2009 Concert Calendar

Gutpuppet (Saturday 01/31/09)

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

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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!

Storyhill in Concert, December 7

"Quite possibly the best singing/songwriting duo working today."
- Jay Toups

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.

Storyhill in Concert
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.

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.

Matching Ties
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

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.

Bob Sima in Concert, August 12

"Bob Sima is a dynamic performer whose grace and power on the stage are as engaging as the songs he writes. His star is rising ever so fast, hire him now before you can't afford him."

- 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

Carl Tosten to appear July 12

Carl Tosten

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

"Tosten's superbly crafted lyrics share the spotlight with intricate and aggressive guitar arrangements, combining virtuosity with sensitivity and a social conscience." — Victory Review
“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

Big Sky Coalition Benefit Concert in Darby, June 19

The Floating Glass Balls, a bluegrass band from Oregon, will play a benefit concert at the Darby Clubhouse in Darby on Thursday, June 19th. Doors open at 6 p.m., showtime is 7 p.m.

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.

Terry Holder to appear May 30

Terry Holder to appear Friday, May 30 at Halfabubbleoff Studios

Dorian Michael to appear April 27

Dorian Michael

"I have been a working (and working class) guitarist for about 40 years now. I’ve played plenty of blues and folk, jazz and rock and roll. I think of my acoustic solo music as "contemporary traditional"; original music that reflects my interest in a number of styles of music. These influences come through in my original material, but it is a contemporary music that grows from, rather than mimics, those influences. When I play someone else's music or a traditional piece I do my best to give the listener at least a few small surprises."

Sunday, April 27
Potluck: 5 p.m.
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Suggested Donation: $15 Advance | $20 Door

Advance reservations: Make check payable to Dorian Michael and mail to:
Jay Toups
7245 Lapwai Lane
Darby, MT 59829
jay@jaytoups.com
406 349-2943

Chris Ayer to appear March 28

Last night as it snowed up a storm outside Chris Ayer put on an excellent show for 45 people, and he was accompanied by Jim Pearson on keys and guitar on several songs. At 25 years old, Chris sings beautifully, writes interesting, smart songs and has a bright future in the singer-songwriter trade. Check him out!

Chris Ayer

Due to anticipated demand, this show is being held in a larger venue, Halfabubbleoff Studios. See below for more info.

Chris Ayer's clever lyrics and song structure are driving a powerful career path for this 25 year old singer/songwriter. Chris tours nationally and won the Grand Prize in the 2006 John Lennon Songwriting Competition Folk category for "Evaporate". In November 2006 the song was also recognized by VH-1, winning Song Of The Month in their Save The Music competition (Adult Contemporary Category). Chris was also Performing Songwriter Magazine's "Do It Yourself" pick for March 2007. His latest album, This Is The Place, was recorded in Nashville and produced by Jason Gantt (The Chieftains, Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill). Chris's next studio album is set for release in spring 2008.

"Part street poet, part armchair philosopher, indie singer/songwriter Chris Ayer will leave you smiling whether you feel like smiling or not. You gotta love this guy... This Is The Place is a delightful discovery."

- BuddyHollywood.com, September 2007

"Ayer's effort has it all- tight arrangements, excellent musicality and imaginative lyrics. If you're looking for great music, this is the place indeed."

- Performing Songwriter Magazine, March 2007

Chris Ayer In Concert

Friday, March 28
Potluck Dinner/Reception 5 - 7 p.m.
Showtime: 7:00 p.m.

Location:
Halfabubbleoff Studios
181 Hart Bench
Darby, MT 59829

Donation is $15 advance, $20 day of show. Reservations are suggested.

To reserve your seat(s), please make checks payable to Chris Ayer, and mail to: Donna Pearson, 181 Hart Bench Road, Darby, MT 59829.

Questions about the show: call Jay at 349-2943 or jay@jaytoups.com

Saul Kaye's first LLSC show was good indeed

It turns out that Saul doesn't get to play too many house concerts, so he had a great opportunity to connect with our audience of devoted listeners and he did. They all loved his music. Good stuff!

Here are sets one and two of Saul Kaye's performance.

Saul Kaye to appear January 22

Just 2 seats left...www.saulkaye.com

Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Potluck: 5 p.m.
Showtime: 7 p.m.

Join us and make welcome Saul Kaye, from San Francisco by way of South Africa. He's quite a talent, as you'll hear and see. He's headed down to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah after this show, just like last year when he appeared here. There's streaming audio of his performance, so give Saul a listen! Here's set 1, and here's set 2.

"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

Jay Buchanan and Jim Pearson, Dec. 1

Live in concert at the new Rockin' Horse Ranch

December 1, 2007, 7:00 P.M.
181 Hart Bench
Darby, MT 59829

Join Jim and Donna Pearson for an evening of out-of-this-world music from two accomplished musicians. And help warm up their new house and recording studio in the pines!

Jim Pearson

Jim Pearson is a versatile musician, singer & songwriter who is vastly experienced in numerous styles, including Blues, Rock, Country, and Jazz. He's toured all over the world with legendary live bands and major artists such as Edgar Winter, Isaac Hayes and Mark Isham. An accomplished studio artist with an extensive background in composing and arranging, "Jimi" has spent most of his life producing others and making them sound good, and now we will have the treat of seeing him perform several of his new original songs. Jim is not only an extremely gifted and creative guitar player, he is also well versed on the keyboard, to put it mildly, and his beautiful melodies have been known to bring bring tears to even the most stoic people.

Jay Buchanan

Somewhere between Dave Matthews and Darius Rucker (Hootie to you!) is South Cali singer/songwriter, Jay Buchanan, the namesake and leader of the recently disbanded national recording act, Buchanan. With his powerful, emotional, incredibly passionate & soulful performance, you will find yourself leaning forward in your seat and spellbound. JAY CAN BELT IT OUT LIKE NOBODY'S BUSINESS!!

More than a frontman when it comes to the delivery of the music, Jay also plays a variety of instruments on the band’s 2004 disc, All Understood (produced by veteran Don Gehman----John Mellencamp/REM/Tracy Chapman), and plays them well. He has also created some damn tasty arrangements that will be found ear-appealing to everyone from folkies, to jazzers, to progressive/jam rock fans. Click here to listen to samples from his solo acoustic disc.

His accomplishments include opening for Hootie & The Blowfish, playing a side stage at a John Mayer/Counting Crows concert, and the soundtrack "If you Leave" for the 2007 movie "Waitress" starring Cheryl Hines, Kerri Russell, Jeremy Sisto and Andy Griffith.

Support the Arts in the Bitterroot! Reserve your seats before they are sold out!

Donation is $15 advance, or $20 day of show. To reserve your seat(s), please make checks payable to Jay Buchanan, and mail to: Donna Pearson, 181 Hart Bench Road, Darby, MT 59829

Please feel free to forward this invitation to your music-loving friends.

For more information, call 821-2033.

Chris Cunningham in concert Sunday, October 28

Chris Cunningham

Red House recording artist Chris Cunningham will perform on Sunday, October 28. Known to many as half of the acoustic music duo Storyhill, Chris also has a busy solo career (independent from Storyhill and 2 Forms of ID with Justin Roth) which includes 5 solo CDs. This solo show by Chris will be a prelude to a future show (date TBD) with both members of Storyhill. Here's a link to Chris' page on MySpace. Potluck: 4:00 Showtime: 6:00 (Note: Times are 1 hour earlier than normal) Suggested donation is $15 advance, or $20 day of show. If you would like to reserve seats, please make a check payable to Chris Cunningham and mail it to: Jay Toups, 7245 Lapwai Lane, Darby, MT 59829

David Boone, Saturday, September 15

David Boone

As one of Missoula's most prolific and talented musicians, it's David's honesty, his transparency, that makes his work shine. In his latest, Hard Enough to Bend, it is more and more present in his voice as he sings about poverty, love, war and loss. He blends styles in Hard Enough to Bend showcasing his progression while maintaining his acoustic roots. Reminiscent of Ryan Adams on this album, he uses his signature lyrical prowess and adaptability to take a traditional folk-like feel and turn it into something modern and vibrant—distancing himself from the run-of-the-mill coffee shop singer-songwriter. David continues to amaze with his ability to stay open and raw while simultaneously challenging new sounds and styles—song after song, album after album.

- (Courtney Lowery - New West Missoula)

Potluck: 5 p.m.
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

Michael at LLSC: Coooooooooool

Michael Gulezian put on a dazzling show, despite having driven a thousand miles in the last 24 hours. Click to listen to his set. (70MB streaming audio)

If you saw the show and you agree it was wonderful, please leave a comment!

Annabelle and Justin rock the house

Justin Roth and Annabelle Chvostek braved the nearby forest fires and heavy smoke and ambled up our little dirt road in the forest about 4:30. After brief introductions, a look at the room and a sound check, they had dinner and mingled with people who came to see the show.

With people still arriving at 7:30 and running a half hour late we finally started the show. Annabelle opened and I was instantly reminded of why I produce house concerts out here in the middle of nowhere and cover the minor details like a good sound system, no distractions, and a full house sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation.


When live music rises above the level of energy required to play it, you just have to be there. But rather than wrack my brain for nice things to say about these two gifted artists, how about you listen and see for yourself. Then please visit their sites and let them know you love their music too.

Nice music indeed. Thanks Justin and Annabelle!

Listen to Annabelle's set.
Listen to Justin's set.

(Large file stream not suitable for impatient dialup users.)

Annabelle Chvostek and Justin Roth

SOLD OUT!
Justin Roth and Annabelle Chvostek in concert, Saturday August 4th!

This is was your last-minute concert opportunity of the summer, guaranteed. These two acoustic music maestros will share the bill and bowl you over with their amazing talents, energy and presence.

Justin Roth

Justin Roth is a nationally touring singer/songwriter/acoustic guitarist who combines an artful blend of pop hooks laid on a bed of brilliantly inventive guitar technique for a unique mix of new acoustic folk. He has released four independent CDs, as well as being a core contributor to an instrumental solo guitar album produced for Target Stores entitled "Lifescapes - Solo Guitar," which has sold over 70,000 copies nationwide.

"Intricate guitar work, beautifully written lyrics." - San Francisco Art Magazine

"One of the best singer/songwriter/guitarists I've heard in ages...Justin Roth is a flat out talent. Roth rivals a young Willy Porter...His vocal delivery is smooth. His guitar playing is extraordinary." - The Journal Times, Racine, WI

Check out his videos on YouTube. Here's his website: http://www.justinroth.com/

Annabelle Chvostek

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 recently 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

Potluck begins at 5 p.m., showtime is at 7 p.m. sharp. Admission is $15 advance, $20 at the door. You can get the advance price by letting me know via email or call 349-2943 to let us know you'll be coming. And please tell your music loving friends about this show!

See you at the show!

Paul Boruff appears June 16

Lapwai Lane Shredders Club presents Paul Boruff Saturday, June 16th

On his return to LLSC, Paul did a great show to a full house. A full evening of songs included cowboy tunes, jazz, blues, old time, big band and ballads.

Saturday, June 16
Potluck: 5 p.m.
Show: 7 p.m.

Tickets: $15 Advance, $20 Door

Advance purchase advised due to limited seating. Please make payable to Paul Boruff and mail check to 7245 Lapwai Lane, Darby, MT 59829

Please bring a covered dish and your favorite beverage for the potluck prior to the show! (Sorry, no desserts!)

For more information, visit www.jaytoups.com/music/house_concerts.html

Bill Mize and Beth Bramhall

Saturday, April 21: SOLD OUT!
Bill Mize with Beth Bramhall Brad Warren opening

The most amazing guitar player you've never heard of? It just might be Bill Mize. Bill is one of the most accomplished fingerstyle guitarists working today. A former national fingerstyle champion, in fact. Also appearing with Bill will be Beth Bramhall, a very talented accordionist.

Brad Warren is a professional helicopter pilot who lives in Hamilton, Montana. He's also a talented fingerstyle guitarist who has just released his debut CD, About The Journey.

Saturday, April 21
Potluck: 5 p.m.
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Tickets: $15 advance. $20 day of show.

To receive $15 tickets they must be purchased or at least reserved in advance. Make check payable to Bill Mize and mail to 7245 Lapwai Lane, Darby, MT 59829. Or simply call 349-2943 to reserve your spots. Seating is limited to 50.

Liz Carlisle and Russell Wolff

Happy New Year! Last night, Liz Carlisle and Russell Wolff treated 44 guests to a great evening of music, stories and humor from their life as touring musicians. Russell is also a producer, keyboard/guitar player, and a great singer songwriter. He also looks exactly like Bruce Willis, which is kind of mesmerizing in a funny sort of way.




This morning we got up and took a walk in the woods before breakfast.

Paul Stowe, October 29 2006

Paul Stowe put on a wonderful two-hour performance, mixing up his sets with blues and with Celtic-tinged originals, including a couple of new songs about his two children, Elisa and Eric. Both tunes are on his band's latest CD, Across The Sea. You can listen to a streaming sample file on their site.