So glad I caught Tracy Grammer and Jim Henry on Saturday at Bernie’s Guitar in Redding. Incredible harmonies, outstanding songs, stellar playing, great folk show. It’s so nice to hear Dave Carter’s amazing tunes carried on by her former musical parter. And Henry is certainly a tasty player and strong songwriter in his own right.
Congrats to the Oaksong Music Society for its continued efforts to host stupendous shows. Next up for the concert group is David Jacobs-Strain on March 6 at Bernie’s. I’ve been hearing about David for quite some time. He’s a young traditional acoustic blues guitarist and songwriter.
After that, it’s songwriter Dennis McGregor on April 17; Bill Tapia on April 24 and Maria Dunn on May 15. A word about Tapia, he’s a 101-year-old ukulele player who still gets around and plays well. (Henry had a great line for Grammer during intermission when hearing about Tapia: “See, Tracy, in 65 more years you can retire.”) Anyway, wow, 101 and still doing concerts.
In other tidbits:
• Feb. 28 is shaping up to be an incredible guitar-playing day in Redding. At the Cascade is a fantastic show with Jorma Kaukonen, Robben Ford and Ruthie Foster. At Bombay’s is the amazing Deke Dickerson. (I’m still checking on Deke).
• New age musician Craig Padilla’s latest album “Below the Mountain” was nominated for Best Electronic Album by New Age Reporter.com. Padilla has been making compelling music for years here in the north state. Check out his stuff at www.craigpadilla.com.
• Are you an artist who’s really ready to get after some art? The Studio Experience Fine Art Gallery and Studio is accepting artist applications for its 2009 30/30 Show. Accepted artists will create 30 small works over the course of 30 days. Applications are available at The Studio Experience, 3404 Ste B, Bechelli Lane, Redding 96002. Or call 226-8301, 223-2584 or 223-6049. Feb. 28 is the last day to submit an entrance form.
