Village Club Series
Winter 2012 Village Club Series
All shows in the Benjamin Mays Center. All shows at 9 pm.
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January 12 – The Spring Standards - The Spring Standards are an energetic force of three-part harmony circling over a rock n’ roll sound with an old country aftertaste. From small towns to big cities, they explode on stage with spirit, spontaneity, and a style all their own. They are, in no particular order: James Cleare, James Smith and Heather Robb. Each member of the band is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, and they use their strengths as a trio to create a sound that listeners might expect from a band twice their size. With an emphasis on three-part harmony and a variety of instrumental switching, their range and energy make each live show a unique event. Remember – first show likely = free stuff! |
| January 19 – Student Performers - Join us for an evening of performances by Bates students. Full VCS sound, special Winter Carnival treats – what more could you ask for? | |
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January 26 – Mal Blum - Mal Blum is a 23 year old songwriter and performer. She started making music as a tenderhearted teenager from New York with a lot of hutzpah and an ear for songwriting. Now she spends her time writing songs, traveling the country playing songs, and writing songs about traveling the country playing songs. She has opened for many national artists including (one-offs) Amanda Palmer, Bitch, Kaia Wilson, Hammell On Trial, and Kimya Dawson as well as supporting indie rocker Melissa Ferrick on her fall 2009, and winter/spring 2010 tours.  |
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February 2 – Katie Wirsing - Katie Wirsing’s word drawings pour from a channel through her body, linking heart, brain and soul in one wide-open, permalinked thoroughfare to her mouth. But that pretty mouth never eschews any issue, from libido to loss to Grandma and dancing.  |
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February 9 – Jared Mahone- What?! A white guy from Ohio singing soul music and beatboxing to cheering crowds night after night? It seems hard to believe, but that is exactly what Jared Mahone consistently makes audiences do – believe. His authenticity comes through loud and clear, and by that first chorus you will find yourself grooving along to Jared’s decidedly soulful acoustic funk.  |
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February 16 - Jer Coons - Jer often receives comparisons to many singer-songwriters and performers. Before jumping to any conclusions, take a look at these facts:
Ke$ha |
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March 1 - Rose Cousins - Rose Cousins finds insight in solitude and strength in numbers. Supported by a thriving Halifax music scene and welcomed by an equally vibrant Boston community, her new album We Have Made A Spark was made in the spirit of community and collaboration.  |
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March 8 - The Northstar Session - Most recently described as a perfect blend of CSN and Ryan Adams, the band places high emphasis on harmony vocals, and good songs that will tell a story over and over again in your head… ”With Wilco’s neo-country glow, and Travis’ earnest optimism, this promising quartet have undeniable commercial appeal and their well-executed tunes are ripe for film/TV usage.” -Music Connection Magazine  |
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March 15 - Kurt Scobie - Every time Kurt Scobie sits down at the keys, the power of his expressive lyrics and percussive piano style have a magnetic effect on the entire room. The lyrics strike a familiar chord but carry a refreshing tone, and the catchy melodies enable listeners to sing along, even after hearing his songs for the first time. On and off the stage, Kurt is consistently friendly and respectfully honest.  |
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March 22 - Rachel Platten - Beautiful, but not brazen. Passionate, but never preachy. Populist, but definitely not prosaic. New York City singer-songwriter, pianist and beatboxer Rachel Platten is by no means your average headliner-in-the-making. Her Rock Ridge Music debut, Be Here, is a bewitching collection of 10 wise-beyond-their-years piano-driven pop songs that echo elements of Alanis Morissette, Carole King, Tori Amos and Regina Spektor, while retaining a singular sense of self that is rarely found in such a young performer.  |
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March 29 – Raining Jane - Raining Jane is an acoustic, indie-rock band driven by deep dedication to music and an independent spirit. The four band members first got together in 1999 in the UCLA music scene and have since built a career that continues to evolve and influence others.  |
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April 5 - Taylor Carson - Taylor Carson hails from the land of the Dave Matthews Band, Virginia Coalition and O.A.R. While he built his musical chops on the shoulders of the acoustic rock superstars, his lyrical inspiration comes from the timeless wordsmiths like Paul Simon, Cat Stevens and Martin Sexton. His new record “Defending The Name,” is a 16-song folk-pop epic that is introducing Taylor to a national audience.  |
All shows are free to the entire Bates Community. Free refreshments will be provided at all Village Club Series events. To check out videos of many past performances check out - http://www.youtube.com/batesactivities