Tawl Paul to join Banjovi on stage
The combination of three musical genres - traditional contra, blues and standards - might seem an odd mix, but you can hear just how well it works when bluesman Tawl Paul joins contra string band Banjovi in a special concert Oct. 6 at The Varsity in downtown Carbondale.
The set list will include a variety of songs, including "Big Boss Man," "The Letter," "Rollin' and Tumblin'," "Blue Skies," "Honky Tonk Woman," "500 Miles," "The Thrill is Gone," "My Babe" and "High Heel Sneakers."
Banjovi has played for square- and contra-dances in Southern Illinois and Missouri for more than two decades, as well as at many other venues and private events. Their repertoire includes not only old-time dance tunes but also songs from traditions such as bluegrass, classic rock, folk and blues.
Lew Hendrix plays dobro and clawhammer banjo, the oldest style of playing with roots in Africa. Cathie Hutcheson plays upright bass and guitar. Toby Merriman plays fiddle and mandolin. Hendrix and Merriman sing lead, while Hutcheson sings harmony.
Carbondale's Tawl Paul (Paul Frederick) has been singing the blues for almost 40 years and is known for his growling, deep voice and electric presence on stage.
• The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 or $10 at the door. The Varsity is downtown Carbondale at 418 S. Illinois Ave</group><group id="3D0B3F74-9BE6-4730-8598-A8B9A9D