Acclaimed songwriter Martha Scanlan, evening of Gypsy Jazz Duets at Attic
The Attic, Downtown Livingston’s favorite live music venue, presents the return of singer/songwriter Martha Scanlan on Friday, June 7th at 8:30pm. Advance tickets to this 21+ show are $15. Doors open at 7:30pm.
Anyone familiar with Scanlan and frequent collaborator Jon Neufeld’s unique alchemy on stage will not be surprised by the sense of being taken into the moment – their shows are in themselves a journey of improvisation; the way Neufeld’s brilliant innovative guitar playing weaves effortlessly around Scanlan’s timeless songwriting is simply magical. This magical alchemy is at play throughout The River and the Light, released last fall. The album presents some of her finest writing yet, and what has earned her the loyal cult following that seems to be steadily growing in spite of, or perhaps because of, her tendency to spend time off the grid rather than on it.
Neufeld’s production on the album, his ability to add layers and depth while maintaining the raw vulnerability of everything happening in the moment, is masterful. The addition of haunting old time fiddles and Cajun accordion of celebrated roots musician Dirk Powell and Black Prairie’s Annalisa Tornfelt seem to invoke something ancient, something deep in the American psyche in songs that are already layered with the complexity of belonging; this is not only a journey of the soul but a journey of the times we are living in.
Bozeman nine-piece Paige & The People’s Band are set for Saturday, June 8th at 9:30pm. Advance tickets to this 21+ show are $7. Doors at 8:30pm.
The horn-powered and vocally charged group has a feeling of ‘70s soul with a modern twist. The band is somewhat reminiscent of groups like Cold Blood or Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, but with a much more contemporary feel. The group members dress to impress, giving their performances a sense of occasion, then blast the roof off with their big band, powerhouse sound! The soul, R&B, jazz, and pop ensemble are one of Bozeman’s best, and are excited to bring their brand of musical devotion and “funky spices” to “The People.”
Sunday, June 9th will feature a performance by legendary violinist Tim Kliphuis and guitarist Alfonso Ponticelli. The evening of Gypsy Jazz Duets will close with a swing dance performance by local ensemble Montana Manouche, with Tim and Alfonso joining in. Tickets to this 21+ show are $20. Doors at 6pm ahead of the music at 7pm.
For these touring performances, award-winning Hollander Tim Kliphuis teams with Chicago-based gypsy jazz guitarist, Alfonso Ponticelli, to highlight the music of famed musical duo Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. Re-creating the 1930s in Paris, and drawing inspiration from current-day gypsy, classical and folk music as well, they alternate moments of dazzling interplay with melancholy and sheer exhilaration, in an inspired journey that is different every night.
“Superb… a provocative meeting of minds” – Sunday Times
Montana Manouche began in 2012, when bluegrass musicians Ray Padilla (rhythm guitar) and Nancy Padilla (violin) from Bozeman, started getting together to play Gypsy Jazz tunes with Livingston jazz guitarist Dave Sullivan. Their casual “just for fun” jamming led to local gigs. They became passionate about playing the style, attending many Gypsy Jazz events and workshops. Now a quartet, with Bozeman jazz bassist Mike Carey adding his great groove to the group’s swinging sound, Montana Manouche enjoys an active performing schedule, playing concerts, private events, and swing dances. They play a few original tunes, but their repertoire consists mainly of the compositions of Django Reinhardt and his American contemporaries. This month, Montana Manouche is releasing an album of live recordings from recent concerts, titled Live.
Advanced ticketing information for other upcoming Attic shows is available at www.theatticmontana.com. The Attic is located at 110 N Main St. in Livingston, just above Whiskey Creek Saloon. •