Calendar

Jul
15
Sat
Saturday Spins
Jul 15 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Saturday Spins

SATURDAY SPINS!

Come share your vinyl!  Record lovers unite at Toad on Saturdays from 5:00 – 7:30 for vinyl sharing, drink sipping, and favorite music chatting.  Bring your own vinyl records and sign up for a slot to play two songs at a time.  Live music starts, as always, at 9pm (never a cover).

Charlie Kohlhase’s Explorers Quartet w/ Warren Smith
Jul 15 @ 9:00 pm
Charlie Kohlhase's Explorers Quartet w/ Warren Smith

Saxophonist/ composer/ bandleader Charlie Kohlhase (b. 1956) has been part of Boston’s Jazz scene for over40 years. After studies with Roswell Rudd and Stan Strickland, Kohlhase moved to Boston in 1980. He formed the Charlie Kohlhase Quintet in 1989, a band that performed around New England and toured nationally for a dozen years. Charlie worked with the great Danish woodwind master John Tchicai off and on between 1993 and 2008, making three recordings along the way. He started his Explorers Club band in 2005, which has had a lineup of 5 to 9 players since and also leads the Saxophone Support Group, a woodwind octet that specializes in the music of Julius Hemphill, Steve Lacy and John Tchicai. As a sideman Kohlhase has been a member of Dead Cat Bounce, the Either/ Orchestra, the Makanda Project and the Mandala Octet. Over the years he’s performed with an array of players including Mahmoud Ahmed, Mulatu Astatke, Anthony Braxton, Cab Calloway, Leroy Jenkins, Oliver Lakeand Roswell Rudd.

Warren Smith:

Warren Smith was born in Chicago on May 14, 1934 to a musical family. He has played an astonishing array of music over his 7 decade-plus career. He has performed for composers John Cage, Harry Partch and Igor Stravinsky. He toured with Muhal Richard Abrams, Nat King Cole, Julius Hemphill, Janis Joplin, Sam Rivers, Max Roach’s MBOOM Percussion Ensemble and the Tony Williams Lifetime. Warren has recorded with Gene Ammons, Anthony Braxton, Jaki Byard, Gil Evans, Billy Harper, Makanda Ken McIntyre, Charles Mingus, Charles Tolliver and David S. Ware. As a busy studio musician for many decades he recorded with Count Basie, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Carmen McRae, Van Morrison, Nancy Wilson and Stevie Wonder. Warren played in Broadway pit bands for many years and has made a handful of outstanding recordings with his Composers Workshop Ensemble. Having recently celebrated his 89th Birthday, Mr. Smith continues to be a force in music.

 

 

 

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Jul
19
Wed
Fandango
Jul 19 @ 8:00 pm
Fandango

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), 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!

 

Jul
20
Thu
The Blue Ribbons
Jul 20 @ 9:00 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.

 

Jul
21
Fri
Abbie Barrett
Jul 21 @ 9:00 pm

Boston Music Award–winning songwriter Abbie Barrett plays regularly in the New England area with her band, opening for such acts as the B-52s, Juliana Hatfield, Will Dailey, and Rhett Miller. The band features Mike Oram (guitar), Ed Valauskas (bass, production), and Rice Edmonston (drums and vocals).

Abbie Barrett

Jul
22
Sat
Saturday Spins
Jul 22 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Saturday Spins

SATURDAY SPINS!

Come share your vinyl!  Record lovers unite at Toad on Saturdays from 5:00 – 7:30 for vinyl sharing, drink sipping, and favorite music chatting.  Bring your own vinyl records and sign up for a slot to play two songs at a time.  Live music starts, as always, at 9pm (never a cover).

Le Prestige
Jul 22 @ 9:00 pm
Le Prestige

 

Le Prestige is an attempt by Boston bassist Chris Forkey to create an instrumental music inspired by the jazz-sample heavy sounds of 90’s hip-hop, electronica and lounge, all performed live with just horns, upright bass, and drums.

 

Jul
26
Wed
Van Gordon Martin
Jul 26 @ 8:00 pm
Van Gordon Martin

At the young age of seven, Van Gordon Martin started his musical journey.

Growing up in Chicago, his first job was polishing and stringing guitars in local music shop the Musicians Network. Van was discovered early on, and mentored by legendary Parliament Funkadelic and Talking Heads keyboardist, Bernie Worrell. This set the tone for his new musical existence.

Van Gordon Martin has been a veteran of the east coast music scene for over a decade, and is a part of Boston based Reggae collective Dub Apocalypse, Moroccan/Jazz/ Electronic group Club D’elf, Hip Hop Legend Big Daddy Kane’s Live band, Paul Wolstencroft of Slightly Stoopid’s Organically Good Trio, The Naya Rockers, and many others. He is also founding member of Spiritual Rez, a project witch he toured with extensively up until 2011.

“My goal is to share my story and love for guitar with the world.  It has been always been the thing that makes me feel connected to the Spirit Realm. Rasta, Reggae, Soul, Jazz, Blues, Roots Music. It speaks the truth. Every artist is part of the building blocks of our social creative consciousness. I feel honored and blessed to share my ideas with anyone that will hear me. With every note we play with honest intention, we tear down a part of the injustices in the world. Love and music are indeed one. Music, it is our highest meditation”

Jul
27
Thu
The TrueVines
Jul 27 @ 9:00 pm
The TrueVines

New Band featuring Dennis Brennan, Andrew Stern, Jim Heggarty and Chris Anzalone

Jul
28
Fri
Buckley
Jul 28 @ 9:00 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

Jul
29
Sat
Saturday Spins
Jul 29 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Saturday Spins

SATURDAY SPINS!

Come share your vinyl!  Record lovers unite at Toad on Saturdays from 5:00 – 7:30 for vinyl sharing, drink sipping, and favorite music chatting.  Bring your own vinyl records and sign up for a slot to play two songs at a time.  Live music starts, as always, at 9pm (never a cover).

Spotted Tiger
Jul 29 @ 9:00 pm
Spotted Tiger

Led by the songwriting of violist Laurence Scudder and guitarist Erik White, Spotted Tiger is rounded out by a malleable all-star combination of Boston area players. Together they play an inspiring variety of originals & hand-picked covers.

Spotted Tiger – sometimes acoustic, always eclectic.

Aug
2
Wed
Fandango
Aug 2 @ 8:00 pm
Fandango

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), 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!

 

Aug
3
Thu
Baker Thomas Band
Aug 3 @ 8:30 pm
Baker Thomas Band

“You guys put on a hell of a show, a lot of fun!” – Steve Morse, long time Boston Globe music critic and freelance writier on the Baker Thomas Band . . .

 

Aug
4
Fri
Ken Clark Organ Trio
Aug 4 @ 9:00 pm
Ken Clark Organ Trio

The Ken Clark Organ Trio gives you originals in funk, soul, rock, and jazz styles. Instrumentation includes organ, vocals, guitar, drums, percussion, and saxophone. Ken is a master on Hammond organ and is lead vocalist.

Aug
5
Sat
Saturday Spins
Aug 5 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Saturday Spins

SATURDAY SPINS!

Come share your vinyl!  Record lovers unite at Toad on Saturdays from 5:00 – 7:30 for vinyl sharing, drink sipping, and favorite music chatting.  Bring your own vinyl records and sign up for a slot to play two songs at a time.  Live music starts, as always, at 9pm (never a cover).

John Powhida International Airport
Aug 5 @ 9:00 pm

John Powhida International Airport is not an actual place as of this writing, but it may be someday. They are one of the most well known and respected bands in Boston.

https://m.facebook.com/100063767011298/

Aug
9
Wed
Gregg Perry and the Strange Berries
Aug 9 @ 8:00 pm
Gregg Perry and the Strange Berries

Gregg Perry and the Strange Berries

Boston based Rocking Blues.
From the Underground to Outerspace.

Aug
10
Thu
Dennis Brennan w/Duke Levine, Jim Heggarty and Chris Anzalone
Aug 10 @ 9:00 pm
Dennis Brennan w/Duke Levine, Jim Heggarty and Chris Anzalone

Dennis Brennan is joined by Duke Levine, Jim Heggarty and Chris Anzalone!

Aug
11
Fri
Willie J. Laws
Aug 11 @ 9:00 pm
Willie J. Laws

Texas guitar slinger, songwriter & vocalist Willie J Laws developed his “funky blues” guitar and vocal sound, influenced by Texas Blues and R&B, Tex-Mex Tejano/Conjunto, Louisiana Zydeco, and Country. Fans call him “the Real Deal” and we could not agree more.  Please join us tonight and experience an evening you are not likely to forget!

Aug
12
Sat
Saturday Spins
Aug 12 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Saturday Spins

SATURDAY SPINS!

Come share your vinyl!  Record lovers unite at Toad on Saturdays from 5:00 – 7:30 for vinyl sharing, drink sipping, and favorite music chatting.  Bring your own vinyl records and sign up for a slot to play two songs at a time.  Live music starts, as always, at 9pm (never a cover).

Sugar Blood Jinx
Aug 12 @ 9:00 pm
Sugar Blood Jinx
  1. 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.

Aug
16
Wed
Fandango
Aug 16 @ 8:00 pm
Fandango

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), 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!

 

Aug
17
Thu
The Blue Ribbons
Aug 17 @ 9:00 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.

 

Aug
18
Fri
Larkin & Fitzsimmons
Aug 18 @ 9:00 pm
Larkin & Fitzsimmons

Ryan Fitzsimmons and Jim Larkin have combined forces with this brand-new band! Ryan has toured all over New England and beyond, appearing at venues such as the Newport Folk Festival & Club Passim, winning the awards “Best Male Vocalist” and “Favorite Local Rock Band” along the way. Jim Larkin has performed worldwide with Jesse Dee, Danielle Miraglia, and many other local favorites.

https://ryanfitzsimmons.com/

https://ryanfitzsimmons.com/

https://www.facebook.com/jimlarkinmusic/

Aug
19
Sat
Saturday Spins
Aug 19 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Saturday Spins

SATURDAY SPINS!

Come share your vinyl!  Record lovers unite at Toad on Saturdays from 5:00 – 7:30 for vinyl sharing, drink sipping, and favorite music chatting.  Bring your own vinyl records and sign up for a slot to play two songs at a time.  Live music starts, as always, at 9pm (never a cover).

Stan Martin Band
Aug 19 @ 9:00 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

 

Aug
23
Wed
Van Gordon Martin
Aug 23 @ 8:00 pm
Van Gordon Martin

At the young age of seven, Van Gordon Martin started his musical journey.

Growing up in Chicago, his first job was polishing and stringing guitars in local music shop the Musicians Network. Van was discovered early on, and mentored by legendary Parliament Funkadelic and Talking Heads keyboardist, Bernie Worrell. This set the tone for his new musical existence.

Van Gordon Martin has been a veteran of the east coast music scene for over a decade, and is a part of Boston based Reggae collective Dub Apocalypse, Moroccan/Jazz/ Electronic group Club D’elf, Hip Hop Legend Big Daddy Kane’s Live band, Paul Wolstencroft of Slightly Stoopid’s Organically Good Trio, The Naya Rockers, and many others. He is also founding member of Spiritual Rez, a project witch he toured with extensively up until 2011.

“My goal is to share my story and love for guitar with the world.  It has been always been the thing that makes me feel connected to the Spirit Realm. Rasta, Reggae, Soul, Jazz, Blues, Roots Music. It speaks the truth. Every artist is part of the building blocks of our social creative consciousness. I feel honored and blessed to share my ideas with anyone that will hear me. With every note we play with honest intention, we tear down a part of the injustices in the world. Love and music are indeed one. Music, it is our highest meditation”

Aug
24
Thu
The TrueVines
Aug 24 @ 9:00 pm
The TrueVines

New Band featuring Dennis Brennan, Andrew Stern, Jim Heggarty and Chris Anzalone

Aug
25
Fri
Otis Grove
Aug 25 @ 9:00 pm
Otis Grove

Otis Grove is:

Sam Gilman – Hammond Organ and vintage keys
Tyler Wayne Drabick – Guitar
Brian Sayers – Drums

There’s a new sound taking over the town known as Boston. If you’re by the banks of the Charles River as the moon glows over the muddy waters you very well may hear some thick, groovy beats banging out a trail for raw guitar licks and a soul-drenched Hammond organ. Yes indeed, ladies and gentleman who are down with the funk, it’s time to get rocked by your new favorite band: Otis Grove.

Otis Grove began as a collective experiment in crossing the traditional organ jazz sound with funk, hip-hop, and rock tones. It was the beginning of a sonic realization based in groove and free in improvisation, yet rooted in songwriting and melodic structure. In early 2004, on the heels of their self-titled debut album, the band began spreading their sound to clubs around the New England area. The music, which has since evolved into a unique blend of aggressive rock n’ roll and high-intensity organ funk (some fans have dubbed their genre ‘Runk’- a mixture of rock and funk), pays tribute to the masters while consistently pushing itself in new directions. Performer Magazine writer Sam Merrick described it as “a monstrous funk groove that probably would have sent Godzilla running had he been in the neighborhood.”

Aug
26
Sat
Saturday Spins
Aug 26 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Saturday Spins

SATURDAY SPINS!

Come share your vinyl!  Record lovers unite at Toad on Saturdays from 5:00 – 7:30 for vinyl sharing, drink sipping, and favorite music chatting.  Bring your own vinyl records and sign up for a slot to play two songs at a time.  Live music starts, as always, at 9pm (never a cover).

Sam Reid & The Riot Act
Aug 26 @ 8:00 pm
Sam Reid & The Riot Act
 Sam Reid & The Riot Act is an acoustic guitar-driven rock band with a true bluegrass soul . . .

  

Aug
30
Wed
Fandango
Aug 30 @ 8:00 pm
Fandango

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), 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!

 

Aug
31
Thu
Baker Thomas Band
Aug 31 @ 8:30 pm
Baker Thomas Band

“You guys put on a hell of a show, a lot of fun!” – Steve Morse, long time Boston Globe music critic and freelance writier on the Baker Thomas Band . . .

 

AS SEEN AT TOAD...