Lizard Lounge Club

Duke Levine & The Super Sweet Sound of the 70's, Part 3
2024-01-30 20:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
Duke Levine and the Super Sweet Sound of the 70’s Return to the Lizard Lounge!

Duke Levine & The Super Sweet Sounds Of The 70s

Take a stroll down the bong-lined sidewalks of Duke Levine’s musical youth. His all-star band is gonna help him travel back to a time when The Lord’s Prayer, Strauss, Isaac Hayes and Charlie Daniels were all on the Top 40. Instrumental arrangements of a bunch of tunes you know, a couple you maybe never heard, and a few you may have wanted to forget.
Featuring:
Duke Levine – Guitar
Kevin Barry – Guitar & Lap Steel
Mike Rivard – Bass
Paul Schultheis – Keys
Dean Johnston – Drums
Yahuba Garcia-Torres – Congas & Percussion
https://dukelevine.com/

Duke Levine & The Super Sweet Sound of the 70's-***FRIDAY LATE SHOW CONT***
2024-01-30 18:00 - 19:00
Duke Levine and the Super Sweet Sound of the 70’s Return to the Lizard Lounge!

Duke Levine & The Super Sweet Sounds Of The 70s

Take a stroll down the bong-lined sidewalks of Duke Levine’s musical youth. His all-star band is gonna help him travel back to a time when The Lord’s Prayer, Strauss, Isaac Hayes and Charlie Daniels were all on the Top 40. Instrumental arrangements of a bunch of tunes you know, a couple you maybe never heard, and a few you may have wanted to forget.
Featuring:
Duke Levine – Guitar
Kevin Barry – Guitar & Lap Steel
Mike Rivard – Bass
Paul Schultheis – Keys
Dean Johnston – Drums
Yahuba Garcia-Torres – Congas & Percussion
https://dukelevine.com/

***EVENT IS FREE WITH TICKETS FROM FIDAY NIGHT LATE SHOW***

2024 MVP Most Valuable Poet Finals
2024-01-28 19:00 - 22:00
Get ready for the ultimate showdown of poetic brilliance at the “2024 MVP Most Valuable Poet Finals” on January 28, 2024 – don’t miss it!

2024 MVP Most Valuable Poet Slam Finals
A yearly tradition at Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam! This is the final slam of our Most Valuable Poet (MVP) Slam events, which take place every January. The eight finalists from our two previous semi finals who will compete for the title of Lizard Lounge MVP (Most Valuable Poet) are Art, Jeannie, Kayla, Lexi, Navah, Phifth Mania, Renaissance, and Will C. The first-place winner will receive a $500 cash prize and bragging rights as our 2024 MVP. The runner-up will receive a $100 cash prize.
This event often sells out, so be sure to reserve your tickets!!

No Show Tonight
2024-01-27 - 2024-01-28

Duke Levine & The Super Sweet Sound of the 70's-Early Show
2024-01-26 19:30 - 22:30

The Reckoning Crew
2024-01-25 20:00 - 23:00
The Reckoning Crew pay tribute to the acoustic music of the Grateful Dead

MUST BE 21+

The Reckoning Crew brings together stalwart members of the Boston Grateful Dead scene to present an authentic emulation of the Dead’s iconic acoustic performances captured on the “Reckoning” album. Not limited to just this period of the Dead’s career, The Reckoning Crew, featuring David Rubin & Ian Brenckle from Diamond Blues, Gordon Fromm from Skull and Roses, Mike Verge from Torn and Frayed and Ben DeUrso of Citizens’ Dead, has a deep love for all of the material of the storied songbook, and showcases that along with a fierce focus on improvisation & communication for a real good time!
The Reckoning Crew

Allie Dunn/Stephanie James/Olivia Lowe
2024-01-24 20:00 - 23:00
Join us for an epic night of music, laughter, and dance with the incredible duo Allie Dunn and Stephanie James on January 24, 2024!

… Allie Dunn believed her path was initially to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a doctor. However, after her sophomore year of college she decided to take a leap of faith to pursue her musical dreams. Dunn has always drawn musical inspiration from many sources, but mainly the Laurel Canyon classic-folk-pop-singer-songwriters she’s admired her whole life: From discovering the Eagles via her parents record collection in her teenage bedroom to listening to the same records over and over in her dorm room in New York City, the music she loved gave her the courage to make the leap to full-time musician, leaving a potentially fulfilling and stable career option behind. With her EP Good As Gone under her belt, Dunn is approaching a new era of “retro pop” music starting with her latest single, “Old Soul.”
https://alliedunn.com

Recording artist Stephanie James breathes new life to pop music, blending the smoothness of jazz singers and classic country singers with her honey-coated voice. With songs ranging from heartstring-tugging ballads to uplifting songs that leave a lasting impression on audiences. Stephanie has established herself in the heart of the music industry performing at venues from coast to coast including Hotel Cafe in LA, Rockwood Music Hall in NYC, and Brighton Music Hall in Boston.
​
A powerhouse of a performer, Stephanie has been likened to legends like Linda Ronstadt, as well as mega-talents of today such as Sara Bareilles and Kacey Musgraves. Whether in intimate rooms or packed venues, Stephanie connects deeply with her audience in ways that elicit both tears and celebration.
https://www.stephaniejamesmusic.com/home

MVP Most Valuable Poet Slam Semifinal #2
2024-01-21 19:00 - 22:00
Get ready for an epic showdown at the MVP Most Valuable Poet Slam Semifinal #2 on Jan 21, 2024 – witness the power of words in person!

The second of our MVP Semifinal Slams and a Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam tradition! Slam poets have competed from September through December to qualify for the Most Valuable Poet (MVP) Slam events, which take place every January. Sixteen Poets qualify for the two semi-final slam events, followed by the MVP Finals.
Tonight’s second MVP Semifinal Slam features the following poets: Douglas Bishop, Jeannie Nunes, Jibril Haynes, Jorge Delgado, Kayla Kennedy, Lexi Wight, Lindsey O’Neill, and Phifth Mania.

These slams are super-popular and always feature extraordinary spoken word artistry. The top four poets from tonight along with the top four poets from the previous semifinal will move on to the finals on 1/28/24.

Blaque Dynamite Returns to the Lizard Lounge Late Show
2024-01-20 21:30 - 23:30
Blaque Dynamite returns to the Lizard Lounge with a special two show engagement!

Blaque Dynamite , a/k/a Mike Mitchell, has given validity to the cliche’ that age is nothing more than a number. He began drumming at age 2…played in his first live recording session at the ripe young age of 7 and had acquired a roster of drum company endorsements by the time he turned 11 years old.
“A young drumming phenom!” Vic’s Drum Shop – Chicago, IL Young Dynamite gained his early development and exposure to music in a church setting. At an early age, he began to create his own music which evolved into a relentless passion and respect for the drum instrument. Inevitably, he had become very adamant in the pursuit of expanding his knowledge of music and honing his craft. At twelve, he embarked upon the study of drum music theory. At fourteen, he found himself in the hallways of the renowned Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas in 2009. The school also fostered the amazing talents of Norah Jones, Erykah Badu and the late great, Roy Hargrove. Simultaneously, Dynamite took full advantage of attending workshops, master classes and clinics at colleges and universities all over the country during the summer breaks and amid tours.
Being gifted to play all genres, Dynamite has been the recipient of a host of accolades and prestigious awards. He has received 14 DownBeat Music Awards and his impressive performance credits include Grammy award-winning artists Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Erykah Badu, Thundercat, Michael McDonald, Bob Mintzer, Chrisette Michele, Terell Stafford, and the “Legendary” Clark Sisters.
In 2012, he was selected to perform on a global stage at the inaugural International Jazz Day Celebration with one of the most influential jazz artist of all time, the “Iconic” Herbie Hancock. Shortly after, Dynamite was reigning the drum throne for the living legend, virtuoso bassist, composer and producer, Stanley Clarke. Then, he graduated high school! (Class of 2013)
Fast forwarding, the Grammy nominated artist Blaque Dynamite has toured five of the seven continents of the world. In 2015, he released his debut album entitled “WiFi” with Dallas-bred band, Rache’. His collaboration with the artistry of Christian Scott, Derrick Hodge, Kamasi Washington, Doobie Powell, Kierra Sheard, Willow Smith, Ruth B., Maurice Brown, and MonoNeon has been the catalyst in the making of the new bandleader.
https://blaquedynamite.com/
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Blaque Dynamite Returns to the Lizard Lounge
2024-01-20 19:00 - 20:30

Abbie Barrett Band/Spotted Owls
2024-01-19 21:00 - 2024-01-20 00:00
Abbie Barrett returns to the Lizard Lounge with special guests Spotted Owls!

Fueled by a pop-rock sensibility, Abbie Barrett’s songwriting is unique and unpredictable—but always something you can sing along to. Her music has been featured in Magnet, American Songwriter, the Boston Herald, Vanyaland, and on CMT’s Cool Album Cuts. In 2015 she received a Boston Music Award for Best Singer-Songwriter. Her band plays regularly in the New England area and has opened for notable acts including the B-52s, Juliana Hatfield, The Motels, Will Dailey, and Rhett Miller.
https://abbiebarrett.com/

Spotted Owls are a psychedelic roots band located in the Boston area. The group is fronted by the songwriting duo of Adam Garland and John Sorice, and supported by Aubrey Cloutier on bass, Brian McGrath on trumpet and synth, and Kevin Pickering on drums. Drawing from influences that include Beck and Pink Floyd, their music is built on a foundation of hypnotic grooves layered with swirling guitar tones, soaring trumpet solos and intelligent lyrics. The band is currently booking shows around greater Boston and New England in support of their debut EP “Filament Sound” as well as their newest single “Torres Mouth.” Follow Spotted Owls on Facebook and Instagram, and listen on Spotify and Apple Music.
https://www.facebook.com/spottedowlsband?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Goodwin/Bored of Health
2024-01-18 20:00 - 23:00
Goodwin and Marc Pinansky and the Bored of Health come together for a night at the Lizard Loungez

Comprised of guitarist Jason Fletcher, vocalist and guitarist Michael E Goodwin and drummer Matt Lydon, Boston-based band Goodwin spills forth ebullient grooves that spark the imagination and inspire the body to move! Live, the trio is frequently joined by vocalist Emily Campagna, bassist Ethan Stewart, and percussionist Yahuba Garcia. The band recorded their first album – “The Hunt” – in June of 2023 at Halo Studio in Windham, Maine with engineer and co-producer Jon Wyman and bassist Chris Sartori of Twisted Pine. Goodwin was also joined by pedal steel sensation Ben Lester of Bon Iver and S. Carey on “Tetons.” After releasing a handful of singles in the summer of 2023, “The Hunt” was released on vinyl and on all streaming platforms in October of 2023. The band will be gigging regularly in the coming months to support the album and plans on returning to the studio in the spring of 2024 to record their next album. Come check them out and be part of what is becoming an integral and inspired feature of the contemporary sonic landscape!
https://www.goodwintunes.com/

Bringing serious 70’s singer-songwriter vibes with the right amount of danger and whimsy that only Blue Ribbons can supply, Marc Pinansky & The Bored of Health serve up songs at one moment pin-drop precious and the next rollicking and rocking. Crafted through years of late-night-into-early-morning barroom gigs, The Bored of Health serve up masterclass songwriting and musicianship chops with their impeccable improv instincts and fearlessness, making every performance unique and memorable.
https://marcpinansky.bandcamp.com/

Open Mic Returns!
2024-01-17 - 2024-01-18
Host

Dan Moffat is a Cambridge based audio engineer and musician in the band The Collect Pond. You can usually find him teaching audio engineering lessons with Boston Audio School, which he teaches out of The Record Co., or writing and taking pictures for music blog Allston Pudding.

Judge for 1/17
Oliver Polk is an ex-Floridian, educator, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. They came up in the industry by honing their craft at open mics and running live sound at Mediastructura. Oliver believes that anything can be accomplished with collaboration and consideration.

Judge for 1/17

Dann Russo is a rockstar, dad, and a Mets & Islanders fan. Also a tattoo, coffee, & travel aficionado, attempting to be the greatest rhythm guitar player ever. 1/3 of Three At Home, the band that is Brandi Carlile & Frank Turner shaken in a bottle of Lake Street Dive.

tickets $8 performers/$10 audience

Poetry Jam featured poet Regie Gibson
2024-01-14 19:00 - 22:00
Our weekly Poetry Jam featuring poet Regie Gibson

Regie Gibson is a literary performer & former National Poetry Slam Champion who has lectured & presented widely in the U.S., Cuba & Europe. Representing the U.S. in Italy, Regie competed for & received both the Absolute Poetry Award in Monfalcone & The Europa in Versi Award in LaGuardia di Como.
He’s a Brother Thomas Fellow & has received two Live Arts Boston Grants to develop his first play, The Juke: A Blues Bacchae, in which he intersects the ancient Greek tragedy with African-American spiritual & musical culture. Regie has served as consultant for the NEA’s “How Art Works” commission & the “Mere Distinction of Color”: a permanent exhibit at James Madison’s Montpelier home focusing on American slavery & the U.S. constitution.
He has composed texts for The Boston City Singers, The Mystic Chorale, the Handel+Haydn Society, & has featured with the Lexington Symphony. He’s an actor & co-creator of The Shakespeare Time-Traveling Speakeasy— a theatrical, literary-concert focusing on the life & works of William Shakespeare.
He serves on the boards of the New England Poetry Club, The Lexington Symphony, & Grub Street Writers. He teaches at Clark University in Worcester.

Band of Killers featuring Kevin Barry and CA McNeill
2024-01-13 21:00 - 2024-01-14 00:00
Band of Killers return to the Lizard Lounge with special guest Kevin Barry and CA McNeill

A little bit of soul and a whole lotta’ rock ‘n’ roll! A Band Of Killers is an all-star music group featuring some of the top players in the Boston music scene who have worked with and along side some of the best in the business. Fronting the group is the great Tim Gearan on vocals & guitar. Assembled and leading the band is the extraordinary guitarist Johnny Trama (Bettye LaVette, The Silks, Dub Apocalypse, The B3 Kings). Holding down the rhythm section on drums is the masterful Tom Arey (Peter Wolf, The J. Geils Band, G. Love). On bass is the one and only Marc Hickox (Bettye LaVette, Charlie Musselwhite), and on keyboards, the very talented Darby Wolf (Bettye LaVette, Rubblebucket). Their music and sound can only be described as “they make you feel cool”. Paying homage to the roots of early soul and classic rock, their songs and vibe make you experience something new and original yet completely familiar. Do not miss A Band Of Killers coming to a town near you soon!

Band of Killers featuring Kevin Barry
2024-01-12 21:00 - 2024-01-13 00:00
Band of Killers return to the Lizard Lounge with special guest Kevin Barry!

A little bit of soul and a whole lotta’ rock ‘n’ roll! A Band Of Killers is an all-star music group featuring some of the top players in the Boston music scene who have worked with and along side some of the best in the business. Fronting the group is the great Tim Gearan on vocals & guitar. Assembled and leading the band is the extraordinary guitarist Johnny Trama (Bettye LaVette, The Silks, Dub Apocalypse, The B3 Kings). Holding down the rhythm section on drums is the masterful Tom Arey (Peter Wolf, The J. Geils Band, G. Love). On bass is the one and only Marc Hickox (Bettye LaVette, Charlie Musselwhite), and on keyboards, the very talented Darby Wolf (Bettye LaVette, Rubblebucket). Their music and sound can only be described as “they make you feel cool”. Paying homage to the roots of early soul and classic rock, their songs and vibe make you experience something new and original yet completely familiar. Do not miss A Band Of Killers coming to a town near you soon!

Baker Thomas Band w/ Special Guest Greg Klyma
2024-01-11 20:00 - 2024-01-12 00:00
A longtime TOAD favorite, the Baker Thomas Band live at the Lizard Lounge!

Whether it’s the infectious grooves, hooks, horns, heartbreakers or anthemic rock finale’s, Baker Thomas Band invokes a spectrum of high spirits and feeds the soul like a night out with good friends should.
Beginning on stage at TOAD in Cambridge, MA in 2009, BTB is an eclectic collection of musicians and good friends getting together to make great music and have a blast!
“After years of being a singer/songwriter/solo bassist, the one thing I missed the most was the raw energy and power of a band. All my roots are from rock and roll…. being a soloist was a serious departure from that,” Tom says. Baker Thomas Band or “BTB” was not intended to be as big as it is now. The original line up was drums, bass, guitar, keyboard and trombone. From that humble 5 we’ve grown and now the band is rarely less than 9 or 10 artists with a full horn section and percussion section as well.” BTB has been a blast and hearing my songs interpreted through so many talented artists is a dream come true!” – Tom “The Baker” Bianchi
Baker Thomas Band

Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam MVP Most Valuable Poet Slam Semifinal #1
2024-01-07 19:00 - 22:00
MVP Most Valuable Poet Slam Semifinal #1

A Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam tradition! Each year, from September through December, our slam poets compete to qualify for the Most Valuable Poet (MVP) Slam events, which take place every January. Sixteen Poets qualify for the two semi-final slam events, followed by the MVP Finals.This first MVP Semifinal Slam features the following poets: Art Collins, Finn Flood, Lawrence Nunes, Lexi Wight, Mike Savadian, Navah the Buddaphli , Renaissance, and Toni Rose.
These slams are super-popular and always showcase phenomenal spoken word talent. The top four poets from tonight along with the top four poets from the second semifinal will move on to the finals on 1/29/24.

MC Kabir Sen with Krush Factory Monthly Residency
2024-01-06 21:00 - 2024-01-07 00:00
MC Kabir Sen continues his monthly residency at the Lizard Lounge with the Krush Factory

The 5th Wheel
2024-01-05 21:00 - 2024-01-06 00:00
The A-Beez team up with Ryan and Sonya Rae Taylor and Pete MacLean to become the 5th Wheel at the Lizard Lounge

The A-Beez is Boston based music collective with its roots in soul, funk, and R&B. At its core are keyboardist Amy Bellamy and bassist Aaron Bellamy. The two began their musical collaboration in the early 2000’s as members of the Sam Kininger band (BMG Japan recording artists). This relationship would blossom, as they would go on to work as sidemen and studio/session musicians, backing up numerous artists including Chaka Khan, Terri Lyne Carrington, G Love and the Juice, Res, Nth Power, Club D’elf, Martin Luther, Cody Chesnutt and more.

In addition to touring nationally and internationally, Amy and Aaron are staples of the local Boston scene, hosting a long-standing (over 16 years and still running) residency at Boston’s renowned Wally’s Café and performing in clubs and venues throughout New England and the East coast. In the years to come they would co-write and compile a catalog of original material that would eventually culminate in the release of their debut album “Never Going Back” which was released in April 2015. They released their second studio album “Say Goodbye” in March of 2018. Their 3rd studio album release “Reclamation” is set to debut in November of 2021.

Though it can be loosely classified as “soul” The A-Beez have an eclectic and original sound which draws from the traditions of funk and R&B, and is heavily influenced by jazz as well as hip hop. You may detect hints of rock, country, and even classical if you listen closely. The lyrics are deeply personal and honest, the music grooves while remaining melodically elegant and full of subtle complexity. The production is pure and simple without the gloss and fakeness all too prevalent these days.

The A-Beez

Boston-born Sonya Rae Taylor is not only a tour de force on the blues-rock and soul/funk stage but a true musician’s musician. With her roots firmly planted in the rich musical landscapes of Austin and Nashville, she’s woven rare a tapestry of experience. This rising star seamlessly marries her soaring vocals, electrifying guitar prowess, and astute songwriting, creating a blend that has earned her comparisons to the likes of Warren Haynes, Bonnie Raitt, and Amy Winehouse.
While Sonya’s radiant onstage presence draws immediate attention, her credentials behind the scenes are equally commendable. She has shared her guitar mastery as a side player for renowned artists and, during her tenure in Nashville, honed her craft as a staff writer for Sony BMG Chrysalis.
Always surrounded by a stellar ensemble, including the remarkable guitarist Ryan Taylor (husband), Sonya and her band are becoming are building a reputation up and down the east coast. At the heart of Sonya’s artistry lies the rare combination of being a master musician and a uniquely gifted songwriter.
https://www.sonyaraetaylor.com/

The Brother Brothers the Lizard Lounge!
2024-01-04 20:00 - 23:00
‌The Brother Brothers at the Lizard Lounge!

he Brother Brothers are a Brooklyn based twin brother duo performing their songs all over the country. They are Adam and David Moss, originally from Peoria, IL.
“With fingerpicked arpeggios, a splash of funky electric keyboard, and some close harmonies that suggest Simon & Garfunkel over Willie Nelson, the Brother Brothers offer a bittersweet ode to the touring life and days that seem long past.” – Rolling Stone Country
“right at home between the Everly Brothers and The Beach Boys” – Wide Open Country
With their lush harmonies and warm acoustics, the sophomore LP from The Brother Brothers is crowd-pleasing folk at its most enjoyable. – Rough Trade
http://www.thebrotherbrothersmusic.com/

Ward Hayden & the Outliers New Years Day Hank Williams Celebration Show 2
2024-01-01 19:30 - 22:30
Ward Hayden and the Outliers celebrates 100 years of the life, legacy and music of Hank Williams on a special New Years Day celebration.

Ward Hayden & The Outliers have celebrated the life, legacy, & music of Hank Williams on two special dates (New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day) for going
On
fifteen years now. However, 2023 marks a special year in the life & legacy of ol’ Hank, as he was born exactly 100 years ago this year, and to honor this special occasion they’re taking their show on the road.
To mark this special moment and the legacy of their Country Music hero, Ward Hayden & The Outliers are releasing a brand new album featuring 11 of Hank Williams’ classic songs made famous in his brief, but legendary career. The songs were recorded live, capturing the energy and spirit of these country classics in setting that only a spontaneous and live environment can provide.
To do their part and continue their tradition of keeping the gospel of Hank Williams alive in the modern age, Ward Hayden & The Outliers are embarking on a string of select tour dates this year bringing the songs of Hank Williams to cities and towns around the country and around the globe. Serving as their own accompanying act, Ward Hayden & The Outliers pair their celebration of Hank Williams set with a set of their own unique original songs.
This is a show not to be missed. A joyous celebration of timeless country classics, legendary stories, and select obscurities pulled from the career of Ward Hayden and the Outlers Country music’s most lasting and fabled songwriter: Hank Williams, performed by Ward Havden & The Outliers.

Ward Hayden and the Outliers New Years Day Hank Willams Celebration
2024-01-01 16:00 - 19:00
Ward Hayden and the Outliers celebrates 100 years of the life, legacy and music of Hank Williams on a special New Years Day matinee.

Ward Hayden & The Outliers have celebrated the life, legacy, & music of Hank Williams on two special dates (New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day) for going
On
fifteen years now. However, 2023 marks a special year in the life & legacy of ol’ Hank, as he was born exactly 100 years ago this year, and to honor this special occasion they’re taking their show on the road.
To mark this special moment and the legacy of their Country Music hero, Ward Hayden & The Outliers are releasing a brand new album featuring 11 of Hank Williams’ classic songs made famous in his brief, but legendary career. The songs were recorded live, capturing the energy and spirit of these country classics in setting that only a spontaneous and live environment can provide.
To do their part and continue their tradition of keeping the gospel of Hank Williams alive in the modern age, Ward Hayden & The Outliers are embarking on a string of select tour dates this year bringing the songs of Hank Williams to cities and towns around the country and around the globe. Serving as their own accompanying act, Ward Hayden & The Outliers pair their celebration of Hank Williams set with a set of their own unique original songs.
This is a show not to be missed. A joyous celebration of timeless country classics, legendary stories, and select obscurities pulled from the career of Ward Hayden and the Outlers Country music’s most lasting and fabled songwriter: Hank Williams, performed by Ward Havden & The Outliers.

Dub Apocalypse
2023-12-31 21:00 - 2024-01-01 00:00
Dub Apocalypse returns to the Lizard Lounge for a rager on NYE!

MUST BE 21+
Dub Apocalypse is an instrumental dub reggae band from Boston, MA. Band members are Tommy Benedetti-drums,Van Martin-guitar,Johnny Trama-guitar,Aaron Bellamy-bass,and Timo Shanko-sax/bass. The band came together in 2007, led by drummer Tommy Benedetti and guitarist, Johnny Trama.Tommy Benedetti is one of the founding members of American Reggae Pioneers,John Brown’s Body. He brings a wealth of experience from the reggae/dub scene to the table,having recorded albums for the legendary Shanachie Label,John Zorn’s Tzadik Label (mixed by Bill Laswell),and is currently with John Brown’s Body on Easy Star Records. This history is combined with almost 2 decades of International touring,as well as backing some of the giants of Jamaican music,including The Meditations and Justin Hinds.
Guitarist Johnny Trama adds a soulful blues touch to the Dub Apocalypse signature sound.Trama has spent time on the road with the great Ron Levy, BB King’s organ player, as well as many other regional rock and soul/r&b acts. Not long after Dub Apocalypse came together, longtime friend Timo Shanko entered the fold.A dual threat on both bass and saxophone,Shanko is a veteran of the blues and free jazz scene.He spent many years on the road with Blues legend, Eddie Kirkland, as well as with G. Love and Special Sauce. Shanko is also a prolific composer,and his improvisational stylings are an integral part of the Dub Apocalypse sound. Although DA started out as more of a collective,in the past few years the lineup has solidified with the addition of bassist Aaron Bellamy and guitarist Van Martin. Bellamy is a longtime fixture in the Boston funk scene,and in combination with Benedetti ,they form the deep,militant sound at the core of Dub Apocalypse.
Originally hailing from Chicago,Van Martin rounds out the lineup on guitar. Martin has much touring experience as well, including appearances with Bernie Worrell and Big Daddy Kane. His sonic textures,adventurous playing and songwriting have helped Dub Apocalypse take their sound to a new level. The DA sound is an evolving mix of original compositions and their own interpretations of classic Jamaican and UK songs and dub plates. Heavy hitting drum and bass grooves set the table. A twin guitar attack, with Trama’s rhythmic anchor,and Martin’s dub sonics, swirl in and out in tandem. These pieces, combined with Timo Shanko’s Coltrane inspired sax approach, give Dub Apocalypse a

Old Jack New Years Eve/D-Tension & The Secrets and When Particles Collide
2023-12-30 21:00 - 2023-12-31 00:00
Old Jack Last Saturdays New Years Eve Spectacular with D-Tension & The Secrets and When Particles Collide

Since their first show way back in 2008, critics and fans knew there was something unique about OldJack. Hailed as the most underrated band in Boston, with three guitars, bass, drums, organ/keys, a female background singer, and a front man from yesterday, OldJack belts out their original material with lots of harmonies, big vocals, and guitar solos galore.
From being the underdog, wild card winning, reprieved Rock n’ Roll Rumble finalists to Boston Music Awards nominees and a staple of multiple music festivals in the northeast – OldJack has firmly planted their feet in the New England Music Scene, making music for music’s sake.
While the members have changed and the band has grown in numbers (they currently bring 7-8 people to the stage), the band is constantly developing and exploring its signature Old Soul Rock ‘n’ Roll sound.
OldJack’s catalog includes multiple EPs since its creation, Union Glory and Gone Before You Know, a Maxi-Single and the While Label Single Series. In 2014, they put out their first full-length album since the band’s debut, What Is Home To You. The collection of eight tracks pays homage to the band’s influences and styles that have had critics wondering where to classify them for years.

D-TENSION & THE SECRETS IS A ROCK AND ROLL BAND FROM LOWELL, MASS FRONTED BY VETERAN SINGER/SONGWRITER D-TENSION. THE BAND WAS FORMED DURING COVID LOCKDOWN AS AN INTERNET COLLABORATION AND EVOLVED INTO AN ACTUAL BAND THAT HAS BEEN PLAYING LIVE FOR TWO YEARS. THEIR DEBUT RECORD, D-TENSION’S SECRET ROCK & ROLL PROJECT, WAS RELEASED IN 2021. THE VIDEO FOR THE LEAD SINGLE, “KENMORE SQUARE” – AN ODE TO THE GOLDEN ERA OF BOSTON ROCK – HAS THOUSANDS OF VIEWS ON YOUTUBE. THE BAND’S SOUND IS BASED ON CLEVER LYRICS, CATCHY HOOKS, TIGHT ARRANGEMENTS, AND LOTS OF HARMONIES WITH STYLES RANGING FROM TWANG TO HEAD BANG. THEIR NEW RECORD, TALES FROM THE PUB, IS DUE IN APRIL 2023. THE FIRST SINGLE, “THE NO NAME SONG” IS GETTING AIRPLAY ON STATIONS NEAR AND FAR.

We are a band because Rock ‘n Roll is about singing and playing the truth so that we can all be a little more human, so that we can better understand ourselves through the power of rhythm, melody and verse. WPC believes this art form makes us all feel empowered, inspired, connected and unstoppable. We are a touring band because live music bring people together in real time and in real spaces. Being at a live music event can bring us to tears, make us laugh, unleash the desire to dance and move, but most importantly we tap into our own vulnerability which is at the heart of being human.

We continue to press on and make this life not only for ourselves but for everyone who is discovering the hindrances and the excuses, the bad habits and negative voices and finds a way through to a joyfulness that only comes through hard work and the ecstasy of play. Perhaps “live fast and die young” was a marketing slogan used to sell records. Here at Unstoppable Rock Headquarters we abide by a different ethos. Keep living, keep making up the life you want to live, because it hasn’t been lived yet. That and don’t be a jerk.
Trained as a jazz drummer and choral vocalist, Chris met Sasha, a self taught punk rocker and singer-songwriter in the spring of 2010 when they were both cast in a Bangor Maine production of the rock ‘n roll musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch. They have been working together ever since to find where disparate influences come together to create melody forward, hard hitting, genre bending rock ‘n roll. When Particles Collide has built a reputation as a must see band one show at a time touring all over the US and Canada. They are currently a full time, independent touring outfit living out of their 2014 Ram Promaster and rack up over 200 shows per year. Under their own record label, Unstoppable Rock Records they have released eight sets of recordings including three vinyl records (Photoelectric 2014-sold out, Ecotone 2016-currently in the album’s second pressing, and Fade To Gold 2018-Limited edition, hand screened artwork on Side B). Before becoming full time musicians Sasha taught high school chemistry for 18 years and Chris worked in the car business and as a nanny. Sasha and Chris were also married at the theater where they met in June of 2013.
Their songs and live performances are infectious. Sasha and Chris are interested in bending and blending genres and influences to tell stories. Dynamics, rhythmic turn arounds and harmonies are the tools they use to dig deep into a song’s core meaning. They put every ounce of their bodies into their performances and work hard at their crafts both as players and creators of song. Continually humbled by the challenges and rewards of making a life as musicians they are not looking for accolades, but do enjoy a rowdy crowd at a dive bar and an intensely focused audience at an acoustic house concert. And snacks, they love snacks.

Willie J Laws with special guest Frank Morey
2023-12-29 21:00 - 2023-12-30 00:00
Willie J Laws, The Last Pophet of the Funky Texas Blues, returns to the Lizard Lounge with special guest Frank Morey!

Willie J Laws is truly the last prophet of the “Funky Texas Blues” balancing technical perfection with remaining immensely entertaining, enlightening, thought provoking and inspiring. Willie brings a rare combination of world class talent mixed with lovable down to earth personality that causes audiences to fall in love with him everywhere he plays. The Willie J Laws Band just released a new album entitled “Too Much Blues” which is receiving International attention and critical acclaim.
Along with Willie, the band is bringing Lenny Bradford on bass, Osi Brathwaite on drums, Bruce Mattson on keys.
Willie J Laws

Frank Morey is a gifted musician from the United States who specializes in Blues Rock. He is a master of the Blues genre. His music exudes genuine emotion, demonstrating his in-depth knowledge of and love for this classic genre. Soulful bends, scorching solos, and gritty riffs that transport listeners to the blues’ heart and soul define Morey’s distinctive guitar playing style.
Morey draws influence from the blues classics and adds his own distinctive flavor to each tune. His songs are a potent fusion of soul-stirring melodies, contagious rhythms, and sentimental lyrics. Morey captivates his audience with a gravelly voice that betrays emotion, bringing them on a trip through the highs and lows of life.
Morey seamlessly fuses the soulful grit of the blues with the raw energy of rock as a Blues Rock performer. His captivating performances captivate spectators as he deftly combines sophisticated guitar solos and passionate vocals. Morey’s music never fails to captivate the listener’s attention and leave a lasting impact, whether he is singing a heartbreaking ballad or a foot-tapping song.
Frank Morey

Samantha Farrell's Existential Holiday Party with Friends!
2023-12-28 20:00 - 23:00
Samantha Farrell and Friends celebrate the Holidays!

MUST BE 21+
Samantha Farrell is a Boston-based musician and vocalist whose sound is a gorgeously moody fusion of jazz, alt R&B and pop. Once described as “the best singer-songwriter you’ve never heard of,” by NBC Los Angeles, Farrell has always been understated in her approach to her music career – but, those who are in the know, have been quietly dazzled with her unique voice, rhythmic subtleties and tonal nuance for years.
Endlessly smooth with a bittersweet edge, Farrell’s residency at the beloved Lizard Lounge in Cambridge comes a few months ahead of the completion of her fourth full length album produced by local stalwart, Will Dailey. Supported by some of the best session players in town, her repertoire will see past and future favorites discreetly spun into vibey, sonic spells once a month for the duration of the year.
This month’s edition of the residency is particularly special with featured guests Will Dailey, Dennis Brennan, Christina Lacoste, Halley Elwell, Michael Valdez and Qwill!
“Prodigious and undulating vocals that are delivered with rare, swinging passion.”
– Relix Magazine
“A liquor-honey voice, deft guitar work, and slightly melancholic tones that meld to form an aching and elegant aural tapestry.”
– Huffington Post
Samantha Farrell

Shibui Ensemble, Courtney Swain and Pseudospace
2023-12-23 21:00 - 2023-12-24 00:00
Shibui, Courtney Swain (of Bentknee) and Pseudospace at the Lizard Lounge.

“While such music is too easily characterized as cinematic, there is also something undeniably photographic about it, breaking down moving images one precious still at a time. And if it may be called minimal, it is primarily because the sparse arranging allows listeners to weave between every instrument, picking up hints of fragrance along the way.” Tyran Grillo, Between Sound and Space: ECM Records and Beyond.
Boston based band SHIBUI led by composer, guitarist and bass player Tim Doherty presents its second album QUINT, the premiere on Ronin Rhythm Records with its connected community. The album contains five elaborated minimal groove compositions by Doherty, conceptually titled with numbers. This indicates the composer’s clear vision and the band’s focused understanding of this contemporary groove chamber music.
https://shibuimusic.bandcamp.com/album/shibui-2

Tied together by her unmistakable voice, Courtney’s discography includes six studio albums released with Bent Knee, and a prolific collection of albums, EPs, compositions, and multimedia pieces. Beyond her own work, Courtney’s voice has been featured in Mortal Kombat 11 (listen for the Fatality cue!), Bob’s Burgers, as well as studio releases by HAKEN, Car Bomb, Childish Japes, Gatherers, and others..
A decade of touring has taken Courtney to perform all over North America, Europe, and her native country, Japan. Bent Knee has shared the stage with Leprous, HAKEN, The Dillinger Escape Plan, The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die, Thank You Scientist, and has performed at Audio Tree, Day Trotter, Campbell Bay Music Festival, Gouveia Art Rock, FIMAV, BeardFest, ProgDreams, Burg Herzberg Festival and more.
After training as a classical pianist in her youth, Courtney graduated from Berklee College of Music as a vocalist with a dual degree in Classical Composition and Contemporary Writing & Production. A Rhode Islander since 2015, Courtney also works as a pianist/keyboardist and music director for Trinity Rep, Brown University, Theater by the Sea, Wilbury Group, University of Rhode Island, and others. Splitting her time between touring, composing, teaching, and more, her interests beyond music include plants, gardening, mystery novels, home improvement, photography, drawing, meditation, yoga, cooking, fermentation… a list that is always growing!
http://www.courtneyswain.com/

Pseudospace is the solo project of Massachusetts-based multi-instrumentalist Jake Lester. Coming from a deeply personal place, Jake’s music is driven entirely by concept and narrative and the idea that no genre is off-limits.
Though Jake’s live performances are currently centered around his guitar, voice and clarinet, he comes from a classical background, having performed countless wind band concerts across Massachusetts, Vermont and even Japan. He studied music education and composition at The University of Vermont and currently teaches elementary school music. Learning to front his own project with vocals and guitar was not a natural process for Jake, but he now considers it his most authentic form of music-making and is deeply appreciative of anyone who listens.

Four Piece Suit/Le Prestige
2023-12-22 21:00 - 2023-12-23 00:00
Le Prestige and Four Piece Suit converge for a show at the Lizard Lounge!

Four Piece Suit is “a highball of sea-foam-soaked guitar and squalling tenor sax, shaken—not stirred—with surf tangos, Battista-era mambos, beach blanket boppers, spy music, crime jazz, and movie themes.” The predominantly instrumental group brings humor, romance and a pulsing rhythm to the category-defying range musical styles they reinvent. Heard on soundtracks for Sex and the City and Dexter, Four Piece Suit puts on a sizzling live show.
The band is: Milt Reder on guitar, John Aruda on sax, Dean Cassell on bass and Seth Pappas on drums. For more on 4PS, please visit www.fourpiecesuit.com. Truly beyond category, their eclectic instrumental, sometimes jazz, sometimes rock style, brings forth a unique blend of long forgotten musical influences and often suggests a certain film noir feeling.
The sexy, sophisticated, yet tongue-in-cheek music of FOUR PIECE SUIT is frequently featured on the highly acclaimed HBO series Sex and the City, Telemundo, NBC’s Ed, Dexter on CBS, and cable shows such as Keeping Up with the Kardashians, America’s Top Model, Run’s House, and many others. Film work includes Our Lips are Sealed (Olsen Twins), In the Weeds (Molly Ringwald), Stag (HBO films), Psycho Beach Party, Along Came Polly (Jennifer Aniston), and others.
The band has also been heard in many independent films, including Sundance Festival Winner Blue Vinyl. They have also done a full score for an HBO claymation film, Real Men Wear Hawaiian Shirts, an award winner at the San Francisco Film Festival.
Four Piece Suit have released three CDs: Ready to Where?, Matinee Idylls, and Spirito, available on itunes and CDbaby.com. Even as their CDs and film work introduce them to new audiences, it is the “uncharted waters” of their live performances which create the word-of-mouth that brings in legions of loyal fans. From the Fillmore in SF to the Windows on the World Bar at the NY World Trade Center, they have played to crowds of 50 to 50,000. A hot 4PS show at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge is like seeing Louis Prima’s band at the Copa in 1958, walls sweating, booties shaking, and a half a grin on the face.
Like many of the greatest bands, only at a live show can one really “get” what FOUR PIECE SUIT is all about…
https://fourpiecesuitband.com

Le Prestige makes low-tech, organic, and improvisational instrumental music influenced by both the looped grooves of 90’s hip-hop and 60’s “soul jazz” stylings. They create danceable grooves with funk, jazz and reggae melodies.
https://leprestige.bandcamp.com/album/avec-les-vibes

The Blue Ribbons
2023-12-21 20:00 - 23:00
The Blue Ribbons at the Lizard Lounge… nuff said.

Local favorites, The Blue Ribbons, return to the Lounge on the Winter Solstice to bring equal amounts of light and dark to warm what needs warming. Distilling r&b, ranchera, particle acceleration, rock and roll, engine maintenance, shapes, colors, breathing, and adventure gardening, The Ribbs mix up a real heater of a musical cocktail served with gratitude and respect.
The Blue Ribbons
