Robert Sarazin Blake

In 2017 Robt Sarazin Blake’s 12th release, the double album, ‘Recitative’ received an A- from legendary Rock Critic Robert Christgau: ‘'Chants that riff on the titles WORK, COUPLES, and SINGLE WOMEN are as instantly indelible as the Springsteen, Weill, Reed, and Van Morrison lifts woven in’. 

For 20+ years Blake has performed all over the US, Ireland & Germany.  His concerts are a mix of his material from his catalogue, new songs, and whatever the moment calls for. ‘Blake being a master of stage presence and completely at ease, he was capable of bringing the crowd to a complete silence. His ability to make a story out of a moment - a moment every audience member is a part of no less - is the one of the best forms of concert entertainment I’ve ever experienced.”

- Jess, Sunsetintherearview.com

For this special run at Al’s Den, Blake’s usual recitative will be mixed with the unusual holiday songs from his one-man-show 'A Very Subdued Christmas'. He'll be joined by Lucky Brown on Trumpet and David Pender Lofgren on Drums.

Website:

http://robertsarazinblake.com/

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHg9FMaoQxs

Biddy on the Bench

High-Energy Irish Rebel

The versatile combination of banjo, guitar, mandolin, tin whistle and four part vocal harmony lendsitself equally to high-energy Irish rebel songs and shanties, lively session tunes, and mournful gaelicballads. Grounded primarily in the folk/traditional style of Irish music pioneered by such bands as "The Dubliners", "Planxty", and "The Bothy Band", Portland's own "Biddy on the Bench" breathes lifeand authenticity into old standbys of the genre and lesser-known tunes alike.In the winter months of 2013, Biddy on the Bench was formed. The members include KevinGrgurich, Nick Frey, Noah Cotter, Casey Dyer, Tristan Cormack, and Trevor Cormack. Hailing fromCleveland, Ohio, Kevin, Nick, Tristan, and Trevor have been playing music together for close to adecade. Noah and Casey are Oregon natives and bring with them years of experience with Irishmusic. Together, Biddy on the Bench approaches each song, each melody, with a passion for themusic and sharing it with others.