Calendar

Nov
22
Wed
Fandango
Nov 22 @ 7:00 pm

“I still believe the lessons I learned when I was raised in a Roman Catholic household. Like, it’s harder for a rich man to get into heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.” – Michael Moore –

Celebrate Hump Day with Fandango

 

Air Congo
Nov 22 @ 10:00 pm

Boston-based African style band AIR CONGO play music from the 1960’s-70’s Kinshasa/Brazzaville scene–the music of Docteur Nico, Tabu LeyLes Bantous De La CapitaleFranco et l’Orch TPOK Jazz, and more!

Nov
23
Thu
closed tonight
Nov 23 @ 5:00 pm
Nov
24
Fri
Big Ben Hillman – The Professor of Funk
Nov 24 @ 10:00 pm

Over the course of his career, Big Ben Hillman has shared the stage with a host of diverse and well known musicians including hip hop stars Method Man and Ghostface Killa from the Wu Tang Clan, De La Soul, Biz Markie, Digable Planets and Mix Master Mike of The Beasty Boys. He has also been seen performing with rock legends Les Claypool and Jimmy Buffet.

Big Ben Hillman is quite the smooth retro funkster…. The production is excellent on all levels, keeping the listener in a comfortable, easy-flowing harmonic place. Ben never falters – his compositions and production show signs of a master at work enjoying his craft. I’m just going to think of Big Ben Hillman as the new Barry White on the opposite end of the vocal spectrum. – T Max, The Noise

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Nov
25
Sat
Trailer Park
Nov 25 @ 7:30 pm
Trailer Park

Trailer Park = a ten-legged rock and roll machine powered by rock and roll guitar, bass, drums, and twin tenor saxophones

Grain Thief
Nov 25 @ 10:00 pm

Grain Thief is a 5-piece Americana band from Boston, Massachusetts. The self-proclaimed “Northern Country Barn Grass” band released their new EP “Animal” in the fall in November of 2016. The band is singer-songwriter/guitarist Patrick Mulroy, Tom Farrell on guitar, Zach Meyer on Mandolin, Alex Barstow on Violin, and Mike Harmon on the Bass fiddle.

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“In a day an age where the chamber-grass of Punch Brothers and anything with a banjo could be classified as ‘bluegrass’ music the unadulterated and raw sound of straight bluegrass music is a well welcomed gift to my ears. … sometimes I just want some no apologies pickin’ and hollering with soaring fiddles and quick paced mandolin runs. Grain Thief is that kind of band…and for that, I thank them.”  -Red Line Roots, Jan 6th, 2016

Nov
26
Sun
Sunday Spins
Nov 26 @ 3:00 pm
Sunday Spins

Bring your vinyls as we get to take turns playing our faves…

LEARN MORE

Ship of the Sun (music of the Grateful Dead)
Nov 26 @ 8:00 pm
Ship of the Sun (music of the Grateful Dead)

Ship of the Sun celebrates the music of the Grateful Dead with a fun, free-wheeling, danceable show that pays tribute to the sounds of rock & roll’s most unique band.

Ship of the Sun came together in 2015 around each member’s love of the songs, spirit, and improvisation adventurousness of the Dead.

 

 

Nov
27
Mon
David Johnston
Nov 27 @ 7:30 pm

David Johnston is a regular fixture in Harvard Square. You can find him on just about any sunny afternoon with his old Gibson guitar, his signature black jeans, and black hat – Busy during the day?  Lucky you – David Johnston brings his blues to TOAD every Monday before The White Owls!

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The White Owls
Nov 27 @ 9:00 pm

Just look at the band; Dennis Brennan on harmonica, guitar and vocals. Tim Gearan on guitar and vocals. Steve Sadler on lap steel.  Jim Haggerty on bass and Andy Plaisted on drums.

Check out a clip from one of their shows HERE  – After making it thru Monday, YOU deserve a night out!

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Nov
28
Tue
Brothers McCann – 3rd of 4 Tuesdays!!!
Nov 28 @ 7:30 pm
Brothers McCann - 3rd of 4 Tuesdays!!!

Brothers McCann creates dynamic palettes of sound, weaving sweeping three-part harmonies over rustic reinventions of folk-rock. Mike, Pat and Erik nurture the heart of their New England musical upbringing with three unique songwriting styles on rotating display. The raw simplicity of acoustic guitars, keyboard and vocals welcomes the eager, patient listener to invest in their melodies and experience an honest, live performance.

Check out a video they made Here!

Eric Salt & The Electric City
Nov 28 @ 10:00 pm
Eric Salt & The Electric City

Boston rock band with an eclectic sound. Dylanesque lyrics set to catchy rock guitar. Occasional hints of Stones and Replacements. Eric Salt & The Electric City’s live shows can approach a Springsteen explosion and captivate audiences with their raw power.

Nov
29
Wed
Fandango
Nov 29 @ 7:00 pm

FANDANGO is as much a spiritual renewal as it is a reinterpretation of some of the best soul, blues, gospel, and Americana music ever written. With a loyal flock of followers (the flock that rock) to their weekly Wednesday night residency at TOAD in Cambridge, FANDANGO fuels frontman Fred Griffeth to lead this congregation into soul and R&B righteousness! For he is like a refiner of fire and he shall purify!

“Ask not for whom the Fandan goes. It goes for thee. On Wednesday donchaknow.” –

Air Congo
Nov 29 @ 10:00 pm

Boston-based African style band AIR CONGO play music from the 1960’s-70’s Kinshasa/Brazzaville scene–the music of Docteur Nico, Tabu LeyLes Bantous De La CapitaleFranco et l’Orch TPOK Jazz, and more!

Nov
30
Thu
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones
Nov 30 @ 7:30 pm
The Band Members: Melvern Taylor- Ukulele
And the Fabulous Meltones: Matt Murphy -Upright BAss Dave Livingston – Slide Guitar Sir Bob Nash – Drums
Genre: Post-Modern Parlor Music  – give it a listen HERE
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Baker Thomas Band
Nov 30 @ 10:00 pm

ET – phone home –   yeah, yeah –

but only after the Baker Thomas Band show . . .  they’re out of this world. . .“A whole bunch of musicians and a whole bunch of instruments, come together to deliver an electrifying show which promises a whole bunch of fun” -Tracey Delfino, Trespass Music

 

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Dec
1
Fri
Chris McDermott
Dec 1 @ 10:00 pm
Chris McDermott

with Jim Haggerty on Bass and Jorge Perez Albela on Drums –

Chris McDermott is a very busy musician playing all over America,  Europe, and the Caribbean for over 25 years.  Posessing a truly unique rhythmic style he draws from what seems to be every available musical color in the palette. He is also one of the bravest and most energetic musicians you will ever experience live.
Playing solo or surrounding himself with some of the best international musicians in the world, Chris lives for that real “in the moment” exchange with his audience, his players and the vibrations created by all involved.

 

Dec
2
Sat
Liz Morrison
Dec 2 @ 7:30 pm
Liz Morrison

take a listen HERE   – Liz Morrison always brings some of the community’s best musicians to accompany her – can’t wait to see who’s up on that little stage this night . . .

David Johnston Band
Dec 2 @ 10:00 pm

tonight playing with:  Andy Plaisted (drums), Marc Hickox (bass) & Chris Rival (guitar)

Peter Wolf (formerly of the J Geils Band), whose brilliant Midnight Souvenirs—released in 2010—included  David Johnston’s “I Don’t Wanna Know.” This song went on to become the second single from that album, and was performed on the David Letterman Show in June of 2010.

Dec
3
Sun
Sunday Spins
Dec 3 @ 3:00 pm

 Sunday Spins!  – Vinyl Lovers Unite! 3-8pm every Sunday!

Sign up on the list and play two songs each turn.

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Gratefulele (music of The Grateful Dead on ukuleles!)
Dec 3 @ 8:00 pm
Gratefulele (music of The Grateful Dead on ukuleles!)

with Tim Mann, Ryan Alvanos & Adam Cat

Dec
4
Mon
David Johnston
Dec 4 @ 7:30 pm

David Johnston  – if you don’t know him, you have to stop by TOAD for Blue Monday – take a listen HERE where David talks about his influences and plays a bit of music –

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The White Owls
Dec 4 @ 9:00 pm

Just look at the band; Dennis Brennan on harmonica, guitar and vocals. Tim Gearan on guitar and vocals. Steve Sadler on lap steel.  Jim Haggerty on bass and Andy Plaisted on drums.

Check out a clip from one of their shows HERE  – After making it thru Monday, YOU deserve a night out!

Image result for white owls at toad

Dec
5
Tue
Brothers McCann
Dec 5 @ 7:30 pm
Brothers McCann

Brothers McCann creates dynamic palettes of sound, weaving sweeping three-part harmonies over rustic reinventions of folk-rock. Mike, Pat and Erik nurture the heart of their New England musical upbringing with three unique songwriting styles on rotating display. The raw simplicity of acoustic guitars, keyboard and vocals welcomes the eager, patient listener to invest in their melodies and experience an honest, live performance.

Check out a video they made Here!

The Blue Ribbons
Dec 5 @ 10:00 pm

The Blue Ribbons was formed by singer/songwriter/keyboardist James Rohr.

They have been building a base of devoted fans with their original and soulful music.

Described as
“Ray Charles and Tom Waits on a pirate ship with Sun Ra and Captain Beefheart,” they combine “upbeat disillusionment and celebratory fatalism with musicianship” – Charan Devereux; Boston Globe.

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Dec
6
Wed
Fandango
Dec 6 @ 7:00 pm

Fred Griffeth fronts Fandango  – Their celebrated selection of Americana music draws a loyal band of pious sisters and reform school brothers! – Truth . . .

Sumner & Moss
Dec 6 @ 10:00 pm
Sumner & Moss

Sumner & Moss is a folk trio based in Boston, Massachusetts. Rooted in traditional American musics, Sam Moss, Rachel Sumner, and Mike Siegel weave close harmonies and fresh arrangements into classic bluegrass and country songs alongside their own roots-inspired originals.

Sam Moss is an acclaimed songwriter and string player currently supporting his ninth album, Fable. Rachel Sumner is a member of award-winning bluegrass band Twisted Pine to which she lends her voice, guitar, and songs. Mike Siegel is a seasoned jazz and rock bassist making his foray into the folk scene.

Dec
7
Thu
Sugar Blood Jinx
Dec 7 @ 7:30 pm
Sugar Blood Jinx

SUGAR BLOOD JINX

is Eric Waxwood who uses finger-picking and a slide on a National Steel Guitar and sings lead vocals;

Matt Murphy who plays an upright bass and sings background vocals; and

Scott Pittman who plays an old 1920‘s ‘traps’ drum kit and sings background vocals.

Baker Thomas Band
Dec 7 @ 10:00 pm

BAKER THOMAS BAND  “…kind of a musical Robin Hood, robbing freely from the classic roots of American music and bringing it back to the common folks.”  – Billy Beard, Talent buyer/Boston Session drummer.

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Dec
8
Fri
Mike Hastings Band
Dec 8 @ 10:00 pm
Mike Hastings Band

“When Mike Hastings isn’t playing at local venues such as Toad, he can often be found busking around Davis and Harvard Square. Next time you’re out, keep an ear out for the sound of guitar and a tambourine, and if you see Mike, stop and listen for a while. You just might leave a little warmer.” – Sound of Boston

Give a listen HERE

 

Dec
9
Sat
Niall Connolly
Dec 9 @ 7:30 pm
Niall Connolly

At the core of every Niall Connolly song is the story, one that unfolds a layer with each listen.

Stan Martin Band
Dec 9 @ 10:00 pm

Stan Martin is a keeper of the traditional country music flame. He’s a Don Rich/Danny Gatton-schooled Telecaster-loving guitar picker, a virtuoso who is not a showoff. And he’s a skilled writer and musician who is unabashedly, unapologetically country. Martin’s original songs have a moving, sometimes comic, honesty. He retains a romantic toughness, as with some of Waylon Jennings early 1970s tunes written before the outlaw stance became a circus act.” Rick Allen Vintage Guitar

 

Dec
10
Sun
Sunday Spins
Dec 10 @ 3:00 pm
Sunday Spins

Bring your vinyls as we get to take turns playing our faves…

LEARN MORE

Red Tail Hawk
Dec 10 @ 9:00 pm

Red Tail Hawk has opened for National acts such as G-Love, The Brew and Chris Duarte, to name a few. They’ve played major music festival in the region and sold-out shows at The Stone Church in Newmarket, NH and The Press Room in Portsmouth, NH.

Red Tail Hawk

AS SEEN AT TOAD...