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Experience John Butler Trio’s ‘April Rising’ In June
Sure, John Butler Trio began touring in May, but that was for the West Coast. Now the Australian threesome heads into America’s heartland, including a night with Medeski Martin & Wood and a few gigs with State Radio.
Photo: Paul Smith Images
John Butler Trio has always been a music-lover’s band, one of those hard-to-define acts captivating listeners with an eclectic mix of roots music combined with touches of jazz, bluegrass, funk rock, blues and whichever genres the group might suddenly take inspiration from. Released in March, the band’s latest album – April Uprising – provides the spark for a quick tour across the U.S.A with the trio playing everything from clubs to amphitheatres.
The title of the album has some meaning, both historical and personal, for Butler. Turns out the documentary crew for the TV series “Who Do You Think You Are” traced Butler’s family lineage to Bulgaria where his ancestors were involved with the 1876 “April Uprising.” Along with having political rebels in his family tree, Butler learned that his great-great grandmother was also a musical artist of sorts who sang in pubs so she could have enough money to feed her children.
Having begun the tour in May on the West Coast, the June leg begins with Butler, along with bassist Byron Luiters and drummer Nicky Bomba, playing Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre June 4 on a one-night-only bill that also includes Medeski Martin & Wood and State Radio. Other stops include Kansas City at Crossroads June 5; The
The band’s final stretch turns into a co-bill with State Radio as the trio plays New York City’s Central Park Summerstage June 15; Vienna, Va., at Filene Center At Wolf Trap June 16; Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing June 17 and Boston’s Bank Of America Pavilion June 18.
Photo: Paul Smith Images
But the Boston show doesn’t end John Butler Trio’s North American run. Look for the group in Toronto at the Sound Academy July 7; Quebec City at the