_ Every so often, just when you think the well is dry and the tradition is dead, you are gratefully reminded that there is still water down there and that the tradition was only sleeping. Morgan O’Kane from Charlottesville, Virginia is one of those reminders. A virtuoso banjo player, shouter and activist now based in New York City, Morgan recalls two other transplanted legendary southern artists; Reverend Gary Davis and Aunt Molly Jackson. Like the reverend, Morgan honed his skills making a living as a busking street artist. Like Aunt Molly, he has kept his connection to his Appalachian home and its issues, taking part in the campaign to ban mountaintop removal mining, which destroys the land and the people who live on it.
_ “If Jimi Hendrix played the banjo, he might resemble O’Kane, a high-intensity musician who looks like a mechanic in a rural gas station, sings like a man possessed and plays mountain music like it was an avalanche” - Robert Reid, The Record
While Morgan O’kane clearly knows his way around the old tunes, he is more interested in creating his own. That’s how the tradition survives – new songs being created on old foundations. This ain’t no revival; this is a contemporary artist who knows where he comes from.
The best little theater in all of Central New York, the Nelson Odeon, has announced the first two shows in their fall line up. The fall season begins with the Dust Poets on Friday, September 9 @ 8pm One of the most flawless, and epically beautiful performances to grace the Nelson Odeon stage, it's a great pleasure to welcome back the Dust Poets, a five-piece acoustic folk-pop group with roots deep in the Canadian prairie. Performing the original songs of songwriter Murray D. Evans, the band pokes affectionate fun at themselves and the world around them while creating their own irreverent brand of acoustic music. Well traveled, but small town at heart, the Dust Poets tackle social ills, modern oddities, and the joys of life with ease and originality. Musically restless and stylistically adept, the Dust Poets create arrangements that wander among different genres, including folk, swing, pop, country and ragtime. The band’s all-acoustic line-up of guitar, upright bass, accordion, mandolin, clarinet, and percussion, plus extraordinary four part vocals, allow the band to create a diverse and entertaining stage show. Their last release, Lovesick Town, was labeled a “masterpiece” by the Toronto Star. This is a band that shows up in many critics top lists, don't miss their return to the Nelson Odeon, internationally good music brought to a fantastic small town venue.
We are in for a heat wave here in Central NY. As the heat moves in, word come from the strawberry fields that some varieties will be ready to be picked this weekend. Until a plate of strawberry shortcake lands in front of you, here are some stories from around the internet today. YNN Stopped in Nelson to profile the Nelson Odeon(YNN.com) Drinking and Boating don't mix under a new law passed in the senate (YNN.com) Cost of honey will be going up. 9 WSYR visits a Chittenango bee keeper.
Rock + blues + country + an awesome venue = The best Friday night you've had in a long time. Tomorrow night at the Nelson OdeonDanielle Miraglia will bring her unique sound to one of the best performing arts venues all of Central New York.
A strong steady thumb on an old Gibson guitar is the driving force behind Miraglia's delta blues-influenced guitar style. Add a raw, powerful, whiskey-tinged voice and one might be tempted to label her a blues artist. But while Miraglia's style pays homage to these blues traditions, her classic rock verve, catchy melodies, and eclectic array of song subjects that range from deeply personal to socially relevant give it an original twist that is all her own. A fresh sound along with a sharp wit and a captivating stage presence is gaining her fans all over the map. "It won't be long before the rest of the country takes notice." - Performing Songwriter.
If you've got to go there to know there, then Miraglia has been there and back twice. The continually growing fan-base and attention she has received in a short time is a clear testament to her talent and growth as a writer and performer. With poignant themes that get under the listener's skin, she leaves music fans and critics alike yearning for more.
Tickets can be bought in advance or at the door. How ever you buy them, just make sure you buy them! The doors open at 7:30 and the show starts at 8.
Joe Comes to the Odeon this Friday, April 15 @ 8pm. Tix $12
"Able Baker Charlie & Dog" awarded 2009 Album of the Year by the International Folk Alliance in Memphis, TN
"This is not reviewers hype...This guy is flat out good" ---- Rodger Nichols of The Dalles Oregon Chronicle
Artful, intense, and often transcendent…imaginative, and extremely engaging...- If you love a moving song and magical madness, Joe delivers it all....the music, the lyrics, the energy, and the passion for exceptionally well written songs. He loves his audience, and it shows!!
Kevin So is one of the most exciting and powerful singers and songwriters to emerge from the Boston music scene and tomorrow night he takes the stage at the Nelson Odeon. Making a name for himself as a boundary-stretching singer and songwriter, So's original blend of pop, rhythm and blues, and hip hop has garnered the attention and praise from Billy Bragg, Martin Sexton, Mary Lou Lord, Richie Havens, David Wilcox, and most recently Keb Mo. The Boston Globe (Steve Morse, May 1995) described So as "Riveting...impeccable."
Kevin is one of the most recognized artists in the Asian American community. He, too admits that "there aren’t enough of us." Fans all over the world have caught on to So's lyrical truths and his knack for engaging people through his music, intense storytelling, and foot stomping performances. He has been nominated eight times for the Boston Music Awards and has opened for some of the industry's best known acts including Joe Cocker, Randy Newman, Richie Havens, Billy Bragg, Mary Lou Lord, Livingston Taylor, Martin Sexton, Robben Ford, Chris Smither, and Dar Williams.
Kevin's love of people and community are not only illustrated in his music, but also in his sense of civic obligation. In addition to a rigorous tour schedule, Kevin has performed at many charity fundraising benefits for organizations such as The New England Home for Little Wanderers, the American Heart Association, ANYTOWN New England, and the Judge Baker Children's Center.
Kevin has produced eight independently released CDs, including his latest "Leaving The Lights On" - what he describes as "my Asian American Songs in The Key of Life... my Quan-drophenia" combining such diverse influences as Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Tupac Shakur, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye with a little bit of Richard Pryor thrown in. This recording is one of the most talked about albums of the year.
Now with a rigorous touring schedule, and sold out shows at Club Passim in Cambridge and Schubas in Chicago, Kevin So is quickly becoming one of the most sought after artists on the national music scene. More significant, he is an important voice for our generation and for generations to come.
Doors open at 7:30 and the show starts at 8pm. You can buy tickets at the door for $15 or at Freedom of Espresso locations or online. See you at the Show!
"Impeccable songwriting & tremendous musicianship." Uptown Magazine Coming to the historic and intimate Nelson Odeon stage, the Dust Poets bring their dynamic five-piece acoustic folk-pop with roots deep in the prairie for a Sunday afternoon show. Performing the original songs of songwriter Murray D. Evans, the band pokes affectionate fun at themselves and the world around them while creating their own irreverent brand of acoustic music. Well traveled, but small town at heart, the Dust Poets tackle social ills, modern oddities, and the joys of life with ease and pure originality. Musically restless and stylistically adept, the Dust Poets create arrangements that wander among different genres, including folk, swing, pop, country, and ragtime. The band’s all-acoustic line-up of guitar, upright bass, accordion, mandolin, clarinet, and percussion, plus extraordinary four part vocals, allow the band to create a diverse and entertaining stage show. With a new recording due this spring, their last release, Lovesick Town, was labeled a “masterpiece” by the Toronto Star. Tickets are only $15 at the door for this special matinee show or can be ordered online at www.nelsonodeon.com. With nearly two hours of live entertainment from the warm community atmosphere provided by the Nelson Odeon venue, it's a better deal than the movies or other entertainment. Don't miss the Dust Poets or any of our shows for the fall season at the Nelson Odeon. For more visit www.nelsonodeon.com or call 315-655-9193.
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