Calaveras returns to the Freight for an evening of fresh and timeless original songs inspired by a deep appreciation of traditional and contemporary American roots music and seasoned with strong lead vocals, lovely close harmonies, and deft instrumentals. With Victoria Blythe on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bass, recorder, and harmonica, Greg Beattie on guitar and bass, Dave Decker on guitar, bass, and mandolin, Sam Bevan on bass, Mark Holzinger on electric guitar, and everyone singing, the band has a bright, clear sound well-suited to their beautifully crafted songs full of heart, wit, and hard-won insights. The band and their originals have won several awards, including the Kerrville New Folk prize, the Napa Valley Emerging Songwriter award, and the West Coast Songwriters’ Song of the Year honors. The website Dirty Linen has praised their “winning combination of finely crafted songs, polished vocals, and sophisticated arrangements.” Victoria and Greg handle most of the lead vocal duties. Greg has a warm and expressive baritone, and Victoria has a dazzling soprano with a thrilling, pure tone. Mark’s sly guitar leads add spice and energy. The band has released three albums, Live at Strings, Ready to Fly, and Green Girl, and is at work on a fourth that should be available soon.

Fools Creek is an East Bay band with a love of Cajun laments and Irish fiddle tunes, Mexican ballads and Puccini arias. They find gems from the dusty cupboards of folk and bluegrass, dust them off, and shine them up. With Albin Renauer on guitar and vocals, Patty Contaxis on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, Dan Ringer-Barwick on guitarrón, bass, and vocals, Marcia Condon on accordion and vocals, and Linda Schweidel on percussion and vocals, the band plays music they love – and they make the audience feel it!

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Visit Fools Creek's website

Listen to a track from Calaveras:

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