COWBOY JUNKIES

Friday, March 27 -- 8:00 PM

Although it didn't originally have anything to do with their sound, the Cowboy Junkies' name wound up seeming pretty accurate: their music was grounded in traditional country, blues, and folk, yet drifted along in a sleepy, narcotic haze that clearly bore the stamp of the Velvet Underground. The vast majority of their songs were spare and quiet, taken at lethargic tempos and filled with languid guitars and detached, ethereal vocals courtesy of Margo Timmins. Over the late '80s and '90s, the group recorded a succession of critically acclaimed albums that found favor in the alternative rock community.

The Cowboy Junkies were founded by guitarist/songwriter Michael Timmins and bassist Alan Anton (born Alan Alizojvodic), who first played together in a Toronto-based band called the Hunger Project in 1979. They later moved to the U.K. and played with an avant-garde instrumental outfit called Germinal, but eventually grew weary of the group's style and returned to Toronto in 1984. They started jamming with Timmins' brother Peter on drums, and in 1985 they recruited a vocalist in sister Margo, at the time a social worker who'd never sung publicly before. Dubbing themselves the Cowboy Junkies simply because the name had a ring to it, they formed their own independent label, Lament, and released their debut album, Whites Off Earth Now!!, in 1986. Featuring only one original song, the album was recorded using only one microphone, and although it was initially available only in Canada, it helped them land a major-label deal with RCA. Their first widespread release was 1988's The Trinity Session, which was recorded inside Toronto's Holy Trinity church in the span of one night -- again using only one microphone. The Trinity Session became a cult hit, earning rave reviews from critics and substantial college radio airplay for tracks like "Misguided Angel" and their cover of "Sweet Jane."

The band is still comprised of its four original members: Margo Timmins (vocals), Michael Timmins (guitar), Peter Timmins (drums) and Alan Anton (bass) - all siblings except for life-long-family-friend Alan. The band has released nine albums in its fifteen-year career.

Cowboy Junkies' Website

Advance discount tickets: $30.00
Day of Show: $33.00

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TODD SNIDER
opening act
ASHLEIGH FLYNN

Saturday, March 28 -- 8:00 PM

Best known for his wry humor, Snider has been a fixture on the Americana, alt-country, and folk scene since his debut on MCA, entitled Songs for the Daily Planet, named for the bar where Snider used to play regularly in Memphis. On that album were the minor hits "Talkin' Seattle Grunge Rock Blues", a folk song about the early '90's grunge scene, featuring a band that "refused to play", and "Alright Guy", which later became the title cut of Gary Allan's 2001 album.

He released two more albums for MCA, Step Right Up and Viva Satellite, the latter often sparking colorful debate amongst fans for its comparisons to Tom Petty. He moved to John Prine's Oh Boy Records where he made Happy to Be Here, New Connection, Near Truths and Hotel Rooms, East Nashville Skyline and Peace Love and Anarchy. That Was Me: The Best of Todd Snider 1994–1998 was released on the Hip-O Records label in August 2005.

Todd Snider's next studio album, The Devil You Know, was released in August 2006. It marked Snider's return to a major label, as he is now recording for New Door Records, a subsidiary of Universal Records.

The Devil You Know was named to several critics' year-end "best" lists, including a No. 33 ranking in Rolling Stone magazine's top 50 albums of the year, a No. 25 ranking by No Depression magazine, and No. 14 by Blender magazine.

Snider's songs "Late Last Night" and "I Believe You" have been recorded by the Oklahoma country-rock band Cross Canadian Ragweed. He co-wrote the song "Barbie Doll" with country star Jack Ingram.

Snider's new album, Peace Queer, was released on October 14, 2008. Peace Queer reached #1 on the Americana Airplay Chart on October 27, 2008.

Todd Snider's Website

Ashleigh Flynn hails from Kentucky where she grew up foot stomping along the Ohio River as the steamboats and barges made their way to the muddy Mississippi. A songwriter of exceptional depth and poetry, Flynn is also an electrifying performer blessed with unbridled charisma and the voice of an angel.

Flynn has released 4 full-length records: American Dream (2008), Sneakin Out with Ashleigh Flynn – Live from Mississippi Studios (2006), Chokecherry (2002) and Ashleigh Flynn self-titled (1999). All three records have received national acclaim and strong independent sales. About Chokecherry The Village Voice said, "Darling of the NW Americana scene…Flynn adds a smoky soulful voice…marrying styles from bluegrass to pop and dobro to drums."

Flynn has traveled near and far, touting her tunes amassing new fans in markets all over the US – including month long "up and comers" residencies at The Living Room and Pianos in Manhattan, and Toad in Cambridge, MA in 2007. She released her fourth studio effort in Fall 2007.

Ashleigh Flynn's Website

Advance discount tickets: $18.00
Day of Show: $22.00

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