FOLK-BLUES GUTTER GRASS EXTRAVAGANZA
SATURDAY, APRIL 30
SILVER DOME BALLROOM
Doors at 5 pm / Music at 8 pm / $15

On Saturday, April 30th, the historic Silver Dome Ballroom is thrilled to present two of the finest Folk-Blues artists in the world today, 60’s Folk-Blues legend, SPIDER JOHN KOERNER, and Red House recording artist and legend-in-the-making, CHARLIE PARR!

SPIDER JOHN KOERNER is a recognized influence on Bob Dylan, who speaks about Koerner in his autobiography, Chronicles, and Bonnie Raitt, who included the fabulous Koerner song, I Ain’t Blue, on her debut album for Columbia Records in 1971. During the 60’s, John released a series of albums which were and still are considered some of the finest examples of both traditional and original Folk-Blues ever recorded. The Folk-Blues genre was quite popular at the time, as demonstrated by the fact that these albums were released by Elektra Records, a major record label whose roster at that time included other major Folk-Blues acts like Judy Collins and Josh White, as well as emerging Rock acts like The Doors, The Stooges, MC5 and Love. Since then, John has continued to make records (and films) and play concerts throughout the United States and other parts of the world. John performed with long-time musical partner, Tony Glover, one of the finest and most respected harmonica players in the world, at the Silver Dome’s inaugural Blues Party in 2011.

CHARLIE PARR is a native of the Duluth (MN) area and has forged quite a career and reputation for himself, recording and releasing 16 albums (not including compilations) during the past 18 years, and touring throughout the country and other parts of the world. He has recently become a Red House Records artist, the same label as Folk legends, Greg Brown and John Koerner, among other notables. Charlie has a deep catalogue of wonderful, thought-provoking original songs and standards, which he performs in various Folk, Blues and even Gospel styles. He is a favorite of the Silver Dome and, like John, will also be making his second appearance at this historic venue. It’s fair to say that Charlie reveres Spider John and their desire to perform on a bill together is what made this event possible. Thanks for the fantastic opportunity, fellas!

John and Charlie will be joined by two popular Central Wisconsin acts, THE DITCHRUNNERS (Stevens Point), purveyors of a hybrid style of music they call “Honky-Tonkin’ Gypsy Gutter Grass,” along with THE GASTON CURSE (Marshfield), who perform a similar style of Country-Bluegrass-Roots Rock music.

Doors will open at 5 pm and there will be food (and drinks, of course) available for purchase. Music will start at 8 pm with Spider John Koerner, to be followed by Charlie Parr at approximately 9 pm; The Ditchrunners at approximately 11 pm, and then The Gaston Curse sometime after midnight. The cover charge is $15 (free after 11 pm).