The Cedar Cultural Center

Celebrating the new release of All About the Bones, Chris Smither returns to The Cedar for our 35th year!The Cedar Presents CHRIS SMITHER with Betty SooThursday, August 1, 2024 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 7:30 PMAll AgesSeated$35 Advance, $40 Day of ShowThis is a seated show with general admission, first-come-first-served seating. The Cedar is happy to reserve seats for patrons who require special seating accommodations. To request seating or other access accommodations, please go to our Access page.For Cedar presented shows, online ticket sales typically end one hour before the door time, and then, based on availability, tickets will be available at the door.ABOUT THIS SHOWCelebrating the new release of All About the Bones, Chris Smither returns to The Cedar to help celebrate our 35th anniversary and his many incredible performances here throughout the years.“Smither is an American original – a product of the musical melting pot and one of the absolute best singer-songwriters in the world.” - Associated Press.CHRIS SMITHERBorn in Miami, during World War II, Chris Smither grew up in New Orleans where he first started playing music as a child. The son of a Tulane University professor, he was taught the rudiments of instrumentation by his uncle on his mother’s ukulele. “Uncle Howard,” Smither says, “showed me that if you knew three chords, you could play a lot of the songs you heard on the radio. And if you knew four chords, you could pretty much rule the world.” With that bit of knowledge under his belt, he was hooked. “I’d loved acoustic music – specifically the blues – ever since I first heard Lightnin’ Hopkins’ Blues In My Bottle album. I couldn’t believe the sound Hopkins got. At first I thought it was two guys playing guitar. My style, to a degree, came out of trying to imitate that sound I heard.”In his early twenties, Smither turned his back on his anthropology studies and headed to Boston at the urging of legendary folk singer Eric von Schmidt. It was the mid-’60s and acoustic music thrived in the streets and coffeehouses there. Smither forged lifelong friendships with many musicians, including Bonnie Raitt who went on to record his songs, “Love You Like A Man” and “I Feel the Same. (Their friendship has endured as their career paths intertwined over the years.) What quickly evolved from his New Orleans and Cambridge musical experiences is his enduring, singular guitar sound – a beat-driven finger-picking, strongly influenced by the playing of Mississippi John Hurt and Lightnin’ Hopkins, layered over the ever-present backbeat of his rhythmic, tapping feet (always mic’d in performance).Chris returns to The Cedar behind his 20th release, All About the Bones, (Signature Sounds/Mighty Albert). The new recording is as elemental as the inky black shadows cast by a shockingly bright moon. Featuring eight brand new Chris Smither songs and Smither renditions of Eliza Gilkyson’s “Calm Before the Storm” and also Tom Petty’s “Time to Move On”, the listener is welcomed into some gothic mansion on an imaginary New Orleans street, and there in the lamplit parlor confronts the band, a minimalist skeleton crew: Smither’s inimitable propulsive guitar and rumbling baritone are joined seamlessly to producer David Goodrich’s carpetbag of instruments, Zak Trojano’s rock-steady, primal drumming, BettySoo’s diaphanous harmony vocals, and the flat, mournful flood of Jazz legend Chris Cheek’s saxophone. Recorded at Sonelab Studios in Easthampton MA by Justin Pizzoferrato All About the Bones has a feel that is somehow baroque and austere at once.To learn more about Chris Smither:Visit his website hereBETTY SOORaised outside Houston by first-generation Korean immigrant parents, educated at UT, she grew up listening to the Great American songbook and country radio. Older sisters led her to the world of singer/songwriters, and nights spent at The Cactus Café and Hole In The Wall turned her on to the legacy of Texas song.Her 2007 solo disc, Little Tiny Secrets, garnered heavy regional airplay; 2009’s Heat Sin Water Sin produced by Gurf Morlix (Lucinda Williams, Ray Wylie Hubbard), provided building blocks to a national (and international) audience. In 2014, When We’re Gone, co-produced with cellist Brian Standefer (Alejandro Escovedo, Terry Allen) placed her firmly in the first rank of songwriters working today.She’s won the requisite awards: New Folk at Kerrville, Songwriter of the Year at Big Top Chautauqua, The Dave Carter Songwriting Award at Sisters Folk Festival, Mountain Stage's New Song.She’s played the festivals – multiple South by Southwests, Kerrville, Calgary and more. And the radio shows – E-Town, Mountain Stage, WoodSongs, BBC 2 with Bob Harris.Her singing has been heard on Riverdale and Girl Boss, and her songs formed the musical backbone to Christine Hoang’s 2017 play A Girl Named Sue, singled out by Austin360.com in their review as “gorgeous, moving ballads comment(ing) on the themes of the scenes they punctuate.”“BettySoo may well have the most gorgeous voice in Texas …if not in all contemporary folk – its purity and strength can be downright devastating.” – ACOUSTIC GUITARTo learn more about Betty Soo:Visit her website here

Sistastrongs, the musical duo comprising sisters bring their unique blend of classical training, soulful melodies, and contemporary sounds.The Cedar PresentsSISTASTRINGS  with Brianna LaneWednesday, July 31, 2024 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 7:30 PMAll AgesSeated$25 Advance, $30 Day of ShowThis is a seated show with general admission, first-come-first-served seating. The Cedar is happy to reserve seats for patrons who require special seating accommodations. To request access accommodations, please go to our Access page.For Cedar presented shows, online ticket sales typically end one hour before the door time, and then, based on availability, tickets will be available at the door.ABOUT THIS SHOWWe’re used to hearing about the power and sonic majesty that comes when two siblings sing in harmony: but what about when they string in harmony? That’s the beautiful alchemy that SistaStrings, the musical duo comprising sisters Chauntee and Monique Ross, creates every time they bring their unique blend of classical training, soulful melodies, and contemporary sounds to the stage.SistaStrings recently made waves during the 66th annual Grammy Awards. When the legendary Joni Mitchell took the stage to perform “Both Sides Now,” the New York Times described the moment as “a brief, magical visitation from a musical deity.” Accompanying Joni Mitchell were the remarkable SistaStrings.SISTASTRINGSSistaStrings! With Chauntee on violin and Monique on cello, their virtuoso talents and thrilling live show have found them sharing the stage with Brandi Carlile and Joni Mitchell in just a few years’ time, already making a profound impact on the musical scene that shows no signs of slowing down. Thanks to SistaStrings, you’ll never look at classical instruments the same way again.Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Chauntee and Monique discovered their love for music at a young age. Growing up in a musically inclined family, the sisters were exposed to a diverse range of genres and instruments, despite the social imprinting that told them string instruments were within the purview of white people only. Together, they embarked on a remarkable journey, fusing their classical training with their deep-rooted love for R&B, hip-hop, and gospel. They now reside in Nashville, where they are integral members of the musical community and some of the most in-demand players in town.In one performance, SistaStrings can cover a classical arrangement, create a mashup of beloved pop songs and spin their own surprising originals that defy any easy genre categorization. It’s that fluidity and sheer talent that have secured them spots in BrandiCarlile’s touring band, as well as supporting Ed Sheeran, Maggie Rogers, Margo Price, Allison Russell and Jason Isbell. When they appear on stage, they aren’t just backing players – they become stars of the show.Recently appearing with the legendary Joni Mitchell at the Grammy Awards, Andrea Bocelli at the 2024 Oscars and with Elton John, Annie Lennox, Garth Brooks, and Charlie Puth at The 2024 Gershwin Honors. Sistastrings have also performed at iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden, The Kennedy Center, Newport Folk Festival, and Saturday Night Live. In September, they took home the title of “best instrumentalist” for the Americana Music Association's 2023 honors.Their eagerly anticipated debut record, produced by friend and collaborator Brandi Carlile, is currently in the works. The Cedar is delighted to welcome them back to our stage!To learn more about Sistastrings:Visit their website hereBRIANNA LANEBrianna Lane is an Americana singer/songwriter from Minneapolis, MN. They have the voice of a chain-smoking angel, songs that balance hope and despair, and the stage presence of an old friend.Brianna was a 2019 Cedar Commissions Artist and debuted “Awareness Month” - a collection of songs depicting life with chronic invisible illness.“Poised, ambitious, a soul-singer of the first order, and an accomplished guitarist.”— Jim Walsh, Star TribuneFor fans of Gillian Welch, Lucinda Williams, Patty Griffin, and Shawn Colvin.To learn more about Brianna Lane: Visit their website hereSPONSORED BY

WACO BROTHERS stumble out of the desert with a fierce thirst and an epic album: The Men That God Forgot. "Clash meets Cash" - Rolling StoneThe Cedar PresentsWACO BROTHERS with Jake La Botz and Jon Langford & Alice Spencer of the Bright ShinersSaturday, July 6, 2024 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PMAll AgesStanding$23 Advance, $28 Day of ShowThis is a standing show with an open floor. To request seating or other access accommodations, please go to our Access Page.For Cedar presented shows, online ticket sales typically end one hour before the door time, and then, based on availability, tickets will be available at the door.ABOUT THIS SHOWShaking off the plague days like a snake sheds its skin, the WACO BROTHERS stumble out of the empty, burning desert with a fierce thirst and an epic new album: The Men That God Forgot, their first collection of original tunes since 2016."It's the mission of the Waco Brothers — a Chicago-based outfit that Jon Langford started in the mid-90s — to bring blood, sweat, and tears back into country music.…" - KenTucker, NPR"Clash meets Cash" - Rolling StoneWACO BROTHERSShaking off the plague days like a snake sheds its skin the WACO BROTHERS stumble out of the empty, burning desert with a fierce thirst and an epic new album: THE MEN THAT GOD FORGOT.It’s the first collection of original WACO tunes since 2016’s GOING DOWN IN HISTORY and comes to you via their own label Plenty Tuff Records.The Waco Brothers got together in Chicago in the mid-90s; battle weary punk musicians who wanted nothing more than to play classic country covers for free beer in their adopted home city. Their residencies at bars like the Wrigleyville Tap and Augenblick became legendary for the sheer volume, speed and energy they brought to this task. After an early and particularly deranged appearance at SXSW, Rolling Stone dubbed the Wacos “Clash meets Cash” and they unleashed a fistful of ferocious albums and endlessly entertaining live gigs that defined the Insurgent Country movement.Every night is still Friday night for the WACO BROTHERS but these new songs lace that reckless exuberance with a more sober awareness of the tsunami of cynical corruption & materialism that infects our everyday existence. BEST THAT MONEY CAN BUY rips its verses from what’s left of honest journalism while IN THE DARK provides a requiem for functioning democracy AND boasts the best twin-lead guitar solo since Thin Lizzy. The album ends with NOWHERE TO RUN a deceptively gentle dance number (inspired by a night on the Outlaw Country Cruise where the Wacos backed up their hero Lee “Scratch” Perry) that presents the struggle for social and economic justice as neverending. GEORGE WALKS WITH JESUS is a song about George Jones walking with Jesus.“It's the mission of the Waco Brothers — a Chicago-based outfit that Langford started in the mid-90s — to bring blood, sweat, and tears back into country music.… They have a rather romantic view; I doubt that, this side of Merle Haggard, any American country act has written a furious hymn to organized labor like the song "Plenty Tough and Union Made.” - KenTucker, NPRThe WACO BROTHERS lost their powerhouse drummer Joe Camarillo to a stroke in January 2021 and it took some time to regroup. They’d often been joined onstage by violinist Jean Cook and drummer Dan Massey (ex-Robbie Fulks) who had deputized for Joe for years, so now the time seemed right to add them both as permanent members. The current line-up is:Jean Cook – violin & vocalsTracey Dear – mandolin & vocalsAlan Jesus George Jones Mr. Spanky Captain Giggles Sproketts Doughty Vega – bass & vocalsJon Langford – guitar & vocalsDan Massey – drumsDean Schlabowske – guitar & vocalsTHE MEN THAT GOD FORGOT is the 10th Waco Brothers full length album and was recorded with Mike Hagler at Kingsize Soundlabs in Chicago in 2022. The cinematic brass parts were arranged and performed by longtime collaborator Max Crawford with Dave Smith. Other Waco Cousins appearing are Barkley Mckay on piano and organ, Patty Vega on jingling tambourine and Andre Michot of the Lost Bayou Ramblers on accordion.“Where does this pack of goofy bastards get off thinking they can one-up our national heritage? But they do, damn it. Jon Langford has always utilized his extracurricular time with the Wacos to exorcise the C&W demons that have lurked in his work with the Mekons since the 1980s. Where great Mekons albums integrate a vaguely folkish, space cowboy vibe, the Waco Brothers sound like real-deal ten-gallon hatters with a grouchy streak and a subscription to The Nation. Sure, there's a William Blake nod on occasion, but mostly, Langford and co-singer/songwriter Dean Schlabowske invoke the spirit of the common man, crank up the hollow-body guitars and rock their wary ways.” - Pitchfork"The Waco Boys! The Rainbow Men!” - Lee “Scratch’ PerryTo learn more about the Waco Brothers:Visit their website hereJAKE LA BOTZJake La Botz’s rough and tumble Chicago upbringing took him from juvenile delinquency and punk rock to learning blues from the last of the Delta bluesmen. From there, with guitar in tow, he made his way across the U.S.A. until he hit the end of the line in Hollywood where an improbable acting career began to unfold.After getting clean from heroin at thirty years old, La Botz became a Buddhist meditation practitioner and teacher. He also took his bluesy guitar licks to the Greater Mt. Zion Church in South Central L.A. where he steeped himself in gospel music. Ever since then La Botz has been putting out his own brand of Gospel-noir Americana. The eccentric stories, characters, and underlying spiritual messages often heard in his songs come to a head on his latest album Hair on Fire.Among more than twenty film and TV credits, La Botz has acted in True Detective, Rambo, and On the Road. His most recent film, D.O.A., stars fellow musician John Doe from the punk band X.Beyond music and acting, La Botz is also a writer. A collection of short fiction is forthcoming from Cornerstone Press and a graphic memoir is also in the works.To learn more about Jake La Botz:Visit his Instagram page hereJON LANGFORD & ALICE SPENCER OF THE BRIGHT SHINERSJon Langford's been in more bands than you have digits- and that's true even if you were born with a few extras! From his early days in Mekons, Delta 5,Three Johns and even Sisters Of Mercy to a veritable explosion of one-off recordings and performances with more names than we could ever hope to list in full. A Wikipedia description for this group,The Bright Shiners (described therein as 'circa 2022 through at least 2023,in Northern California') provides some sense of the complex taxonomy needed just to keep track of Jon's massive oeuvre. Happily, that's an understated description of a serious new outlet for his endless creativity, and The Bright Shiners' recording activities have produced a full album, Where It Really Starts, the first recording in a collaboration with Tamineh Gueramy, Alice Spencer,and Jon's frequent musical partner, John Szymanski.Jon's never sung or written better, and the sense that the band realised they were onto something great is palpable in an instant. Each song is a minimalistic jewel-there's nothing here that doesn't need to be-yet the album is unsparing of aptly astonishing adornment - wonderful harmonies, horns, mellotron, bowed guitar, piano.looped percussion and more), by our reckoning this is one of Jon's finest works of art and his best outfit outside The Mekons themselves.To learn more about Jon Langford:Visit his Instagram page hereTo learn more about Alice Spencer:Visit her Instagram page hereSPONSORED BY