Charley Orlando, Los Blancos and Digger Jones play roots-rock show Saturday at Little York Lake
By Russ Tarby
Contributing Writer
How long has it been since you enjoyed some live music?
Unless you’re quarantined with a significant other who’s a musician, it has likely been more than three months since you sat back and let the rhythms mesmerize and the melodies inspire.
Like all concert venues locally and nationally, the Homer for the Center of the Arts had to cancel its entire summer lineup in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the center’s indefatigable Executive Director Ty Marshal isn’t one to let such circumstances trump performance possibilities.
Embracing the age-old show-biz saying, “The show must go on,” the Center for the Arts presents “Concert in a Car” on Saturday, June 27, at 6 p.m., at Dwyer Memorial Park, 6799 Little York Lake Road, in Preble.
The concert features original tunes and roots rock by songwriter Charley Orlando, blues-rockers Los Blancos and Digger Jones.
Tickets cost $40 for each automobile or $20 per motorcycle, but there’s a limit of 150 vehicles, and the first three rows are reserved for Center for the Arts members. Tickets – which must be reserved in advance — are available at Center4Art.org or by calling 607-749-4900.
“Charley Orlando is the essence of heart in music,” Marshal said.
In his 30-year career he has played more than 3,000 shows across North America.
Over the decades, Orlando has released 17 albums including “Dal Cuore,” a tribute to Bob Dylan.
One of Orlando’s favorite covers is Dylan’s “Tangled Up in Blue,” but Orlando’s own originals also impress audiences, tunes such as “Take Cover,” “Can’t Shake the Cold” and “Letter Full of Blues.”
Los Blancos is an award-winning roots and blues trio featuring guitarist-singer Colin Aberdeen, bassist Steven T. Winston and drummer Mark Tiffault.
“They’re best known for their butt-rockin’ shows and for bringing the juice every time they play,” Marshal said.
Saturday’s music-seeking motorists can expect to hear Los Blancos’s versions of old New Orleans standards such as “Ooh Poo Pah Doo” and “Junco Partner” along with original compositions such as Aberdeen’s “Wild, Wild Women” and “Mighty Mean Mama.”
Digger Jones is a Cortland-based blues-rock trio reflecting classic influences such as the Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin and more contemporary groups like the Black Keys and North Mississippi All-Stars. “Digger Jones has developed a reputation for high-energy performances that give a nod to tradition while remaining relevant for modern audiences,” Marshal said.
The band includes the multi-talented Chris Merkley on guitar, harmonica and vocals, Steve Morgan on bass and vocals and Chad Dean on drums. “These guys mix swampy blues with a down-home approach to rock ’n’ roll,” Marshal observed.
Saturday’s audience may hear a few Merkley originals such as “Sip of Life” or “Tarbox,” or maybe even a cover of the Black Keys’ “Little Black Submarines.”
