Tomorrow: The Duhks @ Happy Days Lodge

Tomorrow night kicks of the Conservancy Series Concerts at the Happy Days Lodge in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  It’s a *great* place to see a show.  The Duhks have been around for quite a while and are accurately described as an "Appalachian-styled string band that fuses eclectic modern sounds with a traditional roots approach.” (from allmusic.com).  Sounds perfect for this space, at this time of year.

There’s not many professional videos out there of these guys, but this should do.

Here’s the rest of the Conservancy lineup!

• Wednesday, January 14 | The Duhks
• Saturday, January 31 | Billy Strings & Don Julin *
• Saturday, February 7 | Mountain Heart 
• Friday, February 20 | Mississippi Heat *
• Friday, March 13 | The Outside Track *
• Friday, March 20 | Mouths of Babes *
• Saturday, March 28 | Tall Heights & Darlingside *
• Friday, April 17 | Dala *
• Friday, April 24 | Comas *
• Friday, May 1 |Front Country *

The Stray Birds (11/30/12)

One of the (many) promotional emails I get alerted me to this show and while I'm grateful for the flag, I'm reminded that I need to pay better attention to these shows at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  This is now my second show there and both have been superb (the first was the Zoe Muth show). I can't think of a better way to spend a Fall Friday evening than with The Stray Birds at Happy Days Lodge.  As you can probably tell from the photos below, they're folk/bluegrass.  And while I've always enjoyed this genre, few bands catch me as quickly as these guys have.

While i'll admit that I was first smitten with Maya's Gillian Welch-like vocals, the whole band stepped in with equal parts charm.  I also loved their harmonies, and the intimacy that having only one microphone on stage provides.  In this space, the sound was crystal clear and it just rang through you.  And as you can also see from the pictures, there were a plethora of instruments kept the whole sound fresh.

They have some stunning songs from their newest self-titled album, particularly the first two tracks, Dream in Blue and 25 to Life.  Unfortunately I didn't capture either of these, but My Brother's Hill is quite good.

Tomorrow: The Stray Birds @ Happy Days Lodge (CVNP)

I couldn't imagine a better way to close out the CVNP Heritage Concert Series season than with The Stray Birds.  Check these guys out below and see why.

The Stray Birds, a buzzed-about young acoustic trio will bring their rootsy sound to Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Friday, November 30 when they perform at the season's last concert of the Cuyahoga Valley Heritage Series - http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/cultural-arts.htm# Drawing upon the richness of American folk music traditions, the signature power of The Stray Birds sound lies in outstanding songwriting that soars in three-part harmony. Raised on music within a few miles of farmland from each other, The Stray Birds were born of a compelling collaboration between two unique writers and vocalists-- the pure, luxurious voice of Maya de Vitry and Oliver Craven's richness of tone and depth of delivery. Grounding their sound in the unshakeable groove of bassist Charles Muench, The Stray Birds are a trio of captivating chemistry and sensitive musicality. From bustling street corners to silent halls, their performances speak to an uncompromising reverence for songs. www.thestraybirds.com

Zoe Muth & the Lost High Rollers (9/9/11)

Finally!  I can say that I have finally saw a show at the Happy Days Lodge in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  I also couldn't have asked for a better performer / performance to see there.  Let me first say, with an entrance through the woods, and under a tunnel like this (below), how could that not set the stage for something amazing?

With no opening act we missed the first couple songs, but luckily this was a two-part set with an intermission.  The sound was amazing and the space felt like an old barn.  Then fill it with some top-tier folk / bluegrass and you just can't go wrong.  Zoe Muth & the Lost High Rollers sounded amazing.  Boasting a guitar, bass, mandolin, electric guitar, pedal steel and drums, the performance swung between the more traditional folk sounds to something a little more youthful and rock like.

Luckily as soon as I got up to grab some photos, one of my favorite songs came on:

I mean seriously, how much more true can you get?  Throw in some amazing solos and great songwriting, and this was a show to not be missed.

I also want to give a shout out to the CVNP for hosting these concerts.  I spoke with the lady running them and it just seems like such a sweet job.  I can't wait to go back.

Tomorrow: Zoe Muth & The Lost High Rollers @ CVNP

I am SO excited.  I've been getting emails for events at CVNP for a couple years, and I'm always looking at their concert listings - because HOW COOL would it be to see a great show in the park.  Well, they've had plenty of great shows, but none have struck me as much as my first time hearing Zoe Muth & The Lost High Rollers.  Upon first listening, I was hooked.  She reminded me of a mix between Lucinda Wiliams & Mary Chapin Carpenter... both an edge and a polish.  I am excited for this show tomorrow night.

This song is amazing.

"With a haunting voice that treads soul and country and can only be described as a cosmic americana, Zoe Muth delivers songs that sound like vintage country classics."- Twangville

“If your own favorite country singers came from the vinyl era, don't let this one pass you by.”‐ Country Music Television