Calendar
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.
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.” –
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.
Young Frontier is an Americana-Indie band featuring Daniel King, Bethany Weiman & Joe Young – their influences include Ryan Adams, Jeff Buckley, Jason Isbell, The Band, The Lone Bellow, Nickel Creek, The Wood Brothers, and Ray Lamontagne.
You can give a listen HERE
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
TOAD is thrilled to welcome Imam Hamden for the first time. Born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. Imam began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and since then has devoted countless hours to mastering the instrument. In 2012 he was featured on a national television music program, drawing attention and acclaim from industry professionals and audiences alike, which led to his first tour the same year.
‘The guitar work is terrific; understated but thick with feeling. Hamdani’s guitar takes centre spotlight at exactly the right times, always elevating the track, never calling unnecessary attention to itself”- Mosiki
Zack DuPont is one of The DuPont Brothers –
“The DuPont Brothers have the gift of being both poets and musicians, a rarity these days. It’s always refreshing to hear sibling duos, because you can sense the true bond felt between them. A Riddle For You has a way of really tugging on your heartstrings, having the quality of sounding familiar while at the same time offering a fresh twist on traditional folk music.
-Amy Lieberman, NYS Music
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.
Jill McCracken is an indie songstress that thrives on classic pop and soul. Her catalog of original songs over the past 10 years have evolved from an indie rock upbringing to a soulful pop sound that draws inspiration from Lake Street Dive, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, and of course, The Beatles. Constantly voicing tales of misadventures and love of all kinds, Jill’s performance is intimate, sincere, and unrelenting. Backed by her long time friend and musical partner Kevin Ewer (drums), these two are delighted to have recently added Jim Horvath (guitar) and Brendan Duran (bass) to the lineup.
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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 –
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!
Guided by fearless leading men and co-founders Kevin and Jim, this band is doing nothing less than loving wholly while peddling that good ol’ fuzz filled, psychedelic Rock n’ Roll Soul… my friends, Rolling Nectar is here to shed light on the music scene!
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.
“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
Chris McDermott is a very busy musician playing all over America, Europe, and the Caribbean for over 25 years. Posessing a truly unique rhythmic style he draws from what seems to be every available musical color in the palette. He is also one of the bravest and most energetic musicians you will ever experience live.
Playing solo or surrounding himself with some of the best international musicians in the world, Chris lives for that real “in the moment” exchange with his audience, his players and the vibrations created by all involved.
BAKER THOMAS BAND “…kind of a musical Robin Hood, robbing freely from the classic roots of American music and bringing it back to the common folks.” – Billy Beard, Talent buyer/Boston Session drummer.
Gentle Temper is Ryan Meier and Marion Earley, an ocean-folk duo with a blues tide from the bayous of Boston, MA. Marion and Ryan met while attending college in Boston and began writing and playing together in their final year. Their live sound builds on a sturdy foundation of lyrical storytelling & animated harmonies.
“Wistful, harmony-drenched balladeers of the modern condition, these folks may become your new local favorites.” – Aeronaut Allston
“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.
Check out the FACEBOOK event for more info HERE
“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
“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!
On 8/23/2016, Amber Casares lent her vocal talent to John Powhida International Airport – right here at TOAD – tonight she’s center stage . . .
take a listen HERE
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 –
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!
SPOTTED TIGER – A musical bridge from Willie Nelson to Bob Marley where JJ Cale is the toll collector. Featuring original music by songwriters Laurence Scudder & Erik White . . .
Chris McDermott is a very busy musician playing all over America, Europe, and the Caribbean for over 25 years. Posessing a truly unique rhythmic style he draws from what seems to be every available musical color in the palette. He is also one of the bravest and most energetic musicians you will ever experience live.
Playing solo or surrounding himself with some of the best international musicians in the world, Chris lives for that real “in the moment” exchange with his audience, his players and the vibrations created by all involved.
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.” –
. . . tonight TOAD welcomes Organ in Orbit
Organ In Orbit is a jazz/funk organ trio from Boston, formed originally as a side-project of the Freelance Bishops leader/keyboardist, Jeremy Parker, back in 2004. Jeremy had a dream and a newly customized Hammond A-100, with a high-power Leslie cabinet and subwoofer he designed and built himself. With a smart selection of covers by artists ranging from the Meters to John Scofield,and styles ranging from shuffles to boogaloos to modern funk, the roots of the trio’s musical influence were growing wide and deep. And it certainly didn’t hurt to have a similarly deep bench of musical talent to contribute to this vision. On guitar, local luminaries like Justin Piper, Mike Mele, and Bruce Bartlett would be on call. And on drums, you’d likely see Benny Benson, Pete Maclean, or Steve Langone. After many years of regular gigs at their favorite local venues, the trio has developed a unique chemistry and dynamic musical interaction that truly engages the audience. Fast forward to 2017, and the band lineup has solidified and is working on brand-new original material composed by Jeremy, with a new album release eminent. Things are about to get interesting…
Come hear for yourself why this jazz-funk organ quartet from Boston is Out of THIS World!
Rea (Maria White) is a singer-songwriter, producer from St. John’s, Newfoundland. Rea’s lyrics have been described as honest and witty, her harmonies smart and natural.
Her style is unique, yet shows such influences of Norah Jones vocal stylings, the melodic inspirations of Laura Nyro, Priscilla Ahn’s lyrical and instrumental techniques, the soulful vibe of Emily King, and inspired by vocal and musical genre of Yuna.
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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
“Pat Stone & The Dirty Boots play it similar to acts like Uncle Tupelo and Old 97’s. That is to say it’s often rock (or even punk) masquerading as a country band, often times not even in a very comprehensive disguise. While they may be hiding a bunch of tattoos under their flannels, Pat Stone and his band of merry ramblers deftly keep things gritty and a little dust-covered in the way that all the best alt country acts are able to.” – Chip McCabe
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Noble Dust is a motley collection of reformed band geeks, we’re all about lyrically driven progressive folk pop, toast, and fitting onto tiny stages.
Pioneers of Frog Pop, as far as we know . . .
Drawing from his Nasvhille roots, film composer, singer songwriter, producer, and performer Andy Tubman aka Skinnytubs creates lilting melodies and sensual grooves which captivate with warm intimacy. Songs such “Do It Again” from the 2016 Keith Gattis produced album, Sea of Sin, evoke the sounds of Jeff Buckley and Ray LaMontagne with emotional spellbinding and stunning simplicity.
The co-founding member of the LA based Jane Does, Skinnytubs now prepares for his self-produced and soon-to-be-released solo album Ether. With a diverse collaborative cast including Dennis Hamm of Thundercat (keys and synth), and James King of Fitz and the Tantrums (flute), Ether is a soul pop masterwork that woos listeners into melancholy rapture.
Bees Deluxe is a full-tilt,
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.
