Tour Season

I do my best to keep the local music live performance dates current. 

Sadly, I haven't had the disposable income to travel and see as many shows as I'd like, which is especially disheartening now that several of my favorite national acts are touring in the fall and winter of this year.

Shows I'd like to attend this year:

• Pete Yorn is playing in MA, VT and NH in early September, the 10th - 12th.
• IVY will be in Boston on 11/14.

It's hard to believe that with all of the shows I've been to over the decades, the last few I've attended were back in 2018 (Paperwhite and Echosmith), and before that, 2015 (MuteMath). Ah, life. Hopefully I'll get to at least one of the above shows, plus several of our local favorites.

Echosmith

As you know, music is in my blood. Thankfully it has trickled down to several of my nieces & nephews. So on the occasion of my sister's oldest daughter graduating this year, I took them both to see Echosmith at Royale in Boston on Thursday April 26th.

The doors were supposed to open at 8:00 pm, but apparently that was misinformation. The two opening acts were both finished by the time we rolled in at 8:30! Thankfully, we only missed a song or two, and we got to experience Echosmith in full swing. They played old favorites "Cool Kids" and "Bright", and also gave amazing performances of most of the songs off their recent EP "Inside a Dream". it was quite a thrill to hear those songs live, after having the EP in heavy rotation for the last month or so.

Highlights: "Get Into My Car", "Future Me", "Goodbye"

Sarah, me and Celia @ Royale Boston post show.

P.S.: Check out the nearby Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery for kickass burgers and beer!

Paperwhite

Old chum Erik & I each made the trek from our respective homes to Boston Sunday night to catch the Paperwhite show at Great Scott. We met at Alewife and hopped on the Red Line to Davis Square for a great pre-show dinner at old haunt The Burren. They had their usual Sunday night Irish music going on in the front room as I had an amazing ½ pound Burren Burger with cheddar, bacon & mushrooms, and some awesome thick-cut fries, along with a Harp Lager to wash it down. It was fantastic to be back in a bar that I've spent so many great nights out with friends from as far back as 1996, when it first opened.

Then it was back on the Red Line to Park Street Station, with a switch to a B-train on the Green Line to Harvard Street, and Great Scott. The opening act, Iyves went on first, and while she had a strong voice, her songs were too slowly-paced and not very energetic for the most part. Super-nice girl though. I'm glad I had a few Lagunitas IPAs to make it better (haha). Then it was time for the headliner! Wow. Katie Marshall, the singer had such a great voice, super high-energy, and it was so great to hear all of the songs I've been obsessing over for the last few weeks in person! They played a set that felt way too short, but at least I got to hear "Only Us" at the end, followed by an encore of "Unstoppable". I can't believe the tickets were only ten bucks. I am so glad I had that whim, and sprung for them back in January. A fine time had by all...

2017 Goal

I plan on trying to hit one live show per month. If I miss a month, I will make up for it the following month. Last year I worked so much that there was no time for music (sacrilege!)...

Resolution

2017 will find us posting a great deal more frequently.

On deck:

• Several live show recaps.
• Free music links.
• The usual updated local music dates.
• And finally, a 5th Wyman's Pond Music Fest!

Time to get back to work...

Music and Beer

Brian & I went to see Mute Math at Great Scott in Allston last night.

We had dinner at Coolidge Corner Clubhouse first, where the steak wrap was very good, and the beers were fantastic. I had a Harpoon Imperial Pumpkin (ABV 10.5%), which tasted amazing (you want pumpkin & spice? It's got both in spades), but it put my face to sleep rather quickly ("can I have another glass of water please?").

Later I had a Goose Island IPA. If you love hops like I do, this beer is for you. *BLAM!*

Then it was off the Great Scott. Quiet Entertainer opened the show with a cool DJ set. The crowd was rather lackluster in appreciation, but I enjoyed the music, and he had a great personality.

Then Mute Math blasted the roof off the house. "Typical" got the crowd moving, and "Chaos" carried the momentum.

Mute Math "Chaos"

The old songs were fantastic, the stuff off the 2nd album was great, and the new songs show promise. The energy was high, though there were too many drunks in the crowd to keep an eye on. A weird atmosphere, but the music mostly took me away from all of that. What a great Sunday night...

Saturday Night Live

If you're not busy Saturday night sitting around a fire or lounging on the porch, and you're itching to get out of the house and hear some live music, we have two fantastic options for you:

♫ - Almanac Mountain is playing songs both old and new as part of a triple bill at the historic Stone Church in Newmarket, NH. He will be sharing the evening with Portsmouth's Joe Young, as well as headliners Shades of Rust. The show is $5 ahead of time, or $7 at the door. What a bargain!

♫ - Winterpills will be performing their particular brand of breezy, thoughtful folk-ish rock in their hometown of Northampton, MA at the WW2 Club. And if for some reason you're free the night before (Friday the 4th) instead, they will be a bit farther west, at the Dreamaway Lodge in Becket, MA! I'm sure there will be fireworks to be seen, from the far side of the Connecticut border (wink wink). Decisions, decisions...

So enjoy the outdoors all day, but then hie yourself into one of the venues above for great local music from talented artists that we here at Not Lame Minus have been enjoying, supporting and recommending for many years.

Wyman's Pond Music Fest 4

The 4th Annual Wyman's Pond Music Fest is scheduled for Saturday July 27th, and the line up is set! Years 1 & 2 featured sunny dry weather. Last year, the final two acts got rained out. This year our fingers are crossed!

3 pm: Almanac Mountain

4 pm: Flair

5 pm: Elizabeth Lorrey

6 pm: The Rafters

8 pm: "Nights @ Niemi Cove"

TOAD Tales

 
Abbie Barrett & The Last Date have two more shows left in their January residency at Porter Square's landmark live music venue TOAD. Tonight and next Tuesday night at 7:30 pm the band will be playing music from their catalog (both old and new), plus lots of cool covers. So have dinner at the fantastic Christopher's Restaurant next door, and then get yourselves over to TOAD afterward to hear a couple of hours of free live music from one of Boston's best acts.

And if you can't make it to either of these shows (or they are too far away for a weeknight excursion), then catch Abbie solo on February 16th at Mission Bar + Tapas in scenic Pittsfield, MA. Hers is a voice that begs to be heard in person.

Rainy Thursday Cures

Ladies and gentlemen, set your DVRs and get out of the house this fine rainy September evening!

Several amazing local musicians have shows tonight all over Massachusetts:

• 7 pm in Groton (free) - The Rafters will be playing at the Main Street Cafe. Head on over for the sounds of Dave & Miki's original songs & covers while you settle down to the cafe's homemade soups & stews, fresh sandwiches and desserts. And feel free to BYOB.
• 8 pm in Norwood (free) - Kristin Cifelli is performing at Perks Coffeehouse. She will be playing songs form all across her catalog, including many from her new album, "Middle of Nowhere". So come for the coffee and stay for the music. And if you can't make it tonight, catch her at Berklee's Cafe 939 on October 4th (next week)! For a preview of her sound head over to Kristin's Bandcamp page to hear the fantastic songs "Not Supposed To" and "Better".
• 9 pm in Jamaica Plain ($7) - Abbie Barrett and her band, The Last Date, will be part of a triple bill at the Milky Way Lounge. You'll get to enjoy their unique sound, as well as the added bonuses of the quirky & frenetic Lauren DeRose, and the original songs and covers of Vanessa Wheeler.
  

So if you're feeling restless this evening and want to be entertained by high-quality music from some of your talented neighbors, pick one of these places (or another) and support local music. It's always a good thing!

Minor Tweak

Due to many other time-consuming activities, we will not be posting very often.

That being said, the live calendar will continue to be updated on a weekly basis, so always look here first for all of your favorite local musicians and Wyman's Pond Music Fest news!

2nd Annual Wyman's Pond Music Fest

What a day! The sun was out, and it was sunny and pretty dry, with temperatures in the 80's. This year we had about 20 more people than last year's 70, but instead of staying all day, there were early departures and late arrivals, which gave the day a busier feel.

Two big changes from last year were: a) power for microphones (and other things, as you will soon discover), and b) I let the musicians announce themselves. Also, since there were so many more in attendance than last year, the children spent more time in the water and playing games in the upper field, and less time glued to the front of the stage area.

• Elizabeth Lorrey began the day, and surprise #1 old high school chum (and local musical wunderkind) Kris Lucander plugged in his bass and accompanied her for her entire set. She ran through songs both old and new, plus a cover or two, and Kris sang Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out With Him?". Also, Pete Rathier (another old friend from high school) sat in on djembe for a few songs.
• Next up, married duo The Rafters cruised through an energetic set of their original material and a few covers (U2 and others). And in addition to their organist Glenn Compagnone, they had Elizabeth, Kris and Pete all come up at various times to fill out their crowd-pleasing sound.
• In between sets by the pros there was a short "Amateur Hour" wherein several of the girls in attendance (and a couple of the youngest boys) took turns singing at the mic for the crowd. One girl covered Taylor Swift's "Love Story", and later she accompanied one of the twins on an original song. In between, the other twin followed with an original of her own, and the crowd cheered all three of them for their efforts.
• (continued later)
  

A Week of Great Live Music

"And lo, the sun burst forth from behind the mountain, and the songs of angels danced in mine ears..."

This week has several great chances for you to get out and hear some fantastic local musicians:

• Wed 7-27: Abbie Barrett will be at Bloc 11 (Union Square, Somerville). A solo show at 7 pm featuring songs both old and new!
• Thu 7-28: Elizabeth Lorrey can be found at the Main Street Cafe in Groton, MA with old pal Kris Lucander sitting in on bass! They will be onstage from 7 - 9 pm.
• Sat 7-30: This is the big one! The 2nd Annual Wyman's Pond Music Fest will be sending out soundwaves from 5 New England bands in a day-long extravaganza that should surpass last year's inaugural event. Catch lakeside sets by both Abbie and Elizabeth, plus Almanac Mountain, The Rafters and Vanessa Kafka (her only live show in 2011). Definitely a day not to be missed!

So find your way to one (or all) of these great music venues and enjoy the sounds and company of your local talents - you won't regret it!

Springtime Sounds

If you have no outdoor barbecue plans, and are looking to be out & about on Saturday (April 30th), why not check out one of two amazing local musicians?

If you enjoy the drive down to Rhode Island, why not check out the full bill at Firehouse No. 13, featuring Abbie Barrett? For ten dollars you get to hear her and another half-dozen quality New England musicians (from across a broad spectrum) all in one place. Located at 41 Central Street in Providence, this venue is going to be abuzz all night, and packed with musical talent.

Or head up to The Press Room in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and check out Almanac Mountain. He will be performing at this Seacoast institution on a split bill with Winterstar for the price of one good pint ($5 at 9 pm), and along with old favorites, you will get to hear some of his new songs for the first time anywhere.

So if you can't wait until July 30th the hear both of these fine folks, hop in your car tomorrow night, and road trip in support of local music at a pair of New England's finest venues. You'll get to hear bands you already love, and with the packed bills, perhaps even discover a few new ones! Either way, you won't regret it.

Almanac Mountain - Free Live EP

In case you missed your chance to hear Almanac Mountain perform live on Portsmouth, NH's community radio station WSCA 106.1 on Saturday March 5th, you now have a chance to download it free for your listening convenience and enjoyment. Why not grab theses five songs in their raw 'in-the-moment' glory, ready to be loaded onto your mp3 player of choice in several formats, and spruce up your springtime playlist with some quality local music. You won't regret it! And if you get a chance, stop back again and let us know which versions of the songs you prefer (and why): the live takes, or the studio cuts from the marvelous "So Many Seas" album and the "When in Nature" EP.

Local Music Saturdays

Spring has sprung, and it's time for great local musicians to come out of hibernation (or in some cases continue the year-round touring). If you are itching to be out and about on Saturday evening, why not take a drive and listen to some of our favorite artists, most of whom will be performing at this year's Wyman's Pond Music Fest!

• Shirley, MA - 7 pm: Elizabeth Lorrey and The Rafters will be sharing the bill at Shirley Town Hall (on Seth Chandler Road), also featuring Rhode Island's own Becky Chace. With three bands for ten bucks, and a double dose of music from two of this year's WPMF line-up, attending this show is a no-brainer.
• Portsmouth, NH - 8 pm: Almanac Mountain takes the stage at The Blue Mermaid. Hear cuts from his full-length album "So Many Seas", as well as old favorites and new songs. On an additional note, you can also catch Christopher performing traditional Irish music in two places in Seacoast New Hampshire on St. Patrick's Day (Thursday the 17th): mid-day at The Coat of Arms in Portsmouth, and in the evening at Master McGrath's in Seabrook (call ahead for times).

So do yourself a favor and get out and hear some great musical performances, as you enjoy your springtime Saturday night, supporting fantastic local artists, and making some good memories. And as always, please stop back here and tell us how you felt about the event, and to find future dates from the best & brightest of New England's various local music scenes.

Love and Live Music

Okay, everyone knows that Valentine's Day is tomorrow. Flowers, a box of candy, dinner, blah blah blah... We humbly suggest an additional way to make the evening memorable - live music!

By taking that special someone to see a great local band or soloist, you are cementing the night into his or her memory forever. There is nothing like a fantastic song or three to add to the overall experience of a night of fun and romance. Here are some free (or inexpensive, where noted) options at interesting venues for several of our favorite cities:

Boston, MA:

• At TOAD (Porter Square) you will find roots rock by The White Owls at 8 pm, and then the Americana sounds of The Gilded Splinters at 10 pm.
  
• The Beehive at the Boston Center for the Arts will feature the vocal stylings of Panayota Chaloulakou, a sensual blend of jazz, World Music, Greek, and her own unique flavors - 8 pm.
  
• There is great jazz to be found at Les Zygomates Wine Bar South Street. Yoko Miwa will be performing solo piano from 6 - 9 pm.

Portsmouth, NH:

• Sharon Jones is performing a solo set at The Press Room's Jazz Grill - 8 pm.
  
• Irish music duo Oran Mor is at RiRa - 7 pm.
  
• A triple bill for The Red Door's "Hush Hush Sweet Harlot" series: Brian McGee, Woody Pines and Melvern Taylor and his Fabulous Meltones ($5 suggested donation) - 7 pm.
  

Elsewhere:

• Gardner Ale House (Gardner, MA) - Danielle Miraglia performs from 6 - 9 pm. And if you haven't made plans yet, check out their $45 Dinner for Two (reservations recommended).
  
• Fratello's (Manchester, NH) has Tim Cannon performing from 6 - 9 pm.
  

So if you don't have plans, or have something going on in the vicinity of these shows, why not add a musical accompaniment to your already uncommon evening you have planned for that special someone. Who knows? You might just come away with a new favorite band or song that the two of you can share for a lifetime.

Elizabeth Lorrey at Cafe Verde

Last night I made the drive up to Cafe Verde in Lawrence, MA to see Elizabeth Lorrey's first show of the new year. And as I knew it would be, it was totally worth the trip.

I met Erik at the cafe around 7:30, and Brian & Nikki and her friend Caitlin walked in right behind me. We got a table near the performer's windowfront area (behind a couple of strategically placed couches), and then I went over to talk to Elizabeth for a little while. After sweetly greeting me like an old friend she told me that in addition to all the great songs on her album "Awakening", she was going to perform a few new tunes, with a handful of covers mixed in. And on a cool side note, she threw her hat into the ring for the 2nd Annual Wyman's Pond Music Fest, and gave me some leads for 'new blood' to add to this year's lakeside day of music.

Her performance was full of energy and humor, and hearing her songs live again (but this time indoors and with a sound system) was amazing. The show was two hours of music, from 9 pm 'til 11 or so, with a short break after the first hour. She spread out her album songs over the two sets, and included a magical version of "Frozen", an emotionally-charged "She", and a raucous run-through of "Blood on the Statehouse Floor". As promised, she debuted several new songs, such as the fantastic "Invisible", "Eleanor", and "Bittersweet", which should all appear in some form on her new EP, coming in March or April. And blended throughout, she bestowed upon the thoroughly engaged crowd a whole slew of covers, including:

• "You're So Vain" - Carly Simon
• "Back on the Chain Gang" - The Pretenders
• "I'm a Believer" - The Monkees
• "Closer to Fine" - Indigo Girls
• "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Eurythmics
• Love is a Battlefield" - Pat Benetar

She also played songs by U2, Janis Ian, Coldplay, and several more (I lost count). So much for 'just a few covers mixed in'! Her energy was off the charts, she had the crowd singing along (especially Caitlin and Nikki, they seemed to know the words to every cover Elizabeth threw out at us), and even when she couldn't quite see a few lyrics on the page, she bluffed her way through with great humor, to no one's disappointment. She is so versatile! I swear I felt Aimee Mann in the house during her powerful rendition of 'Til Tuesday's "Welcome Home". What a phenomenal show.

The staff at Cafe Verde was fantastic too. The beer was good (I had 2 bottles of Harpoon UFO), everyone enjoyed their salads and sandwiches, and the waiter willingly made several 'adjustments' to Nikki's martini-esque drink with good humor. Add in an amused and patient cashier when we needed the tab split in four (no one brought cash except me) and an immaculate rest room, and it was a great experience all around. If you ever find yourself on Essex Street in Lawrence, I highly recommend this hip and homey place.

So: if you get a chance, don't wait until July to see Elizabeth Lorrey live. She already has a few shows booked in February and March. We always post them here at the top of our page, but check out her website and join her mailing list. You won't regret it!

Friday Music Slate

If you are looking for something to do tonight, and you live in the eastern part of New England, why not check out an unusually-packed list of local music performances?

• Abbie Barrett is in week two of her month long Friday night residency at Bull McCabe's in Somerville. She goes onstage at 10 pm. Check out her great voice, and while you're there, why not try the best burger in town? And if you can't get there this week, you still have two other chances to head on over: on the 19th and the 26th...
  
• Also in Somerville, Endless Wave is taking part in the two-day Deep Heaven Now 2- Ambient/Psych Rock Festival. They go onstage just after midnight, but for your ten bucks, you get admission to two venues (Precinct and P.A.'s Lounge) and TEN bands! Show up at 8 pm if you want to maximize your evening. Or if you so choose, go tomorrow instead (beginning at 3 pm), and get a mind-boggling 18 bands for that day's ten bucks (may we recommend Dirty Dishes @ 7 pm and 28 Degrees Taurus @ 12:30 am, both at Precinct).
• Elizabeth Lorrey is sharing the bill with Ocean Born Muse and Daniel Ouellette at Speakeasy Under 121 in Providence, RI. Three sets for five bucks. And whether you can make it there or not, grab Elizabeth's song demo "Eleanor" for free here!
• And last (but never least), old pal Christopher Cote is hosting the fourth in a series of his Goodnight, John Boy shows at The New Studio up in Rollinsford, NH. There is a $5 suggested donation, and it is BYOB. head on over and check out Dover, NH's own Winterstar in this intimate venue.

And as always, we'd love to hear where you went, who you saw, how the food was, and which songs are your favorites...

22-20s - Free Live EP

UK indie rock band 22-20s have a new album out called "shake/shiver/moan", and they are also giving away a free 4-song live EP! You can get the free EP several ways: it's included free with purchase of the high quality digital download of their new album, or just go here and snag the live EP as an appetizer for their performance September 8th at The Middle East Downstairs. They are opening for Hot Hot Heat (along with Canada's Hey Rosetta!), and it should be amazing. So check out 22-20s for some fast, fun loud music. It'll send you back to school in style.