Birthday Tribute to Gram Parsons
A Birthday Tribute to Gram Parsons: a concert at the branch restaurant hosted by Ray Harris and including lots of local talent, Thursday, November 5th, 2009. Every movement needs a symbol—alt country and country rock have Gram Parsons.
In just 26 short years, Gram came to embody the flavour, the spirit, the heart and the music of what he called ‘Cosmic American Music’ and whether you’ve heard him or not (and you probably have, whether through his solo recordings, or from his time spent with the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers or the International Submarine Band), you’ve most certainly heard his far reaching and pervasive influence.
In the 60’s and 70’s Gram re-introduced Keith Richards to country music (Wild Horses, anyone?) he brought the Byrds to Nashville and was the catalyst for a hybrid of country and psychedelic rock that lead the way for everyone from the Eagles, the Grateful Dead and the Band (with a couple of Pocos and CSNs along the way)
…More recently, he has been embraced by an alt country movement that includes the Jayhawks, the Mekons, Uncle Tupelo (Wilco and Son Volt, by proxy) Whiskeytown (Ryan Adams, anyone?) and it probably trickles down to anyone from Steve Earle to local folks like Steve Stacey, Lynne Hanson and Brock Zeman. Like I say, you’ve heard him, whether you think you have or not. He died young, as such, he entered the hall of legends, and the legends around him and his untimely death probably outnumber the truths, but one truth is plain, his music survives—in fact, it sounds more relevant today than it did 40 years ago when it was fresh…
Gram Parsons was born on November 5, 1946—We will celebrate what would have been his 63rd birthday at the branch restaurant in Kemptville with a tribute show hosted by Ottawa’s biggest Gram Parsons fan, and a talented fella in his own right, Ray Harris.
Come on down and see a host of local talents performing their favorite Gram songs, sing along or, if you are interested, give Ray a call and come play a couple of tunes yourself. There is no cover charge, but reservations are highly recommended—and, as always at the branch, the evening includes a chance to try our delicious organic and locally sourced food. Confirmed musicians include Ray Harris, Chef Bruce from the branch and…Ken Workman, Sherwood Lumsden, Pat Moore…
WHAT: A Birthday Tribute to Gram Parsons
WHERE: the branch organic restaurant @ 15 Clothier St. E., Kemptville, Ontario; 613-258-3737
WHEN: Thursday, November 5, 2009 starting about 7:00 pm
WHO: the branch organic restaurant and Ray Harris 613-797-0882 WHY: to celebrate the life and music of alt country legend, Gram Parsons
COST: the music is free! Dinner reservations and tips are greatly appreciated…
Tags: Music, Ray Harris, the Branch
