Calendar
“Heart Hunters’ music might sound delicate on first listen, but it packs a heavy punch. Born of the American zeitgeist, as well as the personal experiences of Brianna Blackbird and her husband No River City founder Drew de Man, American Eclipse is simultaneously a deeply personal and overtly political album.”
“REVIEW: Heart Hunters “American Eclipse” Is Instantly Compelling ”
“The record’s alternately haunting and wistful folk songs find De Man and Blackbird engaging in potent social and spiritual commentary, clinging to silver linings while wrestling with an increasingly turbulent country. But while the subject matter is often heavy, the duo’s hook-laden melodicism offers all the balance the record needs.”
You’d be hard-pressed to define Copilot. The Massachusetts-based group are made up of powerhouse vocalist Maggie Quealy, charismatic frontman Ry McDonald, bassist Austin Beveridge, and drummer Dylan Allwine. Together, Copilot aren’t so much making music as they are crafting an experience. Sure, you can call them Americana because of their twangy harmonies or even pop thanks to their danceable beats, but maybe nouns aren’t quite right. Adjectives, on the other hand, might do them justice.
“There is magic…there is a certain magic to what they do.”
– Michael Butler, WEMF Radio
“Copilot soars with passion and creativity”
– Cameron Merrit, The Sun Chronicle
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!
“There is little doubt in my mind that tonight’s profile artist Dan Blakeslee, a singer-songwriter, graphic designer, original artist and performer is probably one of the most gifted all-around artists in New England.” – Ryan’s Smashing Life Blog
**********************************************************************************************************************
Viking Moses, AKA Brendon Massei, achieves a special balance of warmth and command, with familiar melodies that draw listeners in and oblige them to stay. Strongly lyrical songs are played out through tunes that flirt with pop, folk, indie, grunge and Americana, all strung together with a unique pulsing guitar, and by Massei’s robust voice, which ebbs from delicate whispers to throaty howls.
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 –
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!
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 . . .
Honey Talk is a fresh, innovative, and comfortable quartet that performs classic hits and inviting originals making you feel sweeter than honey.
Honey talk is:
Cody Nilsen – Guitar/Vocals
Steve Bunce- Bass/Vocals
Ben Blanchard – Keys/Vocals
Pat “Daddy” Dalton – Drums/Vocals
check out one of their songs HERE
“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
Grant Bloom was brought up learning classical piano; wedged between Dallas and Ft. Worth Texas. Much like a kid eating broccoli, he pushed it away, not realizing how beneficial the music was. Some years later, he was baptized into the world of jazz and from this, music began to tug at Grant’s sleeve. After being taught basic guitar chords from his father, and becoming comfortable in his vocal prowess, Grant began to craft songs.
Django Koenig (moniker name: Django Soulo) is a Vermont-born singer-songwriter that blends acoustic music with Soul. He performs his music from the heart, for the heart. Django is currently touring with his newly released self-titled album, ‘Django Soulo’ as well as his debut album, ‘We Live On‘.
“A man as energetic, whimsical, and charming as his music.” – Big Heavy World
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.
‘The guitar work is terrific; understated but thick with feeling. Imam Hamdani’s guitar takes centre spotlight at exactly the right times, always elevating the track, never calling unnecessary attention to itself”- Mosiki
“‘His tunes are carefully composed to aim straight for the heart, and he hits his mark squarely song after song,’ says Metronome Magazine. And indeed songwriting is the heart of Sawyer Lawson’s craft.”
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.
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.
“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!
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.
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 –
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!
“Her strong melodies, subtle arrangements and pure vocal approach
render her recordings almost instantly classic.”
Time Out! New York
“A definitive record for our time …
Jackson has made a career out of pushing the envelope.”
NY Music Daily
“I want to live in the world where she’s a big star.”
Puremusic
Jenifer Jackson is an American songwriter, singer and guitarist known for crafting intimate, understated pop songs. Critically-acclaimed releases include Slowly Bright, The Outskirts Of A Giant Town, Birds, and her most recent effort, Texas Sunrise.
**************************************************************
**************************************************************
Jenifer’s dad, Julian Jackson, will also be on hand to do some singing!
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.
“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
“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!
Boston native, Sonya Rae is a rising star with a blend of gifts rarely found on the blues-rock and soul scene today. Her dazzling musical ability is immediately evident through her soaring vocals, scorching guitar work and savvy song-craft. She has been likened to a “fiery female combination of Warren Haynes, Bonnie Raitt and Amy Winehouse”
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.
The MoonRaiders are a Western Swing band that combine elements of Jazz, Rock n’ Roll, Country, and Truck Driving music.
Award winning guitarist Chris Hersch (formerly of Girls Guns & Glory) leads this quartet of accomplished musicians, improvising and singing their way through an eclectic set that will please both the dancer and music aficionado.
Drawing on a unique repertoire often overlooked in the American Songbook, The MoonRaiders pivot between Bob Wills, Chuck Berry, Dave Dudley, Commander Cody, and original music, all in one show.
This band’s style is Honky Tonk Trucker Jazz and Rock n’ Roll!!!!
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!
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 –
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!
Honey Talk is a fresh, innovative, and comfortable quartet that performs classic hits and inviting originals making you feel sweeter than honey.
Honey talk is:
Cody Nilsen – Guitar/Vocals
Steve Bunce- Bass/Vocals
Ben Blanchard – Keys/Vocals
Pat “Daddy” Dalton – Drums/Vocals
check out one of their songs HERE
Abbie Barrett, Boston Music Award Winner for Songwriter in 2015, fronts her band featuring Ed Valauskas (bass), Jack Hamilton (keys), Josh Kiggans (drums), and Mike Oram (guitar).
Paul Robicheau of The Improper wrote that their album, That Shame, showcases her in full rock mode, sometimes evoking the tone and phrasing of the Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde…[Her] craftsmanship extends from the gorgeous vocals of “As I Wanted You” and the soaring crescendos of “Falling” to the catchy ’80s-flavored punch of “Take It in Stride.”
