There is No Mountain Friday, May 24, 2013 Doors: 7:30 pm; Show 8:00 pm Stoltz Listening Room $15
There Is No Mountain...its a reference to a Zen koan, a lyric from a Donovan song, and an Americana/psych-pop duo known for its catchy, off-kilter sonic adventures.
Kali Giaritta and Matt Harmon are known in the Portland, Oregon music scene for their energetic, uplifting performances and subtly virtuosic arrangements. As they sing together in soaring harmonies, Giaritta plays a medley of tom drums and percussive instruments while Harmon animates his acoustic guitar with nimble fingers and a myriad of effect pedals.
During a There Is No Mountain show, African rhythms, jazz harmonies, classical arrangements, theatrical melodies, and psychedelic swirls seep through their Americana surface and take their audience to new, surprisingly beautiful musical heights!
One of our all-time favorite local Americana bands, MuleTrain, is known for their laid-back stage presence, soaring vocal harmonies, and musical versatility.
With Wilco and the Avett Brothers included among their influences, MuleTrain covers a variety of classic favorites along with their own original tunes.
Pam Ortiz Band May 30, 2013 Pam Ortiz Band 7:30pm Doors 8:00pm Stoltz Listening Room $20
Pam Ortiz is that rare singer-songwriter who can touch people where they feel deeply, where they laugh, and where they cry.
She did just that as part of Terra Nova, a popular quartet that packed coffee houses in the Baltimore-Washington in the 80s and 90s with their varied repertoire of classic and contemporary folk described as music that's good for the soul.
Now, after taking a break from the music biz to raise a family and build a life here on the Eastern Shore, Pam returns to making good, soul-stirring music with a new album of songs featureing old and new friends and her signature clear voice, turn of phrase, and melody.
From blues to folk, new grass to jazz, Pams new material showcases a lyrical depth and rich musicality thats the perfect combination for an intimate evening out in the Stoltz!
Brooks Long Friday, May 31, 2013 Doors 7:30 pm; Show 8:00 pm Stoltz Listening Room $15
Melding the traditions of vintage R&B and blues with the aesthetics of classic singer/songwriters, Brooks Long brings the old school into the 21st century in a style all his own.
Whether by himself or with his backing band, the funky, righteous Mad Dog No Good brings to his live shows the kind of passion, energy, and humor rare in today's music scene.
Last year was a big year for Brooks with him being named one of DC/Baltimore's Best Emerging Artists by The Deli Magazine, releasing his Mad Dog No Good EP and Lets Make Out To Otis Redding album, and playing such festivals as Artscape, Honfest, and Baltimore Book Fest.
With another full-length album brewing for 2013, Brooks will be bringing his grit-and-wit style to audiences for years to come. www.reverbnation.com/brookslong
Susan Werner Saturday, June 1st 2013 Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m. Avalon Theatre $25
This performance is co-sponsored by the Avalon Foundation and Chesapeake Bay Foundation as part of the Clean Water Concert Series
Blessed with a beautiful, classically trained voice and great guitar and piano chops, Susan Werner also just happens to be one of the most innovative songwriters working today (Chicago Tribune).
In this special event thats part of the Clean Water Concert Series, Susan will perform her new album Hayseeda collection of songs celebrating farms, farmers, and the people who love them.
The Clean Water Concert Series promotes awareness about restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay through the science-based, multi-state Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint.
Dont miss this opportunity to see this acclaimed singer-songwriter and help support a clean and healthy Bay!
$50. Balcony $80. Side Orchestra $110. Center Orchestra and Mezzanine
Waterfowl Chesapeake invites you to Tab Benoit and the Voice of the Wetlands All Stars in Concert to benefit the creation, restoration and conservation of Chesapeake waterfowl habitat.
For tickets, please buy online or call 410-822-7299
For more information about Waterfowl Chesapeake, please call 410.822.4567 or visit
Clean Water Concert Series - XPD's XPD's Location: Harrison Street Date: June 8 Time: 6-8:30pm Interactive Booths at 6:00pm Concert at 7:00pm FREE
This performance is co-sponsored by the Avalon Foundation and Chesapeake Bay Foundation as part of the Clean Water Concert Series
One of the best bands in the metropolitan area, XPD’s appear frequently in the Easton area laying down Motown, R&B, and funk tunes that have everyone on their feet and dancing to the groove! Regardless of your age and musical taste, and no matter what you grew up listening to on the radio, the XPD's play it all.
Also Enjoy Exhibits from: Adkins Arboretum Aguayuda Aloft Arial Photography Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Dorchester Citizens for Planned Growth Eastern Shore Land Conservancy Fishmobile (PWEC) Habitat Choptank Midshore River Keepers Sassafras River Association
Jimmy has worked with some of the biggest names in comedy, such as Gilbert Gottfried, Jim Norton, Kevin Nealon, the Cast of Whose Line Is It Anyway, John Pinette, Maria Bamford, and many more!
In addition to touring nationally and performing at clubs and colleges in 43 States a year, he's also been on MTV's Summer Movie Spectacular, the PBS Show The Truth About Money, and in the horror/comedy Americas Most Haunted playing at film festivals around America.
Jimmy also now tours nationally with the We Can Make You Laugh Comedy Tour.
No BS! Brass Band Thursday, June 13, 2013 Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8:00 p.m. Stoltz Listening Room $20
No BS! Brass Band is a powerful brass band that blends the spirit of New Orleans jazz with East Coast modern funk.
During a No BS! Brass Band set, youll hear some original, sternum-shaking brass tunes...but youll also likely hear covers of Rushs Tom Sawyer or A-has Take On Me or even Michael Jacksons Thriller.
Based in Richmond, Virginia, this ensemble has quickly earned a reputation as the premiere band to see for an evening of heart-pounding energy and uncontrollable dancing. Their music is stripped away of all the fluff, leaving you with a sound that is raw and real...
When you experience an act like Tall Heights live in concert, you witness something remarkable.
Their captivating vocal harmonies drive a folk-inspired accompaniment of cello and acoustic guitar that have made this musical duo one of New Englands most sought after and highly praised artists.
Not since Crosby met Nash have two voices harmonized so perfectly, raves Pulse Magazine.
According to singer-songwriter Ryan Montbleau, Every once in a blue moon you get blown away by an act youd previously not heard of. Fans of Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, as well as fans of great music and art in general need to be aware of Tall Heights. What an incredible duo.
And Performer Magazine sums it all up by calling their music pretty, passion-laden, and catchy as hell.
Check them out and find out for yourself why everyone who hears Tall Heights is so blown away!
Chris Trapper 2 Shows! NEW DATE Saturday, June 15th, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Stoltz Listening Room $15 NEW DATE
Chris Trapper returns to the Stoltz!
His alt-acoustic style, which The New York Times calls classic pop perfection, was a big hit the last time he played here. If youve seen Chris before, you know the reason why: his warm, lyrically driven roots-pop tells everyday stories filled with extraordinary characters that immediately connect with the hearts and minds of his audience.
His show sold out fast last fall, so Chris will be playing two shows!
David Wilcox Thursday, June 20, 2013 Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m. Stoltz Listening Room $30
Considered a songwriters songwriter, David Wilcoxs honest, heart-felt songs have been covered by artists such as k.d. lang.
In addition to his writing prowess, his skills as a performer and storyteller are unmatched. He holds audiences rapt with nothing more than a single guitar, thoroughly written songs, a fearless ability to mine the depths of human emotions of joy, sorrow and everything in between...and all tempered by a quick and wry wit.
With a style that The Boston Globe says "Combines the best of both pop and modern folk aesthetics," he writes songs that are wake up calls to the heart and balm for the soul.
Pan & Wendy: An Awfully Big Adventure The Avalon Foundation’s Underground Actors Presents Pan & Wendy: An Awfully Big Adventure Friday & Saturday, June 21 & 22 at 7 pm and Sunday, June 23 at 2 pm Theatre $15 Adults & $10 Students
This June, the Avalon Foundation’s Underground Actors present a new telling of a classic tale with Pan & Wendy: An Awfully Big Adventure, written and directed by Edwin Talley Wilford.
This show is a remarkable blend of adventure, romance, and humor for both the young and the young at heart.
The show features a diversified and high-energy cast of both rambunctious Lost Boys, bloodthirsty pirates, and a “hook handed maniac/pirate lord/villain/rogue”.
Call 410-822-7299 for tickets.
Naked Blue Friday, June 21, 2013 Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m. Stoltz Listening Room $20
Eastern Shore CD release show!
Drawing from the Americana tradition and firmly grounded with a pleasing pop sensibility, the performing songwriter team, Jen and Scott Smith, and their band, Naked Blue, have become a mainstay on the folk/pop scene.
Over the years they've shared the stage with an vast constellation of musical stars: John Mayer, Joe Cocker, Jeffrey Gaines, Aimee Mann, Kenny Loggins, Dan Fogelberg, Derek Trucks Band, Jonatha Brooke, Lowen & Navarro, to name just a few.
The strength of their songwriting and musicianship is evident in the way they easily transition between full-band performances at venues like DAR Constitution Hall, The Kennedy Center, and acoustic shows at small intimate venues like the Stoltz.
And the icing on the cake is Jen is from Crisfield, so she has roots on the Eastern Shore...shes looking forward to getting back over The Bridge, so be sure to come out to help welcome home one of our own!
Meg Hutchinson Thursday, June 27 2013 Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m. Stoltz Listening Room $20
Award-winning acoustic songwriter Meg Hutchinson returns to the Stoltz for an evening of her moving, soulful ballads.
Fans of Dar Williams and Kris Delmhorst will appreciate Megs beautifully descriptive, introspective tunes...With influences ranging from poet Mary Oliver, songwriter Shawn Colvin, and mood-maker David Gray, she brings a poets sensibility to the everyday scenes she lays out in her songs, painting vivid pictures of the way America lives today.
Swampcandy returns to the Stoltz for a rollicking night of their aggressive Stomping-Mississippi-Blues and eclectic cross-genre sets as they celebrate the release of their latest CD, Midnight Creep!
In addition to performing the new album live in its entirety, the duo will screen a fascinating documentary they made while recording Midnight Creep in non-studio locations (such as around a bonfire in an open field) with various artists who contributed their time and effort to the project.
Swampcandy is an acclaimed, down-and-dirty duo known for producing foot-stomping blues roots music infused with a strong dose of rock and roll. Their cross-genre sets create an eclectic mix of honestly-crafted songs that will take you on a journey of raw emotion and refined sensation. —a stimulating blend of percussive, finger-style acoustic jazz and blues with catchy melodies and poetic lyrics that pack a punch.
This performance is co-sponsored by the Avalon Foundation and Chesapeake Bay Foundation as part of the Clean Water Concert Series
A troupe of Chesapeake Bay troubadours celebrating life here in the "Land of Pleasant Living" and along the shores of the Chesapeake through song and story and mirth... The Eastport Oyster Boys have been acclaimed as the Musical Goodwill Ambassadors from the City of Annapolis, the Maritime Republic of Eastport and the Chesapeake.
Community Support Present at Concert: Adkins Arboretum Aloft Arial Photography Center for the Environment and Society Chester River Association Eastern Shore Land Conservancy Horn Point Maryland Sea Grant Extension Program Nanticoke Watershed Alliance Sassafras River Association Scales and Tales Waterfowl Chesapeake
The English Beat Sunday, July 14th 2013 Doors: 7:30 pm; Show 8 pm Avalon Theatre $35
With a string of highly danceable hit singles like Mirror in the Bathroom, Save It for Later, and I Confess, this legendary ska band could not only move your feet on the dance floor but move your heart with its simple musical message of love and unity!
Touring in their heyday with iconic bands like The Clash and The Police, The English Beat mixed soul, reggae, pop, and punk into a unique, enduringly enjoyable sound thats as fresh and relevant today as it was when it helped to shape one of the most innovative and exciting eras in pop music history.
The Avalons dance floor will be open for this special show, so be sure to come out and see why, after all these years, The Beat goes on!
Hailing from the fertile musical soil of Marylands Eastern Shore, the Roadhouse Clams are fueled by sour mash whiskey and back-road attitude, playing rootsy redneck Americana gems with a combination of biker-joint rowdiness and beach-bar harmony.
With the raw energy of Steve Earle, the Rolling Stones, and John Hiatt, the Clams put on shows that are pure juke joint, with devilishly clever lyrics, tight harmonies, and white-hot musicianship that rollicks along like a runaway tractor trailer!
This is what live music is supposed to be: fun, raucous rock & roll with get-nasty guitars, tight harmonies, down-and-dirty lyrical themes, and a superbly locked-in rhythm section. The Backbeat Blog
Comedys Best Kept Secret Tour Comedys Best Kept Secret Tour Featuring Dan Frigolette and Miguel Dalmau (and maybe more!) Friday, August 9th, 2013 Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8:00 p.m. Stoltz Listening Room $20
If you've ever wanted to see rising comedians right on the edge of making it big, you wont want to miss this hilarious night of great comedic talent that hasnt made it into the limelight...not yet, anyway.
Dan Frigolette has headlined the world-famous Carolines on Broadway and performs coast to coast with his sharp stage prose and clever joke writing that honestly and energetically depict his intricate neuroses.
Miguel Dalmau is a staple in the New York City and college comedy circuits who might look familiar to you through his many appearances on TruTV, CBS Sports, and NBCs talent competition Stand Up for Diversity. www.CommaD.com www.DanFrigolette.com www.MiguelDalmau.com
Paula Cole Friday, September 27th 2013 Doors 7:30 pm; Show 8 pm Avalon Theatre $30
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience one the most compelling voices of our time, Paula Cole, in an intimate trio performance!
Cole, a Grammy winner and seven-time Grammy nominee, has sold millions of albums since releasing her hit album "This Fire" in 1997. She's performed with icons in many genres of music from Peter Gabriel to Dolly Parton (and practically everyone in between). Other artists such as Herbie Hancock, Annie Lennox, and Katherine McPhee have covered her poetic and fiercely touching compositions.
From her top ten hits of the 1990s to her more recent critically acclaimed albums, Paula Cole will share with you in the wonderful setting of the Avalon her heartfelt music that defies categorization.
“An extraordinary songwriter with a gorgeous voice” – Rolling Stone
“… a feisty poet with a soaring voice and a funky groove.” – Entertainment Weekly
“Paula is an original voice both in what she is saying and how she is saying it.” – Peter Gabriel