The Mockingbirds with Mark Growden
Saturday June 23rd, 8pm
$10-15
presale tickets (recommended)
Paul McNees (aka The Mockingbirds) is a singer and songwriter originally from St. Louis, Missouri but currently living in El Sobrante, California. His debut album Songs and Other Delusions was described as “soft spoken, hauntingly beautiful with an incredible sense of timelessness”. Just like the bird itself, The Mockingbirds have drawn from a broad palette of influences and made it very much their own. The new record, Lacuna, was inspired through the collaboration with poets – Daniel Ari and Terence Keane – and the recent passing of Paul’s father. The album features string arrangements and production by Mark Growden, and a stellar cast of Bay Area musicians. Joining Paul at the show will be: Alex Kelly – cello, Lisa Mezzacappa – upright bass, J Clay Koweek (Tucson) – guitar and mandolin , Diana Strong – accordion, Mark Growden – banjo and harmony vocals, plus special guests!
Mark Growden’s music “combines elements from classical jazz ensembles, New Orleans-style brass bands, cabaret fanfare, and circus troupes with the stark honesty of Appalachian folk ballads and African-American prison songs.” (Taos News) It has been described as “Gritty, soothing, mesmerizing, and exuberant, Growden’s musical style is other-worldly.” Mark will be headlining the show in celebration of his debut as producer for The Mockingbirds – a role which Mark filled with the same passion and honesty that we find on his exceptional solo recordings. Visit his website (http://markgrowden.org/) to discover more about this one of a kind artist.
