(clockwise from top left: Brown Bird, Space Balloons (a.k.a. Michael J. Epstein and Sophia Cacciola), Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Somerville Symphony Orkestar, and The Human League
Every so often the stars align and we have an auspicious evening on our hands here in Boston. Tomorrow night is such a night. You have (among other things), the choice between old-time-folky Brown Bird (whom I can wickedly highly recommended, after having seen them at the Newport Folk Festival) along with Coyote Kolb and Mister Sister; a multimedia extravaganza in tribute to the immensely brilliant (and my favorite author), Kurt Vonnegut Jr; and a time-travel adventure back to the ’80s with The Human League and Men Without Hats (bring along your big hair).
Brown Bird, Coyote Kolb and Mister Sister at Great Scott
Thurs, Sept. 22, 9pm doors | $8 | 18+
Brown Bird are the super soulful indie folk duo of David Lamb (guitar, banjo, percussion, vocals) and Morganeve Swain (fiddle, cello, upright bass, vocals). They blew people away at Newport (me included; one of my festival favorites). See them in a much more intimate venue, and avoid the sunburn. They have a new album coming out in October called Salt for Salt, which sounds absolutely beautiful. Listen for yourself below. I’m sure these new songs will figure prominently in their set tomorrow night. They’re on a full U.S. tour after Great Scott; see their tour dates.
Also on the bill are two other fine bands. Boston’s Coyote Kolb (founded by songwriter Chadley Kolb in 2008) have a nice and rootsy Americana-rocking sound. Their debut full-length album, Massachusett, was released last year, and they’re currently working on the next one, to be aptly titled United State. They’ll also be playing at the Lizard Lounge on November 19 with Abbie Barret and Kristen Ford. Peoria’s Mister Sister round out the bill with their dual female vocalists, specializing in ‘arena rock’, but also at home with funk and blues. They came together in 2005, wanting to perform songs by such bands as Boston, Fleetwood Mac, Heart and REO Speedwagon. Not sure what they’re sounding like now; I tried to find an online sampling, with no luck.
Brown Bird: official site | bandcamp | facebook | twitter
Coyote Kolb: official site | facebook | bandcamp | twitter
Mister Sister: official site | facebook
Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt: A Tribute to Kurt Vonnegut Jr. @ Precinct Bar (Union Square, Somerville)
Thurs, Sept. 22, 7:30pm | $8 | 21+
Good heavens, what can I say about Kurt Vonnegut? Breakfast of Champions, a book that changed my life when I was 15. Slaughterhouse-Five, probably the most eloquent anti-war statement ever made. And Slapstick, the perfect primer for these strange times (though hopefully not prophetic). Where the hell is Vonnegut when we really need him?? Ah right, he died back in 2007. So it goes.
Meghan Chiampa of Desert Race Boston and Jade Sylvan, poet and songwriter, are proud to present a night of tribute to the late, great Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Performers include Space Balloons (Michael J. Epstein and Sophia Cacciola), Somerville Symphony Orkestar, Jade Sylvan, touring author Daphne Gottlieb, (Dear Dawn, Soft Skull Press), Boston Poetry Slam-master, Simone Beaubien, poet James Caroline (Boston Phoenix Poll Best Local Author), and more.
Over a dozen performances ranging from poetry, music, interactive digital visual art, paintings, and even live puppet theater. Acts will include Kurt Vonnegut Jr. tribute poems, songs based on stories, and a re-enactment of Harrison Bergeron from Welcome to the Monkey House.
Jade Sylvan
Space Balloons
Somerville Symphony Orkestar
See the press release for the full schedule.
The Human League and Men Without Hats @ the House of Blues
Thurs, Sept. 22 | Doors: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Prices: $25 GA, $35 Reserved Seating | all ages
Remember this? Nope, neither do I.
The Human League: facebook | twitter | fan site | wikipedia
Men Without Hats: official site | facebook | twitter | wikipedia
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