We've been presenting shows at the Corralitos Cultural Center since Spring of 2010, and things just keep getting better and better. Seems like every concert brings new folks who've never seen this hidden little gem of a venue before. It's a sweet little room with great acoustics. It's also been nice to be a part of something that's regularly bringing acoustic music to south county.
The charter of the series has always been to feature primarily - but not exclusively - singer/songwriters. The shows are a mix of in-the-rounds with local songwriters and local bands, along with the occasional higher-profile shows such as we're fortunate to have this Saturday.
Cafe Musique is a five-piece band coming up from San Luis Obispo. They combine gypsy, classical, tango, and folk and back that up with wonderful vocals from their percussionist Piper Heisig. She's joined in the band by Brynn Albanese on violin, Duane Inglish on accordion, Fred Murray on bass, and Craig Nuttycombe on guitar.
I interviewed Duane and Brynn a few years ago in one of my early podcasts, kept in touch, and was very happy to hear from them when they were looking for a place to land this weekend. More trivia: Brynn came from up down south last year to play violin on two tracks to my latest CD, including a wonderful solo on a ballad called "Waltzes When She Runs")
Back to the band. Cafe Musique regularly sells out bigger venues like Don Quixote's Music Hall in Felton when they roll through town, but Saturday, they'll grace the humble little stage of the Corralitos Cultural Center.
If that wasn't enough, they're sharing it with Joe Craven.
A self-described "musical madman" (and kind of a genius), Joe is a renown fiddle and mandolin player, and as a percussionist, he makes rhythm on anything within reach. He's shared the stage with the likes of David Grisman (he was in the David Grisman Quintet for 17 years), Jerry Garcia, and David Lindley. Joe's also an educator, with a Cum Laude graduate in both Museology and Aesthetics and an award-winning teacher for nearly 20 years. Joe also packs Don Quixote's when he's in town, and he's a favorite on KPIG radio.
Last year, 120 fans joined Cafe Musique on a cruise along the Rhone River in France. This year they're going to cruise the Douro River in Portugal, with Joe in tow. you'll hear more about that on Saturday.
Seating is limited, and reservations are encouraged. Suggested donation is $25. Doors open at 7:00 pm, and the music starts at 7:30 pm. You can email your reservation requests to corralitosmusic@gmail.com. For more info on the cultural center, see corralitosculturalcenter.org.
