The Biltmores go west
After five or so years in Providence, the Biltmores are uprooting and heading to Chicago. “We all knew we wouldn’t stay in Providence forever since none of us are actually from here,” writes bassist George Baxter in an e-mail. The kicker is that Brendan plans on graduating from Providence College this summer and Dan Baxter and Jon Pitts are eager for a change of scenery. In a relatively short time, the band has made some significant progress, playing shows and squeezing out a well-received CD, Same Story, Same Ending, helping the band establish a rep pretty quick. “Once we decided to go for it,” says George, the only member of the band not heading west, “Chicago was the natural choice.” Frontman Leonard, a Winnetka, IL native, used to host The Brendan Leonard Show, a cable access show that was picked up by the ABC Family channel, so his contacts in the Windy City will give the band a good jumpstart, while family and friends will provide a solid support system. “It’s a pretty exciting time and the band’s looking forward to the change. We plan on recording the second album,” says George, who will be grooming a new bass player before leaving, “and playing tons of shows in Chicago and the Midwest to build up more of a geographically diverse following. But we’ll miss Providence a lot and always think fondly of it.”
Wandering eye
It’s a big Saturday, May 2: BAYLIES BAND plays Benjamin’s on Stafford Road in Tiverton with ATLANTIC BLUE and DIGGERS. Call 401.624.3911. At Cats it’s ROLLA, J SMOOTH, OCTANE, HEAD TURNERS, MALEVOLENT SNEAKER TOOTH, and RICK ASHMAN on a show hosted by Derek Shapiro. Call 401.722.0150. The Newport Blues Café will be invaded by THE NEIGHBORHOODS and THE RUDDS. The last time the ’Hoods played Newport the place was a zoo, and this time promises to be even crazier, given their massive following in the City by the Sea. Call 401.841.5510.
The RISA Songwriters In the Round event will quiet things down at AS220 on Sunday, May 3, at least from 7 to 9 pm. This month’s lineup is DANA WESTOVER, LISA LAWRENCE, LISA MARTIN, and guest host JOHN FUZEK. The theme is: “It was 20 Years Ago Today.” On Wednesday (the 6th) on Empire Street, you can catch a night of good humor and great music with THE SUPERCHIEF TRIO, CORN MO, and SENTIMENTAL FAVORITES.
We were sorry to hear that a promising live music venue, the Penalty Box on North Main Street in Providence, has scaled back its original band bookings and decided to host more cover bands, which is sad news indeed.
Bombard me with e-mails: bobgulla@verizon.net
