Category Archives: Prior Shows

Johnny B Connolly and Casey Neill – Saturday June 30, 2018 at 8:00pm

Johnny B Connolly and Casey Neill – Saturday June 30, 2018 at 8:00pm

Although still in his twenties, Johnny B. Connolly has already generated a reputation as an exciting and accomplished button accordionist. Johnny’s talents have paved the way across continents and provided him opportunities to perform or record with many internationally renowned artists including Kevin Burke, the Chieftains, Anam, Martin Hayes and Altan. His debut album Bridgetown (Green Linnet) was called “the most exciting solo debut from an Irish artist in years” by The Irish Herald — “a must-have CD for all true lovers of Irish box playing.”

Singer Casey Neill’s bona fides range from indie-rock to Celtic music: He’s collaborated in various ways with Solas, The Minus 5, Black Prairie and The Decemberists, among others.

In the late ’90s, Neill was featured on a Pete Seeger tribute album alongside Bruce Springsteen, Billy Bragg and Bonnie Raitt. Neill’s full-time band, the Portland, Oregon-based Norway Rats, features some of the city’s most sought-after and respected musicians. But for his Mountain Stage debut, he plays two solo songs and another pair backed by the Mountain Stage Band. His latest album is titled All You Pretty Vandals.

“This is the most exciting solo debut album from an Irish artist in years…a must-have CD for all true lovers of Irish box playing.” – The Irish Herald

“Bridgetown features the sounds of Johnny B. Connolly’s accordion: lilting, somber, joyful, poignant. Though only 26, the Dublin-born Connolly has a masterly control over his instrument, conveying a range of emotions in 10 jigs, reels and songs.” – The Irish Echo

“Johnny B. Connolly is among the best young players. Bridgetown is a delightful splash of jigs, reels, a slow air and even a whimsical, Paris-flavored musette.” – Goldmine

Johnny B Connolly
Casey Neill

The Quitters – Saturday May 12, 2018 at 8:00pm

The Quitters – Saturday May 12, 2018 at 8:00pm

A guitar duo of right-side up finger picking (Stevie Coyle) and upside down flat picking (Glenn Houston). The Quitters deliver a performance spiced with humor and serendipity.

Glenn Houston (nee Pomianek) has been voted Best Guitarist by the Northern California Bluegrass Society, is a past judge of the National Flatpicking Guitar Championship Competition in Winfield, Kansas, and was the founding lead guitarist of the Waybacks, co-founder and long-time lead guitarist for Bammie (Bay Area Music Award) winners Hearts on Fire, and co-founder and long-time lead guitarist for the powerhouse Americana quintet Houston Jones.

Originally from New Jersey, Glenn’s guitarist influences range from Albert King and Michael Bloomfield to Doc Watson and James Burton. These influences show in his well-balanced mastery of both acoustic and electric guitar.

Over the years, Glenn has shared billing with such luminaries as Emmylou Harris, Merle Haggard, the Tubes, the David Grisman Quintet, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Bela Fleck, Tim O’Brien, Hank Williams Jr., Steve Earle, John Hartford, Earl Scruggs, Doc and Merle Watson, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Delbert McClinton. Glenn has been the lead guitarist for country great Johnny Paycheck, and has performed and recorded with Grammy winner Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. With his strong background in electric blues, Glenn has performed with blues legends Mark Naftalin (Paul Butterfield Blues band) and Nick Gravenites (Electric Flag) in tribute to Mark and Nick’s late band mate, blues great Michael Bloomfield.

Glenn’s classical music background includes choral vocal performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic (Zubin Mehta conducting, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, at Carnegie Hall and the United Nations General Assembly [the U.N.’s 25th anniversary celebration]), and the Boston Symphony (Erich Leinsdorf conducting, Brahms’ Requiem, at Carnegie Hall).

Stevie Coyle (late of the whiz-bang string band The Waybacks) is one lucky bum. His dad ran a radio station in southern California and brought home all the promo LPs that didn’t fit the Spanish-language format. The Ventures’ Guitar Freakout and Alvin & The Chipmunks Play The Beatles’ Hits both came home on a single fateful day.

It didn’t hurt, either, that string-meister David Lindley played in a bluegrass band that rehearsed right next door and gave Stevie his very first lessons, or that his dear Granny was a pianist in the heyday of vaudeville, or that his sainted mother was a whiz in mandolin orchestras of the 1930s. Not even several years of playing Folk Masses on Sundays could quash his musical spirit.

After securing degrees in Theatre and Theology at Santa Clara University he hit the road for 3 years with The Royal Lichtenstein Circus. Once back home, he signed on as actor / stage manager for San Jose Rep. He announced killer whale shows. His best friend was an elephant.

He and pal Roy Zimmerman have worked closely in several collaborations over the years, including folk tribute / parody band The Foremen and comedy duo The Reagan Bros. The boys were regulars at The Comedy Strore and The Improv. Stevie appeared on Cheers, in many television commercials and had a recurring role on The Young And The Restless.

Hey, wake up!! We’re almost done.

Safely back in the Bay Area, he continued his acting career, doing commercials, voiceovers and films, and played in the folk duo The Frontmen. He co-founded The Waybacks in 1999 and fronted that band through 2007. They released 4 albums in that time, played major festivals like Merlefest, Grey Fox, Floydfest and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, toured Australia and collaborated with Lloyd Maines, Michelle Shocked and Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead.

Stevie’s gone feral and solo now. He’s also released his first solo CD, Ten-In-One, produced by guitar guru Walter Strauss.

“Stevie Coyle and Glenn Houston make up the dynamic guitar duo, The Quitters. Having each quit some of the best bands in the business, both are late founding members of The Waybacks and each have performed at Strawberry in other configurations. Stevie Coyle has a long and illustrious career as an entertainer that began well before birth and Glenn Houston’s well decorated history in music is best known to berry heads for his founding role of powerhouse Americana quintet, Houston Jones. As individuals, both are renowned players in music circles. Now they have joined forces, to the delight of California audiences, to become a right-handed, right-side up fingerpicking and left-handed upside down flatpicking twosome. Mostly acoustic. Some electric. Much serendipity.” – Strawberry Music Festival

www.QuittersDuo.com
Videos

An Evening with Kathryn Claire – Saturday April 14, 2018 at 8:00pm

An Evening with Kathryn Claire – Saturday April 14, 2018 at 8:00pm

Featuring Allen Hunter (bass) Don Henson (piano/percussion) Sid Dilson (violin).

Kathryn Claire has spent years cultivating her own style and approach to music as a violinist, guitar player, singer, and songwriter. Strong fundamentals from her classical and traditional music background combined with improvisation has made her a favorite at venues, festivals and institutions around the world. She has toured and performed extensively in the US, Japan, India, Holland, Belgium and France.

In her latest album “Bones Will Last,” musician and composer Kathryn Claire has created a unique collection of songs and instrumental compositions. With her violin and voice at the forefront, Kathryn is supported by Zak Borden on mandolin, Allen Hunter on upright bass, and Don Henson on piano.

“Bones Will Last” is a hopeful and heartbreaking album, exploring deeply both personal and universal themes of loss, love and transformation. Kathryn Claire skillfully weaves together stories and melodies rooted in her classical and traditional musical background. Her honest and poetic writing and her unique voice move seamlessly across genres creating an aesthetic which is original and diverse. The ten tracks on “Bones Will Last” draw from her extensive international travel over the past 10 years, and synthesize her personal and musical history.

“Claire’s deep vocals combine with exquisite layered orchestrations. These dark, provocative, thoughtful songs engage the listener and elicit deep emotions.”
-Amy Steele, ENTERTAINMENT REALM

“They bring to the music a vital and joyous creativity that excites even the hardest of hearts.” -John Doyle, founding member of Solas.

“The instrumentals play just as profoundly, perhaps more effectively, as if stepping lightly around the graves of the forgotten and the missed.”
-Carol Banks Weber, MEDIUM

“Claire’s song’s and instrumental arrangements, blessed with a fine back-up band, flow into one another in a highly emotional way, the instrumentals containing a dark beauty about them, while the songs burst into melodic gusto, the two continually born of one another.”
-Dinah Urell, HIPFISH MONTHLY

www.KathrynClaireMusic.com
Videos

Molly’s Revenge – Saturday March 10, 2018 at 8:00pm

Molly’s Revenge – Saturday March 10, 2018 at 8:00pm

Molly’s Revenge is a dynamic, acoustic Celtic band known for its unique and infectious enthusiasm. The classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, and fiddle, with a backdrop of guitar, mandola, and bodhran guarantees an enjoyable experience for all fans of Scottish and Irish music. Molly’s Revenge has performed at many of the top folk festivals and performing arts events in the USA, and prestigious events in Scotland, Australia and China. Their arrangements of traditional Celtic jigs and reels bring these dance tunes up to date with a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more.

“Revered in California as one of its most energetic, exciting and innovative bands.” –Shay Black, of the legendary Black family.

“They bring to the music a vital and joyous creativity that excites even the hardest of hearts.” –John Doyle, founding member of Solas.

“The instruments are traditional… but the wild passion they exhibit is thoroughly modern.” –Metro Santa Cruz (CA).

“There is an engaging freshness and yet an impressive maturity in their playing.” –Mick Moloney, National Heritage Award recipient.

www.MollysRevenge.com
Videos

Laura Gibson – Saturday February 17, 2018 at 8:00pm

Laura Gibson – Saturday February 17, 2018 at 8:00pm

Laura Gibson play at Pistol RiverEmpire Builder – Laura Gibson’s second record for Barsuk/City Slang, and fourth LP, is named for the Amtrak route Laura took while moving from Portland, Oregon to New York City in the summer of 2014, after deciding to enter graduate school, to move away from a supportive community, a close-knit family and her long-time boyfriend. Out of her comfort zone, she found even more of a challenge than she’d envisioned. Immediately upon arrival, she broke her foot and barely left her 5th floor apartment for the first two months. Then, on March 26th, 2015, her East Village building burned to the ground in a horrific gas explosion which killed two people and left many homeless.

Gibson escaped from her apartment unharmed, but lost everything: all identification, eyeglasses, musical instruments, years of notebooks and every word she had written in response to her move. She spent the next few months rebuilding her life, bouncing between friends’ couches and guest rooms, finishing her second semester, and all the while rewriting the lyrics she’d lost. A financial recovery was made possible with help and support from hundreds of friends, fans and strangers. It’s no surprise that Empire Builder stands as her most personal record to date.

But while the making of the album was cathartic, it’s not just an auto-biographical mirror-gazing exercise. Through her fiction studies in grad school, Gibson has found her legs as a storyteller and these songs hit hard, separate from their backstory: it’s a huge leap forward for Gibson as a songwriter, composer and producer. Equally raw and focused, Empire Builder captures a life blown open, an individual mid-transformation. Gibson gathered a stellar band of old friends to complement her songs: guitarist/bassist Dave Depper (Death Cab for Cutie, Menomena), drummer/percussionist Dan Hunt (Neko Case) and composer/violinist Peter Broderick. Other contributors include Nate Query of the Decemberists and vocalist Alela Diane. Gibson co-produced the record with John Askew (The Dodos, Neko Case), spending her school breaks in his home studio and in Broderick’s studio on the Oregon Coast.

Within her fiction studies in grad school, Gibson is finding her legs as a storyteller. Amidst trauma, loss and recovery, she rediscovered songwriting as a means of understanding her own life and choices. Empire Builder grapples with independence, womanhood, solitude, connection and aloneness. If Gibson has a thesis, it’s perhaps within the final words of the title track: “Hurry up and lose me / Hurry up and find me again.” With clear-eyed honesty, urgency and warmth, Empire Builder succeeds in capturing the moment between loss and rediscovery.” – CITY SLANG

www.LauraGibsonMusic.com
Videos

The Special Consensus – Saturday January 20, 2018 at 8:00pm

The Special Consensus – Saturday January 20, 2018 at 8:00pm

The Special Consensus - Pistol River Concert AssociationSpecial Consensus is a superb bluegrass outfit in a classic vein but with more than enough modern sensibilities to attract every ear in this now pleasantly fractionating genre. The vocals are spotless, the playing as shiny as a newly minted penny, and music like this is the reason people come to love bluegrass… Special Consensus approaches this hallowed American musical form with boundless energy and an aesthetic reverence that tickles the ribs, tugs at the heart, and puts a restless two-step in boots and bare feet…

Formed in the Chicago area in 1975, The Special Consensus is a four-person acoustic bluegrass band with a repertoire that features traditional bluegrass standards, original compositions by band members and professional songwriters, and songs from other musical genres performed in the bluegrass format. The band has released 18 recordings and has appeared on numerous National Public Radio programs and cable television shows, including The Nashville Network and the Grand Ole Opry at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. International tours have brought the band to Australia, Canada, Europe, South America, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The Special C has appeared in concert with many symphony orchestras nationwide and has brought an informative in-school presentation to schools nationally and internationally since 1984.

Yes, Special Consensus may be Chicago’s very own veteran bluegrass band, but talent like this is the property of the world” – DAVID ROYKO; CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Special Consensus exceeded our expectations as artists-in-residence. Your Traditional American Music program for the schools was well conceived and masterfully performed. Your community outreach mini-concerts were great fun and resulted in promoting ticket sales to the capstone concert. You earned the well-deserved standing ovation you received during the capstone concert – ROCHESTER CIVIC MUSIC; ROCHESTER, MN

www.SpecialC.com
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Kimo Hussey – Saturday November 11, 2017 at 8:00pm

Kimo Hussey – Saturday November 11, 2017 at 8:00pm

Kimo Hussey - Pistol River Concert AssociationIn an interview with Mike Lynch of AllThingsUkulele.com, Kimo talked about his life and love of Ukulele…  “Through instructional efforts of the only ukulele instructor (My uncle Richard) I’ve ever had, I started playing at the age of 5. Throughout my entire life playing ukulele has always been about having fun and not about gaining mastery of the instrument through academic endeavor. In college, I majored in music with an emphasis in choral conduction as I had grown to love church music, especially performed by choirs. Eventual entry into the US Air Force to avoid the draft turned into a full-time career I so enjoyed bu also mean music was put on the back burner——until my eventual retirement. As now I am fully retired, I’ve totally embrace the ongoing ukulele renaissance and spend most of my time doing workshops and whatever I think is best to nurture ukulele’s continued growth.”

“I love to play, teach and nurture as best I can —- so therefore pursue any opportunity which affords me the means of doing this. One of my favorite activities is
to travel to ukulele workshops and events around the world not only to feed the resurgence but to meet other players as well.”

“Regarding playing ukulele, I love to push the envelope and embrace different styles or methodologies of play to assure the instrument’s continued growth. A big part of this is meeting and interfacing with ukulele makers so I know I play the latest technology instruments. They look better, sound better and are much easier to play. Yes, they do cost more but are worth every dime spent.”

“If you’re looking for someone to inspire your ukulele playing you couldn’t do much better than Kimo Hussey. He’s about the smoothest and classiest ukulelist around.” – UKULELE HUNT (UkuleleHunt.com)

“Kimo Hussey is one of Hawaii’s preeminent ukulele players and instructors. Combining his love of the ukulele with his knowledge, experience and confidence, Kimo’s ability to impart knowledge relevant to technique, practice and having fun is unmatched.” – JIM D’VILLE (PlayUkuleleByEar.com)

www.UkuleleReview.com
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Ukulele Workshop with Kimo Hussey – Sunday November 12, 2017 at 1:00pm

Hawaiian Ukulele Master Kimo Hussey will be conducting a ukulele workshop at the Pistol River Friendship from 1 to 3 on Nov 12th, 2017.

Known world wide as an “Ambassador of Ukulele” Kimo’s workshops inspire, entertain and enlighten all who attend.

Highly recommended for “All Levels”.

Cost for the 2 hour workshop is $20. Contact Les Stansell for details or to reserve your space.  les@stansellguitars.com 541/247-7636

Jeff Scroggins and Colorado – Saturday October 14, 2017 at 8:00pm

Jeff Scroggins and Colorado – Saturday October 14, 2017 at 8:00pm

Jeff Scroggins Colorado - By Kenneth WajdaJeff Scroggins & Colorado is a high-energy five-piece bluegrass band located in the Western Frontier state of Colorado. Their distinctive sound showcases an eclectic range of influences that marry second and third generation bluegrass, delivering a unique experience that captivates audiences and keeps them guessing: It’s a powerful, high mountain “bluegrass explosion” that features world-class banjo and mandolin playing, incredible vocals, a solid and energetic rhythm and an easy stage banter that has delighted listeners all over the world.

Fronted by internationally acclaimed two-time National Banjo Champion ​Jeff Scroggins, their distinct style is immediately recognizable due to Jeff’s unique and diverse range of influences, which include Alan Munde, Don Reno, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton. His fiery style and lightning-fast licks have earned him worldwide recognition and have left many a first-time listener in stunned disbelief!

The band also features the award-winning mandolin playing of Jeff’s son Tristan Scroggins. At only 21 years old, Tristan is an award-winning instrumentalist and accomplished songwriter in his own right while the instrumentals he shares with Jeff play a large role in the band’s unique and energetic style. In 2016, Tristan was nominated for the Instrumental Momentum Award by the International Bluegrass Music Association . West Virginia native Greg Blake provides powerful bluegrass vocals steeped in country heritage, bringing a truly authentic sound developed from a lifetime of singing bluegrass, gospel, and country. Twice nominated for the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America’s (SPBGMA) “Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year” award, Greg’s phenomenal guitar playing has earned him nine nominations and five consecutive wins as SPBGMA’s Guitarist of the Year. They are joined by Oregon native, 2016 Rockygrass Fiddle Champion and 2016 Arizona State Fiddle Champion Ellie Hakanson on fiddle and vocals. In addition to their individual accomplishments, the band was featured as the California Bluegrass Association’s Emerging Artist of the year, an honor given into the past to bands such as Della Mae, and Chris Henry & the Hardcore Grass.

Jeff Scroggins may not be a household name, but he should be” – BLUEGRASS UNLIMITED, OCTOBER ISSUE

4 and 1/2 Stars (out of 5)….[Ramblin’ Feels Good] goes into my “best” pile. There’s not a throwaway track on it — really good music.” – LARRY STEPHENS, LONESOME ROAD REVIEW

www.JeffScrogginsAndColorado.com
Videos

35th Anniversary Celebration Concert – Saturday September 16, 2017 at 7:00pm

35th Anniversary Celebration Concert –
Saturday September 16, 2017 at 7:00pm

The PRCA invites you to join us on Sept 16, 2017 for our 35th Anniversary Celebration Concert. Local talent will be on display with Happy Hour and a no host Arch Rock “Pistol River Ale” and wine bar beginning at 7pm (note special time).

Admission $20 (includes hors d’oeuvres & desserts)

All proceeds to benefit The PRCA

A sampling of music you might expect:
Video: Shanghai to Shenandoah
Video: Cheek to Cheek Tenor Uke

Ray Bonneville – Saturday August 19, 2017 at 8:00pm

Ray Bonneville – Saturday August 19, 2017 at 8:00pm

Ray Bonneville is a poet of the demimonde who didn’t write his first song until his early 40s, some 20 years after he started performing. But with a style that sometimes draws comparisons to JJ Cale and Daniel Lanois, this blues-influenced, New Orleans-inspired “song and groove man,” as he’s been so aptly described, luckily found his rightful calling.  Born in Quebec, his family moved to Boston when he was 12. He served a year in Vietnam as a Marine, struggled and overcame drug addiction, earned a pilot’s license in Colorado, then moved to Alaska, then Seattle, and Paris and New Orleans. But it took a close call while piloting a seaplane across the Canadian wilderness to make him decide it was time to get busy writing songs – gritty narratives inspired by a lifetime of hard-won knowledge set against his gritty, soulful guitar and harmonica playing.

He’s since earned many accolades, including a Juno Award for his 1999 album, Gust of Wind. His post-Katrina ode, “I Am the Big Easy,” earned the International Folk Alliance’s 2009 Song of the Year Award, and in 2012, Bonneville won the solo/duet category in the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. He has guested on albums by Mary Gauthier, Gurf Morlix, Eliza Gilkyson, Ray Wylie Hubbard and other prominent artists, and shared songwriting credits with Tim O’Brien, Phil Roy and Morlix, among others. Slaid Cleaves placed Bonneville’s “Run Jolee Run” on his lauded 2009 album, Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away.

Easy Gone, Ray’s fourth album for Red House Records,  takes listeners to some of the dark spaces and exotic places Bonneville has gone on his own travels. An Austin resident since 2006, Bonneville still puts the rhythms and soul of New Orleans into much of his music. His songs carry a groove and momentum that’s uniquely his — and will always be a part of him, no matter where he roams.

“Like gunpowder and opium.” – RAY WYLIE HUBBARD

“an absolute master…one of the most skilled songwriters of that dark slow smoldering yet fiery blues/roots music” – FAME

www.RayBonneville.com
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