Examiner Correspondent
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Steve Earle travels 'The Low Highway' at Birchmere
Nancy Dunham
Published: Mon, May 6, 2013
It's not surprising that Steve Earle is channeling Woody Guthrie these days. Of course, Earle has modeled a large part of his career on Guthrie and mentor Townes Van Zandt. Yet the past year -- during which Earle performed at a number of events commemorating Guthrie's 100th birthday -- put him...
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The Howlin' Brothers at Iota
Nancy Dunham
Published: Sun, May 5, 2013
The Howlin' Brothers have the blues and are bringing them to you. The old-time string band that plays both original and traditional music is on a roll now that the group's latest album "Howl," on which the Allman Brothers' Warren Haynes guest stars on the song "Big Time" (which he co-wrote...
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DC101 Chili Cook-Off offers a musical buffet
Nancy Dunham
Published: Thu, May 2, 2013
Sure, Soundgarden reunited in earnest a few years ago, but critics note the band really hit its stride in recent months as evidenced by a series of shows in England and North America, not to mention some high-profile late-night TV appearances. When the band headlines the DC101 Chili Cook-Off,...
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'Get Up!' to the blues
Nancy Dunham
Published: Wed, May 1, 2013
Blues fans have John Lee Hooker to thank for the recent collaboration between Ben Harper and the legendary Charlie Musselwhite. Harper, a longtime fan of Musselwhite, who has collaborated with everyone from Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Water and Big Joe Williams to contemporary artists including Eddie...
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Patty Larkin journeys through the years
Nancy Dunham
Published: Wed, May 1, 2013
Patty Larkin is still feasting on "25" -- her last studio album for which she recruited 25 of her friends to record 25 songs celebrating her 25th year in music -- but she has plenty of new songs to share, too. The past several years have certainly provided her with plenty of fodder, including...
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Rihanna rollicks on Diamonds tour
Nancy Dunham
Published: Sun, Apr 28, 2013
She tipped strippers thousands of dollars, has yet to respond to rumors that Chris Brown will make an appearance at one of her upcoming concerts, and has apparently stormed back vocally after a bout with laryngitis -- yes, Robyn Rihanna Fenty is all over the news this week. Oh, yeah, and...
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'Tooth & Nail' drives home the real Billy Bragg
Nancy Dunham
Published: Wed, Apr 24, 2013
Billy Bragg is still a man of passionate beliefs. The latest release by the much-lauded British troubadour, who is often thought of as a successor to Woody Guthrie, prompted some fans to fret that his political and social fires had been extinguished. Not so, said Bragg, though he added they...
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Eilen Jewell proves western sound is far from extinct
Nancy Dunham
Published: Tue, Apr 23, 2013
It's no secret that the country and western music of Dottie West, Porter Wagoner, Johnny Cash and others seems as obsolete as an eight-track tape player -- but Eilen Jewell may help change that. The Boise, Idaho-bred singer has gained quite a following with her western-rooted country that...
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Jake Shimbukuro turns nylon into magic
Nancy Dunham
Updated: Mon, Apr 22, 2013
Ukulele manufacturers owe a huge debt of gratitude to Jake Shimabukuro. It's not that many years ago that the little uke was really only seen in old movies (think Elvis Presley in the 1961 film "Blue Hawaii") and at luaus. Sure musicians including the Beatles' George Harrison loved it, but you...
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The Milk Carton Kids deliver straight-up folk
Nancy Dunham
Published: Mon, Apr 22, 2013
It would be incorrect to think the Milk Carton Kids' ever-growing fan base and success will sway them musically. Yes, everyone says that and then goes off into the commercial land of vanilla sound. But this duo, known individually as Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan, has already taken minor...
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