WXDU's radio show, Topsoil, is presenting another intimate house concert at Pine Hill Farm in Durham with country singer-songwriter and Koch recording artist, Greg Trooper on Saturday, March 6 at 8pm. These concerts are organized so that we all chip in to pay the artist for the performance. We will be asking for a donation of $10 per person and you can save a spot in advance by writing Steve Gardner at [EMAIL PROTECTED], or by calling 919-304-2693. I will then let you know how to complete the reservation. This concert will probably sell out in a matter of hours, not days. The emails will be time-marked and I will offer the spots on a first-come first-serve basis. Reservations are NOW on sale for this show. ========================== Part One: Who is Greg Trooper? Part Two: What is Pine Hill Farm? Part Three: Where is Pine Hill Farm? Part Four: What is Topsoil? ========================== Part One: Who is Greg Trooper? First a personal note. Greg Trooper's latest CD "Popular Demons" was my #3 CD of the year last year, and that was with very tough competition. The sheer power of this CD, and my love for the songs on it, plus some encouragement from a friend at work, caused me to seek Greg out. Luckily I called just as he was planning a tour through the area. I know this is short notice, but really, you've got to go to this show. I saw Greg recently in Lake Tahoe, CA and he was awesome. If you liked the country singer-songwriters I've had in the past like Slaid Cleaves, Kevin Gordon and Robbie Fulks you'll definitely want to get a spot at this show. And now a short overview taken from the official Greg Trooper website: http://earth.vol.com/~jessi11/index.htm His first three albums, We Won't Dance, Everywhere, and Noises In The Hallway (produced by E-Street Band member Garry Tallent) intrigued such artists as Steve Earle, Vince Gill, and Billy Bragg, all of whom have covered Trooper's songs. Touring extensively with performers such as Joe Ely and Roseanne Cash,Trooper also established a reputation as an exuberant performer whose wit and vigor charmed audiences across the country and throughout Europe. Trooper has built a strong following with fans and other musicians. when it came time to record Popular Demons, Trooper tapped his old friend, alt-country mainstay Buddy Miller to produce. "He's my secret weapon," Trooper says, "not only are his aesthetics in line with mine, he's also a great guy." Trooper mentions Miller's focus, which may explain the overall feel of economy on the record: every guitar riff, every drum fill serves a purpose. Silence is an important part of the aural landscape and each instrument has room to breathe. Recorded at Miller's Dogtown Studio, Popular Demons is a record Greg Trooper always knew he had in him: "the treatment and the elements are something I've always wanted to do, I had no inhibitions - and nobody breathing down my neck asking ,"Who's going to buy this album?" In addition to the core of Trooper's band- guitarist Duane Jarvis, drummer Rick Schell, and bassist Greg Shirley-Popular Demons features appearances by Tammy Rogers on violin, al Perkins on dobro, and Emmylou Harris and Julie Miller on background vocals. Miller contributed lots of guitar work and some backing vocals himself, Steve Earle joins Trooper for a duet on the bonus track, a cover of Dylan's " I'll Keep It With Mine." Part Two: What is Pine Hill Farm? Pine Hill Farm is the name of a ranch house in Durham a few miles north of Chapel Hill. (directions below) I started up these house concerts with one of the members of that household, Bill Tolbert. Together we try to bring the music that we want to see to town. Pine Hill Farm presents shows in a totally acoustic setting, meaning no amplification. The shows are held in the living room and the acoustics are wonderful. There is no better way to see a show. Part Three: Where is Pine Hill Farm? Directions: To get to Pine Hill Farm, take Exit 266 from I-40 onto 86N (a.k.a. Airport Rd). Go right on Mt. Sinai Rd. and after 2.5 miles, take a left onto Murphy School Rd. The house is down the second driveway on the right - park on Murphy School Rd. past the driveway and enjoy. Part Four: What is Topsoil? Topsoil is my radio show on every Sunday from noon to 3pm on WXDU, 88.7FM. I play a century of twang. For more information on the show or my house concerts check out my website, www.topsoil.net. Cheers!! Steve -- Steve Gardner - Topsoil: A Century of Twang - Sun. 12-3pm WXDU 88.7FM Durham NC and on the Net at www.wxdu.duke.edu * [EMAIL PROTECTED] **** www.topsoil.net *
