Bullfrog Brewery May Events Calendar

Charles Walker Blues Band - First Friday 10 Year Celebration!!! May 6

Blues/Funk/R&B

Five Dollars (10 PM - 1 AM)

The Charles Walker Band is a five piece band that performs various styles of blues, R&B and funk with precision and energy. What adds to the band uniqueness, apart from award winning musicians (together for 4 years), is the richness and raw energy of the original material. A quote from Noggin Blues Matters! magazine describes us best, “…we are treated to the full panoply of Blues styles, great tunes, intelligent lyrics and superb instrumentation throughout.” (Issue 33, 06)

Chester River Runoff - Bullfrog Debut from MD Saturday, May 7

Americana/Bluegrass/Country

Five Dollars (10 PM - 1 AM)

At present, Chester River Runoff can hang with the best of the bluegrass scene, with big harmonies and tight instrumental work. At the same time, they preserve in their live shows the warm spirit and humor of friends who got together simply to hang out and learn an instrument. They have an impressive repertoire of original songs, which strike audiences with their honesty and their way of tackling subjects not usually attempted by bluegrass songwriters and takes on the classic themes with a fresh perspective and new imagery. The Runoff have successfully played many of the best and most well known clubs and theatres in the area, including the Avalon Theatre in Easton, Ram's Head Live, the Purple Fiddle, and have played at major festivals such as the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival and Falcon Ridge Folk Fest. They have shared stages with many of the best in bluegrass and Americana music, including Steep Canyon Rangers, the Avett Brothers, the Hackensaw Boys, and Adrienne Young; and have had many great shows in unlikely pairings, such as with punk and reggae bands, and even opened for garage rock legends the Fleshtones. The group plays regularly in the triangle described by the Eastern Shore, Richmond, VA, and New York City, but they are always looking to expand their range even more. The band has released a live CD, and its studio debut, “Blue Heron Farm” is set to release on October 8, 2010.

May 8, Sunday Brunch - Jazz Worksop - Free Show! 12pm-4pm

Monday, May 9, Reptet - Can't Miss Bullfrog Debut - from Seattle,WA. Experimental/Indie/Jazz

Free Show! (8 PM - 11 PM)

Horn-heavy tone bandits, injecting jazz with adrenaline and bringing it to the streets!!!

Genre-blending Seattle-based sextet composed of drums, bass, and four horns. They play original compositions incorporating jazz, reggae, rock, ska, punk, modern classical, avant-garde, and eastern European folk music. These six multi-instrumentalists bring an arsenal of twenty-plus instruments to create a wide variety of textures and sounds. Their live performances, described as "arresting, compelling and just plain cranked-up," evolve into transformative performance art pieces utilizing costumes, storytelling, dance routines and absurdist humor. Constantly on the road, bringing their crazy antics all over the U.S. and abroad, they play in venues ranging from jazz festivals to rock clubs to theaters. The band also does customized educational programs for everything from grade schools to universities. Reptet has proven itself to be a unique and utterly enthralling multi-leveled experience that leaves audiences wanting more.

Tuesday, May 10, Quizzo - Test your brain on beer! Like team trivial pursuit. 9 PM - Free admission with prize giveaways and always lots of fun. No more than six per team.

Wednesday, May 11, Little Paris Jazz Trio

Regional Jazz

Free Show! (7 PM - 9 PM)

Friday, May 13, The Northern Skies - Bullfrog Debut from MI, Americana/Folk-Rock/Bluegrass/Celtic

Five Dollars (10 PM - 1 AM)

Folk-Rock With Teeth! Whether they're at a brewery pub, a music festival, or on a street corner, Michigan-based band The Northern Skies plays “bluegrass, Americana, and Celtic music and pours it through an indie rock funnel to distill something that sounds like a party out in the back yard. And yes, there is moonshine at that party" (Revue Magazine Grand Rapids, MI).

The sound is created by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Eric Engblade and rounded out by a dynamic rhythm section comprised of Nic Cole-Klaes on bass and Paul Wozniak on drums and percussion. Each musician is as talented as they are versatile; together with “Engblade’s clear, strong vocals [that] give power to his lyrics,” (Ludington Daily News, Ludington MI) their sets are rounded out with performances on mandolins, banjos, and more in any given set.

Hailed as a "beautiful," "up-north, front porch masterpiece" (Recoil Magazine, Grand Rapids MI) their fourth and most recent album, "Northern Skies," was recorded at River City Studios in Grand Rapids, MI. The 2009 album reflects each season of their home state of Michigan, a journey that begins in haunting January, and continues through a changing landscape "awash in Americana instrumentation and modern songwriting" (Recoil Magazine, Grand Rapids MI). The spirit of each month is captured with eclectic style and diverse instrumentation, an American sound of "acoustic, bluegrass-tinged folk that perks up your ears with an infectious, indie-rock sheen" (The Grand Rapids Free Press, Grand Rapids MI).

Saturday, May 14, The Cardinal Sims Bullfrog Debut! 

Local Alt Folk/Country/R&B/Pop

Five Dollars (10 PM - 1 AM)

The Cardinal Sims consists of a businessman, a school teacher, a graphic designer, and an Irishman. What could bring such a diverse group of people together, one might ask? Well, that's easy. Each member of The Cardinal Sims has an affinity for making quality music. Singer/songwriter Simeon Myers has teamed up with a group of seasoned musicians in order to create original, cleverly arranged music with lyrics and musical hooks that are fashioned to move the listener. Simeon's unique, and at times gritty, vocals coupled with the amazing skill-set of John Shively on lead guitar and violin was enough to get gigs booked on the other side of the ocean. Now throw in the amazing feel and tastefulness of the rhythm section, Shaun Gilmour on drums, and Matt Radspinner on upright bass, and you have a band that will leave you asking for more. Stylistically, it is hard to compare The Cardinal Sims to any one band or fit them into any single genre. You will hear hints of Folk, R&B, Pop, and Alternative Rock.

May 15, Sunday Brunch - Jazz Worksop - Free Show! 12pm-4pm

Monday, May 16, The Nouveaux Honkies - Bullfrog Debut from Florida! Americana/Blues/Roots Music

Free Show! (8 PM - 11 PM)

From way down South, here come The Nouveaux Honkies. This violin, guitar, bass and drum quartet are Roots and Roll that Rocks. “If Johnny Cash and Freddy King had a baby it would be the Nouveaux Honkies,” said the Sun Sentinel online. Their 2007 self titled cd won best roots band in Palm Beach County. Their 2008 cd “Where Do I Go” hit 3 on the roots country chart, “Roots Music Report” and 48 weeks later was still on the charts when their 2009 cd “Live at Sun” was in the top 30 on the roots blues chart. Blues Review Magazine linked their sound The Stones, with hints of Dire Straights, Curtis Mayfield, Hendrix and Howlin’ Wolf. Singer/guitarist, Patrick Timothy O’Donnell’s vocal style was said to be “an amalgam of Van Morrison and Willy De Ville.” Add in violinist, Rebecca Dawkins with her crafty lead lines and poppy rhythms and their unique blend of blues, swing and country is described as a reinvention of the musical wheel.

May 17, Quizzo - Test your brain on beer! Like team trivial pursuit. 9 PM - Free admission with prize giveaways and always lots of fun. No more than six per team.

Wednesday, May 18, Charlie Moore's Bluesy Jazzy Bunch Blues/Jazz/Swing

Free Show! (7 PM - 10 PM)

Thursday, May 19, The Woes with special opening set by Michaela Anne. Blues/Country/Experimental/Gospel

Free Show! (9 PM - 12 AM)

There are a lot of us. Like thirty. We play with groups of up to twenty people, mostly just groups of seven to thirteen. We sound like an idea. Below are some descriptions of things we might remind you of while you are listening to us. Our records are good, our live show is also good - we know how to have fun.

Descriptive words: sunset through your backyard windows, the labels on good whisky bottles, potion laboratories filled with vials and strangely shaped bottles in an old book or black and white film, a street musician on some Southern Street before there was radio on a Saturday afternoon with the too hot sun, kids and everyone gathered around - singing louder than the other musicians vying for a crowd. The great depression, dustbowl, aviator sunglasses,american sedans of the 1950's european race cars of the early 1960's, fracas, anarchy and a conversation with Marcel Duchamps, a Slayer show, a Fugazi show, people dancing slow and quiet, all stories written on paper by Flann O'Brien, riding horses at sunup, the TV Show Carnivale, the TV Show Deadwood, the TV Show Twin Peaks, laughter with large groups of people, spencer tunic photographs, laughing at ones body, the fog one feels on the heels of a four day bender, too much gin without the vomiting. limes, fresh cut flowers, smoking weed, driving too fast, grade school yard fights, thinking that you're understanding what's what when the sun goes down.

Friday, May 20, Doug McMinn 30th Anniversary Blues Band.

Come out and support this local music Icon!

Five Dollars (10 PM - ?)

When I was asked to play the closing slot at this year's Billtown Blues Festival, I thought hard about assembling a powerful musical unit. Starting with Joel Vincent on drums and Sean Farley on guitar, players I have worked with extensively in the past 5-10 years, I added Bill Stetz, an old buddy from State College days on bass. The keyboard chair is occupied by John "J.T." Thompson, a superb player from Bellefonte who has been playing a great deal in the area during the last two years. I also invited Charlie Holmes, a fine blues harp player who has been a friend for 13 years, and is a fervid supporter of local live music.
Focusing on both original blues tunes and classic oldies, I thought hard in assembling the set list. The show at the Bullfrog will be the dress rehearsal for the Billtown Blues Festival, and will feature the set planned for the festival along with a few more prime blues numbers.
I have had wonderful support in celebrating my 30th year in the bar band game. My old friend Tim Bowser at Elk Creek Cafe held a surprise tribute back in the fall, Bonnie Tallman asked me to play the blues festival, and Bullfrog offered to give us a venue for our first show.
Some background for each player: Joel Vincent-- Blind Chitlin Kahunas, Rubber Soul, Sean Farley-- Black'n'Blues, EG Kight Band, Bill Stetz-- Ann Kerstetter's All Star Cronies, Queen Bee and the Blue Hornets, John Thompson-- AAA Blues Band, 2011 International Blues Challenge finalist in Memphis, and Charlie Moore-- guest harp player with almost every group in the area, ranging from Harpo to the Dirty Nickels to Lumpy Gravy.

Saturday, May 21, Thousands of One 

Dub/Funk/Soul

Five Dollars (10 PM - 1 AM)

A band born to change society through music, Thousands of One core members' first gig was in a maximum security youth prison. At one point Jhakeem gave the mic to one of the inmates who let his voice be heard. It was a defining moment for the band.

Conscious music, revolution sounds, liberation time!

Something deep happens when dedication to social change meets the burning desire to make amazing music. We give thanks for being alive! We give thanks that we can travel this beautiful road! We give thanks for a million things, and do our human best to put it into music.

This is the essence of Thousands of One - to build connections between people and live inspired lives, striving to bring that inspiration into the world around us.

May 22, Sunday Brunch - Jazz Worksop - Free Show! 12pm-4pm 05-22-2011

May 22, Kevin Gordon Trio - Bullfrog Debut from Nashville, TN Americana/Blues/Indie

Free Show! (8 PM - 11 PM)

A Louisiana native now based in Nashville, Kevin Gordon is a songwriter whose work has been recorded by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, Levon Helm of The Band, Irma Thomas, Ronnie Hawkins, Webb Wilder, Kate Campbell, Blackie&the Rodeo Kings, and others. The title track from his Down to the Well CD, a duet with Grammy winner Lucinda Williams, has been featured on two prominent compilations: the 2001 Oxford American Southern Music Sampler, and No Depression: What It Sounds like, Volume 1, released by Dualtone.

Gordon tours regularly throughout the U.S., and is a regular performer at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Louisiana Folklife Festival. Also a published poet, Gordon holds an MFA degree from the renowned University of Iowa Writers' Workshop

Monday, May 23, The Right Now - 8 piece Chicago Soul - Free Show! - 8 PM 0Pop/Soul/Funk

Free Show! (8 PM - 11 PM)

Home is the feeling that bubbles up irrepressibly inside of you when you arrive exactly where you belong. Coincidentally, the feeling that you get when you listen to The Right Now is awfully similar.

The Right Now plays soul music, and soul music is all about feeling; not style, not fashion, but emotion. The band's new album Carry Me Home, set to be released on March 3, 2010, lives within the four walls erected by the arresting lead vocalist Stefanie Berecz, the stellar songcraft of Brendan O'Connell, the spot-on horns and layers of back-up vocals, and a solid bedrock of rhythm.

Stefanie Berecz's voice is what takes the songs on Carry Me Home from infectious to revelatory. Nowhere is that more evident than on the album's title track. Begun in a hushed, delicate tone, Berecz weaves a tender lullaby, gradually building in intensity but never mindlessly belting. The band matches her every step of the way. The Right Now is tighter than tight, at times functioning almost as a single instrument rather than a collection of players; never overplaying, always exerting effortless control over its dynamics.

This telepathic connection is the kind of chemistry that can only come from relentless gigging. The Right Now continually tours the country, converting listeners to a brand of R&B that is simultaneously classic and contemporary.

Case in point: "Ain't Going Back." Beginning with a deeply funky dialogue between two guitars that could have been on an early Parliament record, Berecz comes in with a blue note that is pure Chaka Khan. The restraint of the first verse gradually opens up into what can only be described as an anthem, with Berecz firmly in charge, giving back her wedding ring. The ingredients are classic. The result? Nothing but contemporary.

The music on Carry Me Home exudes confidence. One listen makes it clear that The Right Now is a band that knows exactly where its home is: onstage. Home is a feeling. And The Right Now brings that feeling to every show, in every venue, in every town they play. If you're lucky, your town will be next.

May 24, Quizzo - Test your brain on beer! Like team trivial pursuit. 9 PM - Free admission with prize giveaways and always lots of fun. No more than six per team.

Wednesday, May 25, Charles Kefover 05-25-2011

Piano Jazz

Free Show! (7 PM - 10 PM)

Friday, May 27, Bohemian Sunrise 

Jam Band/Latin/Soul

Five Dollars (10 PM - 1 AM)

Based in the Philadelphia/South Jersey region, Bohemian Sunrise takes their raw, rhythmic sound to unprecedented levels through their creative instrumentation, insightful songwriting, and genre-transcending arrangements. Building their success through hard work and consistently winning over audiences at prime shows throughout their career, Bohemian Sunrise has earned the honor of sharing the stage with Rusted Root at Philadelphia's famous Electric Factory, and playing at The Tweeter Center on the Waterfront in Camden, NJ with the remaining members of The Grateful Dead and Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers, in addition to joining The Steve Miller Band at DE’s Frawley Stadium.

Bohemian Sunrise has consistently proven their ability and broadened their elemental sound, to appeal to both long-standing and new fans. Unswerving dedication, effective networking, relevant opportunities, and comprehensive experience have helped to cultivate Bohemian Sunrise into the professional, talented force they have worked hard to become.

In both an intensive studio setting, as well as during their exhilarating live shows, Bohemian Sunrise adeptly marries the energy and power of world-influenced psychedelic rock with the exceptional craftsmanship of finely-structured listener-friendly songwriting, complete with catchy hooks and melodies that keep you sailing through your day. It’s just good music - period.

Saturday, May 28, Psychedelphia 

Experimental/Jazz/Phychedelic

Five Dollars (10 PM - 1 AM)

Psychedelphia might be called a progressive jam-rock-fusion band. They might be called a psychedelic funk band. But the truth is that Psychedelphia just plays the music that they need to play without regard for the imaginary boundaries known as style. The sounds that Psychedelphia creates in a show are just as varied and numerous as the influences that have shaped their musical minds. It's this keen ability to "shape-shift and genre-morph" (Glide Magazine) that sets them apart from most acts and keeps fans returning to shows, always braced for a surprise.

While it is clear to these fans that Psychedelphia has great fun on stage, they work very hard off the stage to create and refine a musical language unlike any other group, dedicated to musical invention, skilled musicianship and pushing past any boundary they come across. Psychedelphia?s original music covers vast territory, from spacey psychedelic to blues, avant-garde rock to country bluegrass, electronic grooves at break-neck speeds to slow, simple, nasty funk. In all of this, they maintain a truly recognizable voice- tying all their sounds together with emotion, groove, and a good sense of humor.

Since their initial assembly in late 2008, Psychedelphia has taken an explosive launch onto the live music scene. In less than two years they have played countless shows, played prominent roles in multiple festivals throughout the Northeast, and embarked on several tours in support of their debut album, "Paradigm" (2010). Their dedication and musical prowess has been recognized by a rapidly growing fanbase, and major media outlets such as Relix, High Times, Glide and Music Connection Magazines.

In their travels, Psychedelphia has shared the stage with many known acts, some being close friends. Among these are Keller Williams, DJ Logic, Ozomatli, Dark Star Orchestra, The Breakfast, The Mantras, Papadosio, Steve Molitz (Particle), Mike Rempel (Lotus), Mike Stern, Rodney Holmes, Marco Benevento, Willie Waldman, Juggling Suns, Brothers Past, and Elliot Levin.

May 29, Sunday Brunch - Jazz Worksop - Free Show! 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

May 29, Jamie Notarthomas performs a riveting Dylan tribute for Bob's 70th birthday! - Positively West 4th street 

Come one, come all!

Free Show! (8 PM to at least 11 PM)

 Closed for Memorial Day 05-30-2011
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Quizzo - Test your brain on beer! Like team trivial pursuit. 9 PM - Free admission with prize giveaways and always lots of fun. No more than six per team. 05-31-2011
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