Tag: #whiskeyfeathers

JUNE 2023 MUSIC NEWS!

News about music events in Northern Maryland and Southern PA. Building community through music.

Coming to you from the beautiful rolling hills of Hereford, Maryland!

News, Jams & Music Happenings

Summer is fast on us and soon we’ll be off to our paradises, lounging on docks, beach chairs and poolside patios. With that, we’ll be listening to music. I’d like to start this month’s newsletter with reviews of two albums released over the past month by local bands: The Monkton Road Band and Whiskey Feathers.

LOCAL ALBUM REVIEWS -JUST RELEASED

MONKTON ROAD’S “FIREBALL SESSIONS”

I’ve said a lot about Monkton Road on previous posts. It’s no secret I’m a huge fan. So as expected, the quality of musicianship on this album is exceptional. I only had to sit back, pour my signature glass (Wild Turkey, Rye – yes, 2nd shelf, but it was good enough for Hunter S. Thompson) and take in the amazingly clean guitar of Jody West and harmonies of Susie West and Talbot Mayo (2nd and 3rd from left)–I knew I’d be in for something special.

I’ve noted Talbot’s ability to channel that gutsy Loretto Lynn country twang, but I also liken her to the softer sounds of Emmy Lou Harris or Patty Loveless–think Patty’s album “Mountain Soul.” And Susie West, though she pulls her own inspiration from the reflective backdrop of Carly Simon; Susie’s songs run a deep, poetic (often reflective) quality in line with Kathy Mattea (think “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses“) or Lee Ann Womack.

There are plenty of songs on this album that are airwave capable, if Country radio had some guts. Two of my favorites are Birmingham, where Talbot’s not my first rodeo, farm-girl sincerity had me riding right beside her down that lonely stretch of Southern highway. Jody’s guitar work on the lead is smooth as silk. Another favorite, Susie West’s Trippin’, had this ol’ Cowboy (wanna-be) softie welling up almost instantly; the harmonies are expertly interwoven–Talbot’s rising sweetly over Susie’s strong, soulful center.

If you love solid Americana with a driving bass/snare pulse that makes you want to roll the car window down and crank it up, then I recommend locking your Spotify on their channel. And for extra effect, back it up with a few Fireball shooters, just wait until you get home.

Listen to or download their album on Spotify or Apple Music. CDs available at shows. Sample song: “Breathe.”

UPCOMING SHOW: The Rotunda in Baltimore on July 8th from 6 – 9.

WHISKEY FEATHERS’ “STARDUST A GARDEN”

It’s exciting seeing this band jump in and rise up through the local scene. Their debut album is almost certainly going to break them further out, maybe a lot further.

I didn’t know much about the band coming into this preview (though I did try to reach out to them sometime back.) But I’m glad I took in their new album from a fresh, bring-it-on perspective. I knew Monkton Road had history (Susie West had been in Nashville and LA, Jody West a studio musician in Nashville) But these guys are truly local. So I wondered what musical blanket would fall over me when I kicked back, pushed the volume on the ol’ Pioneer (Yeah, old school guy) and let these feathers fly.

What I got was a classic album journey from a songwriter who chases after the world, ordering it in line, demanding it stay positive and pour down some much needed, cleansing rain. We’re not talking about Johnny Cash redemption here. We’re talking about celebration – victory over the next ridge. Brittain Duckworth is the ambitious lieutenant waving his sword, a plume of feathers in his hat–charging along the firing line.

Straight up – Stardust a Garden is a soulful expression of the way we all want to feel, mixed with a few backhands against the follies of modern society. I got the feeling the writer knows a bit about things. Which is the number one reason we follow any artist.

There are a lot of great songs on this album. Two of my favorite, which aren’t headliners, are “Wrinkles in the Fabric” and “I am Stars.” Both songs take me back to my hopeful youth. I’m back in high school, sitting on the hood of my 70 Malibu, gazing out over the reservoir, waiting on Friday night.

Whiskey Feathers new album can be found on Spotify or you can download from their website. CDs are available on their website as well.

UPCOMING SHOW: Playing with ” Geraldine” on Friday, June 30th. Concert at the Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St. $20 night of or $18 in advance.

Local Venues Under the Radar

  • FILLING STATION – Sparks. This is a great little spot and my favorite for coffee at the laptop. Their Mexican food is the best! They just started their summer Friday evening music program and have snuck in Whiskey Narrows and a fun pair called Patapsco Delta Boys this month. At the end of June (30th) they have the ever-eclectic, always entertaining Mark Brine . Mark’s no rookie; two-time Grammy nominated. Connect on Insta for upcoming shows.
  • PARK INN– This former gas station along the north end of York Road above Parkton always seems to keep a low profile (kind of like the old Park Inn did), but they offer live music. I think they only have a Facebook page for following events. Upcoming bands include “Brother and Sister,” “Fitzkee Brothers,” and “Foggy Hollow.”

MUSICIANS! COME OUT AND SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE Thursday July 6th – 6 – 8 pm: Hootenanny! – Open Jam at Black Locust – This will be a fun Bluegrass/Americana jam with all proceeds from the jar going to Hodgepodge Animal Rescue. One dollar per pour donated by Black Locust Brewery in Freeland. All levels of players and singers are welcome.

Butch: “You have to have timing… I can teach you anything on that banjo but you GOT to have timing. ” Me, (gulp): “I think I got that handled, Butch.”

Butch Neil, reflections on lessons.

FEATURE SUMMER CONCERT

Untwistavus Festival and Black Locust Brewery are collaborating on a day-long music/arts event on July 15th, 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Events will include collections of local visual artists as well as a screening from local filmmaker Windy Hackett Marshall.

Bands include: Sean K. Preston, Arty Hill and Long Gone Daddys, Shane Hall’s Coupe D’ville, Rodney Henry, Joe Fraley of King Devil, Boothill Getaway, Rivers, and the Madi and Tyler Duo.

Southern PA Spotlight Musician

Susan Fidler

Susan Fidler comes from quite a pedigree of bluegrass as daughter of Ray Davis, former WAMU radio host for their weekly bluegrass segment. Anyone who grew up in Baltimore or DC in the 60s and 70s remembers clinging by their radio to catch the latest in bluegrass. It was the ONLY way I knew anything about what was going on with new bands, and I can honestly say, Ray Davis (along with Bob Dylan) led me to my first guitar at 14, and then banjo at 22. Susan’s voice is a real gift. I’ll be sure to post whenever she plays in the Gettysburg area. Until then, check our her Youtube channel or Soundcloud for originals, including her album.

***

Editorial Note:

Thank you to all the readers who’ve followed or liked our Hootenanny Facebook site and Insta at @herefordhoot. We’ll be meeting again at Black Locust on July 6th at 6 pm. Please come on out and say hello. We’re happy to hear your stories about music in the Hereford area and toast a beer to the players not with us anymore. It’s all about new friends and community!

Sponsored by The Probst Team of Cummings and Co. Real Estate. 18 years serving Maryland and PA.

Thinking about selling? Contact emerson.probst@gmail.com or call 443.996.5555 for free home price assessment.

REMEMBER TO “LIKE” AND FOLLOW HEREFORD MUSIC NEWS ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM — @herefordhoot

Until next time…keep the circle be unbroken.

MAY 2023 MUSIC NEWS!

News about music events in Northern Maryland and Southern PA. Building community through music.

Coming to you from the beautiful rolling hills of Hereford, Maryland!

News, Jams & Music Happenings

Our vision of making Hereford a music hub (think Laurel Canyon, or maybe a rural Brooklyn?) is coming closer. People don’t realize how much we have going on. There’s the Manor Mill venue bringing in national acts. We have the Upperco Music Festival, Hot August Blues, the new Monkton Music Festival (great success!), Charm City Bluegrass, Ken and Brad Kolodner’s Old Time Music Festival, Common Ground Roots, Music and Arts Festival in Westminster, Black Locust Brewery bringing in touring bands and soloists, WTMD airing new bands, Stages Music Arts in Hunt Valley–the list goes on! If you’re a new band or singer-songwriter in the Roots movement, move to Baltimore!

Okay… maybe I’m a bit ambitious, but I’m proud of what we have going on. Here are a few headlines for this month:

  • Hereford Music News gets noticed! Starting in June I’ll be assisting the Manor Mill as the “Regional Music Curator,” helping review singers/bands from the Md, VA, Pa. area. Please email suggestions at emerson.probst@gmail.com.
  • Whiskey Feathers opening up 89.7 WTMD First Thursdays Concert! Our very own Hereford area Feathers are the opening band for the season–which will be an energetic event! Concert is at the Canton Waterfront Park and tickets are free!
  • The Inaugural Monkton Music Festival was a great success! The concert was held on the 20th and had a great local lineup. The picture below is of “Old Part of Town.” It was my first time seeing these guys and they sounded great! I totally recommend seeing them. Good times would be at Starbright Farm on June 17 or at Farmacy Brewing on July 2nd.

Thursday June 1st – 6 – 8 pm: Hootenanny! – Open Jam. – This will be a fun Bluegrass/Americana/Folk/Country jam with all proceeds from the jar going to Hodgepodge Animal Rescue. Location is Black Locust Brewery in Freeland.

Me: “I can’t remember all these lyrics–I’m 47 years old!” Butch: “Just repeat the words, no one will care.”

Butch Neil, on freezing on stage.

Local Brewery Shows with Links.

NOTE: Because the summer list of brewery musicians is so long, I’ve decided to highlight the two breweries with the most robust lists of performers. It takes a lot of work to curate and manage a music program–I figured I’d reward the ones that give it the most muscle

Black Locust Brewery – Freeland, Md.

Vortex Brewery – New Freedom, Pa.

  • Rachael Ann Morgan /w Justin Gillen – 6pm – Friday, May 26th (Nice pairing!)
  • April Teppe – 6 pm – Sat., May 27th
  • Cobb Bros – 6 pm, Friday, June 2nd
  • Keiron Bryan Raphael – 6 pm – Saturday, June 3rd (Great performer!)
  • Dan Houtz – 1.30 – Sunday, June 4th
  • Steve and Marty – 6 pm – Friday, June 9th
  • Bryan Miller Duo – 6pm – Sat, June 10th
  • Cobb Bros – 6pm – Friday, June 16th
  • Whiskey Narrows – 6 pm, Saturday, June 17th
  • Mike DeMoss – 1 pm, Sunday, June 18th
  • First Lights – 6 pm Friday, June 23rd
  • IMU – 6pm – Saturday, June 24th
  • Empris – 1pm – Sunday, June 25th
  • Michael & SoulKats – Friday, June 30th
  • Steve Rexroth – Saturday, June 31st

FEATURE SUMMER CONCERT – Part 1-July

Southern PA Spotlight Musician

Garrett Shultz

Garrett Shultz is another Central PA player with that classic country voice. After leaving the military he decided to go all-in and recently relocated to Nashville. Check out this video for a solid York Pa vibe! He’ll be one to watch.

Hootenanny Thank You from the Heart

I want to thank everyone who came to the last Hoot at Black Locust. I’m always nervous before these events. The concept of no one showing and me trying to stretch out my three Johnny Cash songs for two hours gives me the shakes. But after having done these for years, I’ve found there’s always a miracle handed down from the music spirits…maybe Johnny himself, or more likely my former teacher, Butch. Aside from my new friend Tom who’s a great addition to the Hoot journey, others showed who I haven’t scene since before the pandemic -thank you! My fiddle brother (the other Tom) couldn’t make it, but always there in spirit. A major driving force and there since the beginning, Pat and John–so much love. A super nice Mandolin player (I like that Eastman!) And a guy who played one damn awesome Vincent Black Lightning…you were part of that miracle.

These open-jams are unique in that they’re open to everyone, no matter if you’ve only played in front of your wife and kids, or can pack the Ryman Auditorium (come on, Butch, we need Marty Stuart to drop in!) The point is that we meet new friends, have fun and raise a little money to help a neighbor. So thank you all who make an effort – I hope you’ll come again (Vincent Black Lightning guy!) We’re always ready to turn over the mics because, seriously, I hardly ever get to finish my dang beer!

***

Editorial Note:

Thank you to all the readers who’ve followed or liked our Hootenanny Facebook site and Insta at @herefordhoot. We’ll be meeting again at Black Locust on June 1st at 6 pm. Please come on out and say hello. We’re happy to hear your stories about music in the Hereford area and toast a beer to the players not with us anymore. It’s all about new friends and community!

Sponsored by The Probst Team of Cummings and Co. Real Estate. 18 years serving Maryland and PA.

Thinking about selling? Contact emerson.probst@gmail.com or call 443.996.5555 for free home price assessment.

REMEMBER TO “LIKE” AND FOLLOW HEREFORD MUSIC NEWS ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM — @herefordhoot

Until next time…a bluegrass sendoff from one of my fav bands.

FEBRUARY 2023 MUSIC NEWS!

Coming to you from the beautiful rolling hills of Hereford, Maryland!

News, Jams & Music Happenings

The first part of my research this month was on the impact of the “Brewery Tour” for emerging singer/songwriters. Never before has it been easier for us to connect with artists who may soon make the jump–and we can say we saw her just ten feet away while sipping our Hefty Brown Ale. We are truly blessed.

The list below provides links to the performers so you’ll be inspired to hit a local brewery. But first, a special holler-out to Black Locust Brewery in Freeland. They’ve made a real commitment to bringing in regional talent (like the Monkton Mill) and their success is our success. As Lisa from Black Locust said to me, “We try as much as possible to book artists from farther away… that gives our artists an opportunity to grow their audience.“

Our dream was to let our love of music draw people who also love music, the outdoors, and real farm-grown and brewed craft beers. That’s working pretty well so far!

Lisa, Black Locust Brewery

Local Brewery Shows with Music Links.

Black Locust Brewery

Inverness Brewery

  • Villagers – 4 – 8pm, Friday, February 24
  • The Juke – 4 – 8pm, Saturday, February 25
  • Chris Diller – (Really good Country!) 3 -7pm, Sunday, March 5

Big Truck Brewery (No shows listed)

Pipe the Side Brewery (Hampstead) – Cool place!

Farmacy Brewing

Alecraft Brewery (Railroad, Pa) (No Shows Listed)

Whiskey Feathers on the Radio!

AND BACK AT MONKTON MILL ON MARCH 18th – 7.30 – 9.30

Congratulations to Whiskey Feathers for their well-deserved breakthrough to the airwaves and their upcoming new album. A large part of our potential to make this area an artist magnet is WTMD in Towson. Independent radio is the modern equivalent to those 1930s radio outposts like XERA “On Border Radio” that launched the Carter Family. Why can’t Baltimore be the next Bristol, Tennessee? (An original 30-min radio show below – if you’re wanting a wide-mouth Mason Jar full of music history!)

Our Pick! Sunny War – Monkton Mill – 3/7

I’m so intrigued by her fingering style. In a recent Insta post, she attributed her playing style to Yasmin Williams, who’s definitely someone worth checking out.

Bluegrass? Old-Time? Celtic? – Whaaa?

This has been out for a while, but I thought I’d add it because, as a player, I’ve struggled with what I’m supposed to do at all these different jams. For those with a few minutes to read, this humorous description is worth it. Go to the link: JAMS or download the PDF.

the-differences-between-bluegrassoldtime-celticDownload

Southern PA Music News

This truly authentic player was passed to me by my undercover music sleuth (Thank you, Susan!) up in York, PA. Heath James, or “olds sleeper,” has been playing the clubs and pizza joints off the streets of York for a while now. He has a crazy down-tuned banjo style and plays a mean cigar box. True Americana stuff! But for now, one of his lighter songs…a PA love song to finish things up. (NOTE – Next performance at The King George Speakeasy in York on March 3rd, 8 – 10pm)

Heath James “olds sleeper” out of York, PA

Editorial Note:

Thanks for taking a moment to read our local music news. If anyone has any topics or persons involved in local music performances or events, please feel free to reach out at emerson.probst@gmail.com and I’ll include a mention (or story) in an upcoming post. I’m interested in anyone doing original work, but also unique choral initiatives, youth programs and the history of music in the area, including those players who’ve joined old Ralph in his Angel Band. Until next month, keep practicing and keep walking on the sunny side!

Nora Jane Struthers – Singer/songwriter

Sponsored by The Probst Team of Cummings & Co. Real Estate. Serving Maryland and Southern PA. Find us at probstteam.com