The Packway Handle Band performs "All the Time in the World"
After the success of Athens, GA bands like the B-52s and REM in the early 1980s, the little college town became a hotbed for young musicians. Hopefuls took up residence from all over the country and worked at the Taco Stand or Wuxtry Records, praying that one of their gigs at the High Hat would get them discovered. At the very least, it would look cool to say you were from Athens on your press materials. That is, if you ever managed to land an out of town show. Some Athens bands like Widespread Panic and the Drive-By Truckers have made that leap, but one thing the place was never really known for was bluegrass music. That’s changed in the last few years since the appearance of the Packway Handle Band. Bluegrass purists may scoff at their version of Madonna’s “Like A Prayer”, while Newgrass pickers may be left scratching their heads at their take on the driving gospel number “There’s Something Going on in the Graveyard (Like You Ain’t Never Seen)”. Still, anyone with a pulse will find it racing when this traditional five-piece lineup featuring banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin and bass start singing their hip four-part harmonies through one microphone, the way Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys done it. Check them out at this newly remodeled Black Rock venue.
Tuesday, March 6 at 9pm. Sportsmen’s Tavern, 326 Amherst Street. 874-7734. FREE.
Questions or Comments for Artvoice? Send e-mail to editorial@artvoice.com • Article last modified 2/28/2007
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