Lys Guillorn

Ball & Socket Arts is excited to pilot a brand new series: PARTY IN THE PEWS featuring unlikely combinations and fresh musical adventures. On Saturday, April 20th from 7-9 pm, Lys Guillorn will open and then Washboard Slim and the Bluelights will have the joint jumping with their signature Americana, complete with a washboard. Lys Guillorn is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and stylistic shape-shifter from Connecticut, dipping one boot in twangy indie folk, and the other in psych rock. Guillorn’s self-titled first record, released in 2003, earned some indie press and radio airplay due to its originality as well as guest turns from members of the Feelies, Luna, and Voidoids. Since then, Guillorn has remained a steadfast member of the Connecticut music scene, printing photos by day and playing shows by night with both local and national artists. lysguillorn.com Get a taste here: https://washboardslim.com/home After 40 years of playing together, Washboard Slim and the Bluelights has evolved into one of the country's most versatile and original of jug bands. Incorporating pure Americana instruments like tub bass, washboard, jug, banjo, harmonica, and fiddle, adding drums and powerful vocal harmonies, this band rocks sold-out concerts, dance halls and family shows. Playing their own compositions as well as original arrangements of traditional gospel and blues tunes, their music is by turns playful and haunted. It's no wonder legendary blues/folk artist, Eric Von Schmidt described Washboard Slim and the Bluelights as traditional music on overdrive. BAND MEMBERS Peter (Washboard Slim) Menta - Drums, Harmonica, Kazoo, Washboard, Vocals. A thirty year veteran, performing jug band and blues music, Washboard Slim was featured at the Philadelphia Folk Festival with the Barrelhouse Boys. In addition, he has appeared on stage with Willie Dixon, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Geoff Muldaur, Eric Von Schmidt, Fritz Richmond and Dave Van Ronk. Brooks Barnett - Accordion, Banjo, Drums, Guitar, Mandolin, Piano, Vocals. Our ace utility player originally from West Virginia, Brooks combines a love of old time mountain music and classic rock and roll that complements the bands sound. With over twenty years of professional playing experience, Brooks is an excellent vocalist and arranges harmonies for the group. Howard Horn - Banjo, Jug, Washtub Bass, Vocals. Howie and Slim were both members of the Ten Years Late Jug Band and Nevard and the Barrelhouse Boys, touring the northeast for over ten years. Featured performances included the Louisville Folk Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Cambridge River Festival, and the New Haven Jazz Festival. A stunning virtuoso on jug and bass, Howie is also known for his amusing stage patter. Mat Kastner - Banjo, Guitar, National Steel Guitar. A veteran Connecticut folk and rock musician, Mat achieved national recognition as lead guitarist with Mercury recording artist, Randy Burns. John Pendergast - Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin, Vocals.. John has played with a number of well known swing bands all over the United States and has toured nationally with the Juggernaut Jug Band.