Tue 5/14 @ 8PM
The state of Texas has given us some of the country’s most ignorant and destructive politicians — and some of the most vividly memorable and heart-wrenching singer-songwriters.
The late Townes van Zandt stands out even in that august company for the quality of his songcraft and his striking, moving lyrics. He’s revered by almost every performer who has worked in the singer/songwriter vein, especially those grounded in American roots music. There’s not enough to space to list every musicians who’s cited him as an influence.
But he was also known for his drifter lifestyle — which many of his acolytes tended to romanticize — and his heavy drug and alcohol addiction, which prevented him from ever seeing much return on his talent. And his addictions killed him much too soon at the age of 52 in 1997.
A group of Cleveland musicians has put together a tribute to Van Zandt, taking place at the Beachland Tavern.
A band that includes outstanding veteran Cleveland musicians pianist Rachel Brown, pedal steel player Al Moss, fiddler and mandolin player Bill Lestock, bassist Billy Crompton, and drummer Andrew Zeager will back Cleveland vocalists Brent Kirby and G.S. Harper and Minneapolis-based Mary Cutrufello performing a selection of Van Zandt’s best tunes.
With so many great ones to choose from and the talent of the musicians playing, it should be an amazing night
Tickets are $8.
Cutrufello, by the way, will also be performing at Wilbert’s on Fri 5/17 and is well worth catching. She’s one of many performers who has been hyped over the years as “the new Springsteen.” She’s certainly been influenced by him, but as a black woman, she brings her own spin to that style, as well as a passionate and committed presence.