Calendar

Mar
31
Sun
Ship of the Sun (music of the Grateful Dead)
Mar 31 @ 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.

 

 

Apr
1
Mon
David Johnston
Apr 1 @ 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
Apr 1 @ 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

Apr
2
Tue
Jenifer Jackson w/ special guests Sonny Barbato and Julian Jackson
Apr 2 @ 7:30 pm
Jenifer Jackson w/ special guests Sonny Barbato and Julian Jackson

“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 BrightThe Outskirts Of A Giant TownBirds, and her most recent effort, Texas Sunrise.

**************************************************************

Sonny Barbato (Accordion)
Joe Barbato has played accordion and piano on numerous recordings and performances with artists ranging in styles from country to jazz.  Originally from Boston, Joe spent some time in York City playing alongside musicians Dave Budway, Jimmy Ponder, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Jenifer Jackson, Matt Munisteri, and Marvin Sewell, just to name a few. He has toured Europe and the United States and continues to freelance in the Boston and New York area.

**************************************************************

Jenifer’s dad,  Julian Jackson, will also be on hand to do some singing!

The Blue Ribbons
Apr 2 @ 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.

 

Apr
3
Wed
Fandango
Apr 3 @ 7:30 pm
Fandango

you CAN judge Fandango by their facebook pics – just sayin’

Mike Hastings Band
Apr 3 @ 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

 

Apr
4
Thu
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones
Apr 4 @ 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.
Sonya Rae Taylor
Apr 4 @ 10:00 pm
Sonya Rae Taylor

 

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” 

Apr
6
Sat
Eric Salt & The Electric City
Apr 6 @ 7:30 pm
Eric Salt & The Electric City

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.

Chris Hersch & The Moonraiders
Apr 6 @ 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!!!!

Apr
7
Sun
Sunday Spins
Apr 7 @ 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!

 

Apr
8
Mon
David Johnston
Apr 8 @ 7:30 pm
David Johnston

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 –

 

The White Owls
Apr 8 @ 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

Apr
9
Tue
Sam Reid & The Riot Act
Apr 9 @ 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 . . .

  

Honey Talk
Apr 9 @ 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

 

Apr
10
Wed
Fandango
Apr 10 @ 7:30 pm
Fandango

you CAN judge Fandango by their facebook pics – just sayin’

Abbie Barrett Band
Apr 10 @ 10:00 pm
Abbie Barrett Band

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.”

Apr
11
Thu
Samantha Farrell
Apr 11 @ 7:30 pm
Samantha Farrell

Samantha Farrell returns to TOAD!  Did you know that she made a music video in TOAD???  Check it out HERE then stop by tonight for the real deal.

Catch a Dinosaur
Apr 11 @ 10:00 pm
Catch a Dinosaur

Catch a Dinosaur likes to play dreamy music.

Apr
12
Fri
Sugar Blood Jinx
Apr 12 @ 10:00 pm
Sugar Blood Jinx

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.

Apr
13
Sat
The Bean Pickers Union
Apr 13 @ 7:30 pm
The Bean Pickers Union

Fronted by singer/songwriter Chuck Melchin, The Bean Pickers Union is a loose collective of musicians from around Cambridge / Somerville Massachusetts.

Give a listen HERE

LUX
Apr 13 @ 10:00 pm

Hear what venues all over New England already know – LUX is a funky / jazzy / quirky / entertaining / engaging quartet from Newburyport, MA and will be the band that you invite back time & time again – no matter what the season.

Apr
14
Sun
Sunday Spins
Apr 14 @ 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!

Image result for sunday spins toad

Lisa Bastoni
Apr 14 @ 8:00 pm
Lisa Bastoni

Lisa Bastoni is a Boston-based singer-songwriter.

Her album The Wishing Hour will be released in October 2016.  You can pre-order it HERE.

Apr
15
Mon
David Johnston
Apr 15 @ 7:30 pm
David Johnston

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 –

 

The White Owls
Apr 15 @ 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

Apr
16
Tue
The Franc Graham Band
Apr 16 @ 7:30 pm

The Boston Globe on The Franc Graham Band:

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

The Blue Ribbons
Apr 16 @ 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

Apr
17
Wed
Fandango
Apr 17 @ 7:30 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) 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.” –

le Prestige
Apr 17 @ 10:00 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. “Repertoire”, finished in 2012, also features Scott Getchell on trumpet, Kit Buckley on tenor sax, John Glenshaw on drums, and Jim Hobbs on alto sax.

Apr
18
Thu
Melvern Taylor & His Fabulous Meltones
Apr 18 @ 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.
The Social No. 11
Apr 18 @ 10:00 pm
The Social No. 11

The Social No.11 delivers its own brand of New England Americana with a country twang and a bluesy heart. They’re known for haunting lyrics, sweet harmonies, and showing up with a boat-load of instruments

Apr
19
Fri
Red Tail Hawk
Apr 19 @ 10:00 pm

Red Tail Hawk has opened for National acts such as G-Love, The Brew and Chris Duarte, to name a few. They’ve played major music festival in the region and sold-out shows at The Stone Church in Newmarket, NH and The Press Room in Portsmouth, NH.

Red Tail Hawk

AS SEEN AT TOAD...