By: Bailey Faulkner
Ready to enjoy the holiday weekend? Head over to Murphy’s Pub in downtown Boone for three nights of live music at this year’s “Johnapalooza”— a series of concerts paying tribute to John Rush, who makes sure there’s always great music at the pub.
Thursday — Fat Cheek Kat
Johnapalooza will kick off Thursday night with guitar and horns-driven funk roots band Fat Cheek Kat. The Winston-Salem based, self proclaimed “funk movement” band is currently touring the South in support of its 2013 album Systematically, available on bandcamp.com and the band’s website.
Inspired by Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin and Sly and the Family Stone, the energetic and charismatic band will thrill audiences with its funky and soulful tunes. The band is also preparing for a new studio album.
Friday — Fat Cheek Kat and Elusive Groove
Fat Cheek Kat will return to Murphy’s on Friday night, this time joined by reggae roots band Elusive Groove. Also hailing from Winston-Salem, Elusive Groove is known for its “skank-guitar sound complimented by driving percussion and mellow bass lines.”
With a few years under its belt, Elusive Groove has created a local and regional following by networking with fellow bands and musicians in the Carolinas and beyond. New to the Boone area, the band will have a great opportunity to showcase its Tribal Seeds and Rebelution-style tunes to those who may not have had the chance to hear them live yet. More information about the band is available on reverbnation.com.
Saturday — Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project
The Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project will wrap up Johnapalooza on Saturday night. Formed in 2014, the “fiery string band” is currently touring throughout the South. The group’s harmonies and strings will show off its Appalachian-rooted bluegrass, soul and rock-n-roll style.
The band has several notable appearances on its résumé, having played alongside Sam Bush and the Steep Canyon Rangers at the grand opening of the Earl Scruggs Museum in Shelby, North Carolina. The band has also performed at Merlefest as part of a tribute to the music of Doc Watson.
In addition to the band’s accomplishments, Daniels is also known for his work in Americana rock band The New Familiars, and Schimick has toured with famous bluegrass guitarist and songwriter Larry Keel. Not new to Boone, the Doc Watson, Grateful Dead and Steely Dan-inspired group will finish out Johnapalooza in an exciting and energetic fashion.
Thursday’s show will have a $2 cover charge, while Friday and Saturday’s shows will have a $5 cover. At 10 p.m., Murphy’s Pub will be open only to those 21 or over. Don’t forget to stop by and check out some of the hottest music Boone has to offer!
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