Calendar

Nov
21
Wed
Fandango
Nov 21 @ 7:30 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.” –

Chris McDermott’s Rhythm to the Brain Sessions
Nov 21 @ 10:00 pm
Chris McDermott's Rhythm to the Brain Sessions

 

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.

 

Nov
22
Thu
closed tonight – make your own music – open at 5pm tomorrow!
Nov 22 @ 5:00 pm
Nov
23
Fri
Muddy Ruckus
Nov 23 @ 10:00 pm
Muddy Ruckus

 

“Infectious, foot-sto

“Infectious, foot-stomping Americana tunes. Similar to the White Stripes in duo power. Muddy Ruckus delivers a full bodied sound, with nothing but guitar and suitcase drums.” – The Sound

mping Americana tunes. Similar to the White Stripes in duo power. Muddy Ruckus delivers a full bodied sound, with nothing but guitar and suitcase drums.” – The Sound

Nov
24
Sat
Nyota Road
Nov 24 @ 7:30 pm
Nyota Road

INSPIRED BY SOUTHERN GOTHIC IMAGERY AND EVERYDAY BEAUTY, NYOTA ROAD IS A HUSBAND AND WIFE ACOUSTIC DUO PERFORMING ORIGINAL SONGS ABOUT FAMILY, RELATIONSHIPS AND HOME.

IT ALL STARTED WHEN….

Greta decided to write a song as a birthday gift for her husband, Mark.  She had always written silly tunes and even a children’s book but never a “serious” song.  From that first tune, came another and another with each song telling stories reminiscent of relationships, family and growing up her hometown of Warrior, Alabama.

We call ourselves Nyota Road named from a road in my hometown.  Growing up I used to play on the river with my friends and take walks along the train trestle.  We would spend hours floating down the river, taking in the world as we knew it at the time.  To get there, we’d go down Nyota Road.  It’s one of my happiest memories.

Holystone
Nov 24 @ 10:00 pm
Holystone

Holystone is a folk band from Boston . . .  – -give a listen HERE

Nov
25
Sun
Sunday Spins
Nov 25 @ 3:00 pm

“Vinyl record sales are at a 28 year high” – Fortune April 2016  – See/Hear for yourself at Sunday Spins – every Sunday – bring your records and take turns sharing your faves!

Image result for sunday spins toad

Ship of the Sun (music of the Grateful Dead)
Nov 25 @ 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
26
Mon
David Johnston
Nov 26 @ 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 –

Image result for david johnston music

The White Owls
Nov 26 @ 9:30 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

Nov
27
Tue
Rebecca Haviland & Whiskey Heart
Nov 27 @ 7:30 pm
Rebecca Haviland & Whiskey Heart

Rebecca Haviland is a Grammy awarding winning vocalist and multi-instrumentalist with extensive songwriting, performance & touring experience.

Her own band, Rebecca Haviland and Whiskey Heart, includes members Chris Anderson (Martin Sexton), Todd Caldwell (C S & N) & Kenny Shaw (Dispatch). They have performed in support of Roberta Flack, James McCartney, Rick Springfield, and Martin Sexton. Their first album, released in 2012, received awards in the International Songwriting Competition and Unsigned Only Competition.

Spotted Tiger
Nov 27 @ 10:00 pm
Spotted Tiger

SPOTTED TIGER – A musical bridge from Willie Nelson to Bob Marley where JJ Cale is the toll collector.  Featuring original music by songwriters Laurence Scudder & Erik White . . .

Nov
28
Wed
Fandango
Nov 28 @ 7:30 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.” –

Big Ben Hillman – The Professor of Funk
Nov 28 @ 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
29
Thu
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones
Nov 29 @ 7:30 pm
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones

“happy songs for miserable people” – Melvern

check out a fan fave “Sleepy Eyes” – recorded right here at TOAD

Press:

“Your music makes me want to pee. In a good way….”

Melvern Taylor is the Sam Shepard of the Ukulele!

Your music isn’t bad….i’m more into rap and hip hop.
Baker Thomas Band
Nov 29 @ 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

 

Image result for baker thomas band

Nov
30
Fri
Imam Hamdani
Nov 30 @ 10:00 pm
Imam Hamdani

TOAD is thrilled to welcome Imam Hamdani for the first time. Born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. Imam began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and since then has devoted countless hours to mastering the instrument. In 2012 he was featured on a national television music program, drawing attention and acclaim from industry professionals and audiences alike, which led to his first tour the same year.

‘The guitar work is terrific; understated but thick with feeling. Hamdani’s guitar takes centre spotlight at exactly the right times, always elevating the track, never calling unnecessary attention to itself”- Mosiki

Dec
1
Sat
The Very
Dec 1 @ 7:30 pm
The Very

In 2014, some of the original five members of the band Fertile Virgin reconnected after over twenty years and formed a musical duo called Cricket, which eventually transformed in 2016 into The Very, a pop rock trio with hints of garage rock and classic rock n’ roll mixed in.

Check this out – their website is thevery.rocks    dot-rocks?  how cool is THAT?

About the members:

JULIE KANTNER – GUITAR/VOCALS

Julie has been a musician, singer, and songwriter in a variety of bands including Fertile Virgin, Twig, and a band she works with concurrently with The Very called Uranium Daughters.  Recordings and information on Julie’s other projects can be found on Bandcamp.

Donna Sartanowicz – Bass/Vocals

Donna was a founding member of the band Fertile Virgin – in the years between that band and The Very, Donna has been working as a high school art teacher in the Boston area. Along with The Very Donna performs with her husband mandolinist Jimmy Ryan in their duo project The Nocturnal Adoration Society.

Leslie Boisset-Dell’Elce – Drums/Vocals

Leslie, a founding member of Fertile Virgin, splits her time between drumming and singing. Leslie is trained in voiceover techniques and singing, and her vocal services can be booked through: https://sites.google.com/site/lesliebdvoice/

David Johnston Band (w/ Chris Rival, Jesse Williams & Marco Giovino)
Dec 1 @ 10:00 pm

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
2
Sun
Sunday Spins
Dec 2 @ 3:00 pm

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

sorta like open mic – sign up to play two songs from your vinyl – we set up a turn table center stage – . . . – once you play your songs you can sign up again –

bring new – old – anything!

 

Image result for sunday spins toad

Amber Casares
Dec 2 @ 9:00 pm
Amber Casares

A favorite here at TOAD – give a listen here, then mark your calendar to come here her live!

Dec
3
Mon
David Johnston
Dec 3 @ 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 –

Image result for david johnston music

The White Owls
Dec 3 @ 9:30 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!

The White Owls

Dec
4
Tue
Chris McDermott’s Rhythm to the Brain Sessions
Dec 4 @ 7:30 pm
Chris McDermott's Rhythm to the Brain Sessions

 

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.

Tonight features the extraordinary drumming of Marco Giovino

 

The Blue Ribbons
Dec 4 @ 10:00 pm
The Blue Ribbons

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.

 

Dec
5
Wed
Fandango
Dec 5 @ 7:30 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.” –

Lady Lupine ~ Neo Soul from BOSTON!
Dec 5 @ 10:00 pm
Lady Lupine ~ Neo Soul from BOSTON!

Lady Lupine is a Boston based soul and rock band that delivers thrilling performances of original and covered music. Their sound is a unique blend of poignant lyrics, robust rhythms and alluring melodies. Drawing inspiration from artists like Stevie Wonder, Hiatus Kaiyote, Erykah Badu, and Santigold, Lady Lupine creates an engaging experience while cultivating visceral connections through sound.

Dec
6
Thu
Mike McCann & Friends
Dec 6 @ 7:30 pm
Mike McCann & Friends

 

Mike McCann is a member of local favorites, Brothers McCann . . .

Brothers McCann creates dynamic palettes of sound, weaving sweeping three-part harmonies over rustic reinventions of folk-rock. Mike, Pat & 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.

 

Baker Thomas Band
Dec 6 @ 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

 

Image result for baker thomas band

Dec
7
Fri
Red Tail Hawk
Dec 7 @ 10:00 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

Dec
8
Sat
The Old North
Dec 8 @ 7:30 pm
The Old North

A soulful, folk singer/songwriter, Andrew O’Keeffe heads up the trio The Old North that includes drummer Andy Buckley and lead guitarist Hayes Cummings. Currently based in Cambridge, MA, the group focuses on music that is engaging, truthful, poetic, and resonates deeply with audiences and listeners.

LUX
Dec 8 @ 10:00 pm

Hear what venues all over New England already know – LUX is a funky / jazzy / quirky / entertaining / engaging quartet from Newburyport, MA and will be the band that you invite back time & time again – no matter what the season.

Dec
9
Sun
Sunday Spins
Dec 9 @ 3:00 pm

“Vinyl record sales are at a 28 year high” – Fortune April 2016  – See/Hear for yourself at Sunday Spins – every Sunday – bring your records and take turns sharing your faves!

Image result for sunday spins toad

Dietrich Strause w/ Zachariah Hickman, Lyle Brewer & Billy Beard
Dec 9 @ 9:00 pm
Dietrich Strause w/ Zachariah Hickman, Lyle Brewer & Billy Beard

Dietrich Strause’s songs are a mix of timeless melody, literate lyricism, and a “virtuosic command of imagery.” (The Artery, WBUR) Strause released his new album How Cruel That Hunger Binds on August 26th, produced by Zachariah Hickman (Ray LaMontage, Josh Ritter), the next benchmark in his steady evolution as one of the most eclectic writers and performers coming out of New England.  His newest collection of songs is found somewhere in the shadows of the likes of Randy Newman, Nick Lowe, and Paul Simon.

AS SEEN AT TOAD...