Brown Bird w/ The Wrong Reasons and D.Charles Speer

Opener D. Charles Speer and the Helix brought some psychobilly to Cafe Nine. With lamb-chopped frontman Speer seemed as if "they grew up in Minnie-Pearl's screenporch." The Wrong Reasons were up next and sounded as if they "had swordfishtrombones on 8-track." Excellent band from Rhode Island Brown Bird had a thing for Iron and Wine. The crowd was flush with young men with santa beards and tattooed women. Lead guy on strings and kick drum with accomplice on violin, cello, and stringbass.

David Wax Museum 11/30/11 Bar

Local outfit Dr. Caterwaul... started this free show. They closed with a memorable version of Tom Waits "Dirt In the Ground" from the Bone Machine. Adam Matlock on accordion and vocals is an eclectic treat. From Boston, David Wax Museum is a latin tinged folk amalgam that rocked. Male/female vocals, ukelele, violin, homemade drums, clarinet,and saxes really impressed in the back room of Bar. This band has a penchant for hopping off stage and parading through the crowd and this venue was perfect. The female violinist played and sang from atop the sound console and even led the line into the private party "pods" off the bar. "Yes Maria, Yes" and some beautiful hymns were the show highlight. This band needs a live recording or an offering that better reflects their true form.

Memorial Service for Matthew Grant 11/26/11

Music happens. Sometimes its a venue, an attitude, a vibe, and sometimes it's personal. Family friend Matthew passed in November. His memorial service gave insight and punctuation to all things Matthew. As we mourned, the service was concluded with a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace sung by Rick Allen with Chris Coyne on acoustic guitar. We've all heard this song a million times....but not like this version. The power of song is revealed in many ways that enrich our lives. I will never hear Amazing Grace the way I heard it at this service. Thank you Rick and Chris and peace to you Matthew.