Calendar

Jan
15
Wed
Fandango
Jan 15 @ 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.” –

The Gravel Project
Jan 15 @ 10:00 pm
The Gravel Project

Described by The Boston Globe as “a night of rocking blues and funk jams,” The Gravel Project is the creation of guitarist, composer, and singer Andrew Gravel and brother, Hammond B3 organist and composer, Jordan Gravel. With a blues rock sound fused with a funk edge, the band has been creating a buzz with their eclectic style and gaining momentum in Boston, New Hampshire, and all over the East Coast. The Gravel Project electrifies crowds with inventive original songs, creative interpretations of well known classics, and high energy group improvisation. The band released their second full length album, “Wishful Thinking,” in November 2017 and live album, “Live at Village Fest” in November 2018, and is currently booking club dates, festival dates, and private events for 2020.

Jan
16
Thu
Todd Thibaud (solo)
Jan 16 @ 7:30 pm
Todd Thibaud (solo)

Todd Thibaud is a Vermont born, Boston based Singer-Songwriter who’s songs are a slice of what life is really like…the pains and pleasures, love lost and life reborn. Using songwriters like Elvis Costello, Neil Finn, Johnny Cash and John Hiatt for inspiration, Thibaud has built a sound that is entirely his own. His music is meshed with elements of Americana, Folk, Country and Roots Pop Rock, making it seem at once familiar and new.

Jan
17
Fri
Big Ben Hillman – The Professor of Funk
Jan 17 @ 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

Image may contain: one or more people, text and indoor

Jan
18
Sat
Bluegrass Saturday featuring Patrick M’Gonigle (Lonely Heartstring Band) & Reed Stutz
Jan 18 @ 7:30 pm

Something brand new for the lucky 13th!

Please help us welcome Patrick M’Gonigle of Lonely Heartstring Band & Reed Stutz

Carter Sanders Band Debut Show (featuring members of The Jeb Bush Orchestra)
Jan 18 @ 10:00 pm
Carter Sanders Band Debut Show (featuring members of The Jeb Bush Orchestra)

more info soon

one staunch goal for the  Jeb Bush Orchestra:  MAKE PEOPLE DANCE. 

Jan
19
Sun
Sunday Spins
Jan 19 @ 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday Spins

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!

 

Sunday Spins
Jan 19 @ 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday Spins

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!

 

Jan
20
Mon
The White Owls
Jan 20 @ 8:00 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!

The White Owls

David Johnston & Friends
Jan 20 @ 10:30 pm
David Johnston & Friends

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 –

 

Jan
21
Tue
The Franc Graham Band
Jan 21 @ 7:30 pm
The Franc Graham Band

The Boston Globe on The Franc Graham Band:

“Immensely Underrated… cool and commanding… an unusually rich blend of singer-songwriter rock…”

 

Amber Casares
Jan 21 @ 10:00 pm
Amber Casares

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

Jan
23
Thu
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones
Jan 23 @ 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.
Jan
24
Fri
City of Four
Jan 24 @ 10:00 pm
City of Four

City of Four performs an original brand of instrumental music, influenced by jazz, funk, fusion, pop/rock, hip hop, and other genres.

The band has received an “Outstanding Performance” recognition from DownBeat Magazine as a Blues/Pop/Rock group, and some of the band members’ original compositions and tracks have been recognized by national entities, like ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) and MIX Magazine.

The quartet performs throughout the Boston area, and is currently in residence with Classic Harbor Line aboard the Motor Yacht Northern Lights for bi-monthly funk cruises on Boston Harbor.

Jan
25
Sat
The Library Band
Jan 25 @ 7:30 pm
The Library Band

Joe and Matt have been playing and writing music together for a long time. As The Library Band, they combine stellar harmonies and multi-instrumental magic to ensure a pleasant reading experience.

Chris Hersch & The Moonraiders
Jan 25 @ 10:00 pm
Chris Hersch & The Moonraiders

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!!!!

Jan
26
Sun
Sunday Spins
Jan 26 @ 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday Spins

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!

 

Jan
27
Mon
The White Owls
Jan 27 @ 8:00 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

David Johnston & Friends
Jan 27 @ 10:30 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

Jan
28
Tue
John Powhida International Airport
Jan 28 @ 7:30 pm
John Powhida International Airport

John Powhida International Airport won the Boston 2011 Rock and Roll Rumble! Hot Dog! 5 yrs after The Rudds took silver JPX takes Gold!!!

John Powhida is a singer/songwriter living in Boston. John is a multiple Boston Music Award nominee and his songs have been featured in episodes of My Name is Earl and Men in Trees. He has sung on recordings by The Click Five, Sarah Borges and The Gentlemen. You may have seen him perform with his beloved Boston rock and soul combo The Rudds or even as guitarist with rock n roll icon and author Bebe Buell.

Powhida’s main boogie from here on out will continue to be John Powhida International Airport, a potent 6 piece rock,  disco, soul, pop fuzion entertainment unit of the highest original order.

Honey Talk
Jan 28 @ 10:00 pm

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

 

Jan
29
Wed
Buckley
Jan 29 @ 10:00 pm
Buckley

Josh Buckley has a soft and soothing voice. It’s like Neil Young if he wasn’t so shakey (Neil that is). Gently spilling out his heart for you all. The kind of voice that will hush the Lizard Lounge for 60 minutes of great songs.” Brian Carroll Red Line Roots

Jan
31
Fri
Los Goutos
Jan 31 @ 10:00 pm

LOS GOUTOS

“A veritable Grand Ole Opry with a modern sense of humor….”   (Music Connection Magazine)

No automatic alt text available.

Featuring:

Bruce Bartone
(acoustic and electric guitars; bass guitar, keyboards; backing vocals);

Mike Eigen
(lead and backing vocals, percussion, acoustic guitar, clarinet, ukulele, songwriting);

Shamus Feeney
(bass guitar, acoustic, electric, and resophonic guitars; percussion; lead and backing vocals);

Chris Gleason
(lead and backing vocals, mandolin, tenor banjo, acoustic guitar, percussion, songwriting);

Paul Stewart
(lead and backing vocals, accordion, acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, harmonica, songwriting)

…and whenever possible:

Jakub Trasak
(fiddle)

 

Feb
1
Sat
Glory Junkies Duo – featuring Danielle Miraglia & Laurence Scudder
Feb 1 @ 7:30 pm
Glory Junkies Duo - featuring Danielle Miraglia & Laurence Scudder

Danielle Miraglia is a dynamic and captivating musician; her rich soulful voice and blues guitar mastery resonate in a performance both rare and unforgettable.”
– Paul Patchel, State Street Blues Festival, Media, PA

Her project, Danielle M & The Glory Junkies features the classic rock and blues vibe of The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin delivered through original tunes both lyrical and danceable.

Laurence Scudder currently plays with local acts Spotted Tiger, Brothers McCann, Danielle Miraglia & The Glory Junkies, Thank God For Science, The Blue Ribbons, and more. You can find him most nights gigging around Boston.

Feb
2
Sun
Sunday Spins – EXTENDED! & The Super Bowl
Feb 2 @ 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday Spins - EXTENDED!  & The Super Bowl

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!

 

Feb
3
Mon
The White Owls
Feb 3 @ 8:00 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

David Johnston & Friends
Feb 3 @ 10:30 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.

Feb
4
Tue
Sam Reid & The Riot Act
Feb 4 @ 7:30 pm
Sam Reid & The Riot Act
 Sam Reid & The Riot Act is an acoustic guitar-driven rock band with a true bluegrass soul . . .

  

Feb
5
Wed
Grant Bloom
Feb 5 @ 10:00 pm

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.

Feb
6
Thu
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones
Feb 6 @ 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.
Feb
7
Fri
Elisa Smith & The Tiny Little Lies
Feb 7 @ 10:00 pm
Elisa Smith & The Tiny Little Lies

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Elisa Smith & The Tiny Little Lies are steeped in the Americana roots and vintage country tradition. The inspiration for their outlaw honky-tonk sound is drawn from country greats like Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Tanya Tucker mixed with a dash of modern rock country. Their songs elicit feelings of nostalgia, pride, wanderlust, and good ol’ fashioned boot-stompin’ mischief. The diverse backgrounds of the band fuse together to form a truly American sound. Even though they have only been playing together for a short while, each band member’s connection to history, place, and musical tradition has instantly bound them together.

Feb
8
Sat
Bees Deluxe
Feb 8 @ 7:30 pm
Bees Deluxe

Bees Deluxe is a full-tilt, acid blues/funk/rock collective comprised of Boston-based musicians.

Their unique repertoire includes originals and re-interpreted 60s, 70s, and 80s covers from Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Joe Zawinul, Charles Mingus, B.B. King, Kenny Burrell, Freddie King, Herbie Hancock, Albert King, Etta James, Muddy Waters, The Meters, Little Feat, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, Roy Buchanan, Curtis Mayfield, The Butterfield Blues Band, Derek Trucks, Donny Hathaway, Amy Winehouse, Steely Dan, Etta James, ZZ Top, Robben Ford, Bonnie Raitt, Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, SoulLive, Derek and the Dominoes, Robert Cray, Edgar Winter, among many others. Taking the road less traveled, they discover and share off-the-beaten songs and instrumentals and fuse them into their own original works. They dare to be risk-takers on stage, digging deep into the vaults of blues/jazz antiquity. The result is an effortless take-no-prisoners-approach that wittingly captures the audience’s hearts.

 

Feb
9
Sun
Sunday Spins
Feb 9 @ 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday Spins

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!

 

Amber Casares
Feb 9 @ 9:00 pm
Amber Casares

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

AS SEEN AT TOAD...