Dixie Land Music
A long time ago (well, 1992), in a basement far, far away (Fredericksburg, VA to be exact), three guys got together to learn a couple dixieland tunes for a club date. It was during this rehearsal that the idea for the Dixie Power Trio was born. A dixieland band that played rock and roll! Andy Kochenour provided the steady bass lines on his tuba, Zack Smith churned out the melodies on his cornet, and Bert Carlson added rhythm banjo and vocals in the original incarnation of the group, which soon added Byron McWilliams to provide drum grooves. After a trip to the local pawn shop, Zack was soon playing accordion, washboard, and harmonica with the DPT, taking on the role of resident multi-instrumentalist. (He now endorses Hohner Blues Harps and Tee Don’s are the “Official Rubboards of the DPT”.)
The band recorded their first CD Out of Control a year later and started receiving national attention through airplay on NPR’s All Things Considered while becoming notorious for their takes on “Stairway to Heaven” and “Freebird.” Soon, the group was out touring the country, recording their sophomore CD, Greetings From Gumboville, and trying to cope with the inevitable band tension that came with the increased workload. Byron eventually dropped out to spend more time with his three beautiful children (all girls!), and Ryan Diehl came aboard to man the drum chair. After seven years of playing “Staiway to Heaven” nightly and not a lot of progress towards the goal of fame and fortune, the DPT decided it was time to start shifting away from the goofy nature of their early repertoire and time to start playing the music it was most comfortable with. Goodbye Stairway, Freebird, Dueling Banjos– hello zydeco, jazz, and originals. It was during this period that Bert left to pursue his wilderness living dreams, and guitar virtuoso Wayne Wilkinson joined the group.
Soon the band was in the studio laying down its third CD Ain’t My Fault, and beginning the process of reintroducing itself to the public. After a number of well-received performances at venues such as the Kennedy Center (D.C.) and the Krannert Center (IL), and with newfound popularity on the web, the DPT had begun establishing itself as the East Coast’s premier New Orleans music ensemble. It was also during this time that the group began occasionally doing performances as the New Line Brass Band, with its beefed up front line (check out their CD Bad Spuds!) A few more changes were in store as Ryan departed for greener pastures and the band welcomed back Byron–who was now much more available with his children starting school. Wayne decided to spend more time honoring his spiritual calling, which led to the entrance of Gantt Kushner into the group. The boys recorded their first live CD, Let’s All Go Down To New Orleans, a year later.
In 2004, Wayne Wilkinson rejoined the line-up and played on two more CD’s: ”The Virgil Sessions” and “Zydeco Dog”. Wayne retired to Colorado in 2008, which led to the entrance of new guitarist Chuck Underwood, who has injected his own unique blues/jazz style into the always-evolving DPT sound.
Join in on the rapidly expanding parade of DPT faithful—as always, we aim to please!
Read more about the Dixie Power Trio
Hardcore Honky Tonk for the Outlaw in all of us.
Have you ever wondered what happened to REAL country music? Sadly, it has been pushed into the underground by the image-consumed, money-making monster of the corporate music industry. These days, only a few brave souls dare to make the kind of authentic country music that honors American heritage and culture; rooted in the influence of Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and the other all-but-forgotten legends of the genre. Genuine country music reflects real life, and not the latest fashion trends. One of the strongest and most charismatic forces in the real country music arena is J.B. Beverley & The Wayward Drifters.
Originally formed in December 1998, J.B. Beverley and the Wayward Drifters have steadily made a name for themselves in the U.S. and around the world. A “retired” hobo, Beverley took his experiences from the road, the trains, and everyday American people he encounters, and molded those experiences into some of the most heartfelt, real-deal country music to see the light of day in a long time. With driving acoustic rhythm guitar, slamming upright bass slapping, amazing banjo rolls, and other blistering accompaniment, Beverley and his “high lonesome” voice have earned a solid reputation for their live shows.
J.B. Beverley and his Wayward Drifters’ endless life on the road is studded with highlights, including a 7 week tour with Hank Williams III and shows with contemporary greats like Wayne “The Train” Hancock, Dale Watson and Lee Rocker. They have been joined on stage by legendary Commander Cody guitar picker Bill Kirchen, and other friends in the music community. The band also has made fans out of the likes of John Carter Cash, Slim Jim Phantom of the Stray Cats, Bruce Springsteen, and Piedmont Blues great Warner Williams.
J.B. Beverley & The Wayward Drifters have been featured on several radio and TV programs, including the MHZ Network’s “Spotlight”, Austin’s Capzeyes TV, and radio shows like Colorado’s KRFC “Live at Lunch, and Knoxville’s WDVX FM. The band has released two heavily-circulated demos, and a full-length studio CD entitled “Dark Bar & A Jukebox” (Helltrain Records). The band toured relentlessly for over two years in support of “Dark Bar”, and also wound up the subject of an upcoming documentary road film by Wayward Souls Productions out of New Mexico.
In 2008, J.B. opened Rebel Roots Studio in Richmond, VA to record and produce “Watch America Roll By”, the band’s sophomore effort. Described as “an organic road record that may as well have soil falling off it’s roots”, the new CD is stirring up quite the buzz amongst Wayward Drifters fans and roots-music enthusiasts alike.
Read more about The Wayward Drifters
Saturday the 26th of 2009 will be the last day that the 12:00 kids shows will be held. Also, the 5:30 acoustic show will no longer be held. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused you.
Lion & Bull proudly presents Bobby Shore and First Call on October 24th. The show starts at 7:30. Bobbe Shore and First Call present The Great American Songbook of Jazz Standards, Swing and Blues.
Bobbe Shore, who recently performed at Blues Alley in Washington DC and whose performance was deemed “magical,” has performed throughout the DC metro area sharing her passion and love of Jazz, Standards, Swing, and Blues with those who are familiar with the genre, and winning over new audiences with every performance.
One quality which sets Bobbe apart vocally, is the honest and pure emotional vulnerability she projects into her interpretation of the classic “torch song”. Yet, in an instant, she can belt out the gutsiest of Blues, turning a phrase that will (for the moment) take you with her, as she disappears into a blues infused, smokey patch of night.
These days, she’ll dance you down the familiar streets of “America’s Songbook”, while introducing you to a few new paths, on their way to being well-worn, with her original tunes, proving that America’s Songbook is a constantly evolving “work-in-progress”.
Her group, “First Call” features collaborations with the finest of DC’s jazz community including Wade Beach and Bob Boguslaw (piano), Steve Novosel and Victor Dvoskin (bass), Frank Russo and Tony Martucci (drums), and Bruce Swaim and Lyle Link (sax), among others. Together, they incorporate their individual strengths (quality solos, innovative voicings, and a mutual respect) to provide a unique and memorable musical experience which is enjoyed by the jazz initiated, as well as the novice…and one which passes way too quickly, leaving the audience to wonder, “Where did the time go”?!!! Because before the audience has even realized it, “Bobbe Shore and First Call” has taken them on a journey, and has entertained them…right through to “last call”!
The Carlton Banks Dance Contest was held during Karaoke Night at the Lion & Bull. Our thanks go out to Adam, Jody and Ty for participating. Adam and Ty tied for first with Jody coming in a strong 2nd. Join us every Tuesday for Karaoke starting at 8:30. The Lion & Bull also has live music every Wednesday through Saturday nights.
SouthernXcess includes Gary Gibson, RJ Gibson, David Jenkins, Louie Warren, Bobby Gibson and many past alumni whose experience and musical talent always put on a great show. As their name might lead you to believe, they rock the crowd with a great mix of southern rock and country.
More about SouthernXcess at www.southernxcess.com
King Teddy
More about King Teddy at www.kingteddy.com
Caravan of Thieves is a fun and interesting band that stretches the parameters of acoustic swing, Caravan of Thieves has been winning immediate praise for their new and unique brand of gypsy flavored song writing and their high intensity show. The vocal harmonizing, acoustic guitar spanking husband and wife duo Fuzz and Carrie have extended their family to include fiery violinist Ben Dean and double bass madman, Brian Anderson to complete their colorful vision. Seeking inspiration from beyond the great divide, the quartet produces layers of Beatlesque vocals, driving rhythms, satirical, dramatic song writing and an overall circus of sound.
I highly recommend that you come and watch this show. You will be entertained.
More about Caravan of Thieves at www.caravanofthieves.com
