Calendar

Jan
15
Tue
Frank Drake Trio
Jan 15 @ 7:30 pm

Frank Drake is one of the most unique musicians around.  He is refreshingly free of conventions and covers a wide spectrum of folk-pop-and-more styles . . . ” Steve Morse – Boston Globe

The Blue Ribbons
Jan 15 @ 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.

Image result for the blue ribbons music

Jan
16
Wed
Fandango
Jan 16 @ 7:30 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

 

Tyrone Cotton
Jan 16 @ 10:00 pm
Tyrone Cotton

Tyrone Cotton’s earliest musical revelation was listening to the raspy, inspirational voice of his grandfather, the Reverend Cleveland Roosevelt Williams, at his childhood home in Louisville, KY.

At a young age, Cotton began playing guitar along to the sounds of popular rock and blues artists. Overtime, he was influenced by Jerry Garcia, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, and Mississippi John Hurt, who intrigued Tyrone with his “finger pickin’ and soft, wispy voice.

Jan
17
Thu
Todd Thibaud Band
Jan 17 @ 7:30 pm
Todd Thibaud Band

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.

The High Road Drifters
Jan 17 @ 10:00 pm
The High Road Drifters

“We are a high energy Americana rock n alt-country boogie bluesy jam band.  Our shows are a sonic celebration that brings good people together.  Playing mostly cover songs, our style is country to blues, rock to reggae, folk to funk, and Irish to bluegrass.  You will never hear the same song played the same way twice.” – Sounds like this will be an amazing sub for the Baker Thomas Band tonight!

 

 

 

Jan
18
Fri
The Soggy Po’ Boys
Jan 18 @ 10:00 pm
The Soggy Po' Boys

With a repertoire of New Orleans standards, spirituals, contemporary music, and swing tunes, the Soggy Po’ Boys offer a lively blend of fun and insanity.

Jan
19
Sat
Old Fox
Jan 19 @ 7:30 pm
Old Fox

Old Fox is

Alex – Guitar/Vocals
Ralph – Trumpet/Vocals/Guitar
Connor – Guitar/Vocals
Jon – Keys/Vocals
Kevin – Bass
Max – Drums

O.F. draws from influences, Frightened Rabbit, Hozier, and Bon Iver to create a rhythmically exciting, melodic, and lyric driven experience for listeners. In March 2018, Alex and Ralph decided to build the band and music around the phrase, “Honest words for honest people.” The focus is simple, vulnerable, and tangible to anyone who has the time to listen.

Andy Mowatt’s Frequency Movement
Jan 19 @ 10:00 pm
Andy Mowatt's Frequency Movement

Many of you may be familiar with Andy Mowatt’s Steely Jam shows here at TOAD – well, get ready for his next installment tonight!

Born of the retro sounds and arrangements of Steely Dan, and matured by tour life and the excitement of our original material, the movement continues with the birth of the “Frequency Movement”

 

Imagine the nostalgic bands of your past making music that is fresh again. Modern songs built from your memories. This is the frequency movement. Musicians capturing the amalgamation of retro sounds in the current hip climate of today’s music; moving yesterday’s sound into “the now”.

 

 

Jan
20
Sun
Sunday Spins
Jan 20 @ 3:00 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
21
Mon
David Johnston
Jan 21 @ 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
Jan 21 @ 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

Jan
22
Tue
closed tonight
Jan 22 @ 5:00 pm
closed tonight

closed tonight . .  . watch out for that ice, ice baby

Jan
23
Wed
Fandango
Jan 23 @ 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
Jan 23 @ 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
24
Thu
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones
Jan 24 @ 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
Jan 24 @ 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

Jan
25
Fri
VERDEgree & Friends
Jan 25 @ 10:00 pm
VERDEgree & Friends

VERDEgree is a Indie-Rock band led by singer and bassist Elisabeth Hoffman. VERDEgree’s music blends beautiful melodies with intricate rhythms and crunchy time signatures. Each song reflects different experiences and stories from Hoffman’s life.

Interesting, introspective melodies that mix with a hint of dissonance and a pinch of grit. Verdegree is expanding into slightly darker, brooding, sounds with a heavier feel. Look forward to some new sounds soon!

 

 

Jan
26
Sat
Colorway
Jan 26 @ 7:30 pm
Colorway

“You gotta hear this band!” –Peter Holsapple, The dB’s

Independent Music Award winning guitarist, F. Alex Johnson’s band, Colorway is an original, indie, progressive pop rock trio from Northampton, Massachusetts. The band draws on their love of American and British rock mixed with inventive, energetic and melodic lead guitar. Colorway’s live show is always a moving experience for the listener and the musicians themselves, as the band strives to elevate the room and connect with the audience at each live performance and with every spin of any one of their albums.

 

Mike Hastings Band
Jan 26 @ 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

 

Jan
27
Sun
Sunday Spins
Jan 27 @ 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

Ship of the Sun (music of the Grateful Dead)
Jan 27 @ 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.

 

 

Jan
28
Mon
David Johnston
Jan 28 @ 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
Jan 28 @ 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

Jan
29
Tue
David Johnston, Jim Haggerty & Chris Anazalone!
Jan 29 @ 7:30 pm
The Blue Ribbons
Jan 29 @ 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.

 

Jan
30
Wed
Fandango
Jan 30 @ 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.” –

Danielle Miraglia & The Glory Junkies
Jan 30 @ 10:00 pm

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.

Image result for danielle miraglia and the glory junkies

Jan
31
Thu
The Living Wage
Jan 31 @ 7:30 pm
The Living Wage

Born in collaboration, The Living Wage are a roots trio comprised of Frank Drake (Bag Boys, Hashtag Hoedown), Paul Dilley (Girls Guns & Glory), and road tested troubadour Greg Klyma. Strong original songs and choice cover material are delivered in 2- and 3-part harmony. The rhythmic interplay of Dilley’s doghouse bass and Klyma’s solid chop on the back beat lay the foundation for Drake’s fiery mandolin soloing. Fans of the music of John Hartford, Tom Petty, Hank Williams, and The Grateful Dead know that everybody needs a Living Wage.

 

Baker Thomas Band
Jan 31 @ 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

Feb
1
Fri
GA-20
Feb 1 @ 10:00 pm
GA-20

Traditional Blues band based in Boston MA. GA-20 plays 50’s & 60’s heavy blues music featuring Matthew Stubbs (Charlie Musselwhite band)-Guitar, Pat Faherty-Vocals & Guitar and Chris Anzalone-Drums.

Influences include:  Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Charlie Musselwhite, Freddie King, Paul Butterfield, John Lee Hooker, Magic Sam, Jimmy Reed, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Sonny Boy Williamson I, Big Joe Williams

Feb
2
Sat
Lipstick Gypsy
Feb 2 @ 7:30 pm

When then-solo artist John Thomas began working with producer Chris Liggio, the duo instantly knew it would be the collaboration that would define their artistry. Now operating under the moniker “Lipstick Gypsy,” the two took the influences that brought.

 

more info soon

The Library Band
Feb 2 @ 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.

Imam & Sawyer Band
Feb 2 @ 10:00 pm
Imam & Sawyer Band

‘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.”

AS SEEN AT TOAD...