As the week rapidly approaches anticipation builds for the upcoming show at the Lincoln Center February 8th as part of the American Songbook series.

We are honored to be asked to take part in this tradition with fellow musicians like Sufjan Stevens, Stephen Merritt and Neko Case. What songs to perform and which covers to pull out are some of the questions floating
in our mind space and musical realm. The Allen Room looks like a beautiful space with good conjure complete with a massive glass backdrop unveiling the slow simmer glow of Manhattan’s skyline. I keep going back to earlier songs of ours like “Crooked Road and The Briar” and “Bloodflow” ones that have rarely been performed before as well as some cover songs by artists who have helped shape the eclectic side of the American Songbook such as David Hidalgo, Bob Dylan, Stephen Foster, Lalo Guerrero and Michael Hurley. We have two shows for two completely different sets of songs and tons of guests so the possibilities are endless which will no doubtedly be a lot of fun.

Joining us will be Johnny Contreras from Tucson’s Mariachi Luz de Luna playing vihuela, cuatro and vocals, Brooklyn’s own Rob Burger on piano and
accordion, and some of the members of indie-gypsy NY based band, Beirut (Jon Natchez-baritone and tenor sax, Kelly Pratt -trumpet and euphonium, Jason Poranski-ukuele and guitar, and Kristin Serrebee-violin.)

There are so many more friends and musicians we would love to invite to sit in with us this night, who knows maybe there will be more surprise guests, or maybe we should return to the NY area for a residency, something we’ve wanted to do for years.