September 6th can’t come fast enough for fans of American Roots music. Long time collaborators, fellow raconteurs and storytellers Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore join forces at The Dakota. Tickets are nearly gone. Details HERE
Either of these gentlemen has a songbook and performance pedigree that would allow them to fill the place alone. It’s a special treat when they share the stage. Last year the duo played a remarkable, sit down acoustic evening at the Cedar Cultural Center. They laughed, joked, shared tales from the road and handed classic songs back and forth to a delighted audience. While the Dakota engagement may have much of the same, expect more energy and power as the pair will be backed by Alvin’s crackerjack backing band The Guilty Ones.
Dave Alvin and his distinct baritone voice first appeared on the scene as the lead guitar player in big brother Phil’s monster rockabilly band The Blasters. Through the early and mid 80’s he began to contribute hit songs to the band before moving on to other projects. For a period of time either Phil or Dave would front the band while the other was absent.
While most of his compositions fall loosely into the categories of Americana or rockabilly, Alvin has constantly explored other genres. He spent some years playing lead for the legendary LA punk band X, as well as The Knitters. Along the way, his backing bands The Guilty Men, The Guilty Women (including Marcia Ball and Austin’s legendary bass player Sarah Brown) and The Guilty Ones have explored songs from the public domain to alt country to rockabilly to jump blues. His ballads often examine society’s down and outers. There is a dusty timelessness to his music.
Jimmie Dale Gilmore is a born and bred Texan, hailing from Lubbock, home of Buddy Holly. His earliest influence was that of Hank Williams and his love of honkytonk country has never really left him. In the early 1970’s, Gilmore founded The Flatlanders with the legendary Joe Ely and Butch Hancock. That band still finds time to reconvene and perform.
Fans love his beautiful tenor voice, which provides a wonderful counterpoint to Alvin’s. Along the way his songs have been nominated for three Grammy Awards covering the gamut from Country to Folk.
What is known for a certainty is the night at The Dakota will not long enough for these two troubadours to deeply dent their catalogs. So while you might not hear that personal favorite, you can be sure you will hear some new (or old) ones that will blow you away.
While I normally am inclined to more raucous surroundings than the Dakota’s refinement, there is no question that this will be a night to listen and listen closely. There is no better venue for that in the Twin Cities. The opportunity to indulge in some world class cuisine just adds to the mix.
Act fast. This one is going to sell out if you don’t. Highly recommended!
