South Egremont — “Folk/bluegrass/Zeppelin” cover band The Picky Bastards is playing a New Year’s Eve show at the Egremont Barn, along with Jordan Weller and The Feathers, who play a mix of rock, reggae, and funk. The three-set show will culminate in a full-proof (or zero-proof) Champagne toast, but there will be ample food and libations served throughout the evening (including the “Barn Burger”—what else?)
Rock and bluegrass go together better than you might think. For example, The Beatles’ “I’ve Just Seen a Face” has been popular with bluegrass bands for generations. Why not include Led Zeppelin? Well, the Picky Bastards do, but not always in a bluegrass style. Please note, however, that they make a perfectly respectable showing on “Whole Lotta Love” in its original key of E, which means Chris Merenda’s lead vocal (which he pulls off comfortably) is in a range that was suitable for Robert Plant at the age of 20. But Zeppelin’s “Hey, Hey What Can I Do” gets a fully acoustic treatment, including mandolin and strummed banjo. (It isn’t exactly bluegrass, but it works.)
The driving forces behind The Picky Bastards are co-frontmen Chris Merenda and Rob Sanzone, both songwriters and multi-instrumentalists. Chris is a member of Whisky Treaty Roadshow and has played in a number of other bands, his sound evolving over the past two-and-a-half decades to encompass rock, reggae, folk, Americana, blues, bluegrass, and more. Rob is a solo artist on Deep Red Records, who, in addition to songwriting, performing, and recording with various artists, also composes music for film.
Jordan Weller is rebuilding his following in the Berkshires after taking a musical hiatus in Texas for seven years. He returned this year with new songs and fresh aspirations to record them. In addition to the Barn, he has been playing venues like the Apple Tree Inn, the Lion’s Den, and the Stationery Factory. Jordan’s music is one thing when he plays solo (country/folk) and another when he lays down funky dance grooves with his band, The Feathers. And for him, it often is not enough, because he really comes alive when he puts his guitar down and picks up a microphone. He recently told Music In the Berkshires, “It’s so much fun to be able to just let loose with The Feathers and have a band like that behind you. You can kind of just let it go.” Which is exactly what he does, and it is fun to watch him enjoy himself. In fact, the reason Jordan thrives in a venue like the Barn is that he aspires to have the very best bar band. Making people dance (starting with himself) seems to be Jordan’s calling.
Celebrate the new year with The Picky Bastards and Jordan Weller and The Feathers at the Egremont Barn, 17 Main Street, South Egremont, starting at 7:30 p.m. and ending around 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $40. For more information and tickets, visit the Barn’s website or call (413) 528-1570.
