Calendar

Aug
17
Thu
Baker Thomas Band
Aug 17 @ 10:00 pm

Baker Thomas Band:  “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

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Aug
18
Fri
Tacoma Narrows
Aug 18 @ 10:00 pm

Tacoma Narrows is a 6 piece folk-rock band rapidly gaining popularity in New York City and across the country.

Here’s part of their story:

We’ve taken all the best parts of folk, bluegrass, Americana, funk and rock, and stirred them up to create a new American sound, and we’re becoming known for our high-energy, dance-infused live shows.

Tacoma Narrows is named after the old bridge in Washington that collapsed in the 1940s, a tragic but beautiful show of physics and the power of mother nature.

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“Tacoma Narrows, a NYC based band, taps into traditional folk and old-time country music, infusing the admixture with a pop-rocking dose of big city adrenaline. They’ve been around the block. The music is tight but flexible, wistful but wired. My toes are totally tappin’ to it. This remarkable first offering sets the bar encouragingly high. The making of this album was an odyssey from which emerged a band of truly professional recording artists as well as live performers, Tacoma Narrows with Good Mourning have a runaway hit.

– Gary Peterson | Gary Peterson Art and Music Reviews

Aug
19
Sat
Belen Cusi
Aug 19 @ 7:30 pm

Belen Cusi is a singer from Argentina & Texas…Latin soul music, seeking to change the world through song.

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Originally from Argentina, Belén grew up in San Antonio, Texas. She began playing classical piano at age eight, but with no intentions of attending conservatory, she instead chose a liberal arts path at Boston University and, seeking a more urban environment, made the move at age 18. However it wasn’t long before she realized she couldn’t give up playing piano and connected with local piano teacher and music producer Tim Lukas, with whom she began singing and studying song-writing and composition. Shortly after, they began work on Belén’s first album, “Closer”, and what would be the beginning of her singer-songwriter career.

David Johnston Band
Aug 19 @ 10:00 pm

More on David Johnston:  You’re rushing through the city streets, maybe late for an appointment, distracted by your life’s many obligations, and you blow right past a street musician, hard at work. And you stop. And you listen. And you enter the moment and think, ‘Wow, this guy can really play.’

 

Aug
20
Sun
Sunday Spins
Aug 20 @ 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!

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Genevieve
Aug 20 @ 9:00 pm

Geneviève Beaudoin is a singer-songwriter currently based in Portland, Maine. Having performed in Paris, New York, Amsterdam and points between, her raw, vocally-driven work adds an international accent to the traditions of American folk music.

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Strange Loops
Aug 20 @ 10:00 pm

Strange Loops is a New York-based band mixing the spirit of disco with the attitude of classic rock. Combining 80s-inspired vocals, infectious guitar and keyboard hooks, and a frenetic rhythm section, they create music you can move to.

give a listen HERE

 

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Aug
21
Mon
David Johnston
Aug 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 –

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The White Owls
Aug 21 @ 9:00 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!

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Aug
22
Tue
5J Barrow
Aug 22 @ 7:30 pm

Inspiration seeped through the windows of apartment 5J on Barrow Street looking out over the Hudson River in NYC’s Greenwich Village, where singer-songwriters Eryn Murman and Jason Hite soaked up the energy and passion of musicians, painters, poets, and writers who created the Village vibe.  Together, they paid tribute to those creative spirits and named their band 5j Barrow, writing music and lyrics with an Indie-folk sound, sometimes as a duo, and often picking up other musicians to create unique arrangements.

“5j Barrow is the band that makes you stop what you’re doing and stare…Their music is everything I want music to be. Energetic, evocative, unfiltered, and beautiful. In an age of auto tune and quantization, top 10 charts without any real instruments on them, 5j Barrow is the cure…. With dynamics that range from a whisper to a tsunami, their songs tell stories of love, loss, and longing.” (The Street Noise Project, Brad Geyer)

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Marc Wolfson Pinansky & The Bored of Health
Aug 22 @ 10:00 pm

Country Folk for city folk. Born and raised outside of Boston, MA. Professional Amateur Musician, Multi-instrumentalist, Songwriter. Lover of cats. Grammatical bandit. I get more done in a bathrobe than most do in a suit.

yeah . . . Marc Pinansky had us at cats, too . . .

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give a listen HERE

Aug
23
Wed
Sonya Rae and Ryan Taylor
Aug 23 @ 7:30 pm

Sonya is part of the new breed of blues and soul musicians, always searching for new ways to revitalize the form. A triple threat, Sonya is a fiery guitar slinger, soulful blues belter and a songwriter of depth and craft beyond her years. She is joined by her husband Ryan Taylor to form a powerful guitar duo. The couple has logged many miles in their young careers, from Boston to Austin then Nashville, where Sonya was signed by BMG Chrysalis. The two have worked with or shared stage with artists ranging from Austin queen of soul, Tameca Jones, Gary Clark Jr, John Popper of Blues Traveler, John Medeski and Derrico Watson of the Victor Wooten Band and have made TV appearances on shows such as the the ABC series “Nashville”. They are two of the finest young guitar players in the scene today and continue to provide audiences with high energy and soulful performances up and down the east coast and beyond.

Corin Ashley
Aug 23 @ 10:00 pm

Corin Ashley is a lifelong musician who formerly led Boston mod-pop heroes The Pills in the 2000’s, as they toured extensively around the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Over a 10-year span, The Pills released three full-length albums, toured and performed with The B-52s, The Libertines, Supergrass, Sloan, Edwin McCain, The Wrens, Juliana Hatfield, The Smithereens, Nada Surf, Jimmy Cliff, and pretty much every one-hit early 2000s alternative radio band with a number in their name. His 2013 album New Lion Terraces was recorded at Q Division and Abbey Road Studios in London and featured contributions from Kay Hanley (Letters To Cleo), Ken Stringfellow (The Posies), drummer Dave Mattacks (Fairport Convention/XTC), Edward Ball (TV Personalities) and Martin Carr. Corin is, always, accompanied on his new album by his ever faithful drummer Matt Burwell who will bitch and complain if he gets left out of the press release.

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Aug
24
Thu
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones
Aug 24 @ 7:30 pm
The Band Members: Melvern Taylor- Ukulele
And the Fabulous Meltones: Matt Murphy -Upright BAss Dave Livingston – Slide Guitar Sir Bob Nash – Drums
Genre: Post-Modern Parlor Music  – give it a listen HERE
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Grain Thief
Aug 24 @ 10:00 pm

Grain Thief is a 5-piece Americana band from Boston, Massachusetts. The self-proclaimed “Northern Country Barn Grass” band released their new EP “Animal” in the fall in November of 2016. The band is singer-songwriter/guitarist Patrick Mulroy, Tom Farrell on guitar, Zach Meyer on Mandolin, Alex Barstow on Violin, and Mike Harmon on the Bass fiddle.

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“In a day an age where the chamber-grass of Punch Brothers and anything with a banjo could be classified as ‘bluegrass’ music the unadulterated and raw sound of straight bluegrass music is a well welcomed gift to my ears. … sometimes I just want some no apologies pickin’ and hollering with soaring fiddles and quick paced mandolin runs. Grain Thief is that kind of band…and for that, I thank them.”  -Red Line Roots, Jan 6th, 2016

Aug
25
Fri
Los Goutos
Aug 25 @ 10:00 pm

LOS GOUTOS

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

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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)

 

Aug
26
Sat
Sloth Machine
Aug 26 @ 7:30 pm

Sloth Machine refers to their music as “Mellow tunes to salve the soul” – give a listen HERE

 

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Members: Chris Colbourn – drums, vocals ~ Sara Jewett – vocals, guitar ~ Gareth Flanagan – guitar ~ Earl Miller – bass

Sarah Levecque Band
Aug 26 @ 10:00 pm

Sarah Levecque is a singer songwriter guitarist who moves easily between the sturdy roots of American music. Influenced in equal parts by early blues, country, folk and rock music.

  “Sarah’s, See Me Come Around is equal parts sultry and whimsical, a smoky, bluesy fold tune that rolls with a sort of mischievous loll. It’s both easy going and solid, the sort of song  you can just lose yourself in. Elsewhere on Restless Restless Blues, Levecque’s music moves at a slow, steady honky tonk pace. There’s and immense steadiness about these songs, but also a sort of undeniable force, like a slow-moving freight train”.

   -Victor D. Infante, Worcester Telegram

Aug
27
Sun
Sunday Spins
Aug 27 @ 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!

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Handsome -beast
Aug 27 @ 9:00 pm

Handsomebeast – yes, one word – is a five piece band based out of Houston, TX. They are the founders of an irresistible genre dubbed by the pioneers themselves as Space-Rock-Bump-n-Grind, which incorporates elements of classic and indie rock with futuristic electrofunk and infectious pop.

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Aug
28
Mon
David Johnston
Aug 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 –

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The White Owls
Aug 28 @ 9:00 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

Aug
29
Tue
Ryan Alvanos et al.
Aug 29 @ 7:30 pm

Ryan Alvanos is a poet by training, editor by trade, songwriter by passion, busker by calling, and whim-blown vagabond by good fortune.

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The Blue Ribbons
Aug 29 @ 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.

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Aug
30
Wed
Fandango
Aug 30 @ 7:00 pm

Fred Griffeth fronts Fandango  – Their celebrated selection of Americana music draws a loyal band of pious sisters and reform school brothers! – Truth . . .

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Danielle Miraglia & The Glory Junkies
Aug 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.

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Aug
31
Thu
The Be Nice or Leave! Brass Band
Aug 31 @ 7:30 pm

The Be Nice or Leave! Brass Band features an all-star line-up of Cambridge/Somerville players, bringing you second line, trad jazz, and R&B tunes. – give a listen HERE and dance along!

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Baker Thomas Band
Aug 31 @ 10:00 pm

BAKER THOMAS BAND  N. – A variety of eclectic Boston/Cambridge/Somerville musicians who come together to put on unforgettable shows.

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Sep
1
Fri
Bees Deluxe
Sep 1 @ 10:00 pm

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.

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Bees Deluxe
Sep 1 @ 10:00 pm

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.

Image may contain: stripes

Sep
2
Sat
Andy Mowatt’s Steely Jam
Sep 2 @ 10:00 pm

“Consistently stellar” (Price, PA Musician Mag), “Andy Mowatt’s Steely Jam” is a funk-driven powerhouse from Pennsylvania, led by guitarist Andy Mowatt, “an absolute musical genius” (Devoy, Tellus 360) and “jazz-rock flamethrower on guitar” (Campbell, Gigspots). A fusion of New Orleans and Central PA, Mowatt’s “bright arrangements keep things sounding fresh” (PA Musician) and “inspire you to expand your mind and think outside the confines of traditional jazz, soul and funk!” (Robert, Positive Music Reviews). “Confident, to-the-point, and elegant” (Rocha, The Flinging Times), Andy and his group entertain and impress crowds with unique originals and modern twists on classic hits, “and yet, through many influences, each tune retains a sound that is distinctly Mowatt’s” (O’Brien, Fly Magazine).

 

Sep
3
Sun
Sunday Spins
Sep 3 @ 3:00 pm

 Sunday Spins!  – Vinyl Lovers Unite! 3-8pm every Sunday!

Sign up on the list and play two songs each turn.

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Radi0Swan
Sep 3 @ 9:00 pm
Radi0Swan is a Somerville based improvisational collective. Formed accidentally as a live in the studio experiment between Barry Rothman, Matt Lorenz, and David Goodrich during a Suitcase Junket recording session. Radi0Swan utilizes electronics and phonographs to manipulate found and prerecorded sounds in conjuction with traditional and homemade instruments plus voice, to create unique soundtracks and songs that tend to travel to unplanned and unexpected places.
 
” Radi0Swan’s phonograph subversions of spoken word and found sound, paired with improvised collisions with live musicians, will rearrange every single one of your brain cells. You only have so many of those. Come find out why”.
-Peter Mulvey
 
Sep
4
Mon
David Johnston
Sep 4 @ 7:30 pm

David Johnston is a regular fixture in Harvard Square. You can find him on just about any sunny afternoon with his old Gibson guitar, his signature black jeans, and black hat – Busy during the day?  Lucky you – David Johnston brings his blues to TOAD every Monday before The White Owls!

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AS SEEN AT TOAD...