The 416 Club at Cedar Cultural Center on 3/23/08

By: Jon Behm

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That lazy punk Easter Bunny screwed me over again. I woke up on Sunday morning to an apartment that was very much lacking colored eggs and candy. Luckily the whole day wasn’t a total loss though, as the Cedar Cultural Center functioned as a goodie basket of a much larger scale, chock-full of some of the Twin Cities’ most talented musicians.  In fact, if I were to pick my six favorite folk, bluegrass and boogie n’ blues artists on the local scene right now, it would probably look very similar to the lineup we were presented with at the Cedar’s 416 Club showcase.

A Night in the Box - Photo by Jon Behm

The “416 Club” is described by the Cedar as a “new series of local artists presented by guest curators in a relaxed setting.”  Those familiar with Java Jacks’ Hootenannies may be familiar with the genre: local artists relaxing, jamming and showcasing their unique talents. 

Sunday’s performance was curated by Alexei Casselle, of local bands Roma Di Luna and Kill the Vultures. Not only did Casselle pick which bands were invited, but throughout the show functioned as a sort of master of ceremonies.  

First on the bill were the Floorbirds, a folk duo consisting of Daniel and Alyssa (their last names are extremely difficult to find).  They play a very soft and melodic brand of folk, accompanying it with vocal harmonies so sweet they make you want to be a better person.  Though quiet and unassuming onstage, the group definitely made their presence felt.

 

After the Floorbirds came Matt Fox, a local musician by way of Texas, and a stellar guitar player. While I am not extremely familiar with Fox’s body of work, I enjoyed what I heard Sunday, especially when he picked up a resonator guitar and bottle neck and started channeling Son House.

Meg Ashling - Photo by Jon Behm

Meg Ashling took the stage next; a performer whose singing talent is an intimidating presence in any club.  Playing only an acoustic guitar (the artists were encouraged to make it an “unplugged” performance) she graced us with three tunes.  Ashling has a unique voice that falls somewhere between Loretta Lynn and Billie Holiday.  To hear her songs you might think that she grew up south of the Mason Dixon at the turn of the century, rather than present day Minnesota.

 

Following was Roma Di Luna, one of Casselle’s current projects with his wife Channy.  While I have seen this group a number of times they never cease to blow me over with the beauty of their old-time folk melodies. Channy’s voice seems to have the power to stop time itself, and it is complimented very well by Alexei’s bluesy baritone.  Whenever I see the two perform together I always feel like there is an intangible interconnectedness about their music, as if by singing they are tying themselves to each other with invisible string.

The individual portion of the set was rounded out first by A Night in the Box, whose soul and boogie shows have made them my favorite local band to see live (and who were the evenings’ most entertaining entertainers), as well as the Parlour Suite.  Parlour’s live show has come miles since I last saw them, and Sunday’s performance of a few songs off of their recent release The Rainmaker, was the best work I have seen them do (plus Rainmaker is great). 

The 416 Club- Photo by Jon Behm

Finally after all the bands had their chance to do individual performances it was time to jam.  All six artists/groups came onstage and took turns leading spirited medleys.  It was at first unusual seeing so many people onstage, but any shock at seeing so many bands together was soothed by some fabulous collaborations on a number of old standards, from Meg Ashling leading the group in an old Willie Nelson cover, to the Parlour Suite heading up the classic “Goodnight Irene.” 

 

What for me was terrific about the night was just seeing so many musicians I respect playing off each other to create something never before heard.  While the jamming wasn’t perfect (there were some false starts and a few wrong roads taken) what came together was an organic sound – something beautiful to behold.  It was more spiritual and uplifting than any other religious ritual I have partaken in on Easter, and I consider myself lucky to have been there. 

Catch the next 416 Club at the Cedar Cultural Center on April 26^th.  Amongst others it will feature local talents the Brass Messengers, the Painted Saints, and the peerless Black Audience.

See all the photos from the evening here

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Location Info: Cedar Cultural Center
Artist Info: A Night In The Box, Meg Ashling, Roma di Luna, The Parlour Suite

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