, a group of great friends who happen to be remarkable bakers! Bob Lanoue provided sound, Carl Anderson set-up (shop) lights, and many hands helped overall to set-up and clean-up. David Ward created the poster design.

The sequel, Harvest Hootenanny, took place the Saturday after Thanksgiving - November 27, 2010. This event wove back and forth between solo acts and bands, featuring Doug Bischoff, Bob and Brenda Lanoue, The Woodshed Boys, Pat King, Dirty Old Strings, Maurizio, Kev Warren, and the debut of Eastbound Jesus. The baking fairies once again delivered an amazing baked goodies feast (directed by Amanda Bussing). Sound and lights were again provided by Bob Lanoue and Carl Anderson.

If you have suggestions for the next Hoot, please send them my way!

Leave a comment here, or e-mail me at hendi.soul@gmail.com

Eastbound Jesus CD Release Show

Let's start this blog off with a promotional piece for the coolest band around, EASTBOUND JESUS!

CD Release Show:

Thursday, January 27th

8:00 p.m.

Upstairs at 111 - 111 Main Street Restaurant

Greenwich, NY

$8.00 admission

Come on by and get down with the sound of Eastbound Jesus, a fresh, original bluegrass rock quintet out of Greenwich. This is only their second concert after debuting for a packed Burton Hall at the "Harvest Hootenanny" in Easton last November. This show is NOT to be missed!

Adam Brockway (vocals, rhythm guitar), Carl Anderson (drums, vocals), Luke Anderson (banjo, vocals), Dave Wright (bass, vocals), and Zack Infante (lead guitar, vocals) have been busy this winter recording Eastbound Jesus' debut album: Eastbound Jesus Greatest Hits Vol. 1, full of original songs and sounds. You will definitely dig the gritty instrumental licks, stellar harmonies, and down-home song themes!

First 50 people at the show will get a FREE CD with admission! Part of the proceeds will be donated to The Peter Maine Benefit Concert, which is an event being hosted by Harold Ford & The Cash Band.

As someone wise once said: be there or be SQUARE.