Here’s the gigs you missed in ‘06 & ‘07. Shame on you.
2.25.05 (Friday) My first gig of the (Chinese) new year was at Zelda’s On the Park in Lewisburg PA.
3.19.05 (Saturday) Played a fund-raiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training fund at the Sidewalk Cafe in NYC. Raised over $1,100 for this cause. Rocked at the same time.
5.7.05 (Saturday) I was invited to perform at Zelda’s again as part of the Lewisburg Arts Councils live music night. What could I do but accept? And rock?
5.19.05 (Thursday) Raised some funds at the Sidewalk Cafe again. This time for myself.
6.4.05 (Saturday) June 4th* Me, Chief Dave & Joe Horseman played a set of my songs from the heady days of Earl Pickens and the Black Mountain Marauders. At the Sidewalk Cafe. It’s always nice to hear fans calling out for a song I’ve written. I also love it when they sing along with me. Especially when I forget the words.
6.11.05 (Saturday) On this date in rock and roll history Earl Pickens played two gigs. The first was outdoors at the Pennsylvania Singer Songwriter Festival. The second was indoors at the Bullfrog Brewery in Williamsport PA. The temperature at the first gig was 94 degrees. The temperature at the second gig was noticeably cooler.
7.8.05 (Friday) Lakeside Lounge, NYC. The first gig with the new band, Earl Pickens and the Trail of Tears. This was a fun show. We had a nice crowd come out to see us & the band played real well. Much thanks to Andy Riedel for his help in putting this band together. I’m definitley looking forward to playing with these guys (and girl) again. Paul Unsworth on drums, Dave Post on Bass, Jessie Yamas singing harmony, Andy on lead guitar and me on whatever is left for me to play.
7.22.05 (Friday) CD RELEASE PARTY! Sin-e, NYC. I was invited to perform at the filmmakers party for this year’s Rural Route Film Festival. Sounded like a cool gig, so we decided to throw my cd release party at the same time. Rural filmmakers and country music in a club with an Irish name on Manhattan’s lower east side. What more do you want? No cover charge? Too late. This party was free!
Jessie Yamas opened the show with a great acoustic set of her beautiful songs.
The Roulette Sisters went on at 10 and got everybody moving with their Carter-Family-goes-to-Brooklyn sound. Excellent stuff.
Earl Pickens and the Trail of Tears hit the stage at 11. We had a great time and played a great set. Sold some cds and had a great night. Oh yeah.
8.18.05 (Thursday) Me, Jessie Yamas and Kimbo Reichley did some songs “in the round” as the folkies say. This was a cool show. Jessie and Kimbo have some great songs. The three of us did some harmonizing on one another’s songs. Sold some cds, met some new folks. Got high on caffeine.
8.26.05 (Friday) My first gig at the Rodeo Bar in over a year. ‘Twas good to be back up on that stage again. I was born on that stage. Many, many times. Died there a few times as well, though not at this particular gig. Great crowd. The band played & sang well. Only got pelted with peanuts one time. That’s how I spell success.
9.9.05 (Friday) Dangerously Delicious Pies, Baltimore, Maryland. They don’t call this place “Dangerously Delicious Pies” for nothing. They call this place “Dangerously Delicious Pies” because they make dangerously delicious pies. Cool people, a fun gig and amazing pie. Here’s their site, in case you want some pie.
9.22.05 (Thursday) The Fort at Sidewalk Cafe. My annual Autumnal Equinox gig. I made like a tree and rocked.
9.23.05 (Friday) Zelda’s, Lewisburg PA. Played the hometown shuffle.
9.27.05 (Tuesday) Grape Street Philadelphia.
My first gig in Philadelphia. Grape Street is a cool club. Made a joke about the Liberty Bell. Nobody laughed. Aside from that, the show went very well.
9.30.05 (Friday) The Coffee and Tea Room, Williamsport PA. This is a great place, with what appears to be a great sound system. I wouldn’t know beacause their microphones were stolen and I had to perform the old-fashioned way: by strumming hard and singing loud. The show went very well. Tink Travers on harmonica and lap steel, Jessie Yamas on harmony vocals. Met cool folks and sold cds. Microphones. Who needs ‘em?
10.1.05 (Saturday) Zelda’s on the Park in Lewisburg, PA. Me, Tink Travers and Jessie Yamas rocked the (coffee) house.
10.3.05 (Monday) CB’s 313 Gallery. Yep.
10.6.05 (Thursday) Selinsgrove Brew Pub. Selinsgrove, PA. Fun gig. A table full of inebriated dental hygenists always gets the party started. Thanks to all who came out to this show. Even me. Thank me. I’m welcome.
10.25.05 (Tuesday) Tunesmithing @ Cummins Station Spotlighting Emerging and Professional Songwriters Sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions and the Nashville office of The Songwriter’s Guild of America. Nashville, Tennessee. Cool.
11.5.05 (Saturday) The Rodeo Bar
This was the best “Earl Pickens and the Trail of Tears” gig yet. Big, enthusiastic crowd, looking to stay out late and have fun. My kind of show. The guys and girl in the band were ON. On I say. On. Rodeo Bar, sweet Rodeo Bar.
11.6.05 (Sunday) The Folk Show with Gene Shay me and Jessie Yamas visited Gene Shay on his wxpn radio show to talk about stuff and sing songs about other stuff. It was great.
11.9.05 (Wednesday) Grape Street Philadelphia. My second gig in Philadelphia. Grape Street is still a cool club. I didn’t make any jokes about the Liberty Bell this time. Obviously, nobody laughed. Aside from that, the show went very well.
11.16.05 (Wednesday) Rockwood Music Hall. My first gig at this club. I like the place a lot. Very small, but very cool. Drove three hours in the pouring rain to get there. Went on after 11 PM. Many many thanks to the people who came out to this gig, despite the late start time and the torrential rain. I really appreciate your support. Found a $65 parking ticket on my windshield after my set, which was nice.
11.19.05 (Saturday) Cameron Street Cafe. Harrisburg, PA. A nice new joint down in the burg of Harris. They serve breakfast 24 hours a day. As an American, I consider the 24-hour-a-day breakfast my birthright. God bless the USA!
11.26.05 (Saturday) King Street Coffee House. Northumberland, PA. Cool venue, fun show. What else can I say? Nothing. I can say nothing else.
12.2.05 (Friday) Rodeo Bar, NYC. The 2nd Annual Final “Earl Pickens and the Black Mountain Marauders” show. It was a blast. A blast, I say! The joint was completely packed and we rocked it good and hard. Our first set was and hour and a half long. Dang. I miss my Marauders already.
1.13.05 (Friday) Zelda’s on the Park, L-burg PA.
Me and Jessie done did our thing. Good crowd. Good show. Good coffee.
1.14.05 (Saturday) Earl Pickens and the Trail of Tears Rodeo Bar, NYC. This was a GREAT gig. The crowd was on their feet dancing from the start of the first song and we all had a swell time. The night culminated in a wild drunken orgy. You should have been there. Here’s some EPATTOT song clips: Moon, You Know Why & Country Mama (words & music copyright 2005 by Earl Pickens).
2.3.06 & 2.9.06 Zelda’s on the Park in Lewisboig. Me and Jessie rockin’ and shit.
2.16.06 (Thursday) Underdogs of Harrisburg, PA . This place had a lot of TVs. 24 by Jessie’s count. Man, if there’s one thing I love it’s trying to compete with lots of television sets. Woo hoo! Shared the stage with singer / songwriter / mystery woman / patriot Sherri Mullen.
2.23.06 (Thursday) Mo Pitkin’s House of Satisfaction, New York City. Thanks to all who came out to see this show. You are beautiful people. Beautiful. Beau. Ti. Ful.
3.2.06 (Thursday) Selisngrove Brew Pub, Selinsgrove PA. The dental hygenists who were at my last Selinsgrove show (see October, above) came out to this show too. There’s something very comforting about having a half dozen dental hygenists standing by during a show. I’m thinking of hiring them full-time. Do I have something in my teeth? “Yeah: dentin, pulp, nerves and blood vessels!”
3.20.06 (Monday) It was “Country Night” at Pianos in NYC. Which country, I do not recall. Me, Birdie Busch, Jack Grace, and The Weight put the country smackdown down.
3.25.06* All Mixed Up with Peter Bochan
WBAI, 99.5 FM New York City I was a guest on Peter Bochan’s weekly show/NYC institution “All Mixed Up”. Here’s a link to his web site. It was fun.
3.31.06 Zelda’s. My home turf. Boom.
4.14.06 The Postcrypt Coffeehouse at Columbia University. My first gig at an ivy league school. Next stop: _(please write and tell me the name of another ivy league school)_!
5.6.06 (Saturday) Lewisburg Hotel, Lewisburg (duh) PA. The Lewisburg Arts Council hosted the 17,844th Annual Lewisburg Arts Festival and I brought the rock.
5.19.06 (Friday) Ligonier, PA. Yee haw.
5.26.06 (Friday) Zelda’s on the Park, Lewisburg PA Playing songs and drinking coffee to celebrate the release of my new ep. Crazy times.
6.2.06 (Friday) Me and the one-time Black Mountain Marauders played at the Sidewalk Cafe. For old times sake. T’was a good show. Lots of loud guitar parts, foot stomping, hooting and hollering. And that was just from me!
6.10.06 I played a set at The Generoo Arts Festival in Beaver Springs, PA. This was a fun show. My set coincided with the Hot-Rod Riding Lawnmowers race. Heard some cool music by other acts on the bill, including these guys, who were great. Beaver springs eternal.
6.23.06 Brews N’ Bytes, Danville PA. Me, my guitar, my songs, some brews and some bytes. This show definitely did not byte. My bark is worse than my byte. Byte me.
7.9.06 Live on WXPN Philadelphia My second visit to The Folk Show With Gene Shay. Sang a few songs and spun a few yarns. Gene’s a swell guy, and I love him like a dee jay.
7.15.06 (Saturday) Lakeside Lounge, NYC. Earl Pickens and Family Me and the one-time Black Mountain Marauders kicked it up old school and then kicked it further up new school. Then we went over to the New School and kicked it, just for good measure. Stupid New School. I hate it.
7.23.06
PA Singer Songwriter Festival, Brook Park Farm Inn
Lewisburg, PA. My second year playing this festival. Lots of cool people on the bill. God stuff.
7.26.06 (Wednesday) Damons Grill. Lewisburg, PA.
I played a few sets out on the patio there at Damon’s. I played my song “The Devil’s Convoy” and after it was done a guy in the audience said, “Please — no more songs about the devil.” Indeed.
8.26.06 (Saturday) Mike’s Restaurant, Lewisburg, PA. No cover. Lots of smoked meats. What else did you want?
9.3.06 (Sunday) Arlene’s Grocery, New York City. Did the “album night” thing at Arlene’s. Played a countrified version of U2’s “The Joshua Tree”. Performed this death-defying feat with the assistance of Mr. Joe Horseman, Frank Cantelmi, Merle Twang (fresh out of prison), Jessie Yamas, and a guy named Howie The Bassist. Visit my blog page to hear our acoustic version of With or Without You!
9.7.06 (Thursday) Selinsgrove Brew Pub, Selinsgrove PA.
Oh yeah.
9.16.06 (Saturday) Laila Lounge, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
I competed in the Williamsburg Live Songwriter Competition. No word yet on whether I made the cut for the Williamsburg Undead Songwriter Competition. A guy can dream. Me and my song Moon, You Know Why made it as far as the second round of the contest. We’ll get ‘em next year. If there IS a next year.
9.21.06 Zelda’s on La Park, Lewisburg, PA.
Sept. 26
7:30 PM
The Steinhardt Building
35 West 67th Street
(Between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue)
New York City
$12
Under the Radar
From their web site: “Hosted by John Platt of WFUV-FM’s City Folk Sunday Breakfast, Under the Radar is a monthly series that features three talented New York singer/songwriters.” Plus me, I guess. I sure could use some support at this show. Come on out if you can. Bring some love.
10.27.06 (Friday) “The Country-Fried Joshua Tree” came back for a second performance. This was Halloween weekend. Everyone dressed as their favorite Bono.
12.2.06 (Saturday) The Rodeo Bar in NYC.
The Third Annual Final Earl Pickens and the Black Mountain Marauders Show. It was a blast. A blast, I say! The joint was completely packed and we rocked it good and hard. Our first set was and hour and a half long. Dang. I miss my Marauders already.
2.23.07 (Friday) at the King Street Coffeehouse, which is neither on King Street nor a coffeehouse. Go figure.
Selinsgrove Brew Pub
THIS THURSDAY, April 26th / 7:00 PM
121 North Market Street, Selinsgrove
This pub that brews is located in Selinsgrove, PA, as its name suggests. Always a fun venue to play. Good crowd, good beer, good heavens this is going to be GOOD!
Cherry Alley Cafe
TOMORROW NIGHT
SATURDAY, April 28th / 7:00 PM
21 N. 3rd Street, Lewisburg PA. 524-1234
The central-PA cd release party for Turn On the Radio. Come one, come all!!! Hear a little music, watch a little show, drink a little coffee, buy a little plastic disc with a hole in the middle.
Sidewalk Cafe
TONIGHT / Friday, May 4th / 7:30-9:00
6th St. & Avenue A, New York City
This is the New York City cd release party for “Turn On The Radio”!!!
You may recall that at one point we had determined that YEE + HAW = YEE HAW! This remains true.
Watson Café
THIS FRIDAY, May 11th / 7:00 PM
143 Main Street, Watsontown, PA
This café is famous for it’s house coffee, which is made using Col. W. Atson Town’s civil-war era secret-recipe blend, seized from the catacombs of Ft. Sumter by Abraham Lincoln on the day he was assassinated. The show will be delicious too. No cover.
5/18 Ligonier, PA
5/19 Johnstown, PA
Hank’s Saloon
THIS THURSDAY, May 24th / 10:00 PM
46 3rd Ave (corner of Atlantic), Brooklyn, NY
Details to come.
The Moose
Thursday, May 31st / 8:00 PM
Doylestown, PA
Damon’s Grill
Wednesday, June 6th / 7:00
Route 15, Lewisburg, PA
My annual outdoor gig. I try to play outdoors once a year, whether I need it or not. Good beer, good grub, lonely 18-wheelers rolling by. What else do you want?
Generoo Arts Festival
TODAY, Sat. June 9 / 4:00
Beaver Springs Fairfrounds / Beaver Springs, PA
On the main stage. On your right if you’re heading towards the ride mower races. My second outddor gig of the year. I try to play outdoors twice a year, whether I need it or not.
Red Mill Concert Series, Friday, June 15 RESCHEDULED
My 6/15 gig in Clinton, NJ has been moved to Saturday, July 14th. See below.
Mountain Stage Newsong Contest
Sunday, June 17 / 6:30
Joe’s Pub / 425 Lafayette Street / New York City
I’m a finalist in the Mountain stage Newsong Contest. Come on out and show your love!
Live on 94KX (94.1 FM)
I’m going to be on 94KX again tomorrow morning at 8:00. Got a cool new song to share with Drew, The Crew, and You. You don’t want to miss this. Trust me, I know you. Tune in or listen live online from the 94KX site.
Cherry Alley Cafe
Saturday, June 23 / 7:00
21 N. 3rd Street / Lewisburg PA
Ahhh, Cherry Alley Cafe. Sweet, charming Cherry Alley Cafe. How I have missed you lo these many Cherry-Alley-Cafe-less weeks.
Black Potatoe Music Festival
Saturday, July 14 / 8:30
Red Mill Museum / Clinton NJ
I’ll be kickin’ it Black Potatoe style on the River Stage. Information about the festival can be found on this site Hope to see you there!
SESAC Writers on the Storm showcase
Rockwood Music Hall
Tuesday, July 24 / 7:00
“An intimate showcase featuring the best of SESAC’s up-and-coming writers.” Plus me!
Northumberland Corn Festival
Northumberland, PA
Saturday, August 11th / 2pm
I will refrain from making corny jokes about this show.
37th Log House Arts Festival
Saturday, September 1st 4:45 PM
Johnstown PA
I can’t tell by the name if this festival is the 37th of its kind, or if they’re celebrating the actual 37th log house. Maybe the 37th time was a charm, and this was the first log house they got right. I don’t know. I am no log house expert, that’s for sure. Anyway, this festival is taking place at 1217 Menoher Boulevard (Rt. 271) in Westmont, Johnstown PA. I’ll be playing right next to the log house.
Brasserie Louis
Thursday, September 13th / 9:30 PM
Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder will burst forth upon the Lewisburg music scene with our first ever show on this date in (future) rock and roll history. Come see the newest band in town at the newest place in town — Brasserie Louis, which is, I think, French for Louie’s Bra. Sounds like a fun place! No cover charge. Yee haw, etc.
Rockwood Music Hall
New York City
TONIGHT
Saturday, September 22nd / 7 pm
Tink Travers, Chief Dave Strongbow, Joe Horseman & Peter Santilli will be joining me onstage for this one. Hopefully you will be joining us in the audience.
Cherry Alley Cafe
Friday, October 5th / 7 PM
Lewisburg PA
Sharing the stage with Folk By Association, that eastern PA-based, acoustic guitar-totin’, harmonizing folk duo currently touring the Keystone Commonwealth. They’ve been everywhere, man. Come on out!
The Towne Tavern
Saturday, October 13 / 10 PM
600 Market Street / Lewisburg PA
570-524-0821
Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder ride again! Our second show. It’s a party and everyone’s invited. Playing a couple of sets. No cover. Free beer for the band. Great. See you there.
The Moose
Friday, October 19th / 7 PM
127 E. State Street / Doylestown PA
215-348-9135
On the bill with southeastern PA’s famed Thunder Creek Bluegrass Band. The Moose is a private club, open to members and their guests. When you get to the door, tell them you’re a guest of Mr. Earl USA Pickens. Boom. You’re in.
Cherry Alley Cafe
November 1st.
Yee haw.
Brasserie Louis
Nov 8th
EPATBNT. rock!
TONIGHT, TONIGHT, TONIGHT:
The 4th Annual Blue Butterfly “Blues” Night
Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder
Saturday, November 17th / 8 PM – Midnight
The Lewisburg Hotel /2nd Floor Ballroom
136 Market Street / Lewisburg, PA
570-523-7800
A country rockin’/ western rollin’ good time of dancing, drinking, and raising money for a great cause. Proceeds support the Blue Butterfly Fund —helping families who have a child with cancer. A Silent Auction (What am I bid? SHHHHH!!!) will be held during the event. Last chance to win a trip to Martha’s Vineyard in summer 2008. Door prize drawings will be held throughout the evening.
Ticket price: $12 in advance/$15 at the door.
Tickets can be purchased at the Lewisburg Hotel and on the BBF website: www.bluebutterflyfund.org.
Cash Bar will be available for the 21 and over crowd. Sorry kids. Also on the bill: Van Wagner.
Saturday, November 24th / 10:30
The Rodeo Bar
The Earl Pickens Band Group
27th St. & 3rd Avenue / New York City
212-683-6500
Tink Traves on steel. Andy Riedel on twang machine, aka lead guitar, Peter Santilli on keyboards, Joe Horseman on the drums. Casandra Faulconer on bass. Our first show, and it it’s going to ROCK. Don’t miss it, or else you will have missed it!
Friday, November 30th / 9-11 PM
The Scarlet D
264 Chestnut Street
Mifflinburg, PA / (570) 966-5400
No Cover.
My first ever gig in Mifflinburg. Solo acoustic. Just like Mifflin would have wanted it.
Saturday, December 8th
Williamsport, PA
Two shows in Williamsport on the same day. WOW! First gig is at downtown Wmsport music store Rockstation (357 Pine Street, (570) 321-8280) doing an in-store performance at 3:00. Paul Curcuruto on guitar. Total rock. After that it’s over to the West Branch School Winter Festival. Paul and I go on there at 6 PM. West Branch is at 755 Moore Avenue. This is a fund raiser. Bring funds. Suggested donation is $15. See you there.
Sunday, December 9th
I’ll be visiting WFUV in New York City to sing a few songs and talk with Cityfolk Sunday Breakfast host John Platt. Wake up, wake up!
Thursday, December 20th
10 PM / No Cover
Sidewalk Cafe / New York City
6th Street & Avenue A
Rockin’ the solo acoustic show at Manhattan’s original antifolk venue, Ye Olde Sidewalk Cafe. No cover.
Saturday, December 22nd
Towne Tavern / Lewisburg, PA
10 PM
Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder. Oh yeah.
Friday, January 11th 2008
King Street Coffee House
Savoy Theater / Northumberland PA
My annual visit to the King Street Coffeehouse, which is neither on King Street, nor in a house. Also, last year they only served decaf, which, while still technically coffee, is sort of a cop out. Still, the venue is cool, the people there are as nice as they come, and January 11th is the 2nd biggest night out of the year. Okay, I made that last part up.
Wednesday, January 16th, 2008
Acoustic Long Island At Deepwells Mansion
497 Route 25a / Saint James, Long Island
9:15
Acoustic Long Island is the #1 Acoustic Podcast on iTunes – brought out weekly by Long Island’s own Dave and Rob Dircks, of the St. James Dircks. Acoustic L.I. is “proud to bring you the best new acoustic music around.” Listen in. Subscribe to the podcast. Let them know what you think. Support the show. And come on down to the live event when you’re in town. We DARE you. This will be my first EVER show on my native turf, The Island Of Long, unless you count the show I did in Massapequa back in 2001.
Friday, January 18th
Lucky Lucky Gift Shop
328 Market Street / Lewisburg, PA
570-523-1873
9 PM / No cover
Trading a few songs back and forth at this very cool little shop with some very cool local songwriters, including future rockstar Bruce W. Derr. Also on the bill is Donnie Classic, owner of said Lucky Lucky Gift Shop. Haven’t heard his songs yet, but if his gift shop is any indication, they’ll be excellent. Also joining the fun is Band Named Thunder guitarist Paul Curcuruto, a heck of a songwriter himself. The night’s theme is Interpersonal Dynamics In the Post-Robot-Invasion Wasteland, and Cheese Doodles™ will be served. Admission is free and seating is limited. The space is cool, and the show will be cool. now all we need is cool people like you to join us. Come on out!
Thursday, February 7th
The Capitol Lounge at the Community Arts Center
Williamsport, PA
The Oak Ridge Boys are playing Williamsport’s venerable (first use of the word ‘venerable’ ever on this web site) Community Arts Center. Me, I’ll be providing entertainment in the newly remodeled Capitol Lounge. From their web site: The lounge features full beverage service, and some of the best entertainment the region has to offer before and after the main stage events.” Yee haw!
Saturday, February 9th
Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder
Kimballs / Williamsport, PA / 10 PM / No Cover
Look out, Williamsport: EPATBNT is coming to git ya.
Saturday, February 16th
Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder
Brasserie Louis / Lewisburg PA
9 PM /No cover
Special guest: Tink Travers. Oh yeah.
Friday, February 29th
The Sweetbriars
Brasserie Louis / Lewisburg PA
2 shows: 10 & 11:30 PM / No cover
9:30 opening set by Paul Smith of The Badlees. Don’t miss it!
The Sweetbriars planet Earth debut. One set and one set only. A bunch of brand new songs and a brand new sound for your brand new ears. Which reminds me, remember to pick up your brand new ears prior to this show. Bruce, Paul, Jake and I have been cooking up some exciting music this show. Some of these new songs will be posted on The Sweetbriars myspace page a few days before the show. Hope you can come out and help us launch this band the old fashioned way: with a big crowd, beer that flows like wine, and some great rock and roll. It’s a party and you’re invited. Hope to see you there.
Saturday, March 29th
The Sweetbriars
Hucklebucks / Pottsville, PA
Details to come. If you miss ANY Sweetbriars show you’ve just gone mad…mad.
The Sweetbriars 2008 New England (mini) Tour
Thursday, April 10th
Brown & Brew / Tufts University
WFMO Tufts University Freeform Radio
Medford / Massachusetts
This show is part of Acoustic Cafe, a weekly series of events featuring acoustic performers at Brown & Brew and on WMFO 91.5 FM. All performances are free to the public and will start at 8:00PM, followed by a 10:00PM on-air feature. Rock.
Friday, April 11th / 8 PM
The Sweetbriars
The Hitchin’ Post Tavern
Durham, Connecticut.
The Sweetbriars first show in Connecticut. My first show in Connecticut. Jake’s first time BEING IN Connecticut. Be gentle with us, Constitution State.
Saturday, April 12th / 9 PM
The Sweetbriars
At The Blackstone, Pawtucket, Rhode Island Opening for Mark Cutler and The Schemers! If you only go to one show in Pawtucket, RI, on April 12th THIS is the to which you should go.
Friday, April 18th / 9 PM
Brasserie Louis / Lewisburg PA
Triple header:
9:00 — Daydrinker
10:15 — The Sweetbriars
11:30 — Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder
Hell Yeah!
Friday, April 25th / 7 PM
Brews n’ Bytes
20 Lower Mulberry Street / Danville PA
275-8666
Me, Jake Kline and Buzzzzzzz Meachummmmmm will be doing a semi-acoustic trio thing over there in the Ville of Dan. Great food and vibe at this joint. Always a great place to play. Hope to see you there.
Thursday, May 1st
Opening for Mark Olson
The Tin Angel
20 South 2nd Street / Philadelphia PA / 215-928-0770
8:00 PM / Tickets are $15
This is a cool one for me, folks. Mark Olson was a founding member of The Jayhawks, one my all-time favorite bands. He’s also a fantastic songwriter, and a singer with one of those stop-you-in-your-tracks voices. Word on the street is he’s also a beautiful cat. His new album, The Salvation Blues is as good as anything he’s ever recorded and I’m thrilled to be opening for him, especially at The Tin Angel; one of the coolest clubs in Philadelphia. Add to all of the above the fact that Thursday is my birthday and you will understand why my head just exploded. Dang, that was supposed to happen on stage. NO MATTER!!! Come to this show. Come to this show. Come to this show!!!
Saturday, May 3rd
Lewisburg Live!!!
Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder live at Brasserie Louis. 10 PM — Midnight!
Bruce W. Derr is playing at Brasserie before us, from 8-10. Be. There.
TONIGHT / Tuesday, May 6th
Earl Pickens & Family
Vic’s Pub / 7-9 PM
Rt 45, Lewisburg
Me, Buzz and Jake playing a show as only me, Buzz and Jake know how. Literally. No on else knows how we play a show.
THIS SATURDAY / May 10th
The West Branch School Fair and Music Festival
755 Moore Avenue / West Branch School
Williamsport, PA
Noon – 7 PM
FREE!!!
The West Branch School Fair and Music Festival. If you’re like me and you enjoy great food, crafts, music, art, games, jugglers and fun for the kids, then this is the place to be on May 10th. Trust me on this one.
Wednesday, May 14th
The Sweetbriars
Buffalo Bills
Rt. 15, Lewisburg, PA
Saturday, May 17th / 10:30 AM
Page After Page Book Store
My earliest gig EVER!!! I don’t recall ever playing an AM show before, unless it was at 1, 2, or 3 in the morning. Somebody call and wake me up for this one. I’ll be playing some songs for the kids. The shorties. Celebrating the grand opening of Lewisburg’s coolest book shop. Wee haw!
Wednesday, June 4th
The Earl “Brand New Song” Pickens
Brand New Song Slimmy Slam Jam
Page After Page Bookstore
7-9 PM / No cover
336 Market Street / Lewisburg, PA
570-524-7243
The first installment of what will hopefully be a monthly event. Come on down with at least one new original song (written during the last month or so), a set of typed lyrics (to pass around the room) a set of lungs (for breathing/singing) and a stringed instrument (just for effect). We’ll sit around, play new songs, listen to new songs, discuss new songs and be all artistic and whatnot.
Friday, June 6th
9-11 PM
Earl Pickens & Bruce W. Derr
The Scarlet D / Mifflinburg, PA
It’s me and B.W.D.,
playing for free
at the Scarlet D.
See?
Friday, June 6th
Earl Pickens & Bruce W. Derr
JesVic 5K
Watson Inn / Watsontown, PA
4:30 PM
Last summer’s Watsontown JesVic 5K was a smash hit, attracting 300 participants and raising $6,400 for the local Evangelical Community Hospital Hospice program and locals battling disease and cancer. “An outpouring of community togetherness & enthusiasm were also evident at this event honoring Jessica Wade and Vicki Hitesman. It’s time to make this happen again.” I’ll be providing the acoustic countryrockandwesternroll music at the Watson Inn at this year’s event.
Wednesday, June 18th / 7:30-9 PM
Earl Pickens and the Band named Thunder
Hufnagle Park / Lewisburg, PA
EPATBNT, live in Hufnagle Park, on the very same stage where Simon and Garfunkel reunited for their own classic “Concert in the Park” back in ‘81. Paul and Artie pulled in a million or so people for their gig — let’s see if we can beat ‘em! I don’t mean to say I think we can bring more than a million people out to this show, I just think we should beat up Simon and Garfunkel. We’ll draw up plans at this gig. Somebody bring some paper. And lawn chairs. Don’t forget the lawn chairs. Garfunkel hates lawn chairs.
Sunday, July 6th / 5-8 PM
Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder
Skeeters BBQ Pit
Shamokin Dam / PA
Thunder and barbecue. Together at last. This joint’s got great food, a beautiful view and, now, Pennsyvlania’s coolest countryrockandwesternroll band. Don’t applaud, just throw corn muffins.
Friday, July 18th / 6-9 PM
Earl Pickens and the Band named Thunder
Blueberry and Bluegrass Festival
Mifflinburg, PA
EPATBNT, live in Mifflinburg Community Park, on the very same stage where Simon and Garfunkel reunited for their own classic “Concert in the Park” back in ‘81. Paul and Artie pulled in a million or so people for their gig — let’s see if we can beat ‘em! I don’t mean to say I think we can bring more than a million people out to this show, I just think we should beat up Simon and Garfunkel. We’ll draw up plans at this gig. Somebody bring some paper. And lawn chairs. Don’t forget the lawn chairs. Garfunkel hates lawn chairs. And blueberries!
Tuesday, July 22nd / 7-9 PM
Earl Pickens & Family
Vic’s Pub / Rt 45, Lewisburg
Me, Buzz and Jake playing a show as only me, Buzz and Jake know how. Literally. No on else knows how we play a show.
TONIGHT! Saturday, August 9th / 9 PM
The Sweetbriars
opening act: Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder
Live concert and CD RELEASE PARTY
The Bull Run Inn Lewisburg, PA
Save the date. Save the whales while you’re at it. It’s a party, and it’s gonna be a BIG one. We’re gonna chill, sing, dance, drink, think, rock, roll, party, get into it, get on it, get out from under it, tear the roof off, tear it up, put it back together, tear it up AGAIN, tear it down, get it on, get together, get off, and generally get AWAY from it ALL for the evening. In addition to all of the above, PLEASE PASS THE REVOLUTION! will be ready for public consumption. Do us both a favor and come on OUT!!!
NEW YORK CITY CD RELEASE PARTY THIS SATURDAY:
Saturday, August 16th / 10 PM
The Sweetbriars
with Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder
Live concert and CD RELEASE PARTY
Hill Country
30 West 26th Street, New York City
I’m staging my triumphant return to the stage in NYC with not one, not three, but TWO bands on one stage on one magical night. Me and The Band Named Thunder will kick the night off with a rousing set of the countryrockandwesternroll we loooove to play. The Sweetbriars will hit the stage next with a live performance of our new album PLEASE PASS THE REVOLUTION!. Come on OUT!
The Sweetbriars in New New England:
August 22
The Sweetbriars
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
The Blackstone
9 PM
Our second gig at this super-cool joint. Had a great time here opening for Mark Cutler & The Schemers back in April. Come on out and show some Pawtucket love, Pawtucketians!
August 23
The Sweetbriars
Sally O’Brien’s
Somerville, Massachusetts
9:00 / No Cover
Cool bar just outside of Boston. Gonna be a fun night. I can FEEL it.
BACK IN PENNSYLVANIA...
August 27
Earl Pickens and Jessie Yamas
The Community Arts Center
Williamsport, PA
Vince Gill on the main stage. Me and Jessie in the lounge. What else do you want? Me and Jessie on the main stage opening for Vince Gill? Okay, we’ll work on it. See you in August.
Friday, August 29
Cherry Alley Cafe
7 PM / No Cover
The Sweetbriars. Acoustic set. Semi unplugged, but fully caffeinated.
Saturday, August 30th
The Sweetbriars
“15th Annual WQBR Bear Bash – Listener Appreciation Party”
Lock Haven, PA
WQBR (FM) invited us up to perform as part of their listener appreciation concert. This is in conjunction with the Lock Haven Labor Day Regatta, held at the foot of Water Street in Lock Haven from noon – 10 pm. The Sweetbriars are headlining the event, and we’re gonna hit it at 6:00. See you there.
Sunday, August 31st
The Sweetbriars
Crickfest / Coburn PA
12:00 / FREE
A cool outdoor festival. Visited last year and had such a great time (and so much great food) that I asked if I could perform at this year’s festival. They said no, so I bribed them. All profits from CRICKFEST go towards helping to support the Penns Valley Conservation Association’s Environmental Education program in the Penns Valley Area School District.
Sunday August 31st / 5-8 PM
Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder
Skeeters BBQ Pit
Shamokin Dam / PA
Thunder and barbecue. Together at last. This joint’s got great food, a beautiful view and, now, Pennsyvlania’s coolest countryrockandwesternroll band. Please refrain from throwing corn muffins during this show. Things got a little out of hand at our Skeeter’s show in July.
Friday, September 12th
Zelda’s on the Park / 10 PM
S 6th Street / Lewisburg, PA
Me and Bruce W. Derr rocking out acoustic-style. Banjos. Guitars. Mandolins. Sideburns. We’re pulling out all the stops. Be there.
The Sweetbriars
Friday, September 27th
Hucklebucks / Pottsville, PA / 10 PM
What up, Hucklebuckers? See you on the 27th.
Bruce W. Derr / Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder / The Sweetbriars
Thursday, October 2nd
The Bull Run Inn / Lewisburg, PA / 10 PM
What up, Bull-Run-Inners? See you on the 2nd.
Thursday, October 23rd / 7 PM
Selinsgrove Brew Pub
Earl Pickens & Bruce W. Derr
Earl & Bruce sing handcrafted songs for you whilst you imbibe handcrafted beer. Mmmmmmm!
Earl Pickens and Family present
The Country-Fried Joshua Tree
Saturday, November 1st
Cherry Alley Cafe / 7 PM
21 N. 3rd Street / Lewisburg, PA
Tickets $8, $5 for students
tickets available at Cherry Alley Cafe
Jessie Yamas, Bruce W. Derr, Bob Albin, Jake Kline and I will perform an acoustic, countrified rendition of the classic U2 album The Joshua Tree, in its entirety. This is going to be a seriously cool show though, so mark it on your calendar. You do have a calendar, right?
You out-of-towners can buy tickets for the Country Fried Joshua Tree show by mail if you so desire. Send a check, made out to Earl Pickens, to PO Box 82, Lewisburg, PA 17837. Shoot me an email at earl@earlpickens.com letting me know that you’re ordering by mail.
Saturday / November 8th
The Sweetbriars
Live at The Bull Run Inn / Lewisburg, PA
10-midnight
Sunday / November 9th
Earl Pickens & Jessie Yamas
Live at Skeeter’s Pit BBQ / 5-8 PM
Shamokin Dam, PA
Thursday / November 13th
The Sweetbriars
Live at The Bull Run Inn / Lewisburg, PA
9PM – 1AM
Friday / November 14th
The Sweetbriars
Live at Hucklebucks / Pottsville, PA
Saturday / December 6th / 7 PM
Cherry Alley Café
21 N. 3rd Street, Lewisburg PA
Earl Pickens solo acoustic.
Earl Pickens as you’ve never seen him before, unless you’ve seen him solo acoustic before. Just me, some harmonicas and the guitar — like back at the beginning, folks. Before my harmonicas quit, er I mean refused to work with me anymore.
The Sweetbriars Winter ‘08 Tour
Friday / December 19th
The Bullfrog Brewery / 10-1
$5 cover
Williamsport, PA
The Sweetbriars will rock the Bullfrog as no one ever has before. If you don’t believe us, then come to this show, and also to every show that has ever taken place at the Bullfrog in the past, and point out even one time that the Bullfrog was rocked as will have rocked at this show on 12/19. WE DARE YOU!!!
Saturday / December 20th
Brasserie Louis / 9 PM
Lewisburg, PA
The Sweetbriars , takin’ The Bra back, by storm! Look out, Bra!
Sunday / December 21st
Ye Olde Meeting Place / 6 PM
Milton, PA
The Sweetbriars return to a simpler time when all bars had the words “Ye” and “Olde” in the name. This is the place for meeting. The ye olde place for meeting. See ye there!
2009
Sat. Jan 24th /10 PM
Kimball’s
Williamsport, PA
The Sweetbriars & Cletus Mergutroid
Sat Feb 8th / 5-8 PM
Skeeters
Shamokin Dam, PA
Earl Pickens & Jessie Yamas
Sat Feb 21st / 9PM
Brasserie Louis
Lewisburg, PA
Earl Pickens / Faculty Lounge.
Kicking the acoustic jams between sets for Susquehanna darlings Faculty Lounge, who will be rocking the full band thang for the good people of Lewsiburg. Oh, and you can come too!
February 27th
Parkview Lounge
Lewisburg, PA
The Sweetbriars
Benefit show for Women In Transition
February 28th / 7 PM
Cherry Alley Cafe
21 N. 3rd Street / Lewisburg, PA
Earl Pickens & Bruce W. Derr
The Sweetbriars, laying down the mellow acoustic feel-good magic while you eat mexican food for dinner.
Saturday, March 14 / 10 PM
THE SWEETBRIARS
Brasserie Louis
301 Market Street / Lewisburg, PA
Come out and celebrate the ides of March with the Sweetbriars. Not sure when the ides of March is, but I figure it’s in March some time, so let’s celebrate! Woo hoo!
Thursday, March 26th / 10 PM
The Sweetbriars
Kimballs
Williamsport, PA
Rock.
Friday, March 27th / 7 PM
Earl “March 27th” Pickens
King Street Coffee House
Northumberland, PA
My 28th annual March 27th Concert. It’s these concerts that have earned me my unusual nickname. Also on the bill, my sworn enemies, Lawson and Disorder. There will probably be a fist fight at this show
*Thursday, April 23rd
Selinsgrove Brew Pub
Selinsgrove / PA
Me and Bruce W. Derr, kickin’ back and doing our thing while you kick back and enjoy.
*Friday, April 24th
Cherry Alley Cafe
Lewisburg / PA
Me, you, a guitar, some songs. Perhaps dinner. It’s all on.
*Saturday, April 24th
Elk Creek Cafe
Millheim / PA
The Sweetbriars opening for Marah. It’s alllll on.
Tuesday, June 6th
Earl Pickens & Family
The Living Room
On Your Radar w/ John Platt
154 Ludlow St
New York, NY 10002
(212) 533-7235
ON YOUR RADAR is a music series based in NYC and hosted by WFUV’s John Platt that features three great artists each month. On Tuesday, June 9th, the show will feature Earl Pickens, Sometymes Why, and Joe Iadanza. John will interview each artist before they perform. EP & Family will perform songs from their brand new CD: The Joshua Tree.
Wednesday, June 17 / 7:30
Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder
Hufnagle Park / Lewisburg, PA
EPATBNT rides again. THIS SHOW HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE LEWISBURG HIGH SCHOOL ON ACCOUNT OF THE DANG WEATHER.
Saturday, June 27 / 2PM
Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder
Clinton County Celebration / Lock Haven, PA
EPATBNT, rockin’ the outdoor stage at the Clinton County Celebration. Come on out and git yer Thunder ON!
Sunday, July 5 / 5:00-8:00
Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder
Skeeters / Shamokin Dam, PA
EPATBNT rides again, again. Skeeters, people. Skeeters. That’s all I’m saying. Be there.
Friday, August 7 / 5:00
Earl Pickens & Family
Performing The Joshua Tree
LIVE at The Philadelphia Museum of Art
Look, Ma: no Bono! Me and the Family will be celebrating the official release of our acoustic/country version of “The Joshua Tree” in high style with a live performance that is truly not to be missed. I guess that means we’ll see you there! Live at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You may not be allowed to touch the paintings, but nobody said anything about the band! Hope you can make it.
Saturday, September 19 / 10:00
Earl Pickens & Family
NYC CD Release Party!
Performing The Joshua Tree and a whole lot more.
LIVE at The Rodeo Bar
Me and the Family hit NYC on the stage where I first cut my teeth. It was hard doing that show, what with my teeth being cut and all. This show should be a heck of a lot better.
Sunday, September 20 / 8 PM
Earl Pickens & Family
World Cafe Live
Performing The Joshua Tree and a whole lot more.
Me and the Family make our World Cafe Live debut. Super cool joint. More details to come. Don’t miss it! Seriously, please don’t miss it. We need a lot of support from all our wonderful fans to make this gig a success!
Saturday, September 26
Earl Pickens & Family
Elk Creek Cafe & Aleworks
Performing The Joshua Tree and a whole lot more.
ME and the Family return, triumphant to our beloved central commonwealth area. Our debut at this great venue. Come on out and help us show the good people of Milheim what it’s allllll about!
Sunday, October 11 / 4 PM
Billtown Songwriters Showcase
Admission: $10
Songwriter in the round format — much easier to follow than the “songwriter in the tetrahedron” format — with an isolated 3-song set presented mid-way by the featured artist Lili Anel. Lineup: Kim Reichley (not me), Earl Pickens (me) , Van Wagner (not me), Lili Anel (also not me).
Friday, December 4th
The Loft
Market Street, Lewisburg, PA.
2 shows: 7:00 & 9:30
New CD fund-raiser show!
Tickets: $18
We’ll be doing our version of “The Joshua Tree” as well as songs from our in-the-works new CD of all original material. Songs by yrs truly, songs by Bruce W. Derr, songs by Jessie Yamas. Songs the three of us have written together. Oh yeah.
We’re doing these loft concerts as a fund-raiser for new CD project. All profits from the gig will go to recording and manufacturing the new disc. Seating is limited: only 35 tickets per show. Complimentary beer, wine & light refreshments (read: cheese) will be served. The space itself is great: a newly renovated, 2nd-floor, picture window loft space right over Market St in downtown Lewisburg. (The Lewie-B, as I call it.) The performance, as if I need to tell you this, will be top-notch, and unlike anything else you’ll find here in our beloved Central PA. Me on banjo, Jessie on harmonies, Bruce on guitar, Steve on fiddle, Bob on upright bass, and Jake on the ol’ snare drum.
Come on out! Tickets and other info can be found here:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/90134
Saturday, December 19th
Cherry Alley Cafe
Solo acoustic gig
21 N 3rd St, Lewisburg, PA.
7:00
Me, you, some coffee, some Hungarian cuisine, a bunch of songs, and a couple of servings of holiday cheer. Just like we’ve always talked about.
Saturday, December 19th
Brasserie Louis
The Sweetbriars
Market St, Lewisburg, PA.
11:00
Us, you, some beer, some Hungarian grain alcohol, a bunch of songs, maybe some holiday cheer. Just like we’ve always talked about.
Earl Pickens & Family Upstate NY gigs:
Friday, January 15th
Abilene Bar & Lounge
153 Liberty Pole Way / Rochester, NY.
9:00
Playing songs from our in-the-works new cd & The Joshua Tree in the great city of Rochester. No cover.
Saturday, January 16th
Shifty’s Bar
1401 Burnet Avenue / Syracuse, NY.
9:00
Playing songs from our in-the-works new cd & The Joshua Tree, but this time in Syracuse. No cover.
Sunday, January 17th
Felicia’s Atomic Lounge
508 West State Street / Ithaca, NY.
7:00
Playing songs from our in-the-works new cd & The Joshua Tree, but totally in Ithaca. No cover.
Thursday, January 21st
THE SWEETBRIARS
Parkside Lounge
317 East Houston / New York, New York
7:00 PM
Cost: $5
Benefit for R.O.A.R. – Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue. 6 Bands, including our good friends, “Mud Blood & Beer”.
Friday, January 22nd
The Abbey Bar
10 PM
50 N. Cameron St. / Harrisburg, PA
Playing songs from our in-the-works new cd & The Joshua Tree, in the Burg of Harris. No cover.
Saturday, January 30th
Earl Pickens & Family
Kennett Flash
102 Sycamore Alley / Kennett Square, PA
$12/advance, $15/day of show._
Playing The Joshua Tree, as only we can. Also playing some of our original songs from our upcoming CD. Come. On. Out.
Friday, February 6th
NEW VIDEO PREMIERE at the Campus Theatre
Lewisburg PA
7:00 / Tix $10 (all money raised will go to the (non-profit) Campus Theatre)
Big screen video premiere for “With or Without You” from EP & Family: The Joshua Tree. Director commentary, live performance by Earl Pickens & Family. Video written & directed by Brianna Healey. Steve Gibson: Director of Photography. Special thanks to Jessica Paquin, Jon Nunan, Meredith Field, & Deb Balducci.
Saturday, March 27th
Elk Creek Cafe
Milheim / PA
CD release party. Woo hoo!
Earl Pickens & Family NC dates:
May 14 / 8:00
The General Store Cafe
Pittsboro, North Carolina
If you’re looking for a place to pick up a new General, this show is the one for you.
May 15 / 9:00
Tir Na Nog
Raliegh, North Carolina
In Irish folklore, the land of Tir Na Nog is ruled by King Brian O’Banjo. Word on the street is he may swing by for this show.
May 16 / 11:00
Weaver Street Market / Music on the Lawn
Carrboro, North Carolina
Head on down to Weaver Street, locate the market and then look around for some type of grassy ‘lawn’ area. That’s where this show is going down.
Earl Pickens & Family NY dates:
June 10 / 5:30-8:30
Saranac Brewery
Utica, New York
Earl Pickens & Family + Beer = HELL YEAH!
June 11 / 7:45 & 9:45
Rochester / Xerox Jazz Festival
(Americana Stage)
Rochester, New York
Rochester. Xeroxing. Americana music. What do these three things have in common? Nothing, until now! Rochester will never be the same, so you might as well Xerox the place now while you have the chance.
June 12 / 9:00
The Sportsmen’s Tavern
Buffalo, New York
If you know anything about me, you probably know that I am something of a sportsman. Ah, what merry sport I make! You also may know that I’m highly allergic to taverns, so this show should be interesting.
June 13 / 7:00
Felicia’s Atomic Lounge
Ithace, New York
Nice little joint, Felicia’s. Good people, good vibe. Me like Felicia’s. It’s atomic, boogie woogie woggie!