Cuz's Corner for June

This was originally published in the June addition of the Charlotte Folk Society Newsletter.

Greetings to all of you music lovers out there and welcome to yet another addition of Cuz's corner. As I am writing this article, the sights and sounds of May's Leaf Festival are still very much fresh in my memory; the music, fire dancing by the lake, the contra-dancing, the beautiful black mountains in the distance, late night campfires & jams with friends, the arts & crafts and simply being in a special place with special people for a whole weekend. As if we needed icing on the cake, the festival ended with a two hour inspired set by the one & only Arlo Guthrie and family singing tunes from both the Woody Guthrie songbook, some of Arlo's tunes through the years and inspired material from Johnny Irion & Sarah Lee Guthrie. Those of us from the times were even treated to Alice's Restaurant. I must say that you realize the years are flying by when Arlo begins the song with the line, "40 years ago last Thanksgiving Day".. Wow!

June is shaping up to be a busy month for folk and roots music so let's cut to the chase and give you some ideas for music to catch. Better erase those old notes on the fridge! First of all, my gig of the month takes place on June 10th when Uncle Earl takes the stage at the Evening Muse on the they're way to Bonnaroo 2007. All of you folks that have seen these talented ladies performing know what the buzz is about. This is a band I feel will take old time music well through this century as their music is fresh and creative without sacrificing the essence and spirit of this Appalachian art form. Although their songs, instrumentals and harmonies are breathtaking, the thing that really struck me at Merlefest was the absolute joy they get playing music, the experience is absolutely infectious. Great bands usually move up to larger venues after playing Bonnaroo, so don't miss this opportunity to catch this wonderful old time band in an intimate setting! (www.maxxmusic.com) If this is not enough, how about a co-bill with two of the hottest young bluegrass bands touring these days when the Infamous Stringdusters and King Wilkie take the stage at the Muse on June 7th. Like Uncle Earl they are steeped in their musical traditions, while at the same time bringing something fresh and new to the table. Also, another long time favorite of mine has roots in the Texas fiddling tradition & is known for her popular duet recordings with the great Chip Taylor. Carrie Rodriguez makes her Charlotte debut as a solo artist also at the Muse on June 16th. Her solo cd, "Seven Angels on a Bicycle" reached the number four spot on the Americana charts. The next night at McGlohon Theatre on June 17th, there is show definitely worth consideration as we have the Carolina Chocolate Drops opening for perennial Merlefest favorites, The Waybacks. The Chocolate Drops have set festival crowds buzzing lately with their brand of black string band stylings and it's good to know that the music of Joe Thompson will live on for some time to come. The Waybacks are essentially too eclectic to describe as you will typically hear most of the branches of the proverbial roots music tree, along with awesome instrumental work, and some great humor to boot, all in one set. If you are still in the festival mood, don't forget the annual Big Lick Bluegrass Festival down in Oakboro. (www.oakboromusichall.com) Headliners this year include the Lewis Family, Cherryholmes & the Grascals. This festival happens on the 10th & 11th of June and may just the festival for you if you enjoy the bluegrass festivals indicative of times gone by. Being that Big Lick is only 30 minutes away, this makes for a perfect day trip without burning a tank full of gas!
Now that we've covered the live music side of the spectrum, there are several exquisite discs that I would love to turn you on to. The new one from Adrienne Young gets five big stars on the Cuz scale. The new one is called "Room to Grow" and is strong musically, spiritually & lyrically throughout. (www.adrienneyoung.com) Not only is Adrienne a gifted songwriter, but this young woman has for years championed sustainable agriculture, in fact a portion of the proceeds from each disc sold goes to CommunityGarden.org and FoodRoutes.org. Please check these organizations out, also. She writes, "community gardening dramatically affects individual lives and neighborhoods by fostering environmental justice, mitigating hunger through increased food security, building infrastructures which facilitate the support of local food systems and sustainable living practices, and by simply allowing us to connect to mother earth, no matter where we live." Another cd definitely worth you attention is the new one from Jimmy Lafave entitled "Cimarron Manifesto". (www.jimmylafave.com) I first came to know Jimmy's music through the Ribbon of Highway tour a few years ago, which was a tribute to the music of Woody Guthrie. Whether singing a cover of a Dylan or Woody Guthrie song or singing one of his originals this man's delivery is absolutely breathtaking, another five stars for this one, also. Richard Thompson delivers yet again in his latest, "Sweet Warrior". (www.richardthompson-music.com) Although perhaps not as strong as Richard's "Mock Tutor" effort a number of years ago, this winner of the BBC lifetime achievement award & founder of the ground breaking group, Fairport Convention has come up with an effort that will satisfy most fans of British folk-rock.

That's about all the room I have for this month so, as usual, try to feast on some of the musical bounty we have in the area, catch a show & consider the next CFS gathering.

Have a wonderful early summer and see you in July!
CUZ