8/1 David Grisman Sextet
At Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis
Putting their own twist on acoustic music, including unique takes on bluegrass, David Grisman and company have been making music of an incredibly consistent quality since 1975. As a pioneer of the evolving bluegrass scene for decades and the inventor of Dawg music (the fusing of bluegrass and jazz), Grisman is a living legend when it comes to the mandolin. His ability to lead a band comprised of similarly skilled veterans of the acoustic music genre will be on full display on the first of this month.
8/2 Steely Dan w/ Miles High Big Band
At Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia
When self-described “Jazz-rock ambassadors to the galaxy” Steely Dan announced that their 2011 tour would include the Frank Gehry-designed Columbia venue Merriweather Post Pavilion, this summer’s lineup was given a serious boost with this super star group of musicians who don’t tour frequently. The group will be accompanied by The Miles High Big Band, further adding to and filling out their stage sound, and has made it clear that they will be performing a satisfying mix of their greatest hits, with several deep cuts from their seminal albums thrown in (the band’s last tour featured performances of various past releases in full at different dates).
8/5 Kinobe and the African Sensation
At The Nightcat, Easton
Bringing a love for sharing native music all the way from Uganda, Kinobe and the African Sensations are an interactive, fun group dedicated to performing traditional African music. With a wide variety of instruments, both native and universal in the mix, the group fosters a general dedication to spreading a fusion of African roots and world music. The resulting product is an upbeat, melodic fusion of the roots of many cultures, and a product that is enjoyable for anyone who loves sharing in the enjoyment of music that is immediately embraceable and pleasant.
8/7 Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas Dawes
At Wolf Trap, Vienna, Va.
Alison Krauss will bring her reputation for excellence when she arrives at Wolf Trap with her Union Station band this month. With 26 Grammy awards (the most by any female artist), Krauss has been recognized time and again for her heavenly vocals and uncanny ability to write and perform traditional, as well as modern, bluegrass. With the release of the 2007 album Raising Sand, created with former Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, Krauss was able to reach a new group of music fans and further cement her place in the top tier of modern touring musicians. Whether you’re familiar with Krauss’ catalog or simply interested in a night spent in the presence of a modern great, this should be a supremely satisfying night of aweinspiring music on display.
8/9 Beres Hammond
At Rams Head Live, Baltimore
Though there are dozens of influential reggae artists who helped pioneer this music’s rise to popularity outside of Jamaica, there are only a few who have left a truly distinctive mark on the genre. One such mainstay who has set himself apart, both with his early works and in subsequent decades, is legend Beres Hammond. It is Hammond’s distinctive voice, at once recognizable and inimitable, that puts him in a league of his own. Smooth, with a touch of grit and personality, Hammond’s vocals have a way of sitting among a song with a pronounced presence and fitting comfort. His tendency to favor lilting and relaxed island sounds over aggressive or rock influenced reggae has further carved a niche that will be on prominent display in Baltimore this month.
8/12 My Morning Jacket
At Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia
With their newest release, Circuital, gaining steam as a respected unit of My Morning Jacket’s already burgeoning canon, the group is eager to showcase their hair-raising brand of intimate folk rock. Though MMJ certainly has a soft side and is willing to slow things down when necessary, don’t be surprised when they crank out head-banging, arena rock versions of some of the mst exciting rock and roll being made today. These guys have a unique dynamic in that they seem to effortlessly mix the emotion and genuine, heartfelt vocals and lyrics of modern indie rock with the powerful riffs and guitar solos of yesterday’s classic rock pantheon.
8/13 Other Mammals
At The Nightcat, Easton
Billed as a unique one-time performance and “one of those special nights at The Nightcat,” the Other Mammals will showcase the skills and range of some terrific homegrown talent coming together on one stage. One such artist who is familiar with the vibe and dynamic of performing at The Nightcat is R&B bandleader and amazingly talented pianist and saxophone player Deanna Bogart. Renowned throughout the region for both her dazzling skills as a musician and charismatic stage presence, Bogart will likely thrive in a performance where anything is possible and the creative juices are freely flowing. Joining Bogart will be jazz pianist and organist Matt Wigler, longtime D.C.-area composer and guitarist Dan Leonard, and Bogart’s bandmate and drummer Mike Aubin.
8/19 The Rovers
At Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis
Channeling rowdy Irish spirit seemingly straight from Dublin to the intimate confines of Rams Head On Stage this month, locals The Rovers will lead attendees through an evening chock full of fast paced rock and roll fun. Though the band has only been on the Celtic scene for just over five years, they’ve become known in that time for their ability to create music that is both authentic and fresh. With a new album, Buy Us A Drink, out this summer, the group will have added to a growing catalog of passionate, rootsdriven rock music.
8/19 Robert Randolph and The Family Band
At The Bottle and Cork, Dewey Beach
Armed with an incredible ability to play the pedal steel guitar and backed by a family of similarly talented musicians, Robert Randolph will kick the rowdy bar room atmosphere at Dewey’s Bottle and Cork up a notch. Randolph and his multi-talented relatives have been known to wow audiences a number of ways; from simply displaying their virtuoso skills on their individual instruments to rotating instruments and displaying their versatility. It seems that each member of the family band is as able on each other’s instruments as their own, and they always have a good time showing off this skill and getting the audience involved. Just listen to the band’s song “I Need More Love” off their essential 2003 album release Unclassified. If the song’s infectious rhythms and driving chorus don’t excite you, then look elsewhere for fun. Perhaps also check your pulse for a sign of life while you’re at it.
8/27 U.S. Navy Commodores
At The Avalon Theatre, Easton
A specialty unit of the U.S. Navy Band, the U.S. Navy Commodores bring a wealth of talent, pride, and tradition to The Avalon late this month. The group’s performances are a spectacular tribute to both traditional big band music and the individual talents of the group’s members, whose compositions also make their way into their performances. The ensemble’s 2009 album release, Directions, is indicative of the group’s unbelievable talent and ability to honor the past while remaining relevant and inspiring. Both aspects will be on full, proud display at their appearance in Easton.
