The Dirty Grass Players, Saturday, September 18, Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion $25                                                                     

The Dirty Grass Players, a four-piece new-grass band from Baltimore, is known for having one toe-tappin’ foot in traditional bluegrass while pushing boundaries with their blazing musicianship. Composed of Connor Murray on bass, Alex Berman on vocals & banjo, Ben Kolakowski with the guitar & vocals, and Ryan Rogers on mandolin, this group has been giving their growing fan-base a down-and-dirty performance for over five years.

Their ability to seamlessly transition from down-home bluegrass to spirited improvisation makes each performance unique. Mix in some Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd or a dash of southern rock and you’ll quickly understand what they mean by “Dirty Grass”.

Entering into their sixth year together, The Dirty Grass Players released their second studio album, “Beneath the Woodpile”. Put together with alluring harmonies, lyrics, and melodies, the band presents a sound precisely at the crossroads of traditional and progressive bluegrass. This isn’t just another run-of-the-mill bluegrass album or band; it’s cathartic and dirty grass.                                                             

The Bones of J.R. Jones, Thursday, September 23, Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion, $25

Over the course of three full-length albums and two EPs, Jonathon Robert Linaberry — the songwriter, storyteller, visual artist, and one-man band behind The Bones of J.R. Jones — has woven his own tapestry of American roots music. It’s a classic sound for the modern world, influenced not only by blues, soul, and forward-thinking folk, but also by J.R.’s environment.

From the bustle of New York City, to the rustic solitude of his current home in the Catskills, J.R. has always looked to the world around him for inspiration. In his newest release, “A Celebration”, the desert panoramas and infinite horizons of the American Southwest have inspired him musically to celebrate the thrill of getting lost in something new, whether it’s a landscape, a sound, a perspective, or all of the above.

“They definitely are a bit of a departure from my previous albums,” J.R. says. “But I feel like they still resonate with the darkness, honesty, minimalism I try to impart in all my work.” https://thebonesofjrjones.com/                         

Grain Thief, Friday, October 1, Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion $25

“Boston band Grain Thief distinguish themselves from the legions of fresh-faced East Coast kids packing mandolins and banjos, in that they use vintage Americana rather than emo or corporate American Idol pop as a springboard for their songs. And they tell some great stories, and have serious bluegrass chops.” New York Music Daily

Crafting their spirited bluegrass sound in the New England jam scene, Grain Thief has toured the north, south, east, and west of the U.S., playing stages large and small. They’ve graced the stages at the Greyfox Bluegrass Festival, Hempfest, Podunk Bluegrass Festival, Thomas Point Bluegrass Festival, Ossipee Valley Music Festival, UMS Music Festival, and Rockygrass, among others.

According to the Boston Globe, Grain Thief’s acclaimed new album, “Gasoline”, “is the sound of a band getting its ‘grass on.” https://grainthief.com/ 

Jill Sobule & Amy Speace, Saturday, October 9, 2021 Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion $25

Jill Sobule has released a dozen of albums spanning three decades of recording, tackling such topics as the death penalty, anorexia nervosa, shoplifting, reproduction, the French Resistance, adolescent malaise, LGBTQ issues, and the Christian Right, to name a few – with her trademark wit and aplomb.

While her songs cover expansive thematic ground, they benefit greatly from Jill’s subtle intelligence and skillful light-handedness. On stage, she entertains, amuses, provokes, and more often than not, takes her audiences on an emotional roller coaster, from comedy to pathos in a few bars of music, often within the same song.

Amy Speace honed her beautifully uplifting and deeply personal music in her mid-twenties while living in Greenwich Village. She taught herself “sound shapes” on guitar, highly influenced by Joni Mitchell’s compositional music and poetically direct lyrics.

Developing her talent as a songwriter, guitarist, and performer, she landed gigs at CBGB’s, The Living Room, and The Bitter End, and became entrenched in New York City’s nightlife — a moment in her life that cinematically unfolds in flashback in “Shotgun Hearts.”

“Amy Speace once again demonstrates why she’s one of the greatest artists in Americana today”- Mike Davies, Folk Radio UK https://www.jillsobule.com/https://www.amyspeace.com/       

Erin McKeown, Saturday, October 16, Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion  $25

“In several distinctive ways—voice, dynamic subtlety, and sheer songwriting ability—Erin McKeown is in a class of her own.” – Sunday Times (UK)

Erin McKeown’s brash and clever electric guitar playing is something to see. Over the last 20 years, she’s performed around the world, released 10 full-length albums, and written for film, television, and theater, all the while refining her distinctive and challenging mix of American musical forms.

Leading her own band, Erin has performed with Joan Baez, Carrie Rodriguez, and Josh Ritter (among many others), as well as at Bonnaroo, Glastonbury, and the Newport Folk Festivals.  https://www.erinmckeown.com/ 

Chiara Izzi & Perry Smith, Friday, October 22, Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion  $25

Award-winning Italian singer-songwriter Chiara Izzi performs with guitarist Perry Smith in an autumn evening of cool jazz in the Stoltz Pavilion. Described by Jazz Times as “a talent to be heard, admired and anticipated” after the release of her debut album “Motifs”, Chiara Izzi started her musical path in Italy by learning to play the piano and performing very early.

Guitarist Perry Smith combines the tradition of jazz with broad influences from contemporary music to create his signature style. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Smith is now based in Brooklyn where he leads his own groups and is a sideman for local and touring artists.  https://www.jwpagency.com/Chiara_Izzi.html 

Naked Blue & Christine Havrilla, Saturday, October 23, Doors: 8:30 p.m.; Show: 9 p.m.

The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion  $25              

When you see husband-and-wife duos touring the country as musical partners— especially if they’ve been doing it for over twenty five years, you can be confident that they’ve achieved a level of communication and compatibility that guarantees the quality of the show.

That’s definitely the case with Jen and Scott Smith (aka Naked Blue), whose instinctive feel for progressive folk/pop music has resulted in legions of fans on the Eastern Seaboard, and long residencies on radio playlists across the country.

They’re joined by Philadelphia native Christine Havrilla, who brings her “well-built, catchy, smart tunes” (Upstage Magazine) to audiences everywhere, touring nationally solo and also with the support of her band, Gypsy Fuzz. Christine uses the soft gritty texture of her vocals to express warmth and honesty listeners quickly embrace as well as her aggressive, raw, trash-style guitar playing and looping. https://www.nakedblue.com/  https://www.christinehavrilla.com/  

Pat McGee, Sunday, October 24, 2010 Doors: 6:30 p.m.; Show: 7 p.m.

The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion  $30                                                                                                             

Virginia’s Pat McGee Band is an acoustic-based sextet that has toured with Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, Ziggy Marley, Counting Crows, and the Wallflowers. In the 25 years since their initial formation, they’ve acquired a fanatical popular following. Building on his well-honed performing experience, Pat’s recent material has been influenced by the classic albums of the 1970s that were spun in his childhood home, including seminal records by James Taylor, Jackson Browne, and Crosby, Stills, and Nash.

“McGee has assembled various star-studded ensembles over the years and continues to have a focus on the song supported with strong harmonies, percussive acoustic guitars, mandolins as well as a tight rhythm section and tasteful electric guitars.” Music Existence https://patmcgee.net/ 

Comedian Jason Weems Two Nights!, Friday and Saturday, October 29 & 30, Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion  $25

A native of Baltimore, Jason Weems’ engaging and conversational style on stage leaves audiences feeling like they’ve just finished talking to a close friend. It also simultaneously acts as free therapy for him.

Weems’ live show is truly one of a kind, and tailor fit to each unique crowd. He has been seen at the most prestigious invitation-only comedy festival in the world, The Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, and reached the top 100 and semi-finalist rounds on two separate seasons of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. https://jasonweemscomedy.com/ 

19th Street Band, Friday, August 6, 2021. Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion, 218 N. Washington Street, Easton, MD  $25

Characterized by high energy and strong vocal harmonies, The 19th Street Band brings together a constellation of Americana, country, and rock with a taste of punk. They ignite an audience with their passion for music, their magnetic presence, and enthusiasm.

Bridging the musical traditions of bluegrass and roots from Ireland to the Appalachian, their eclectic gypsy-rock spirit literally leaps from the stage and engages the crowd in the music. Their clever turns of phrase and unexpected syncopation teases the audience into wanting more from every song and set.

The charismatic vibe that Caolaidhe (pronounced “Cally”) Davis (guitar/harmonica/vocalist) blends with fiddle/mandolin/vocalist (and wife), Meghan Davis, creates a joy-filled chemistry that no crowd can resist. Add to the mix the talented rhythm section, Greg Hardin (bass) & Patty Dougherty (drums), and this band will have every crowd enthralled.  https://19thstreetband.com/

Clones of Funk- Dance Party!, August 7 – FREE Harrison St. Easton, Md – 7pm

Part of the Avalon’s FREE Outdoor Summer Concert Series brought to you by The Tidewater Inn present the annual Street Dance Party featuring The Clones of Funk.

Hackensaw Boys, Thursday, August 12, 2021. Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion, 218 N. Washington Street, Easton, MD  $25

This quote from Saving Country Music just about sums it all up: “Before The Avett Brothers were selling out arenas, before Mumford & Sons were becoming the biggest band in music in a given year, before everybody and their brother was growing a beard and wearing suspenders and playing in jug bands, the Hackensaw Boys were mixing bluegrass and old time music with a punk attitude.”

For almost two decades, the Hackensaw Boys have plowed the asphalt bringing their raw, gritty American vernacular sounds to the music halls and streets across the world. Twenty years later, the group continues their burning hot vision of American roots music into a new age, fueled as much by a rowdy punk spirit as by the traditional masters that first inspired them.  https://hackensawboys.com/about

Yasmin Williams, Friday, August 13, 2021. Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion, 218 N. Washington Street, Easton, MD  $25           

“Williams’s music transcends the standard idea of what a guitarist should do.” – NPR Music

Yasmin Williams is an acoustic fingerstyle guitarist with an unorthodox, modern style of playing. Her music has been commonly described as refreshing, relaxing, and unique and has been called some of the most imaginative guitar music out today.

Williams has won various local talent shows, was a finalist in the Rolling Stones Young Gun guitar competition, was the grand prize winner of New York University’s Ultra Violet Live talent show, and won the gold prize in the instrumental category of the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest.

Her recently released album, Urban Driftwood, has received high praise from numerous major publications including Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, NPR Music, No Depression, Bandcamp, Paste Magazine, and other outlets. https://www.yasminwilliamsmusic.com/home

Mule Shine, August 14 – FREE Harrison St. Easton, Md.

Part of the Avalon’s FREE Outdoor Summer Concert Series brought to you by The Tidewater Inn presents the Bluegrass and rock and Roll Sounds of Mule Shine.

Yarn, Friday, August 20, 2021. Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion, 218 N. Washington Street, Easton, MD  $25 

“Yarn has…developed a harmony-rich sound that conjures comparisons to The Band.” NPR Music

Yarn is a roots-music group with an Americana-tinged alt-country sound. Their unconventional sound has garnered them four Grammy nominations, nods from the Americana Music Association, and the “Download of the Day” from Rolling Stone.

For over a decade, this four-piece band has toured the country several times over, developing legions of devoted fans (called “the Yarmy”), and sharing the stage with Dwight Yoakam, Charlie Daniels, Allison Krauss, and The Lumineers, among many other stars.  https://www.yarnmusic.net/

Susan Werner with Trina Hamlin- Contemporary Folk, August 21st

FREE Harrison St, Easton Md, 7pm

Part of the Avalon’s FREE Outdoor Summer Concert Series  brought to you by The Tidewater Inn present the Popular Adult Contemporary music of Susan Werner with special guest Trina Hamlin

Shawn Mullins, Tuesday August 31, 2021. Doors: 7:30; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Stoltz Pavilion, Easton, Maryland $40                                                                                                      

Shawn Mullins is an American singer-songwriter who specializes in folk rock, instrumental rock, adult alternative, and Americana music. He is best known for the 1998 single “Lullaby”, which hit number one on the Adult Top 40 and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

For its 20th anniversary, Shawn is revisiting the music of Soul’s Core by recording two new versions of the album. He is calling this Soul’s Core Revival. This is not a remix or a remaster of the original, but rather brand new recordings with new arrangements of the songs.

Monty Alexander Jazz Festival, Labor Day Weekend!

Friday, September 3-Sunday, September 5, 2021

The Avalon Theatre 40 E Dover Street, Easton, Maryland                                                                                     

Be sure to save the date for when the Monty Alexander Jazz Festival, one of the most distinctive small-town jazz festivals in the nation, returns!  Trumpet and Vocalist Bria Skonberg opens the festival on Friday night and  Peter and Will Anderson close the festivities on Sunday afternoon.

Glenn Miller Orchestra, Thursday, September 9, 2021. Doors: 6:30; Show: 7 p.m.

The Avalon Theatre 40 E. Dover Street, Easton, Maryland $30

“A band ought to have a sound all of its own.  It ought to have a personality.” – Glenn Miller

The Glenn Miller Orchestra is keeping Miller’s legendary jazzy sound alive onstage today for old-time fans and new generations alike!

With its unique Big Band sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time, known for such enduring classics as “Tuxedo Junction”, “In the Mood”, and “Pennsylvania 6-5000”.

The old recordings are still great, but nothing beats experiencing Miller’s music live and in-person!  https://glennmillerorchestra.com/

The Wailers, Friday, September 10, 2021. Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Theatre, 40 E. Dover Street, Easton, Maryland $45                                                                          

Although Bob Marley and the Wailers recorded, toured and made history together between 1972 and 1981, it was Marley’s wish that the Wailers would continue spreading their righteous reggae vibe after he was gone. Today, carrying on that mission are legitimate members, children-of-legends, and a host of immensely talented musicians.

Aston Barrett, Jr., delivers startling echoes of his uncle’s (Carlton ‘Carly’ Barrett) one-drop drumming sound. Guitarist Donald Kinsey is joined by Wendel ‘Junior Jazz’ Ferraro, shaping that classic sonic identity. Owen ‘Dreadie’ Reid (Julian Marley’s Uprising Band and a former student of ‘Familyman’) and Andres Lopez (Albrosie, LutanFyah) add yet more quality to an incredible line up!

Suzanne Vega, Thursday, September 16, 2021. Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Theatre, 40 E. Dover Street, Easton, Maryland $60

Widely regarded as one of the foremost songwriters of her generation, Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s, going on to make “vital, inventive music” (NPR Music) throughout the course of her critically acclaimed, decades-long career.

Through her sold-out concerts in many of the world’s best-known venues, Vega is known for performances that convey deep emotion expressed in her distinctive, “clear, unwavering voice” (Rolling Stone) described as “a cool, dry sandpaper-brushed near-whisper” by The Washington Post.

James McMurtry, Sunday, September 19, 2021. Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8 p.m.

The Avalon Theatre, 40 E. Dover Street, Easton, Maryland $30

“The most vital lyricist in America today.” —Bob Harris, BBC 2 Radio

James McMurtry, the acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist, began his interest in music at the age of seven when his father, novelist Larry McMurtry, gave him his first guitar. McMurtry’s mother, an English professor, taught him how to play it.  “My mother taught me three chords,” he recalls, “and the rest I just stole as I went along. I learned everything by ear or by watching people.”

Now, in a career spanning 20 years of rock, folk, and americana, McMurtry has crafted a unique repertoire ranging from soft ballads to tough rock songs to political anthems.

“The simple fact is that James McMurtry may be the truest, fiercest songwriter of his generation…” Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly

Members of the Easton improvisation troupe will take the stage at the Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion on Friday, July 23 at 8:00 pm. The Talbot County Improv Show will feature music by local musician Dan Van Skiver and include members of the Reflex Improv Annapolis group.

The Easton improvisers who will be performing on July 23 include Nancy Andrew, Val Cavalheri, Heather Hall, Jeremy Hillyard, Linda Mastro, and Howard Townsend. The audience becomes a part of the show by offering a word or location suggestions that spark ideas for games and scenes made up on the spot. The show is unscripted and everything that happens is spontaneous.

Photo: Shown practicing the freeze frame game “Pictures from our vacation” are (left to right), back row, Nancy Andrew, Jeremy Hillyard, Dan Brown, and Howard Townsend; front row, Heather Hall and Linda Mastro. Photo credit: Val Cavalheri. 

In 2018 Nancy Andrew of Easton took her first improv class in Annapolis with master teacher Dan Brown, owner of Reflex Improv. “Dan is a great teacher! He encourages us to have fun while we learn,” Andrews says. “He reminds us that we can’t do it wrong.”

Andrews adds, “Improv has helped me be more creative, develop my listening skills, and be more fully present. I have made friends with people I may never have met by having fun with them in improv class.”

Brown, who is based in Virginia, agreed to offer an improv class in Easton when Andrew invited several friends to try it out. The Easton class has been growing and going strong since 2019. The group even played during the pandemic, when Brown hosted groups on Zoom.

“Some people tell me that they can’t do improv because they’re not funny,” Brown says. “You don’t need to be a natural comedian to learn how to do improv. Once you learn the fundamentals the fun will follow,”

The fundamentals of improv include the concept of “Yes – and,” which encourages everyone in a scene to listen to one another and find agreement. Two other improv fundamentals – “I’ve got your back” and making each other look good – encourage team work. “When everyone follows the process, funny happens.” Brown says.

Brown, who teaches in Virginia, Annapolis and Easton, caught the improv bug while in college, performing in the school’s short-form and sketch program, acting in school and community plays, as well as writing, directing, and starring in many comedy short films. After moving to the Washington, DC area, he took a free workshop at Washington Improv Theater and fell in love with the joy and freedom of long-form improv. His approach to teaching is positive, encouraging, joyful, fast-paced, and, most of all, fun.

Linda Mastro of Easton was one of the first Eastern Shore improv students. She remembers, “When Nancy invited me to an improv class I was nervous that I wouldn’t get it ‘right’ or be funny or smart enough to follow along. My nervousness left within the first five minutes because Dan Brown is a master at making newcomers feel welcome. My weekly improv class is often the only time when I can just have fun!”

Jeremy Hillyard, another Easton improv regular, says, “I truly enjoyed meeting and connecting with a group of complete strangers through laughter, something that just makes life better. I also noticed that improv has made me a quicker thinker and a better listener and communicator. As a high school teacher, I have been able to incorporate a variety of philosophies and games from improv class into my Spanish classroom.”

The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion is located under a tent at 218 N. Washington Street in Easton. Tickets for the Talbot County Improv Show are $40 for two, $80 for four. In the event of inclement weather the show will be moved to the Historic Avalon Theatre at 40 E. Dover Street. To purchase tickets for the July 23 improv show, visit tickets.avalontheatre.com.

Learn more about Dan Brown and Reflex Improv at www.refleximprov.com