MORE LIVE SHOWS (Fri 1/7 & Sat 1/8 - roundup!)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2010

James Cotton (of Muddy Waters fame) @ BB King's

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 2010

The Dixons & Defibulators (Brooklyn honky tonkers) @ Southpaw

Pine Leaf Boys ("rockin cajun from Louisiana") @ Connolly's Pub

Del McCoury Band w/Preservation Hall Jazz Band @ BB King's

Feel Like Funkin' It Up

According to their Myspace page: "Simply put, The Rebirth Brass Band is a New Orleans institution. Formed in 1983 by the now infamous Frazier brothers, the band has evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to playing festivals and stages all over the world. Rebirth is committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands while at the same time incorporating modern music into their show. Their signature brand of heavy funk has not only won over several generations of music lovers, it has become the soundtrack to an entire city. In the wake of the sometimes-stringent competition amongst brass bands, Rebirth is the undisputed leader of the pack, and they show no signs of slowing down."

They play BB King's tonight (7/8) @ 8PM.

SOUNDS: Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys

Most folks in NYC are probably most familiar with Ralph Stanley from the film O Brother, Where Art Thou. Ralph was born in Dickenson County, Virginia, where he still resides when he's not on the road. After 55 years in the business, he's still the best banjo picker and tenor singer in bluegrass music. As a recording artist, he has performed on more than 170 albums, tapes, and CDs. He's also written many songs himself and with his brother, the late Carter Stanley. Ralph's played throughout the United States and in many foreign lands, too, including several tours of Japan. In addition to the many honors Ralph has received as a bluegrass musician, including membership on the Grand Ole Opry, he is also a Shriner, a member of the Primitive Baptist Universalist Church, and active in his local community, having served on the Dickenson County School Board.

The Clinch Mountain Boys currently live in scattered communities in the mountains of Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. They meet up in Coeburn, where their tour bus is parked and head out on the road. Their typical work week starts on Wednesday or Thursday and wraps up on Sunday, when they normally head in home for a couple days of well-deserved rest before starting out all over again.

Dr. Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys bring bluegrass down from the mountain and park it on 42nd Street tonight (2/18) @ BB King's.