Calendar
“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
“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!
Dietrich Strause’s songs are a mix of timeless melody, literate lyricism, and a “virtuosic command of imagery.” (The Artery, WBUR) Strause released his new album How Cruel That Hunger Binds on August 26th, produced by Zachariah Hickman (Ray LaMontage, Josh Ritter), the next benchmark in his steady evolution as one of the most eclectic writers and performers coming out of New England. His newest collection of songs is found somewhere in the shadows of the likes of Randy Newman, Nick Lowe, and Paul Simon.
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!
You’d be hard-pressed to define Copilot. The Massachusetts-based group are made up of powerhouse vocalist Maggie Quealy, charismatic frontman Ry McDonald, bassist Austin Beveridge, and drummer Dylan Allwine. Together, Copilot aren’t so much making music as they are crafting an experience. Sure, you can call them Americana because of their twangy harmonies or even pop thanks to their danceable beats, but maybe nouns aren’t quite right. Adjectives, on the other hand, might do them justice.
“There is magic…there is a certain magic to what they do.”
– Michael Butler, WEMF Radio
“Copilot soars with passion and creativity”
– Cameron Merrit, The Sun Chronicle
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.” –
“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.
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.
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
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!
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Miele is a Boston-based rock band that pulls from a diverse drawing board of art rock, psychedelia, soul, grunge, alternative, metal, and funk influences. Formed in 2014, Miele captivates with soaring vocals from multi-faceted front woman Melissa Lee Nilles, arpeggiated keyboard melodies, solid and complex drum rhythms, and startling switches between mystical melodies and grungy/funky/heavy rock.
Space Between is a rock (and roll) band that falls in the gap of what came before and what has yet to come.
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Space Between have been exploring and entertaining the greater New England area and beyond since 2016. With an emphasis on song craft and performance, Space Between look to deliver articulate, compelling tunes with a tight, punchy groove.
Lady Lupine is a Boston based soul and rock band that delivers thrilling performances of original and covered music. Their sound is a unique blend of poignant lyrics, robust rhythms and alluring melodies. Drawing inspiration from artists like Stevie Wonder, Hiatus Kaiyote, Erykah Badu and Santigold, Lady Lupine creates an engaging experience while cultivating visceral connections through sound.
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!
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.
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!
The Boston Globe on The Franc Graham Band:
“Immensely Underrated… cool and commanding… an unusually rich blend of singer-songwriter rock…”
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
This is a band that has developed a loyal local following of humorous young people that enjoy the band for its lack of message of any kind and
one staunch goal for the Jeb Bush Orchestra: MAKE PEOPLE DANCE.
“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!
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
Boston’s R&B ensemble Miss Fairchild is joyfully committed to The Show; spectacle, musicianship, awe, and entertainment. Performing in the grand tradition of the Motown/Stax innovators of the 60’s, and the glittery Pop-Funk icons of each succeeding decade, MF exists among a new tier of R&B showmanship. Channeling both the urban ferocity of The Dap Kings as well as the slick live acts of Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars, they tilt their fedoras to the past, while dancing in tandem with the contemporary.
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.
John Powhida International Airport won the Boston 2011 Rock and Roll Rumble! Hot Dog! 5 yrs after The Rudds took silver JPX takes Gold!!!
John Powhida is a singer/songwriter living in Boston. John is a multiple Boston Music Award nominee and his songs have been featured in episodes of My Name is Earl and Men in Trees. He has sung on recordings by The Click Five, Sarah Borges and The Gentlemen. You may have seen him perform with his beloved Boston rock and soul combo The Rudds or even as guitarist with rock n roll icon and author Bebe Buell.
Powhida’s main boogie from here on out will continue to be John Powhida International Airport, a potent 6 piece rock, disco, soul, pop fuzion entertainment unit of the highest original order.
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!
Jennifer Kimball is a musician known for her unusual choice of notes, her passion for dissonance and her willingness to create harmony where none has been envisioned before.
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Here’s where you may have seen/heard Duke Levine :
Tours With:
Peter Wolf
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Rosanne Cash
Aimee Mann
J. Geils Band
The Story
Del Fuegos
Otis Rush
Big Jay McNeely
Leon Thomas
Other live appearances with:
Dennis Brennan Band
Carol Noonan
Roy Sludge Trio
Boston Pops w/ Bono & YoYo Ma
Boston Pops w/Shawn Colvin
The Giant Kings
Kenny White
Jennifer Kimball
Slaid Cleaves
Lucy Kaplansky
Jimmy Ryan and Hayride
TV appearances:
Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show, Late Night with Conan
O’Brien, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Grammy Awards, Superbowl Pre-game
Show, Austin City Limits, Soundstage, Good Morning America, The Early Show,
The Today Show, Live with Regis & Kelly, Life 360, Talk Soup, Charlie Rose, Hard
Rock Live
Film and Television Scores:
The Opposite Of Sex, Passion Fish, Lone Star, Limbo, Sunshine State, Honey
Dripper, Men With Guns, Silver City, City Of Hope, Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken, Troublesome Creek, So Much So Fast, Music of the Heart, Say It Isn’t So, The American Experience, Rescue Me
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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.
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.” –