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Two of the most unique singer-songwriters working today graced the stage of The Birchmere recently — Todd Snider and Aaron Lee Tasjan. Both, in some sense, are part of the alt-country/Americana scene, though putting them into this genre box is far too reductive.
While both draw on classic songwriting traditions, they put a modern — perhaps even a postmodern — twist on them. They share a delightfully warped, witty sense of humor, perhaps connected to their fondness for psychedelics.
Billy Bragg (Photo by Jacob Blickenstaff)
Inspired by Billy Bragg’s recent Mother’s Day video release for his song “Can’t Be There Today,” City Winery and Billy are co-producing a special multi-artist Mother’s Day concert that will be broadcast on YouTube on Sunday, May 10.
Todd Snider performs at Rams Head On Stage on March 1, 2020. (Photos by Casey Vock)
Cautiously emerging from the dressing room, stepping wide-eyed onto the stage at the Rams Head on Stage recently, he seemed unsure if he was even supposed to be there. Or maybe he was given pause by the full venue, either way, the audience might have wondered for a second what was going on.
But as he settled into a couple notes on the guitar and began to blow the harmonica, if tears hadn’t already started to well in their eyes, attentive onlookers were already able to decipher the genius that is Todd Snider.
Todd Snider (Photo courtesy Absolute Publicity)
Folk singer Todd Snider had a busy year in 2019! Early in the year, he released Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3, a new album, and later in the year, he published East Nashville Skyline (the “wittiest and feistiest album of his career,” Pitchfork says) on vinyl.
What’s to do no except the touring? And tour Todd does with a show at Rams Head on Stage on Sunday, March 1.
Todd Snider (Photo by Stacy Huckeba)
Todd Snider came to The Birchmere stage on Monday barefoot, accompanied by his adorable dog, Cowboy Jim, who also answers to “Bear.” As Cowboy Jim laid down, Todd said, “If you think he’s trained, just wait until he licks his balls.”