About this Event
“Though he'd never admit it himself, Glenn Jones might singlehandedly be the most important guitarist of the last several decades. His life long tenure to the underground has gifted us, dear reader, with 10 widely acclaimed solo LPs on top of an already emphatic career alongside the genre defying Cul De Sac - a band that you forgot played more times with Damo Suzuki than Can did.
Jones’ subtle approach to fingerstyle remains uniquely idiosyncratic, having established and continued to innovate a deeply personal melodic grammar for the acoustic guitar and banjo that is witty, cleverly self-referential and tethered to the weight of reflection and memory.
Sketches of Fahey, a close friendship with the late John Jackson of Fairfax Virginia, long conversations in the driveway with one Jack Rose; devotion to his mother, the ever lovely Nora Smith with her leather jacket, and his cats. The portraiture of days gone by, sentiment for those close and fondly remembered. Ever fleeting. Ever sublime.
Here is a vital messenger of the steel string guitar who we can celebrate in his time - here and now.”
— Man Tragil, 2025.
Vade Mecum
Glenn Jones is a unique player in the world of solo guitar. Steeped in both American Primitive guitar music as well as rock and experimental music, Glenn Jones creates rich sonic tapestries with a distinct and stirring voice. Endlessly curious, Jones has spent the better part of four decades exploring the boundaries of expression and storytelling with the guitar and banjo. On Vade Mecum, Jones draws on his personal history to tell stories with elaborate musical detail and emotional weight. Exploring the complexity of personal experience, emotions and our shared histories, Vade Mecum finds Jones painting his music in boundaryless colors, captivatingly vivid.
“Vade Mecum means, literally, ‘go with me.’,” says Jones. “It’s an invitation.” With that invitation opening the album, Jones acts as a guide across the terrain of interiors and exteriors alike, from barking of seals at “Bass Harbor Head” to the gentle crumble of “A Handful of Snow.” “I tend to think of my albums as the latest entries into something like an ongoing musical diary,” Jones continues. “I don’t write pieces to order or with anything much in mind; I simply follow wherever the music leads me. Why this tuning? Why this note and not that one? Why this chord and not another? Why this tempo and not a different one? I don’t know, and I love not knowing. The ‘not knowing’ is what keeps me engaged and curious; ‘not knowing’ keeps me coming back.” Jones uses those questions of tempo and chords alongside unique open tunings and capos as a way of posing musical questions to himself which he in turn answers with sublime stories that unveil as much about Jones himself as they uncover memories or impressions of their subjects.
Liam Grant is a New England guitarist with a punk ethos, cut from the American Primitive cloth. The restless guitar explorations, modal epics, and driving uptempo rags recall the likes of Grant's pedagogue; Takoma Records, and the path that was paved by his forebears John Fahey, Robbie Basho, Peter Walker, Max Ochs and later Glenn Jones, Steffen Basho-Junghans, Jack Rose, and others.
Bridging that past Grant evokes the pith of the landscape where he was raised. Instrumental memoirs and ruminations on the banks of the Merrimack River. Amoskeag. And the place where the waters flow around it. Salmon tails up the falls and black pearls from the river. The exodus to Stratton-Eustis and the last night on Dead River before the great flood.
Seasoned solo performer, Helen Hummel is joined by Sturgis Cunningham (Drums & Percussion) and Matthew Thornton (Cello & Bass). Originally from the green mountains of Vermont, Helen's songwriting reflects the rural landscape of her upbringing and the addition of Sturgis and Matthew brings new depth and emotion to Helen's dynamic sound. Through classic and original songs, Helen fills out the limits of her vocal range and accompanies herself on bright and playful guitar. The trio is based in Western Massachusetts and is booking more shows through greater New England.
Doors are at 7pm and music will begin at 730 sharp. Seating is first come first served and this show is all ages.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Nova Arts Block/Brewbakers Cafe, 48 Emerald Street, Keene, United States
USD 23.18
