Lizard Lounge Club

Jen Kearney
2023-11-24 21:00 - 2023-11-25 00:00 (America/New_York) | Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
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Get ready to groove with the soulful tunes of Jen Kearney at the Lizard Lounge

MUST BE 21+

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Jen Kearney has spent some time seasoning her particular style of original music. Her sound is truly an amalgamation of musical styles including Soul, R&B, Funk, Rock, and Latin. Kearney’s music and attention to lyrics and has met critical acclaim nationally and internationally.
Kearney is set to release an EP entitled “Atlantic” in March of 2022 and a full-length LP later in the year. She has recorded and released six studio albums and has done session work on many other projects.
Kearney tours both as a solo act and with a full band. She spent 2018-2020 living in London touring the UK/ Europe with her own act and with the legendary Snowboy & the Latin Section. She has shared the stage with the likes of Maceo Parker, Los Lobos, Daryl Hall, Mavis Staples, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, The Derek Trucks Band and more.
Jen Kearney

Club d'Elf featuring Duke Levine! Early Show
2023-11-25 19:30 - 22:30
Club d’Elf returns to the Lizard Lounge featuring special guest Duke Levine!

Club d’Elf returns to The Lizard after a sold out Halloween show to offer an evening of Moroccan-dosed psychedelic trance jams to shake off your post-Thanksgiving tryptophan torpor. Featuring special guest Duke Levine (Bonnie Raitt / J.Geils Band / Peter Wolf), the line up for the two shows also includes Paul Schultheis (keys), Mister Rourke (turntables), Mike Rivard (bass & sintir) & Dean Johnston (drums).
Club d’Elf has been helping audiences lose track of time for twenty five years with its mesmerizing synthesis of Moroccan traditional music and electronic, dubbed-out funk. Circling about bassist/composer Mike Rivard and drummer Dean Johnston, each Club d’Elf performance features a different line-up, drawn from a constellation of some of the most creative improvisers from the jazz, DJ, rock & world music scenes of Boston, NYC and beyond. The band’s music draws from a startlingly wide spectrum of styles, including jazz, hip hop, electronica, avant garde, prog-rock and dub. Under the tutelage of member Brahim Fribgane (who hails from Casablanca) the band has absorbed Moroccan trance music, which is now an essential part of the mix. Diverse audiences are drawn to Fribgane’s mesmerizing oud stylings, and Rivard’s commanding playing of the Moroccan sintir. Trance forms the central core of the Club d’Elf aesthetic, weaving together the band’s various influences.
The bands latest album, ‘You Never Know’ (April 2022) rose to #2 on the Relix chart. The record unfurls upon kaleidoscopic clouds of spiced smoke, shifting from chopped dub-jazz through trance epics that reimagine Boston as a city of bazaars. Club d’Elf pay tribute to the music and musicians who have been primary influences, with half the album being covers of gnawa, Miles Davis, Joe Zawinul, Moroccan band Nass el-Ghiwane, and Frank Zappa. The other half consists of original music inspired by Rivard’s personal journey into darkness following a near death experience in the remote jungle of the Peruvian Amazon.
“You Never Know is a wide ranging romp, full of serenity, chaos, longing, improvisation and peerless musicianship inspired by music from India and Morocco as well as the maverick jazz of Miles Davis and Frank Zappa.” – Banning Eyre, Afropop Worldwide

“Crushed between the borders of Morocco, jam band land and the kingdom of avant-garde jazz lies Club d’Elf…James Brown-meets-Sun-Ra.” – Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald

“Sounds like the lovechild of Pink Floyd and George Clinton, dropped in Marrakesh…some deeply psychedelic music.” – Marlon Bishop, WNYC

Club d’Elf

Club d'Elf featuring Duke Levine! Late Show!
2023-11-25 22:00 - 2023-11-26 00:00

Poetry Jam Featured Poet Elissa Whelan
2023-11-26 19:00 - 22:00
Poetry Jam Featured Poet Elissa Whelan

Elissa J. H. Whelan is a creative writer and linguist. Her debut novel, ‘The Hold of the Horizon,’ is a woman versus herself coming-of-age tale set in Cambridge. Her writing style has been described as warm and painfully relatable. Inspiration for the work came from exploring the world and the people in it. The motivation to finish the novel came from resurfacing creatively after being consumed by the fog of motherhood.
“Heartfelt, raw and honest. This book will leave you feeling the world is a more beautiful place than it was before.” -Lisa Parsons
Elissa has a BA in English from the University of New Hampshire and a Master’s degree in Endangered Language Linguistics from SOAS, University of London. She was a host on “Parklands,” a show on Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) highlighting the work of the Charles River Conservancy.
The novel was published independently by Gilmore Press. More about her novel can be found on https://elissajhwhelan.wordpress.com/ .

Samantha Farrell Monthly Residency with special guest Qwill
2023-11-30 20:00 - 23:00
Samantha Farrell’s monthly residency resumes with special guest Qwill

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.
“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

Qwill is the solo project of Salem MA based singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Jesse Joseph. His music primarily draws from folk, soul, and blues, often weaving electronic elements and lush textures into his sound to create music with a heartbeat.
“Dreamy Roots Music” – The Boston Globe
Qwill

Baker Thomas & Friends
2023-12-01 21:00 - 2023-12-02 00:00
Baker Thomas Band holiday show that will include all sorts of special guests including Danielle Miraglia, Ryan Fitzsimmons and plenty more!

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

MC Kabir Sen with Krush Factory
2023-12-02 21:00 - 2023-12-03 00:00
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MC Kabir Sen continue their monthly residency at the Lizard Lounge with the Krush Factory

Poetry Jam Featured Poet Douglas Bishop
2023-12-03 19:00 - 22:00
Poetry Jam Featured Poet Douglas Bishop

Douglas Bishop has been jamming and slamming at the Poetry Jam since it got going – which means he’s been a regular at the Lizard for more than 20 years. As a teacher, he has worked with classrooms ranging from early childhood to university, but now mostly teaches online for Mill City Speaks and Lowell Poetry Wheel. As a poet, he has performed in venues from Glasgow to Guatemala, but now primarily appears as one of the hosts of the Untitled Open Mic in Lowell. His doctoral study on the development of literate identity in young writers continues in his work for Freeverse!, Lowell’s youth poetry group. He also works as a visual artist, as well as performing vocals, flute, and percussion with his jazz-poetry band, Dr. Dougie’s Dangerous Delight. For more, see douglasbishoppoet.com

Grace Harriet, Ellie Irwin and Margot Liotta
2023-12-06 20:00 - 23:00
Join us for a magical evening with Grace Harriet, Dipsea Flower, and Ellie Irwin, where music and art collide on December 6th at 8:00

Grace Harriet is an alternative folk singer/songstress from Northern California, a place that deeply influences her music and lyrical styles. Combining folk, rock influences, and relatable lyricism, Graceperforms music that encourages an audience to discover beauty in every emotion and experience. Grace shares her time between the San Francisco Bay Area and Boston, MA where she is studying songwriting at Berklee College of Music.
https://www.graceharrietmusic.com/

Ellie Irwin, folk/country singer-songwriter hailing from the heart of Pennsylvania, is capturing hearts and ears with her nostalgic yet heartbreaking tunes. Drawing inspiration from legendary artists like James Taylor and Carole King but also contemporary stars such as Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers, Ellie’s music weaves tales of love, longing, and the beauty of everyday life.
https://www.ellieirwinmusic

Margot Liotta (a.k.a. Largot Miotta) is a singer-songwriter with a penchant for honest & insightful lyrics …
They seem to resonate with her fans …
She knows not why …
She’s just happy to be taking the ride!
https://www.margotliottamusic.com/

Big Lazy
2023-12-07 20:00 - 23:00
Big Lazy returns to the Lizard Lounge!

New York City’s gritty instrumental trio has flourished for over 20 years. The band is known for its cinematic music and legendary live performances, having presented its singular brand of crime jazz at venues including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Opéra National de Lyon. Big Lazy founder Stephen Ulrich is the composer for the HBO series Bored to Death and the art forgery documentary Art and Craft. Big Lazy’s studio albums have included collaborations with NYC artists Marc Ribot and Steven Bernstein.
In March of 2023 Barbes Records released the album Music from This American Life (https://stephenulrich.bandcamp.com/album/music-from-this-american-life-album) , a collection of Ulrich’s compositions from the iconic radio program This American Life.
“Big Lazy, the elegantly gritty instrumental trio led by the extraordinary guitarist Stephen Ulrich, plays stunningly beautiful music that evokes everything from truckers’ romps to the haunting film scores of Bernard Herrmann.” The New Yorker
“The Big Apple Crème de la Crème ”
Robert Christgau – dean of American rock critics
Big Lazy

Ace McGuire's Acid tabs and Bedsweater at the Lizard Lounge!
2023-12-08 21:00 - 2023-12-09 00:00
Ace McGuire’s Acid tabs and Bedsweater at the Lizard Lounge!

Ace McGuire’s Acid Tabs is an emerging Surfadelic Garage Rock band based in Boston. The Acid Tabs are made up of Liv Dunks on vocals & lyrics, Mitch Cardoza on guitar & vocals, Sam ‘Spaceman’ Pace on drums, Erik Dietz on bass. Their music ebbs and flows through laid back hallucinogenic vibes and blood pulsing riff based bangers that induce psychoactive experiences. Drawing influence from the power of the ocean and the madness of the city their songs are a fusion of the different environments they grew up in. They bring something extra spicy to the stage infusing heat and freakness to the scalding hot sonic platter of tripped up licks and lyrics served up by Liv and Mitch’s sultry and smokey voices creating a perfectly chaotic swirl of surf and psychedelic rock that flirts with the attitude of punk rock.
https://acemcguiresacidtabs.com/

Bedsweater is a rock band established at the Berklee College of Music in 2021. Each of our members grew up in Southern California and share a love of the surf culture of our home which is evident in our sound. Our music can be described as danceable indie rock with funk and jazz influences. We have performed throughout Southern California, Boston/New England, Wisconsin, New York, and Nashville. We have music available on all major streaming platforms and have singles scheduled to be released consistently throughout 2023-2024.
https://www.instagram.com/bed.sweater/?hl=en

The Weisstronauts' 25th Annual Holiday Jubillee
2023-12-09 20:30 - 23:30
The Weisstronauts continue their holiday jubilee tradition with guests Fauxmenco, Cotton Candy, Hayley Thompson King and Josh Kantor

2023 marks the 25th anniversary of the Weisstronauts’ Holiday Jubilee, an annual holiday-themed shindig that can be a rare opportunity to witness the group (normally a “mostly instrumental band”) ACTUALLY “SINGING”. At past jubilees, The Weisstronauts have been known to perform such holiday tunes as The Man With The Bag, Santa Baby, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Hanukkah, The Day Snowflakes Were Born, Jingle Bells, Hot For Santa, Santa Loves Me, Jade Creche, I Just Don’t Know What To Do With My Elf, and many more…

For this silver anniversary, the group will jovially convene at their beloved Lizard Lounge, joined by Fauxmenco and Cotton Candy, each doing a set peppered with holiday faves. As in the past, Josh Kantor (keyboardist to the stars and Red Sox organist) and Hayley Thompson-King will join the ‘Nauts for a handful of numbers.

A little history: The first Holiday Jubilee took place in late 1999 at Cambridge’s Green Street Grill. Every effort has been made to stage the event at a different venue, with different guest performers each year, though there have been a couple of “repeats.” Past guests have included: Paula Kelley, The Farewells, Charlie Chesterman, Tanya Donelly, Al Janik’s Plastic Cheese (believed to be the only performer to do an entire set of Christmas songs!), Ramona Silver, Temper, the Blackstone Valley Sinners, Frank Morey, Orange Nichole, Clayton Scoble, Baby Ray, Monophonic, Hillbilly Holiday, John Haydon, Mercy James Gang, Ray Mason Band, Seks Bomba, The Derangers, Preacher Jack, Logan 5 & the Runners, Tsunami of Sound, Sool and many others. Past venues have included Toad, Plough & Stars, Lizard Lounge, Matt Murphy’s Pub, The Abbey (R.I.P.), P.A.’s, The Midway, Store 54, Church, State Park, The Century Lounge (Providence), and others…

The Weisstronauts are a Boston-based instrumental rock band that features three lead electric guitarists (Pete Weiss, Kenny Lafler, & Jeff Norcross). The band’s eclectic style weaves accessibly bizarre melodies and harmonies over a rhythm section (bassist Kevin Quinn, & drummers Nathan Logus & Jeff Berlin) that can turn from surf to spy to country to psychedelia on a dime.

Since the group’s 1999 inception, The Weisstronauts have released seven critically acclaimed albums, along with four EP’s. Their music has been played often on NPR, college and commercial radio, as well as in several independent films. The band is fronted by well-known independent rock producer Pete Weiss (Hayley Thompson-King, Charlie Chesterman, Bell X1, Two Dollar Pistols, etc.)
“If there’s such a thing as a forward-thinking surf band, Boston’s Weisstronauts are it. Avoiding the purism that makes so many instrumental retro-fetishists seem redundant, The Weisstronauts combine vintage surf and Nashville chicken- pickin’ with cartoon zaniness and spaghetti Western intrigue. They often recall NRBQ’s offbeat musical humor as much as Link Wray’s reverb- drenched Tarantino fodder.” – Jack Silverman – Nashville Scene
https://www.weisstronauts.com/

Poetry Jam Featured Poet Marlon Carey
2023-12-10 19:00 - 22:00
Poetry Jam, Featured Poet Marlon Carey

Also known as the Artist, Inphynit DaGhost (Pronounced “Infinite”)
Marlon Carey has been a member of the Boston Lizard Lounge Poetry Slam Team on many occasions. He was the Lizard Lounge King (year?)as well as the Providence Poetry Slam team, and the Boston Poetry Slam team on various occasions.
He’s a proud member of Providence-based poetry ensemble, Brother’s Keeper, a group dedicated to inspiring and educating young people in urban environments to aspire to greatness.
Named “Best Hip Hop Poet” by the Cambridge Poetry Awards two years in a row, he has also been the Boston Cantab Lounge’s “Grand Slam Champion” and Lizard Lounge King. . Marlon has been a TEDxBoston speaker and a presenter at a Providence presentation of Pechakucha.
Carey is a member of RIBS (Rhode Island Black Storytellers), and is the co-founder of Shakespeare to Hiphop along with the award winning literary performance artist Regie Gibson.
With a blend of eclectic themes, wordplay and wit, Marlon brings a refreshing twist on performance poetry. His charming flow, poignant, clever lyrics and serious fondness for language are blended artfully to create a unique presentation.
He has a 21 year old cat and he recycles composts and cooks. His wife makes her own Shea butter. He is also a visual artist and digital creator for Meta.

He is a husband, a father of three and Teaching Artist in schools all over, make some noise for Marlon Carey aka Inphynit!

Captain Sunbeam/The Collect Pond
2023-12-13 20:00 - 23:00
Get ready to bask in the radiant energy of Captain Sunbeam at The Collect Pond, an epic event that’ll light up your night!

Welcome to the world of Captain Sunbeam, and the release of our newest single, Overlight Anthem. We released our debut album in 2020 and have since played several packed shows in the Boston area. Our music varies between prog-rock and poppier jams and is rooted in Captain Sunbeam lore. Through our songs, you will trek across the entirety of the Seven Jewels, perhaps even venturing into Deep Space to solve the mystery of the disappearance of Captain Sunbeam and his infamous ship – the Lovestar. To find out more, visit www.captainsunbeamuniverse.com.

The Collect Pond is a Boston group led by Bellingham, Washington native Danny Moffat. Underwater Features is the second Collect Pond album, but the first Moffat has made with a full-time band (bassist/keyboardist Roger Maranan, drummer Rob Carrington, and guitarist/bassist Ben Bonadies). Moffat is a clear aficionado of underground and lo-fi indie rock of many eras: 2023 album Underwater Features is clearly influenced by 90s indie underdog popsters like Guided by Voices and Sebadoh (putting them in line with modern groups like Connections, Mythical Motors, and Smug Brothers), while also retaining a post-punk edge in places and a haziness evoking a few Flying Nun and Xpressway groups. – Rosy Overdrive, 2023
https://candlepinrecords.bandcamp.com/album/underwater-features

Sound Kicks Out Presents: Kadeem and Loman feat Premo Dee, w Baby Luna
2023-12-14 20:00 - 23:00
Sound Kicks Out presents the release of “Peace at Home” from Loman and Kadeem! Performing along side Promo.Dee and a set from DJ Baby Luna!

Kadeem and Loman celebrate the release of their new album Peace of Home, performing live alongside Premo.Dee with a special DJ set by Baby Luna.

Rich Hinman Trio with Zachariah Hickman and Dan Drohan
2023-12-15 21:00 - 2023-12-16 00:00
Pedal Steel Guitarist Rich Hinman plays in a mind-expanding instrumental trio with Zachariah Hickman and Dan Drohan

On his recent LP “Memorial,” on Colorfield Records, multi-instrumentalist and composer Rich Hinman creates an arresting collage containing elements of electronica, psychedelia, and searching improvisation, with Hinman’s pedal steel as the (mostly) primary voice. Here he debuts a trio of like-minded explorers. Collectively, Hinman, Hickman and Drohan have worked with kd lang, Sara Bareilles, Emily King, Maggie Rogers, Nick Hakim, Ray LaMontagne, Josh Ritter and many many others.

Julie Rhodes with Special Guest Wyn Doran
2023-12-16 21:00 - 2023-12-17 00:00
Julie Rhodes at the Lizard Lounge!

Boston native Julie Rhodes musical career started “on a whim”. After singing along in the audience at a house show, she was given some words of encouragement to write her own songs. That night, she began writing her first song and before long she was recording her debut album with producer Jonah Tolchin. She released Bound to Meet the Devil in 2016 and it’s clear this powerhouse vocalist/songwriter is an artist on the rise.

Julie Rhodes

Nominated ‘Female Performer of the Year’ by the New England Music Awards the first year she took on stages solo, Wyn Doran is labeled “a force to be reckoned with” (Quincy Stallworth, Sofar Philadelphia). Also known for her work with folk rockers Strangers by Accident (vocals, bassist, cowriter) and New England Music Award winners Liz Bills and the Change (backing vocals), Wyn was classically trained in voice from a young age and competed internationally with choirs, singing in the Sydney Opera House in Australia and Carnegie Hall in New York.
Wyn Doran Wyn was selected as one of thirteen songwriters internationally to work with Ben Folds at a songwriting retreat in California, leading to her debut EP in 2019. Her soul-tinged songs dig into personal stories of living with chronic illness and depression, with influences stemming from Amy Winehouse, AURORA, and Florence and the Machine. Her debut EP ‘Thick of It’ released in October 2019, with sold out release shows in Boston and Chicago.
On the heels of success with her April 2020 release ‘Cigarettes,’ Wyn took to remote collaborations the second the world shut down, connecting with 30+ artists and producers worldwide to write and record one new song a week. Leaning on the nostalgia of growing up singing in choirs, Wyn arranged her second quarantine single “Starry Eyes” for students of Pennichuck Middle School Chorus in Nashua, NH to perform together virtually.
With the addition of Lucia Jean (bass/vocals) and Heidi Tierney (drums/vocals), Wyn Doran has expanded into a new chapter under the name Wyn & The White Light. Their live act has taken flight, selling out their first show in Boston, weaving primal, haunting energy with “blackened, burning candor” (Deli Magazine). The trio recorded their debut 10-song LP in Spring 2023 with a highly anticipated release later this year.

Sour Parade with David Becker
2023-12-20 20:00 - 23:00
Don’t miss the debut of Sour Parade with special guest David Becker!

Sour Parade is a new collaboration between Cambridge based singer-songwriter, Dan Bernfeld, and LA based guitarist and composer, Jon Monroe. They’ll be joined by friends for their first ever live show, playing album tracks and bonus material from their upcoming debut record, “Ready for the Next One”, set for release in Spring 2024.
Best known for his work with Bearly Dead, Dave Becker brings that same energy and intensity in the solo setting. Armed with a healthy supply of original material and inspired covers, Dave can connect with any audience.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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/

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/

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
