Prescott Park Arts Festival presents: Shovels & Rope
Date and Time
Friday Aug 31, 2018
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM EDT
Location
Prescott Park, Portsmouth
Website
Description
River House Restaurant Concert Series
The lives of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst have become increasingly entwined since they first met in Charleston, S.C. in 2002 — both personally and musically. Now married to each other, they have merged their budding solo careers into Shovels & Rope, a raucous live act that has the ability to rock out to the rafters and slow down to emotionally drenched crooning with ease.
The two play multiple instruments and fill venues with the noise of a band much larger and fuller than any duo should be capable of. Energized by their powerful and haunting southern harmonies, Shovels & Rope combine rowdy barroom rock with lilting folk, old-school country and classic Americana.
It’s the vocal prowess that really makes Shovels & Rope shine. Hearst channels powerhouse country chanteuse as if possessed by the same zeitgeist that illuminated Janis Joplin’s best gut-busting moments. Paired with Trent’s gritty rock sensibilities, this duo provides pleasingly rich harmonies. These vocals are put to use in songs about road-weary singers performing in nowhere bars called Comatose and coming to terms with a love that’s like “hanging my heart on your barbed wire fence.”
They also enjoy putting their own twist on a wide range of cover songs, like adding a bright piano line to Bruce Springsteen’s "Johnny 99," turning Neil Young’s "Unknown Legend" into a glorious anthem, and a surprising downtempo folk-rock version of Faith No More’s "Epic" that shouldn't work but does so wonderfully. Shovels & Rope records and sweaty live shows have attracted a rabidly loyal following that is sure to increase.
If you are a member you should have received an email with a link to reserve your table. For any questions, call the Box Office at 603-436-2848.
If you are not a member, tables and blankets will be available on May 8th*. Become a member today!
*Tables are subject to availability and are first come, first served
