Magi Promo

12.12.2011

Discounted Tickets to "Gift of the Magi"; Barn Alum!

"A rose by any other name only grows when it's on the vine." - William Young

Man, do we here at Shitty Barn Central love a mixed-metaphor. We traffic in them as we climb the magical musical mountain. And sometimes, as we push big rock up the mountain, one comes tumbling down the other side. And we like it when the walls come tumbling down like a giant wave, sweeping the roses and rocks out to sea, past the mountains. 

And so it is. The Shitty Barn and American Players Theatre have been thrown together like the best mixed-metaphor: it doesn't make any damn sense until you think about it long enough to divine it's own inherent and peculiar meaning. So here's the deal: APT is offering Shitty Barn-ophiles discounted tickets to its seasonal show "Gift of the Magi". And as part and parcel of generating holiday cheer (you know, peace, good will to peeps, all that stuff), Shitty Barn Central is helping to bring Barn-approved musicians to APT to perform at events surrounding "Gift of the Magi". The deets:

APT happy to offer Barn attendees/fans $20 tickets for any "Gift of the Magi" date. This offer is available by phone 608.588.2361 or in person. The standard $10 per-order handling charge applies to all phone orders. Just request the Sh*tty Barn discount. Magi is family-friendly and APT welcomes children aged 6 and up.

And come to the show on any Friday or Saturday and select Thursdays and Sundays, and catch a Barn fave: Count This Penny, Anna Vogelzang, Josh Harty, Pioneer, Caravan GSE. Or how about some new blood? Corey Hart, Bob Weinswig, Nath Dresser, Charles Wyman & Bob Willoughby and the River Valley Madrigal Choir. We will forward the official APT announcement of events asap.

So, take your Mom to a show, catch some awesome music and save a few bucks doing it. Then maybe you can take the money you saved and buy some alcohol. Because if you're anything like us, you'll need it to get through the holiday season. ;)

xoxo -

The Barn

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Shitty Barn Party 2011

10.15.2011

M'Kay. This is the Big One. The Magna Cum Loud-ay of Barn events. The end-of the year blow out. We've had a great season and we want to celebrate it with you. Join us for good-times (ain't we lucky we got 'em?) and questionable memories with:

Soul Deep Dave, Ian's Pizza, Thieves on Holiday, Bailey Screen Printing, Control, House of Brews, Group of the Altos, Furthermore Beer and Just Coffee.

Bring bucks for beers, a sleeping bag, ear-plugs, your best bad attitude and anything else you need to be comfy for an indoor/outdoor event in a barn in October. Oh, and don't drive drunk - Friends, it's just not worth it. We will accommodate your need to be sensible: pitch a tent, crash on the barn floor, stay at one of our homes, give you the number for the local motel etc.

This is not a ticketed event, but your free will donation for the bands would be greatly appreciated!

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Blessed Feathers

10.5.2011

Somehow Blessed Feathers feels like a culmination of all we've worked up to this season.  Without compromising a distinctly folk feeling, this south eastern Wisconsin trio is right in the corner pocket of indie.  This is a great chance to hear them within weeks of the release of their latest album before they get too big for our barny britches.

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The Gentle Guest

9.28.2011

Perhaps proving that there is a fold in time-space which on certain Wednesdays allows Eau Claire to be itself and Spring Green at the same time, all within the space of the Sh*tty Barn and with great music too - we welcome The Gentle Guest for SBS No. 020.  Lucky us, because Eau Claire has been birthing some beautiful and talented bands lately.  

If you loved .357 String Band, Caravan GSE and John Common and Blinding Flashes of Light, you most certainly will find something to love here.  These folks use their instruments and talents to take us places that feel distinctly American and perfectly suited to our spot.  I have a little feeling we might all be la-di-da-ing right along with them before the night is over. 

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In Tall Buildings

9.21.2011

The Chicago Tribune says of In Tall Buildings, "Listening to the record, it's little surprise to hear Hall name-check a diverse array of influences, including Steve Reich, Neil Young, Maurice Ravel and Gillian Welch...".  There's no need to improve upon this explanation of the treat you will give yourself by coming to our Sh*tty barn.  Eric Hall and any of the horses he rides in on are sure to evoke the solid mid-western indie roots which reflect our patient and persistent nature with a little bit of Chicago audacity (a la World's Fair Ferris wheel) added to the mix.

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Pezzettino

9.14.2011

Incontrovertible fact: That the lead of Pezzettino has the same first name (Margaret) as the 4 year old daughter of Ma and Pa Shitty.  Pezzettino Margaret rocks the accordion so incredibly hard that AV Club recently said:  "If accordion is ever going to be integrated into heavy metal, Margaret Stutt will be the one to do it." Heavy metal aspirations aside, we are promised a romantic and acoustic(ish) set from this self-described recovering art history major. Expect some oompas, some shoobops and well rooted musicianship from this Milwaukee girl gone to Brooklyn (but back in Wisconsin for us!).

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Surgeons In Heat

8.31.2011

Well, it's more like 7pm instead of 8pm when the sun dips below the barn roof and you are probably wearing either shorts with sweatshirts or t-shirts with jeans after 6pm. It's that back to school feeling. The Surgeons in Heat will remind you that your bikini tan lines are still under the layers and that all this transition into fall is as much about new beginnings as it is about putting summer to rest. Think power pop. Feel disco.

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The Pines - SOLD OUT

8.24.2011

SOLD OUT

There are these rare moments in life when you know.  When you just know that you either (a) are doing something right or (b) can't not do what you are doing.  The super special moments are when (a) and (b) become (c) which is when you can't not do something that feels so right.  That's how I felt last year watching the Pines during Shitty Barn Session No. 4.  

This singer/songwriter duo (rumored to be a trio for this show), headed by David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey, make music that feels like your own memories with a skillful tenderness.  They owe their sound to Dylan and the musical roots from which they hail.  We hope that amid their busy tour schedule this stop is something of a homecoming for them.  For our part, it will be a happy reunion. Come welcome the Pines back for what promises to be a spectacular night.  

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Americana Fantastico

8.20.2011

We're doing something that I've been DYING to do all damn season: Bring some of my very favorite Madison bands to The Barn for a blow-out (apologies to Blake, who is a Minnesoter now...) No, really: every one of these folks is amazing in their own right. If you've followed the Barn, you'll remember Josh Harty. I like to think of him as the skinny Marlon Brando of the Madison alt-country/americana crew. No really. Blake Thomas almost has what it takes to make it! No, really. Dietrich Gosser put out my favorite (bar none) album of the last ten years. And it's not just because I stole it from him (owe you $10, buddy.) No, really. I'm a little in love with Katie Powderly, so I'm not sure I can be trusted, but she's awesome as is her songwriting and playing. You'll fall in love, too. Plus, it's her birthday AND she once won tickets to a Barn show and actually came! No, really. Count This Penny: if your mom's womb was appalachia, but the rest of her was Midwestern, well... They just feel warm and right - like you belong. Assuming you like your mom. No really. Doors at 7, show at 8.

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Meridene performing with The Heart Pills

8.17.2011

If you were lucky enough last summer to see Meridene at the Sh*tty Barn, you need to tell all of your friends they have another chance!  Meridene will be back and is bringing friends from Eau Claire, The Heart Pills.  Meridene delivers hook after hook of rock that will remind you of flip flops and first lovers.  The Heart Pills keep the straight up rock feel but add an element of 60s loose blues rhythms.  Both will be a treat!

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John Common and Blinding Flashes of Light

8.10.2011

These humid days in the valley always end with clearing skies and the moisture from the air settling gently over the fields as if the day were exhaling.  With similar natural ease, John Common and Blinding Flashes of Light evoke relief with their melodic composition and in the same moment, prod us to reflect on the precious challenges we are faced with every day. Denver to Spring Green (via cities North and West) their style ranges from straight-up Americana to easy Indie pop. Their deliberate musicianship is meant to be appreciated by attentive music fans like you.

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Savannah Smith and Anna Vogelzang

8.3.2011

You will not get out of the Sh*tty Barn without leaving just a little bit of your squishy heart with Savannah Smith or Anna Vogelzang (or *gasp* BOTH!). Our 13th session will be a double bill and double pleasure. Savannah with her ukulele, Anna with her banjo (and other instruments); both with smart, fun lyrics delivered by their sincere and honest voices.

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Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble

7.27.2011

Next up, Caravan G.S.E (Gypsy Swing Ensemble).  We of the Shitty Barn are excited have these guys. Slip on your Parisian waltzing shoes and invoke the spirit of Django Reinhardt.  Imagine yourself an expat and Spring Green a retreat from the callous indifference of nascent industrialization.  Or if that's too much trouble, just come have a beer or two and let Caravan G.S.E. do the rest.  

Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble is an acoustic instrumental swing/jazz group based in Madison. Influenced by American swing, traditional Latin, Parisian waltzes, European folk music, and other vintage-jazz sources it is certain that each and every one of you will find a reason to smile, tap toe and long for more. 

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!!!!!!

Soul Deep Dave from Detroit (via Taliesin), will be spinning the finest Northern soul from the 60's and 70's this week before and after the Caravan GSE show! Come on out and do the rump on either end of getting your Gypsy Swing-Thing on!

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Mark Mallman

7.20.2011

TICKETS ON  SALE STARTING JULY 6.  Get a jump on tickets by purchasing while you're at an earlier show!

Well, well, well....What to say about how lucky we are to have Mark Mallman grace the Shitty Barn? This Milwaukee-born comic-book-hero of rock has made art his life and his life a work of art. By day he composes scores for major motion pictures, but as evening falls, he slips into a moving vehicle,dons his 70's glam rock garb and hits the stage to tease quirky, extravagant pop from his keyboard. It's not uncommon to hear Mallman's stage presence compared to Johnny Rotten AND Elton John. By all reports, he gives and gives and gives to his audience. Come receive. This is special opportunity to see Mark Mallman up close and personal.  

And as the Denver Post said:  "You really haven't lived until you've seen Mark Mallman ride his keyboard!" 

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Melismatics

7.6.2011

The Melismatics rolled us over with their unapologetic and infectious power pop last September at Furthermore's Shitty Barn Party.  This time they promise to give us a rare semi-acoustic, stripped-down set.  These talented four draw their influences from the deep roots of rock and pop including Big Star, David Bowie, The Kinks and The Cars. The rich top-soil to their sound has been described as reminiscent of New Order and Jesus and Mary Chain. All that with a healthy does of Twin Cities indie pop scene fertilizer and the Melismatics blossom big.  Just imagine what adding a little Shitty Barn love to the mix will do!  Come find out will ya!?

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.357 String Band

6.29.2011

Milwaukee gutter punk meets Appalachia, .357 String Band will raise the Sh*tty Barn roof with their traditional instrumentation and original lyrics which evoke the darker side of classic Americana, Country and even Gospel. Despite their rough and tumble looks, they are some of the sweetest damn guys you'll ever meet.  We'll be their first Wisconsin show on their return from a West coast ramble.  Let's do 'em proud!

Not your gran-daddy's bluegrass, but Bill Monroe would be proud of these streetgrass all-stars.

Tickets on sale starting 6/16/11, or get a pre-sale incentive and discount by attending a prior June show and buying your tickets in person!

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DOSH

6.22.2011

Otherwise known as Martin Dosh, you are in for a sonic layer cake both hauntingly familiar and contextually foreign all frosted with rhythm and boogie jelly in between. 

Hailing from Minneapolis, this lo-fi looptastic multi-instrumentalist draws from jazz, hip-hop, electronica and probably Bach (whether or not he intends to) to create lush and complete compositions.  It's no wonder Andrew Bird likes him enough to collaborate.  

For some of you this is a perfect chance to experiment with experimental electronic music.  For others of you, this is a special surprise treat to see your favorite guy in a sh*tty barn.  Either way - come feel the love!

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DINOSAUR FEATHERS

6.15.2011

Straight out of Brooklyn and gracing our green valley, Dinosaur Feathers is gonna raise you up to soaring-grade thermals and you'll be smiling the whole time. Sporting some Minnesota roots, they are no strangers to the Midwest. Baebelmusic.com says Dinosaur Feathers "pretty much writes the book on taking sticky music and slapping on as much harmony, progression, and lyrical turbulence as possible. The bubbly, half beach-soaked, half introspective hybrid sound that saturates...."  Read more: http://bit.ly/inZ0n6

We are so pleased to have them.  They've been busy creatures what with playing SXSW, stopping in on Daytrotter, touring the Midwest and East coast and recording their second album. If that's not enough to feather-tickle your fancy....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JE8ngInMd8
http://bit.ly/mcMOP1
http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/dinosaur-feathers-concert/20032216-37382267.html
http://dinosaurfeathersmusic.blogspot.com/

AWWWW heck!  Just get here!  Tickets on sale now!

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Communist Daughter

6.8.2011

Opening the 2011 Shitty Barn Sessions and back for their redemption tour, Communist Daughter has promised to wow us with what Rolling Stone Magazine called their "Fragile, daydreaming harmonies" and their amazing punctuality.

Johnny Solomon and Molly Moore will woo us during the first set and be joined in the second set by their band, recently heard on NPR.

2010 Shitty Barn Session No.4 was when we first fell in love. It was like any new crush: an almost painful build of anticipation, followed by blissful feelings when their voices filled our shitty barn, and too little time to linger. Come join us for this lover's reunion! 

TICKETS = $10

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The Pines

10.13.2010

This October 13 The Sh*tty Barn Sessions presents The Pines, an acclaimed edgy alt-folk duo based in the Twin Cities. The Pines, David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey, are touring in support of Tremolo, their follow-up album to 2007's internationally acclaimed Sparrows in the Bell.  

“A state of emergency runs through these songs, but there is a safe haven too, even if it’s just a dream, and the Pines get there with a warm, drawling poise in their voices and sparse resonant picking.” -Rolling Stone

The son of Greg Brown’s producer and sideman Bo Ramsey, Benson was reared on folk and blues music and continues to let those influences shine, even on louder electric songs. David also has a deep love for traditional music, and together the two of them craft songs that evoke the ancient, while incorporating newer rock and pop grooves.  Bo Ramsey produced the record which was released on acclaimed indie label Red House Records.  Their dark Americana sound has gained a devoted cult following and has led them to share the stage with such diverse acts as Jolie Holland, The Arcade Fire, Iris DeMent, Bon Iver and The Holmes Brothers.

Watch The Pines perform songs from Tremelo on Wisconsin Public Television HERE or check them out on myspace HERE.

Your $10 ticket to this Sh*tty Barn Session includes admission, a cup to fill with seasonal Furthermore brews, and plenty of hot grill space. 

TIX ON SALE NOW at The Spring Green General Store or online at Brown Paper Tickets.  

6PM:  Dining and socializing
7PM:  Showtime 

Bring a blankie, stadium seat or folding chair.  Family-friendly (age 6+ welcome).

Sh*tty Barn Sessions are held at 506 E. Madison St., Spring Green, WI, 53588.  Look for the big red barn.

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Communist Daughter

9.22.2010

The Shitty Barn Sessions is thrilled to present Minneapolis's Communist Daughter for Session No. 4!

Voted "Best Band in the Twin Cities" by Twin Cities Metromix and gaining critical acclaim throughout the midwest for their album, Soundtrack To The End, Communist Daughter is certain to unsh*tty the sh*ttiest of barns.

"Fragile, daydreaming harmonies. Swirling synths that spin and spin until they fall down dizzy. Steady-galloping drums that coolly pass you by. These Midwestern boys have wrapped them all up into rip-your-heart out ballads about getting older but not necessarily happier – songs that capture the old joy of classic records and do-nothing days, and the ache of knowing they're mostly gone. Yes, there's a good kind of sadness, and this is what it sounds like."

-Melissa Maerz, Rolling Stone Magazine

Listen to Communist Daughter HERE, learn more about them HERE and catch them in action HERE.

AND THIS TIME, leave your grillables at home! Madison's Underground Food Collective will be hijacking the grill and providing all the food for the event. BYO appetite!

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Meridene

8.18.2010

Based out of Eau Claire on Amble Down Records, Meridene is touring in support of their new album, Something Like Blood, recorded at Bon Iver's Northern Wisconsin studio. The album offers layers of charging guitars, sprawling keys and high-intensity percussion. Something Like Blood will be officially released September 28, 2010. Be sure to stay up-to-date on Meridene news as the release date nears by frequenting their website. 

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DREW PETERSON

7.21.2010

We're importing Minnesota's own Drew Peterson for session no. 2. 

Drew's music is like having a kid: you think your experience is entirely unique while recognizing that, at the same time, it's pretty damn universal. Spending time with Mr. Peterson's songs, you are drawn to their intimacy, tenderness, humor and humility which, while they seem so very particular, are wrapped in a musical through-line which is is very familiar and solid.

A ticket to this session gets you:

• a FREE Drew Peterson CD

• a cup to fill with Furthermore Beer

• a hot grill from 6 - 7 (byo grill-ables, we'll provide condiments and paper plates)

• a seat on the cold, hard barn floor (bring a blankie, stadium seat or a chair if you wish)

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE or at The Spring Green General Store!

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Josh Harty

6.16.2010

Josh Harty | June 16th | Shitty Barn Session No. 1:

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