Over the last few years, our local Tribute Show music series – a nod no doubt to New York’s iconic Loser’s Lounge concert - has asked area musicians to cover songs by a particular artist in a concert format, offering up free interpretation of the works in a one-night-only showcase of our area's talent. And as always, the bands did so to raise funds for a good cause in our community.
The success of this platform locally spurred another interesting offshoot in programming, with the arrival of the album live concert format. In this incarnation, our area musicians formed a session band to recreate the tracks as they appeared on the recording. Two of the most beloved examples of this was Wealthy Theatre’s presentation of Fleetwood Mac’s "Rumors" and Paul Simon’s "Graceland." It was, to say the least, music magic for all who attended any of these locally organized events.
On Monday night, fans of this tribute style should venture down to gain a seat at One Trick Pony. They will be presenting a Paul Simon Song Extravaganza featuring many musicians like Michael Crittendon, Mark VandenBerge (& the Johnson St. Boys), Drew Nelson, Peter Bardolph, Dave Marsh, Mary Rademacher Reed, Ken Bierschbach, Mark Swanson, Jay Round, Oscar Bittenger, Michael VanHouten, ---- pending Mark Kahny, Ralston Bowles, Karisa Wilson, Nick Thomasma, Mark Lamb, Denny Middleton and Rick Reuther. These artists and other special surprise guests will be gracing this tiny downtown stage for one special night of music.
It is also the very same night as Paul Simon’s 70th birthday. And while you might say the connection to One Trick Pony is obvious because of Simon's album of the same name, that would be a popular mistake made often by guests who spy the album cover on a shelf near the stage.
“The name of our restaurant was not because of Paul Simon’s album of the same name,” says Verhil. “However, it was because a one trick pony in the circus just does one trick well and, for me, that one trick is hospitality.”
Dan does that very well, as he proved 18 years ago when he began offering up not only an eatery devoted to casual dining but also one of the few eateries that offered an opportunity for live music in a relaxed non-club setting. This bar has showcased world-class talent in this intimate setting like Chris Smithers, Paul Thorn, and Steve Forbert, but is also the launching ground for some of our most-beloved contemporary singer songwriters like artists Karisa Wilson, Drew Nelson, and Josh Rose.
The night is emceed by Local Spins’ John Sinkevics and is produced by Van Morrison’s Journey of the Soul’s Mark VandenBerge. Seating is limited, please arrive early.
Admission: Free
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