Bluegrass

The John Cowan Band

Click here to purchase ticket $20

Bluegrass, Newgrass, Gospelgrass, Rock N’ Rollgrass…true innovators like John Cowan break boundaries and personify innovation. John’s ability to take audiences on a musical journey through multiple genres has made him one of the most unique vocal artists of his generation.

John Cowan rose to fame when he became the lead singer for New Grass Revival. He and band mates Sam Bush, Bela Fleck and Pat Flynn introduced a new generation of music fans to an explosive, experimental brand of bluegrass…Newgrass! However, after inspiring and entertaining fans for nearly two decades, New Grass Revival disbanded in 1990.

Eventually, it was going to happen.

Three brothers, all with vastly different music backgrounds, would end up in the same band, aptly named the Lewis Brothers. Russell P., Richard, and Jeff Lewis, combined with percussionist Dennis Foreman, form an exciting arrangement of eclectic and electric folk, rock, country, and general hillbillery. Songwriting duties are traded as often as they swap instruments on stage.

Jeff, formerly of the bluegrass outfit Big Scioto, brings a keen sense of melody and instrumentation. Richard, frontman of the now-defunct pop band Schooley Station, weaves thick harmonies and solid rhythm. Russell, in his first formal group, contributes traditional banjo with an unorthodox twist. The brothers' captivating energy is fueled by Foreman (formerly of Jakob Freely), who's background in world rhythms is applied to a drum kit nicely.

Call it punk-a-billy with traditional instruments. Call it supercharged folk rock. At any rate, call it fun.

Bearfoot

$15

Call it "new-timey," call it "post-bluegrass," call it "string band music for the 21st century"—whatever the name, there's a revolution under way where string band traditions meet youthful creativity; look right to its center, and that's where you'll find Bearfoot: Angela Oudean (fiddle/vocals), Jason Norris (mandolin/vocals), Odessa Jorgensen (fiddle/lead vocals), Sam Grisman (bass), and Jake Stargel (guitar). The quintet, originally formed in Alaska, have already made a mark with four strong releases, including their 2009 Compass Records debut, Doors And Windows.

Call it "new-timey," call it "post-bluegrass," call it "string band music for the 21st century"—whatever the name, there's a revolution under way where string band traditions meet youthful creativity; look right to its center, and that's where you'll find Bearfoot: Angela Oudean (fiddle/vocals), Jason Norris (mandolin/vocals), Odessa Jorgensen (fiddle/lead vocals), Sam Grisman (bass), and Jake Stargel (guitar). The quintet, originally formed in Alaska, have already made a mark with four strong releases, including their 2009 Compass Records debut, Doors And Windows.

Jeff Autry and Shad Cobb

$15

Jeff Autry and Shad Cobb, members of the John Cowan Band and top musicians in their own right, are pairing up for an evening filled with a little bit of everything - bluegrass, folk, Celtic, jam band, and everything in between. These fellows have amazed us each time they've come to the Cafe, and we are excited to hear them as a duo.

Jeff Autry grew up playing bluegrass in a musical family, and by his teenage years, he was performing with local bluegrass bands and touring the Southeast festival circuits. Autry recorded on Vestal’s new acoustic solo project, In Pursuit of Happiness, and joined Vestal on a 6-month tour of Japan. Upon returning to the US, Autry played with various touring bluegrass bands and became a prolific studio artist. His work is heard on the Pinecastle Instrumental series “Bluegrass 96-01," his solo recording ”Foothills”, Drew Emmetts' (of Left Over Salmon) Freedom Ride, and the last five releases by the John Cowan Band.

Shad’s intricate and soulful style of playing has been compiled over the years from many of his early influences. The playing of such legendary fiddlers as Vassar Clements, Sam Bush, Art Stamper, Mark O’Connor, Kenny Baker and Byron Berline helped develop Shad’s playing throughout the earliest part of his musical career. Shad Cobb’s present-day virtuosity puts him at the forefront of top fiddlers in the country. Whether on one of his recordings, or in a live setting, the playing of Shad Cobb is quite an amazing thing to witness.

Jeff Autry grew up playing bluegrass in a musical family, and by his teenage years, he was performing with local bluegrass bands and touring the Southeast festival circuits. Autry recorded on Vestal’s new acoustic solo project, In Pursuit of Happiness, and joined Vestal on a 6-month tour of Japan. Upon returning to the US, Autry played with various touring bluegrass bands and became a prolific studio artist. His work is heard on the Pinecastle Instrumental series “Bluegrass 96-01," his solo recording ”Foothills”, Drew Emmetts' (of Left Over Salmon) Freedom Ride, and the last five releases by the John Cowan Band.

Ron Short and the Possum Playboys

$10

Ron Short and The Possum Playboys are keeping alive and vibrant the tradition of bands that once traveled the back-roads of Appalachia and America, playing music that pleased and satisfied the eternal human longing for dance and fun.

Featuring fiddle and “Cajun” accordion, the Playboys play a lively mix of Appalachian/country/western swing/rock-a-hillbilly music with a “bayou flair” that sets feet tapping, hips swinging, and people singing! While the musical traditions may be old, the songs and interpretations are fresh and new!!

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