One of the fingerstyle greats, Richard Smith. Not many players can go toe to toe with guitar legends like Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel and make it look easy. Born in Beckenham, England, Richard's been playing guitar since he was a young lad in London in the 70s and 80s. His father introduced him to the music of Chet Atkins and Merle Travis and he never looked back. He earned a standing ovation and an encore to boot when he was just 11 at Her Majesty's Theater in London in 1983 when he was invited to sit in with Chet Atkins. He moved to Nashville in 1999, and the rest is, as they say, music history. Read more about Richard on his site. Come see this guitar genius do his thing, you'll be delighted.
Lapwai Lane Shredders Club
Darby Montana's Last Best House Concerts
3.07.2024
Richard Smith in concert, Sunday, May 26
One of the fingerstyle greats, Richard Smith. Not many players can go toe to toe with guitar legends like Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel and make it look easy. Born in Beckenham, England, Richard's been playing guitar since he was a young lad in London in the 70s and 80s. His father introduced him to the music of Chet Atkins and Merle Travis and he never looked back. He earned a standing ovation and an encore to boot when he was just 11 at Her Majesty's Theater in London in 1983 when he was invited to sit in with Chet Atkins. He moved to Nashville in 1999, and the rest is, as they say, music history. Read more about Richard on his site. Come see this guitar genius do his thing, you'll be delighted.
9.03.2018
Bill Staines in concert, Sunday, October 7
"Any new song that can live comfortably beside the well-worn songs of folk tradition has a good chance of surviving the test of time. Such, we believe, are the songs of Bill Staines."
- Folk Legacy
Anyone not familiar with the music of Bill Staines is in for a special treat. For more than forty years, Bill has traveled back and forth across North America, singing his songs and delighting audiences at festivals, folksong societies, colleges, concerts, clubs, and coffeehouses. Singing mostly his own songs, he has become one of the most popular and durable singers on the folk music scene today, performing nearly 200 concerts a year and driving over 65,000 miles annually. He weaves a blend of gentle wit and humor into his performances and one reviewer wrote, "He has a sense of timing to match the best standup comic."
Bill's music is a slice of Americana, reflecting with the same ease his feelings about the prairie people of the Midwest or the adventurers of the Yukon, the on-the-road truckers, or the everyday workers that make up this land. Bill has recorded 26 albums; The Happy Wanderer and One More River were winners of the prestigious Parents' Choice Award, taking a gold medal and silver medal respectively. His songs have been recorded by many artists including Peter, Paul, and Mary, Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy, The Highwaymen, Mason Williams, Grandpa Jones, Jerry Jeff Walker, Nanci Griffith, Glen Yarborough and others. More info: https://www.acousticmusic.com/staines/
1.17.2017
Sofia Talvik in concert, Friday, September 8
6.23.2016
Buddy Mondlock in concert, Thursday, July 21
Join us in welcoming Buddy to the Bitterroot for a night of fun music and songs to remember.
Potluck: 5 p.m.
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Please bring a covered dish and your favorite beverage!
Venue: 7245 Lapwai Lane, Darby, MT
Info: 406 349-2943
5.08.2016
Paul Boruff in concert, Wednesday, May 18
He's recorded and performed an incredible array of music over his 40 year career as a professional musician: folk, swing, big band, jazz, old time, bluegrass, blues. He's never had a "real" job since mustering out of the US Navy, where he sang in the Navy Big Band. Paul will make his 5th appearance at Lapwai Lane Shredders Club on Wednesday, May 18. Why so many appearances? Paul is hugely talented, fun and warm, his songs are honest, and every note rings true. Come hear a full evening of great songs, stories and a voice to remember.
Please bring a covered dish and your favorite beverage!
Venue: 7245 Lapwai Lane, Darby, MT
Artist Donation: $15
Info: 406 349-2943
2.14.2014
Pierre Bensusan in concert, Friday, March 21
http://pierrebensusan.com/home.asp
8.24.2013
Anna van Riel in concert, Thurs. Sept. 5
Join us for an evening of songs, stories and music with Anna van Riel, a New Zealand singer/songwriter currently on her first North American tour. Anna is taking her music to new heights with her latest release titled, "Whistle and Hum." The album is her 3rd following the award-winning success "Einey Meiny Miney Mo" and her debut album "Solar Panel."
Having played at the world's highest music festival in the Himalayas, performed the NZ national anthem for 50,000 punters at the Four Nations Grand Final, and sung for Prince Albert of Monaco, Anna has performed internationally from Europe to Thailand and Australia. Anna's most recent success is winning album of the year in her home town of Invercargill, New Zealand.
7.05.2013
T. R. Ritchie in concert, Sunday, July 14
Going from busking at Pike Street Market to kicking it at Kerrville, Napa and Walnut Valley, this unreconstructed folkie sounds like the folk music we'd have been listening to all along if Alice's Restaurant hadn't become a hit. TR Ritchie writes, plays and sings with heart and conviction - and an innocence - you wouldn't expect from someone that's been around a few rough and competitive blocks. A dreamer with at least seven toes on the ground, Ritchie is a very solid link on a very solid folkie chain that somehow manages to command your attention without demanding it. Killer stuff.
- CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor & Publisher, MIDWEST RECORD
"TR Ritchie must be the reincarnation of Jimmie Rodgers, Woody Guthrie, Samuel Clemens and Will Rogers. How else to explain his great songs? His melodies are classics that will stay with you for years. TR is one of the very best!"
- MICHAEL TERRY, Booking Coordinator, UNCLE CALVIN'S COFFEEHOUSE; Dallas TX
(Please bring a covered dish and your favorite beverage.)
12.27.2012
David Boone with opener Jay Toups, Saturday, February 23
Visit David's current project site: http://www.dawnsiscoming.com
And, in a first, Jay Toups will be opening for David, playing a set for the first time in his own venue.
7.16.2012
CANCELLED: T.R. Ritchie in concert, Sunday, August 5
Going from busking at Pike Street Market to kicking it at Kerrville, Napa and Walnut Valley, this unreconstructed folkie sounds like the folk music we'd have been listening to all along if Alice's Restaurant hadn't become a hit. TR Ritchie writes, plays and sings with heart and conviction - and an innocence - you wouldn't expect from someone that's been around a few rough and competitive blocks. A dreamer with at least seven toes on the ground, Ritchie is a very solid link on a very solid folkie chain that somehow manages to command your attention without demanding it. Killer stuff.
- CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor & Publisher, MIDWEST RECORD
"TR Ritchie must be the reincarnation of Jimmie Rodgers, Woody Guthrie, Samuel Clemens and Will Rogers. How else to explain his great songs? His melodies are classics that will stay with you for years. TR is one of the very best!"
- MICHAEL TERRY, Booking Coordinator, UNCLE CALVIN'S COFFEEHOUSE; Dallas TX
Sunday, August 5 at LLSC
Potluck 5 p.m.
(Please bring a covered dish and your favorite beverage.)
Showtime 7 p.m.
Artist donation: $15
To reserve seats in advance, please make check payable to TR Ritchie and mail to: 7245 Lapwai Lane Darby, MT 59829
9.10.2011
Cosy Sheridan & TR Ritchie in concert Friday, October 14
Cosy Sheridan has been called "one of the era's finest and most thoughtful singer/songwriters." A winner of the Kerrville Folk Festival NewFolk Showcase and the Telluride Troubadour Contest, she has played everywhere from Carnegie Hall and The Jerry Lewis Telethon to the Philadelphia Folk Festival.
Sheridan's masterful guitar style is a testament to years of honing her craft (she was a student of Guy Van Duser and Eric Schoenberg), as is her voice (she studied voice at Berklee).
8.06.2011
Dana Lyons to appear, Thursday, August 18
Dana is best known for his dynamic performances and outrageous hit songs “Cows With Guns,” “RV” and “Ride The Lawn.” A global radio and web hit, “Cows With Guns” was #1 for the year on Dr. Demento, #2 on the Australian Country charts, #1 in Seattle and spent six months on the Irish Top 40.
Dana’s music style includes a bit of everything; his biggest radio hit, “Cows With Guns,” receives crossover radio play on country, rock, alternative, community, college and oldies radio stations worldwide. He has eight releases to date, including his latest, Three Legged Coyote, released in November 2009. He has shared the stage with many notable performers including Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Pete Sears of Jefferson Starship, Stephen Stills, River Phoenix, Nickel Creek, Country Joe McDonald, Utah Phillips and John Trudell.
“Every movement has its minstrel. The unions had Woody Guthrie. The peace movement had Phil Ochs. The environmental movement has Dana Lyons.”
-Captain Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
5.30.2011
Carrie Elkin in concert, Saturday, July 9
3.05.2011
Ben Carroll to appear Friday, March 25
Ben Carroll's soulful, powerful voice lives somewhere at the crossroads of Stevie Wonder and James Taylor--he's captivating, distinctive, mesmerizing. With the help of his accomplished acoustic guitar playing, Carroll moves his audiences with his plaintive songwriting, written from the heart and with a thoughtful, sometimes keen eye, while exploring the endless themes of love, of a search for a place and meaning in the world.
As the son of Grammy-winning Starland Vocal Band members ("Afternoon Delight", 1976), Carroll enjoyed a rich musical exposure in his childhood, chiefly in the veins of harmony-laden folk and pop of the 70s, and the R&B/Soul/Roots sounds of the deep south. These influences have been naturally integrated into his music, lustrously evoked by his poetic delivery and his voice of startling honesty and beauty.
"Real thing...Yes he is. I’ve seen this handsome and charismatic New Yorker perform with just an acoustic guitar, and he killed. Possessing a clear, sweet voice and a satchel full of catchy folk-pop songs about life and love...It’s a throwback sound, kinda early Nilsson, but more upbeat."
- Dusty Wright
1.22.2011
Chris Proctor in concert, Sunday, February 27
Fingerstyle guitar virtuoso and composer Chris Proctor will make his second appearance at Lapwai Lane Shredders Club on Sunday, February 27. His 30 year career as a touring performer finds him at the pinnacle of the international guitar community, as a guitar wizard's wizard. It is a rare treat to hear a guitar player so lyrical, yet so technically flawless.
Also appearing will be Reanaleia Behling, a marvelously talented improvisational vocalist!
Sunday, February 27
Potluck 5 p.m. (Bring a delicious covered dish and your favorite beverage. No desserts please.)
Showtime 7 p.m.
Artist donation: $15 Advance, $20 Door
To reserve seats, make check payable to Chris Proctor and mail to:
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
Directions/Questions: jay@jaytoups.com | 406 349-2943
11.05.2010
Storyhill to appear December 12 at LLSC
Storyhill is a powerful singer-songwriting duo that brings infectious melodies, smart story songs and heartbreaking harmonies together in a perfect package. Chris Cunningham and John Hermanson began performing together as teenagers while living in Bozeman, Montana. That was over 20 years ago, and the rest is music history! Fresh from their first appearance on A Prairie Home Companion, Storyhill will make its first appearance at Lapwai Lane Shredders Club for a special holiday house concert.
Storyhill has recently released "Shade of the Trees" which hit the #1 spot on the Amazon folk charts. Come see this amazing duo and pick up your copy. They also make great Christmas gifts! (No, not Chris and Johnny, their recordings...:-)
"It is difficult to describe the feeling I get when listening to your music. Like feeling full; but in my heart, not my stomach. Thank you." - Claire, comment on Storyhill web site
Storyhill: A House Concert for the Holidays
Sunday, December 12
Potluck 5 p.m. (Bring a delicious covered dish and your favorite beverage. No desserts please.)
Showtime 7 p.m.
Artist donation: $20 Advance only (45 people)
To reserve seats, make check payable to Storyhill and mail to:
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
Directions/Questions: jay@jaytoups.com | 406 349-2943
More information about Storyhill | Listen to Storyhill's recent performance on A Prairie Home Companion
9.18.2010
Paul Boruff in concert, Saturday, October 9
8.22.2010
Friday August 27: Mitch Barrett, with Owen Reynolds, bassist
Potluck: 6 p.m. Showtime 8 p.m.
Shows are $15 in advance, $20 door
6.18.2010
Summer House Concerts
Check out Raina online, she's dynamite, and so is Anthony da Costa!
Potluck: 6 p.m. Showtime 8 p.m.
Friday August 27: Mitch Barrett, with Owen Reynolds, bassist
Potluck: 6 p.m. Showtime 8 p.m.
Shows are $15 in advance, $20 door
12.13.2009
Mike & Tari Conroy: Excellent show
(Right click, open streaming audio links in new tab or window to stay on this page.)
Here's set 1
Here's set 2 in 2 parts:
Set 2 part 1 and part 2
11.10.2009
Mike & Tari Conroy in concert, Friday, December 11
In a rare public concert performance, Mike & Tari Conroy from Conner, Montana, will be featured playing bluegrass music drawn from their nine recordings and a lifetime of traditional music making.
-Bluegrass Now
"Anyone relishing charismatic vocal duets should find much to savor in the music of Mike & Tari Conroy"
-Bluegrass Unlimited
These two make a powerful sound, not light on musical depth, traditional roots or skill. Come see 'em and find out what bluegrass is all about, up front and personal. Dress casual for a good time!
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Tickets: $15 Advance, $20 Door (if available)
Reservations & Directions to venue: Contact jay@jaytoups.com or 406-349-2943
To reserve seats in advance, make check payable to Mike (or Tari) Conroy and mail to:
Jay Toups
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
10.05.2009
Richard Gilewitz to appear Sunday, November 15
Known as one of the strangest men in acoustic music today, Richard Gilewitz fascinates his audiences with fingerstyle gymnastics on his 6 and 12-string guitars while spinning yarns too unbelievable not to be true. His ability to make one guitar sound like an entire orchestra stems from 33 years of well-honed technique and 25 years of on the road worldwide touring, creating his own signature sound that has been captured on his CDs, DVDs, and songbooks. But it is his live shows that bring out the best in this author, composer, guitarist, humorist, AND storyteller who follows a distinct cadence that creates a glow that continually grows a little brighter with each tune.
Whether playing solo, conducting guitar seminars and school programs, or years of sharing the stage with folks such as The California Guitar Trio, John McCutcheon, John Renbourn, Mose Allison,the late John Fahey, Leo Kottke, Norman Blake, Indigo Girls, John Hammond, Rory Block, or Jane Siberry, Richard Gilewitz always creates a sparkle of mood mastery and wonderment.
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Tickets: $15 Advance, $20 Door (if available)
Reservations & Directions to venue: Contact jay@jaytoups.com or 406-349-2943
To reserve seats in advance, make check payable to Richard Gilewitz and mail to:
Jay Toups
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
8.19.2009
Cliff Eberhardt in concert, Sunday, October 25
"Eberhardt is better than ever, Steve McQueening his way into your heart at about ninety-eight miles an hour, kicking ass with fresh insight and new ways to lament old yearnings.”
—Philly Rock Guide
Cliff Eberhardt knew by age seven that he was going to be a singer and songwriter. Growing up in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, he and his brothers sang together and their parents played instruments. His dad introduced him to the guitar and he quickly taught himself to play. Fortunate enough to live close to the Main Point (one of the best folk clubs on the East Coast), he cut his teeth listening to the likes of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Bonnie Raitt, and Mississippi John Hurt — receiving an early and impressive tutorial in acoustic music. At the same time, he was also listening to great pop songwriters like Cole Porter, the Gershwins, and Rodgers and Hart, which explain his penchant for great melodies and clever lyrical twists.
At fifteen, Cliff and his brother Geoff began touring as an acoustic duo, playing the Eastern club circuit until Cliff turned twenty-one and moved to Carbondale, Illinois. There he found space to develop his own voice within a vibrant and supportive music scene that included Shawn Colvin. After a couple of years there and a short stay in Colorado, Cliff moved to New York in 1978.
Because the clubs were great (the Bitter End, the Speakeasy, Kenny’s Castaway, Folk City) and the company amazing (John Gorka, Suzanne Vega, Lucy Kaplansky, Julie Gold, Steve Forbert, Christine Lavin, and Shawn Colvin), New York was an ideal musician’s boot camp. Though he put in long hours as a taxi driver, Cliff worked steadily on his music throughout the 80’s, doing solo gigs and studio work, and playing guitar on the road with Richie Havens, Melanie and others. Singing advertising jingles for products like Coke, Miller Beer and Chevrolet (“The Heartbeat of America” campaign) allowed him to devote more time to his songwriting.
In 1990 Cliff’s song “My Father’s Shoes,” appeared on Windham Hill’s Legacy collection, leading to a deal with the label. They released Cliff’s first album, The Long Road (1990), a work featuring a duet with Richie Havens. The critical response to this debut was outstanding (the Philadelphia Inquirer called the album a “repeatedly astounding collection”). He followed with two more records on Shanachie before releasing, 12 Songs of Good and Evil (1997) on Red House Records, which stemmed from a chance meeting with Red House founder Bob Feldman at John Gorka’s wedding. Since then, Cliff has released 4 albums on the label-Borders, School For Love,12 Songs of Good & Evil and his current one- The High Above & the Down Below, recorded in Minneapolis with noted jazz players Gordy Johnson, J. T. Bates and Rich Dworsky.
Long one of the most respected songwriters on the club scene, his peers often mine his catalog for themselves. Cliff’s song “Memphis” was included on Cry Cry Cry, an album of collaborative covers by the “folk supergroup” of the same name (comprised of Dar Williams, Lucy Kaplansky and Richard Shindell). Other performers who have recorded his songs include Richie Havens, Shawn Colvin, Russ Taff and Buffy Sainte Marie. A collection of his songs has recently been published in The Cliff Eberhardt Songbook (Cherry Lane Publishing).
Cliff is touring to promote the brand new release of 500 Miles: The Blue Rock Sessions. A deeply personal album, it follows his critically acclaimed The High Above and the Down Below, which was named the #5 album of the year in 2008 by USA Today.
For more info and music samples, visit Cliff's web site: http://www.cliffeberhardt.net
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Tickets: $15 Advance, $20 Door (if available)
Reservations & Directions to venue: Contact jay@jaytoups.com or 406-349-2943
To reserve seats in advance, make check payable to Cliff Eberhardt and mail to:
Jay Toups
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
7.07.2009
Ben Bedford in concert, July 30
We're adding a last-minute show with Ben Bedford, who contacted me recently trying to fill an "off" night as he and his family make their way east for Ben to play more shows. I listened to some of his stuff and was instantly a fan. Come see this guy and hear the magic for yourself!
From Ben's web site:
A storyteller from the age of 3, Bedford began by dictating stories to his parents before he could hold a pen. He continued to write short stories into his early teens. He picked up the guitar at the age of 14 after watching a friend play on a camping trip. In high school Bedford explored many different genres of music, but his world exploded when he discovered his mom's Gordon Lightfoot collection and then began a foray into the world of folk and Americana that included artists such as Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Richard Shindell, Tom Russell and Patty Griffin. The work of these artists resonated with Bedford and inspired him to try his hand at songwriting.
In 2000, Bedford entered the University of Illinois in Urbana with intentions of becoming a history professor. While he finished his degree, he was sidetracked by his love of music and writing. The history lectures and texts instilled in Bedford a fascination with gritty human truths and the plight of the common man/woman through the ages. Bedford has used that love of the past to imbue his characters with a sense of historical reality, yet maintain a heightened emotional and human quality.
Lincoln's Man was released to radio (U.S./Europe/Canada/Australia) January 29, 2008 on his own label, Hopeful Sky Records and reached number eight on the national Folk-DJ charts in February. The title track peaked at number three the same month. Bedford's second album, Land of the Shadows, was the number one album for January 2009 with three songs charting in the top ten, also making Bedford the number one artist.
Both albums are available for purchase at several locations on the web, including his website.Link to Ben's site.
6.01.2009
Annabelle Chvostek in concert Tuesday, June 23
Annabelle returns for a second appearance on Tuesday, June 23 at LLSC. If you want to hear her first set (along with Justin Roth backing her up), check the streaming audio section of the sidebar.
"Ms. Chvostek won our hearts and minds... Her show was one of those magical, chemistry-connected sets, with a sense of discovery attached... Singing with pluck and precision, Ms. Chvostek exudes organic musicality, whether when digging into folky roots music or art-pop turf…"
Santa Barbara News-Press Nov 2008
If the name Annabelle Chvostek is familiar, or you've heard of The Wailin' Jennys, it could be from their numerous appearances on A Prairie Home Companion, or perhaps you saw them a few years back in Hamilton. From 2004 to 2006 Annabelle performed over 250 shows with the Wailin' Jennys, including major folk festivals in Canada, Australia, USA, UK. She's recently left the band to pursue a solo career. Come see how she's doing!
"Annabelle made the hair on the back of my neck stand up." - "stunning free form folk...", "she can do everything, and does."
- The Hour, Montreal
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Tickets: $15 Advance, $20 Door (if available)
Reservations & Directions to venue: Contact jay@jaytoups.com or 406-349-2943
To reserve seats in advance, make check payable to Annabelle Chvostek and mail to:
Jay Toups
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
4.26.2009
David Boone in concert May 30
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Tickets: $15 Advance, $20 Door (if available)
Reservations & Directions to venue: Contact jay@jaytoups.com or 406-349-2943
To reserve, make check payable to David Boone and mail to:
Jay Toups
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
4.25.2009
Chris Proctor show a hit, listen to the audio stream
Fingerstyle guitar virtuoso Chris Proctor played to a full house and the crowd was way into it. People were craning their necks and standing up to see how he was creating all those beautiful sounds as Chris performed two sets of his original compositions and arrangements of traditional tunes, even a cover of "Nights in White Satin," switching between 6 and 12 strings and using advanced guitar techniques such as false harmonics, fingerpicking while using an E-Bow and bottleneck slide. As always, great music from a true superstar of fingerstyle guitar.
photo: Mark Porter
I've seen Chris many times over the 28 years I've known him. He never fails to amaze and delight the audience, and this show was especially sweet in our own little Folk Taj Mahal. Inspired by the room and the big crowd, Chris gave a stellar performance and won a lot of new fans.
Please feel free to leave a comment about this show.
4.03.2009
Chris Proctor in concert, Friday, April 24
Chris Proctor won the U.S. National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship back in 1982, and he hasn't looked back since. He's toured consistently and produced albums rooted in classic Americana, but delved also into folk, Celtic, jazz, pop and classical. He's one of the more revered figures on the acoustic guitar scene... Proctor's virtuoso fingerstyle technique and compositional abilities combine to render an original collection of pieces that very much lives up to its name. In the way Proctor explores melodies, and with his unique variety of tunings and spidery fingerings, he is a true pioneer of the contemporary fingerstyle form.
Ten CDs on Flying Fish, Windham Hill, Rounder and Sugarhouse Records, and his books, DVD's, videos, magazine articles, and endorsements all testify to Chris's standing as one of the elite fingerstyle composers, arrangers, and performers of the day.
"Proctor is...writing challenging compositions and playing them with such precision and clarity that they seem to sparkle... maintaining an evenness of tone and a cleanliness of fingering that will impress fellow guitarists even more than it does lay listeners."
- Washington Post
Potluck: 5 p.m.
Showtime: 7 p.m.
(Please bring a covered dish and your favorite beverage. No desserts please;-)
Advance reservations suggested. This show will sell out before show time.
Please make check payable to Chris Proctor and mail to:
Jay Toups
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
Questions/Directions? (Google Maps won't get you here, sorry.) Email
Learn more about Chris Proctor
3.29.2009
Jenn Adams, great show
3.05.2009
Jenn Adams (with Lawrence Duncan) in concert Saturday, March 28
Veteran singer-songwriter Jenn Adams has it all. A powerful, expressive voice, a songwriting language that is clearly her own and a sure-fire command of the stage. Over the last two decades, she's traveled the US performing in listening rooms, coffeehouses, theaters and some of our country's most notable festivals.
She's won top awards from Telluride, Lyons, Kerrville, Falcon Ridge festivals and was recently awarded "Grand Prize Winner" from the USA Songwriting Competition. Having returned to the Northwest music scene (and resettled in Missoula) with an extraordinary backlog of experience and craft, she is widely regarded as one of the most riveting performers on the acoustic circuit.
Lawrence's contribution to the Drum Brothers ensemble is anchored in 25 years of professional woodwind and vocal performance. He is comfortable in diverse musical idioms with saxophone, harp, flutes, and ethnic percussion. He's sure to bring a nice touch to Jenn's songs.
Potluck: 5 p.m. (Please bring a covered dish and your favorite beverage. No desserts please;-)
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Advance reservations are appreciated. Please make check payable to Jenn Adams and mail to:
Jay Toups
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
3.02.2009
Saul Kaye returns
What up at LLSC
Saul Kaye and his girlfriend Ashley rolled in just in time due to snow and ice, but he didn't miss a beat. Here's audio of his performance: Set 1 and Set 2. There's some channel dropout, apparently a connection was loose. But hey close enough for folk music.
Coming up in concert later this month, Jenn Adams.
Jenn Adams has it all. A powerful, expressive voice, a songwriting language that is clearly her own and a sure-fire command of the stage. Over the last 20 years, she's traveled the US performing in listening rooms, coffeehouses, theaters and some of our country's most notable festivals. She has won top awards from Telluride, Lyons, Kerrville, Falcon Ridge and was recently awarded "Grand Prize Winner" from the USA Songwriting Competition. Having arrived on the Northeast music scene with an extraordinary backlog of experience and craft, she is widely regarded as one of the most riveting performers on the acoustic circuit.
2.02.2009
Saul Kaye returns to LLSC, Thursday, February 26
Potluck: 5 p.m.
Showtime: 7 p.m.
"Crooning about in a blues-rock fashion that could get even the most sleepy coffeehouse jumping, Saul Kaye could easily be compared to fellow South African Dave Matthews. Yes his guitar playing is that good. .. his guitar work is steeped in originality. Vocally he accomplishes great harmonies while he sings true-to-form real stories that anyone can relate to."
Suggested Donation: Advance $15, $20 Door
Advance reservations are appreciated. Please make check payable to Saul Kaye and mail to:
Jay Toups
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
2.01.2009
Gutpuppet: Rare Treat
Welcome Ravalli Republic visitors, and a special thanks to Stacy Lishok and Will Moss for covering the story of our little house concert venue in the woods. If you're interested in this sort of thing, we invite you to add your name to our mailing list, or just monitor this page, to find out who's going to be performing.
If you're interested in hosting house concerts, feel free to email me with any questions. I'd love to help you become a presenter.
Lapwai Lane Shredders Club might seem a strange name for a music venue, but it is the only name that aptly describes just getting here sometimes, like when there's lots of snow or ice on the road. Last night, 20 people who took a chance on this locally unknown act (with two fairly well-known musicians, Scot Ray and Bill Barrett) and braved our ice-laden road to get up here, Gutpuppet didn't disappoint.
For the folks who managed to get stuck on the road and caused a pile up of cars (several of which had to turn back and go home), you missed a truly fantastic performance. Here's audio of set 1 and here's set 2.
1.18.2009
Gutpuppet to appear Saturday, January 31
"Cross-cultural free folk genre bandits"
Gutpuppet is an LA-based acoustic duo, with Scot Ray on 6, 12, & 22 string slide guitars and slide banjo, along with the mind-bending chromatic harmonica playing of Bill Barrett.
Gutpuppet swings the sonic trapeze between Delta Blues, North Indian raga, Bluegrass, and Gypsy imbued transmutations. Watch the video or check out some glowing CDBaby Reviews here.
Come and check out what the press has called 'the most inventive and unusual sounding music on the market, mixing dazzling jazz improv' with musical influences from around the world and especially from the orient.'' - Benoit Felten, France; 'The best of many worlds...all blended superbly together.' - DMG, NY; "Another nail in the coffin of dead-end blues, the demonstration that, if we're lucky enough, heaven-made acoustic music enters our humble garden one way or another." - Touching Extremes, Italy; "Shitkick stuff, keening India mojo, balladic meditation." - Metaljazz, LA
Join us for an unforgettable evening of instrumental music. Come early and enjoy a great potluck dinner and chatting with Scot and Bill and your fellow Bitterrooters before the show.
Potluck: 5 p.m. (please bring a covered dish and your favorite beverage)
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Suggested Donation: $15 Advance | $20 Door
Venue: Lapwai Lane Shredders Club
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
Advance reservations appreciated, and cheaper too. Please make check payable to Gutpuppet and mail to Jay at the address below:
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
Questions/Directions: Contact Jay at 349-2943 or email jay@jaytoups.com
12.07.2008
2009 Concert Calendar
Gutpuppet is a spooky good LA-based duo featuring Bill Barret on Jazz (Chromatic) Harmonica, and 6, 12, & 22 String Slide Guitar by Scott Ray. Think "cross-cultural free folk genre bandits" and you'll get an idea what their instrumental music is all about. Or check them out on their MySpace page. This will be superb music for a quiet January evening in the (hopefully) snow-clad pines.
Saul Kaye (Thursday 02/26/09)
South African-born, San Francisco-based singer songwriter making his second appearance at Lapwai Lane Shredders Club, Saul Kaye is the real deal, a polished performer, exciting and fun to listen to. Saul's songs and live shows take the listener on a journey from the heart on to the dance floor. His vision is to create a world where it is more profitable to help heal the planet and each other than destroy it.
Jenn Adams (Saturday 03/28/09)
Folk music veteran singer songwriter Jenn Adams has it all. A powerful, expressive voice, a songwriting language that is clearly her own and a sure-fire command of the stage. Over the last 20 years, Jenn has extensively traveled the US performing in listening rooms, coffeehouses, theaters and some of our country's most notable festivals. Check her out!
Chris Proctor (Friday 4/24/09)
One of the great fingerstyle guitar players of our time, Chris Proctor is a former US National Fingerstyle Guitar Champ who has 8 CDs in print and a music career spanning three decades. He composes and plays brilliant instrumental music for 6 and 12 string guitar. It also helps that he looks a lot like Christopher Reeves...in his Superman years.
David Boone (Saturday 5/30/09)
Missoula-based singer songwriter makes his second appearance at Lapwai Lane Shredders Club. Soulful songs, an excellent voice and a sensitive musical touch make David Boone stand out as a performer. He might be a local, but he's well worth seeing live in our intimate little concert hall.
Suggested donation for all shows is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. We recommend reserving seats in advance because A: it's cheaper for you, and B: it helps us rural music impresarios plan these fun-filled events even better.
To reserve seats for any of the above shows (except Storyhill), make your check payable to the artist and mail to Jay Toups, 7245 Lapwai Lane, Darby, MT 59829.
Pre-show Potlucks start at 5 p.m. All shows start at 7 p.m. Bring a covered dish and your favorite beverage!
We look forward to seeing you at the show(s) - Jay Toups and Tamera Rackham
To learn more about any of these artists and hear their music, click their names to visit their sites. Then reserve your seats for some or all of these great upcoming performances!
11.08.2008
Storyhill in Concert, December 7
Fast becoming modern touring legends as a tightly harmonizing duo of extremely talented songwriters, Storyhill (featuring Chris Cunningham and John Hermanson) will appear in concert Sunday, December 7 at Rockin' Horse Ranch, home of HalfabubbleOff Studios.
Bozeman (Chris) and Minneapolis (John) based Storyhill recently won the Indie Acoustic Project’s award for Best CD of 2007 in the acoustic ensemble category for their label debut Storyhill. Released in February of 2007, the album was produced by Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Dan Wilson and has garnered much national attention. Storyhill has gone on to win the prestigious 35th Annual Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Contest.
Sunday, December 7
Potluck: 5 p.m. (please bring a covered dish and your favorite beverage)
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Suggested Donation: $15 Advance | $20 Door
Venue: Halfabubbleoff Studios
181 Hart Bench
Darby, MT 59829
Advance reservations advised. Please make check payable to Storyhill and mail to Donna Pearson at the address below:
181 Hart Bench
Darby, MT 59829
Questions/Directions: Contact Donna at 821-2033 or email donna@mtnmortgage.net.
Thanks for supporting folk music in the Bitterroot. Please forward this message to anyone you think would enjoy this show.
Adventurous types can hear Chris Cunningham's solo appearance at LLSC in 2007. Check the Show Streams on the sidebar of this page.
9.05.2008
Matching Ties in Concert, Friday, October 24
Matching Ties is Paul Stowe and Trevor Morriss. They're a dynamic, highly engaging duo from Germany, although Paul is American and Trevor is British. These guys put on a show to remember. They've worked together as a duo, a trio with a bassist, a quartet with a fiddler across Europe for over 20 years. I guess you could say they're "audience tested."
Come enjoy a full evening of Irish, British and related American folk, bluegrass and acoustic blues with Trevor Morriss from London, GB on mandolin, Irish bouzouki, guitar and vocals, and Paul Stowe on acoustic guitar and vocals.
If you would like to know more about Matching Ties, visit www.matchingties.com.
Friday, October 24
Potluck: 5 p.m. (Please bring a covered dish and a favorite beverage)
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Suggested Donation: $15 Advance | $20 Door
8.12.2008
Bob Sima: Concert Review
Check out the streaming audio of Bob Sima's show here for set 1 and here for set 2
Turns out that Bob's got some kinda talent, and our crowd of 20 loved his stuff. His soulful, "frontman-quality" voice, compelling songs, and dynamic guitar added up to a lovely, lively evening of great music and songs. And how cool is this: his last big gig was at the Kennedy Center just a week or so ago, and this was his first gig in the Bitterroot.
7.14.2008
Bob Sima in Concert, August 12
- Michael Stiles
Bob Sima literally burst onto the singer-songwriter scene after taking a hiatus from his band Stereopool, a highly successful acoustic power trio from the Annapolis, MD area. Stereopool has made a name for themselves in the local and regional scene for their brand of energetic, evocative acoustic power folk music. They shared the stage with NRBQ, Eddie from Ohio, Ari Hest and many local legends and landed a UK distribution deal with Smart Choice Music (Kathleen Edwards, John Prine, Lyle Lovett) and were featured on the Smart Choice Sampler which landed them in Maverick Magazine.
November 2006, Bob released his first solo release entitled POUR IT ON. It was produced by David Weber in Bloomington, Indiana (Krista Detor, Carrie Newcomer) and was quickly named "CD OF THE YEAR" by the former Westside Café. Pour It On is an amazing collection of songs captured "in the moment" with a very live feel.Bob's song "Amazed By You" has landed him in the top 1% of all time in the Acoustic Genre at GARAGEBAND.COM. He has also reached #2 ALL-Time in Male Vocals (Acoustic). His music has won awards from Songwriteruniverse.com, has been webcasted, podcasted and beamed through satellite radio waves.
Bob has played many of the top venues in the mid Atlantic including Rams Head OnStage, IOTA, World Cafe Live, Fletchers, Cellar Stage, Columbia Lakefront Concert Series, Dewey Beach Music Conference and the National Folk Alliance Festival and Conference, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival and the Susquehanna Music and Arts Festival. Bob is also a highly sought after house concert player and has played dozens of house concerts all across the country. Bob also hosts and books a singer songwriter in the round at the Austin Grill in Rockville, MD.
Bob Sima
Tuesday, August 12
Potluck: 5 p.m. (Please bring a covered dish and a favorite beverage)
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Suggested Donation: $15 Advance | $20 Door
Advance reservations: Make check payable to Bob Sima and mail to:
Jay Toups
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
jay@jaytoups.com
406 349-2943
6.10.2008
Carl Tosten to appear July 12
Modern acoustic. Singer/songwriter. Contemporary folk. Carl Tosten is a musician whose style defies easy classification. With his strong and soulful voice and an eclectic & expressive guitar technique that includes percussion, tapping, multiple open tunings and capos, Tosten has been called an “acoustic one-man band.” Classical and jazzy overtones elevate his music to a level more sophisticated than simply “folk.” His live performances are filled with intense energy, stories, and songs that captivate and inspire his audiences.
Interview: Carl Tosten at the Montreal Guitar Show
“One of the most unique talents of the day.” Bill Gonder, Gibson Montana
“Acoustic one-man-band” Planet Media, Frankfurt Germany.
“An amazing guitarist and vocalist...“ Tuck & Patti
GUITAR MASTERS VOL. 1:This compilation CD includes a track by Carl Tosten and also features guitarists Allan Holdsworth, Jeff Beck, Steve Morse, John Scofield, Pete Anderson and others. Available now at Tower.com, Bestbuy.com and Amazon.com
Carl Tosten
Saturday, July 12
Potluck: 5 p.m. (Please bring a covered dish and a favorite beverage)
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Suggested Donation: $15 Advance | $20 Door
Advance reservations: Make check payable to Carl Tosten and mail to:
Jay Toups
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
jay@jaytoups.com
406 349-2943
6.02.2008
Big Sky Coalition Benefit Concert in Darby, June 19
This event is by presented by Jay Toups, volunteer webmaster on behalf of the Big Sky Coalition, Environmentalists with Common Sense. Advance tickets can be purchased at Little Blue Joint in Darby and the Music Box in Hamilton.