It’s been a while since last we discussed Scruffy City Roots. There’s a reason for that: After the June show (the source of the photographs in this article), the show took off for two months. When it re-emerged last month, it did so under a different name: Scruffy City Ramble. I don’t know the complete story behind the change, but I do know that the format remains the same and Jack Neely, Scott Miller and Bennie Smith continue their roles.
The series under any name has provided consistently high quality music from its inception. The show in June included a typically eclectic mix. Tony Furtado and his folk/Americana/bluegrass slide guitar and banjo self started the night. What an incredible musician! Scott Miller played a set with Rayna Gellert who joined him on his most recent recordings. Lera Lynn‘s Alt Country sounds filled the Square Room stage next and the reasons for her accolades became obvious. The night ended with the driving sounds of Mic Harrison and the High Score playing songs from their first new CD in years.
Every show has been just that widely varied and musically excellent. Almost as fun as attending the show is the conversation afterward in which everyone present has to rank the acts from top to bottom. It’s always a fist fight by the end because they are all good. I expect the quality to continue without a pause.
Tonight is the next installment and it starts at 7:00. Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door to see an excellent lineup headlined by Ben Taylor, son of Carly Simon and James Taylor. Also on the bill are Kelly McRae, Bronze Radio Return and Casey Driessen. You absolutely should attend this show. I promise you will be glad you did.
FREE TICKETS
To encourage some of you to join me, I’m able, thanks to the generosity of Chyna Brackeen, to offer two free tickets. Here’s how it will work. Leave a comment after this blog post promising you will attend if there are tickets waiting for you. You must include your name in the comment so Chyna can put you on the list at the door. YOU MUST ALSO SEND ME AN EMAIL AT KnoxvilleUrbanGuy@gmail.com with your phone number for a text or your e-mail so I can notify you if you win. At 4:00 I will pick blindly from the people who leave a comment and pass the names to Chyna. Good luck, everybody.
