Hokum?s Heroes, a Boston based 6 piece band, will be sweeping through the DC area on a heroic Southern tour. They honor the immortal string band music of Howard ?Louie Bluie? Armstrong and jug band music of Jim Kweskin. In fact, the individual resumes of the band prominently include stints with these legendary artists. Hokum?s Heroes perform early 20th Century Pop music, twining together the roots of early jazz, vaudeville, hokum, string band, jug band, gospel, and blues. Looming largest is the euphoric rag-tinged string bands like R. Crumb and the Cheap Suit Serenaders and of course Martin, Bogan, and Armstrong. Their considerable individual skills along with their passion for the music come together to give you a glimpse back in time including the infectious spontaneity that is integral to the style. With their modern sensibilities this is not formaldehyde infused music in a museum case. Hear it live and acoustic like it is meant to be heard. The heroes of your evening are:
Bruce Millard, bandleader--guitarist and mandolin: Howard Armstrong said of Bruce??He?s my favorite guitar player in a long time. I don?t have to tell him nuthin?.? He appears in the PBS Documentary Sweet Old Song with the late Mr. Armstrong. Bruce assembled musicians who share his passion and each has a significant resume.
Samoa Wilson?vocals, current Blix Street recording artist, first recording at age 12 with Jim Kweskin
Geordie Gude?harmonica, his tone will remind you of Sonny Terry, his voice Woody Guthrie.
Matthew Berlin?bass, Kweskin and Louie Bluie Band alumnus with serious jazz credentials
Jerome Deupree?drums, with a driving, innovative style all the while soft and subtle. 40 years experience making feet tap including a stint in the rock band Morphine of Geffen/Dreamworks fame.
Matt Leavenworth?fiddle with everybody from Doc Watson to Jim Kweskin. Reserve a seat at the Reitz Ranch (in Derwood, between Rockville and Olney) by contacting Marv or Kathy Reitz at 301-670-6716 or reitz (at) verizon.net. They'll give you driving directions. Doors open 7:30, show 8-10.
