Dawson Street Pub holds some great musical memories for me so I’m always up for hanging out there.  Plus, this particular Tuesday night’s music was a bill including John Francis Band and Ross Bellenoit, both of whose music I’m familiar with.  As for, Octopus Jones and James Klueh, it never hurts to check out new music.

I’ll blame it on the cold winter weather for why I was running late and missed all but the last song of James Klueh’s set.  Klueh was playing a solo set but it’s not wise or fair to comment on a performance based on one song that was distorted by the cacophonic tone in the pub at that moment.  So, maybe I’ll catch a full set by Klueh at some point.

For years I’ve only knew Ross Bellenoit as an integral musician in several of my favorite bands from the Philly area.  Then I became aware of Bellenoit as a singer-songwriter.  So, whether it’s integral musician Bellenoit or singer-songwriter Bellenoit, Ross is very skilled.  And it’s always a treat to hear Bellenoit play a solo acoustic set.  Hey, Ross, I definitely appreciate hearing the new material – thank you!

Octopus Jones is a five member band from South Carolina with a very diverse sound.  I don’t know how to begin to describe their sound other than to say that it’s good music.  At the beginning of Octopus Jones set I had no idea what to expect but by the end of their set they had just made at least one more fan from their performance.  Octopus Jones is a very energetic band that made a great first impression.  By the way, Octopus Jones’ cover of Tear For Fears’ “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” was fantastic.  NICE!

John Francis Band (John Francis, Ross Bellenoit, Freddie Berman, and Phil D’Agostino) had the final set of the night.  Prior to last night I had not seen John Francis live before but I’m very familiar with his album ‘Better Angels’ because it’s one of my favorites.  Anyway, no surprise that John Francis Band played an incredible set last night at Dawson Street Pub.  It was nice to hear Francis’ folk, country, Americana blend of music live – it made my ears smile.  Plus, the stories that accompany some of Francis’ songs are so entertaining and added a great vibe to the performance.  Even though it was getting late and I was getting tired I knew that I couldn’t leave before John Francis’ set was over or else I would regret it.  And I’m so glad that I stayed until the end because I heard a lovely cover of John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery” – I love that song.

Tuesday nights can be fairly dull so I must thank: Russ, The Blinkin Lincoln, Dawson Street Pub, John Francis Band, Octopus Jones, Ross Bellenoit, and James Klueh for a great night of music.

Upcoming Shows:
John Francis
1/08/2012 – Sellersville Theatre (Sellersville, PA) Opening for Buffy Sainte-Marie
1/14/2012 – Pete’s Candy Store (New York, NY)

Ross Bellenoit
1/10/2012 – The Fire (Philadelphia, PA)
1/21/2012 – World Cafe Live [upstairs] (Philadelphia, PA)

Octopus Jones
1/05/201 – Martin’s Downtown (Roanoke, VA)
1/07/2012 – L.A.B. (Asheville, NC)

James Klueh
>>>>> TBA >>>>>