Concerts of the Week

Peter Case
Monday October 15, 7 pm
Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main Street, Middletown
860-344-9674

Well, okay, I'm a bit predjudiced here, since I'm producing this show, though I'm not making any money doing so. It's a benefit for Gilead Community Services which provides mental health services in Middlesex County. Though it would be a "best concert of the week" even if I weren't the promoter. Case is an interesting case. He dropped out of high school in Buffalo and ran away to San Francisco, where he was virtually homeless, and earned money by playing and singing on the streets. He had a punk band called The Nerves. And he had a taste of success with the single, "A Million Miles Away," with his band The Plimsouls. Back in the day, it got heavy rotation on MTV. When he went solo, Case drifted to the rootsier side of things, writing songs of struggle, love, tragedy and hope. He studied the blues masters, and has become one himself. He's released a near-dozen critically-acclaimed albums, and his most recent is Let Us Now Praise Sleepy John, on Yep Roc. He's one of the most accomplished live perfomers I've ever seen and heard.

The Eilen Jewell Band
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton Mass
Friday October 12, 7 and 10 pm respectively

Two young soulful, inventive singer-songwriters and their bands, in two separate shows, on a Friday night in Northampton Mass. Who could imagine a better time. Jewell is a revelation to all who see her for the first time. And Isbell is a talented refugee from the Drive-by Truckers.






Nerissa and Katryna Nields
The Iron Horse, Northampton, Mass
Saturday October 13, 7 pm

Nerissa and Katryna have a new one out, Sister Holler, on their own label, and it's a beautiful synthesis of old folk numbers, and new rootsy songs sung in their inimitable genetically-entwined harmonies. This is the CD release party, which promises surprise appearance from Pioneer Valley friends.