halfmoonjugband.com

North Pond Hermit Sessions

The Van Gogh of the Banjo — Sun, 12 May 2013 16:01:18 +0000

Here’s the digital download version of a two-artsist EP by me and and my band — the Half Moon Jug Band — and Stan and Dan who hail from the Belgrade Lakes region of Maine, not too far from North Pond. Turns out Stan Keach wrote a song about the Hermit right around the time I did. So we decided to join forces and put out a six song CD. The physical edition, which includes Stan and Dan’s songs, too, will be out around the 23rd. But for now, feel free to download an mp3 or two right here.

The really groovy cover painting is by a friend of Stan’s. His name is Dave DeRan and we owe him big time for letting us use his picture. Thanks Dave!

-TROY.

Help for Lewiston fire victims

The Van Gogh of the Banjo — Tue, 07 May 2013 03:36:38 +0000

: Tom Rowe

This weekend, our Vacationland Music partners, The Squid Jiggers, are playing at the annual tribute to Tom Rowe. The show has been raising money for the Jack McPhillips Memorial fund for years. This time around, it’s been decided to dedicate all the money raised to the victims of three back-to-back fires in the “L” half of Maine’s L/A.

“I’m glad the board of the memorial fund has decided to do this,” said Dave Rowe, son of the late Schooner Fare bassist in whose memory the annual show takes place. “I know my father would approve. He lived right across the river in Auburn for many years.”

Tickets are still available for the show. The lineup includes the Dave Rowe Trio, Danny Quinn, Side by Side, Schooner Fare and a surprise appearance by Don and Tonya Campbell.

Get your tickets HERE right now!

The North Pond Hermit Sessions

The Van Gogh of the Banjo — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:46:41 +0000

We spent the weekend in the studio. We’re making a split EP with a fellow named Stan Keach and his friend Dan the Mandolin player. Both he and Troy wrote songs about the North Pond Hermit. The recordings should be ready in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned.

Here’s Troy’s song and his dog Hook. The HMJB version will have less cute dogs, but more drums and bass.

Here’s Stan’s take on the curious story of the Hermit.

On stage at Geno’s

The Van Gogh of the Banjo — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:48:01 +0000

The HMJB at Portland’s venerable Geno’s Rock Club.

The doors were open at Geno’s Rock Club on Congress Street. The doorman was collecting the cover. The stage was set. All three bands were present and accounted for. Folks were milling around at the bar. They were hanging out in the corner by the Indiana Jones pinball machine, right next to what may be the last cigarette machine in Portland.

There was just one problem: there was no sound man.

Due to some crossed wires, he wasn’t there and he wasn’t coming.

Luckily, Squid Jigger and sound man extraordinaire, Dave Rowe, was nearby. A quick cell phone call later, he was on the scene and ready to save the day. He’d never been in Geno’s before and had about 15 minutes to figure out the system. A bit of squealing feedback ensued. Some rumbling and buzzing occurred. But, given the circumstances, everything turned out just fine and the crowd was treated to some mighty fine music.

Thanks Dave!

Geno’s? Geno’s!

The Van Gogh of the Banjo — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 01:55:35 +0000

Friday night, April 5, 2013 in Portland, Maine.