The Strawbs, with special guest John Wesley Harding, will be performing at the Winchester Music Hall, 12112 Madison Avenue, in Lakewood, on September 19, at 8 PM.
Tickets are $20.
The venue phone is 216-226-5681.
The web site is thewinchester.net.
As Strawbs move gracefully into their fifth decade of music making, it is still difficult to categorise the unique sound that has made them Britain’s most successful international progressive folk-rock band. The Acoustic Strawbs, as always, are led by founder, songwriter, guitarist, and singer David Cousins, along with longtime mates Dave Lambert, who joined the Strawbs in 1972, guitar, vocals and Chas Cronk, a Strawb since 1973, on bass and vocals.
David Cousins has been described by the influential All Music Guide as: “the most talented Dylan-influenced songwriter to come out of England.” Strawbs are often mentioned in the same breath as progressive rock bands like Yes, King Crimson, and the Moody Blues. It is well documented that Rick Wakeman left Strawbs to join Yes but returned to appear at Strawbs 40th Anniversary Celebration.
The live acoustic shows will perfectly complement the Strawbs’ distinctive mix of humor, orchestral stylings and harmonic bliss the band has displayed throughout its 45 year career. The set list, which is expected to vary from show to show, will include favorites from the entire span of the band’s remarkable career, including “Lemon Pie,” “Lay Down,” “Hero and Heroine,” “The Man Who Called Himself Jesus” and multipart medleys and suites including “Blue Angel,” “Ghosts,” and the seasonal “Autumn.” Half the fun of attending a Strawbs concert is hearing witty storyteller David Cousins telling tales about the tunes.
The Strawbs have a devoted fan base that continues to grow on the strength of albums like Grave New World, Bursting At The Seams, Hero And Heroine, and Ghosts, and classic songs such as Lay Down, A Glimpse Of Heaven, and Benedictus.
Opening for most of the shows (except the Strand Theater (Sept. 8) and the Towne Crier (Sept. 21) will be John Wesley Harding, known to his fans as Wesley Stace. British-born and rasied, as John Wesley Harding, he’s released 16 albums with hi latest THE SOUND OF HIS OWN VOICE (Yep Roc) that features his own band, The King Charles Trio, and members of The Decemberists, Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey, Rosanne Cash, Laura Veirs, and John Roderick. John has been joined onstage by Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, John Prine, Bruce Springsteen (with whom he recorded a duet on his album Awake), Joan Baez, Evan Dando, David Baddiel, Rick Moody, Tanya Donelly, Josh Ritter, Andrew Bird, Rosanne Cash, Colin Meloy, Scott MacCaughey and Robyn Hitchcock, among others. His songs have been featured in films (including High Fidelity) and covered by other artists.
The 2012 schedule now goes:
Wednesday 5 September, Jammin’ Java w/ John Wesley Harding, Vienna VA
Thursday 6 September, Sellersville Theater w/ John Wesley Harding, Sellersville PA
Friday 7 September, Outpost in the Burbs w/ John Wesley Harding, Montclair NJ
Saturday 8 September, Strand Theater, Lakewood NJ (no support)
Sunday 9 September, Rams Head OnStage w/ John Wesley Harding, Annapolis MD
Tuesday 11 September, BB Kings Blues Club w/ John Wesley Harding, New York NY
Wednesday 12 September, Tupelo Music Hall w/ John Wesley Harding, Londonderry NH
Thursday 13 September, Catherine Cummings Theatre, Cazenovia College w/ John Wesley Harding, Cazenovia, NY
Friday 14 September, Tralf Music Hall w/ John Wesley Harding, Buffalo NY
Saturday 15 September, The Lovin’ Cup w/ John Wesley Harding, Rochester NY
Tuesday 18 September, City Winery w/ John Wesley Harding, Chicago IL
Wednesday, 19 September, The Winchester w/ John Wesley Harding, Cleveland, OH
Friday, 21 September, The Towne Crier, Pawling, NY