New England Americana Festival 2011

Tomorrow is the big day, as the New England Americana Festival enters it's second year, rocking out with the best Americana music the local scene has to offer!

Here's a rundown of the three-day festivities, and be sure to check the site for more info.





Thursday
Will Dailey & The Rivals, Sara Borges. Comanchero, Sam Otis Hill, Patrick Coman, Rationales, The Molenes, Jeff Conley, Johnny A and The Molasses Band, Highway Ghosts, Adela & Jude of They Will Hate Us

Friday
Dennis Brennan Quatro, Treat Her Right, Big East, The Highland Drifters, John Colvert & The Great Brighton Fire, Susan Cattaneo Band, Mount Peru, Abbie Barrett & Sarah Blacker, This Way, Tom Hagerty Band, Audrey Ryan, Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch

Saturday
"Gearan, Royer, Ryan & McNeill", Three Day Threshold, Sam Reid & The Riot Act, Kieran Ridge Band, The Whiskey Boys, Sam Wheeler, The Resurrectionists, Glen Yoder & His Merry Band, Mr. Sister, Cactus Attack, Chasing Blue, Coyote Kolb, Eric Royer & his Guitar Machine, and the amazing Whiskey Boys

Raffle to benefit Club Passim's Music Speaks initiative: Music Speaks teaches teenagers from all communities basic guitar playing and songwriting techniques. With the help of dedicated teachers, donated guitars, and scholarships, Music Speaks provides a nurturing musical environment for teenagers.

St. Patrick's Day show photos

How did you spend your St. Patrick's Day? At the All Asia, we enjoyed a great show! Pics can be found on the Facebook page.

Upcoming shows for March/April

As we bid a middle-fingered goodbye to Old Man Winter, let's enjoy the upcoming spring with some new shows!

March 26-The Control, Brace for Impact and Secret Snake Society

The action kicks off at 4 p.m., with a mere $6 cover, and it's an all ages show. Check out the Facebook event listing here.


April 9-East is East, Zagnutt, Dressed for the Occasion and Nik Dimoulas Trio

We head north to New Hampshire for a Citywide/Plectrum-booked night of greatness! Check the flyer at left for all the details.

Air Traffic Controller show file

Hey all, it's a new day, and a new Citywide show file! Today it's our Noise Magazine Spotlight interview with Dave Munro of Air Traffic Controller.

A new look at Boston’s music history

For those familiar with bands like Uh Huh Her, the So and Sos and Catie Curtis, a new organization has come together to give a new voice to these musicians.

From photography exhibitions to shows around Boston, the Queer Women in Music (QWIMB) movement has the city’s female musicians front and center. Run by Tina Lafleur, QWIMB wears more than a few hats. The recent Queer Bonanza at T.T. The Bear’s Place in early February drew a solid crowd with five different acts (Betty Widerski, Jordan Clements, Brief Awakening, Roni Pillischer and Happy Little Clouds), and more is planned in the near future.

“There have always been queer institutions, with the universities,” said Lafleur. “This is definitely a place that attracts music.”

Lafleur burns the rest her midnight oil researching other musicians either from the city or who have played there from the 1970s and on, and in doing so contributed to this aspect of the city’s music.

“It’s mostly been word of mouth,” said Lafleur, referring to how news of QWIMB has spread.

A volunteer with the History Project, Lafleur is focused on putting together an exhibit for the QWIMB movement, with long-term plans of guest speakers and a book on the subject. Lafleur a former employee at Newbury Comics, she’s been exposed to music of all kinds and said the connections there have helped her learn of other performers She also hopes to work with the city’s gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender organizations, adding that the response to the T.T.’s show and her work have far exceeded her expectations.

“I didn’t realize the bands were here,” Lafleur said, adding that many have responded to her requests for photos and information.

Lafleur has started a Facebook page for QWIMB, and some musicians involved have posted photos, videos and links.

The History Project’s recent work focuses on the history of same-sex marriage’s struggle in Massachusetts and the history of Boston’s Pride celebration. It recently launches Above and Beyond, an exihibit documenting the triumphs and tragedies of those committed to fighting against HIV and AIDS.

For more information on Queer Women in Music, visit facebook.com/QWIMBb. Visit www.historyproject.org for more on The History Project.

Jeff Byrd and the Dirty Finch song 'Probably Maybe' used in nationally televised commercial

It's one thing to hear your band's tunes on local or national radio, but knowing your music's going to be seen on the small screen is a whole new level of cool.

Americana band Jeff Byrd and the Dirty Finch can add a new notch to their belts with the news that their song "Probably Maybe" is currently being used in the Clear on Calories campaign commercial. It's a nationally televised commercial that has been airing on networks like CNN and others nationwide.

Here's the YouTube link, and you can learn more about the band here.

Here's the commercial link:

On another note, our next gig will be at National Underground in NYC. We go on at 8pm sharp!!

Sarah Blacker/Only at Night

A new day, a new show file for my fans! Today it's my good friends Sarah Blacker and the gang from Only at Night!