It’s Strawbs Season

There is so much history packed in the Strawbs’ timeline that it’s sometimes difficult to know where to begin. Having started in the mid-1960s as a bluegrass-flavored act under the moniker the Strawberry Hill Boys, the group eventually shortened its name and began performing its own material.  The band’s first A&M single – “Oh How She Changed” – featured the studio talents of Tony Visconti who went on to become David Bowie’s producer, and Gus Dudgeon, who produced Bowie’s “Space Oddity” single and helmed several Elton John albums.

Of course, Yes figures into the Strawbs’ family of musicians.  Keyboardist Rick Wakeman was an early member before he quit the band to join Yes.  Decades later his sons Adam and Oliver Wakeman would find their separate paths to the Strawbs.  Oliver also quit the Strawbs in order join Yes, replacing father Rick in 2008.

Along with founder David Cousins, today’s Strawbs include longtime members Dave Lambert, Chas Cronk and Drummer Tony Fernandez, plus new keyboardist Dave Bainbridge.  Here’s the tour:

May 5 – Beacon, N.Y., Towne Crier Café
May 6 – Gettysburg, Pa., Majestic Theater Perf. Arts (Rifest)
May 7 – Sellersville, Pa., Sellersville Theater 1894
May 10 – New York, N.Y., B.B. King Blues Club
May 11 – Lakewood, N.J., The Strand Center For The Arts
May 12 – Uncasville, Conn., Wolf Den
May 13 – Bay Shore, N.Y., YMCA Bolton Ctr. For The Perf. Arts
May 14 – Wilmington, Del., St. Ann’s School
May 15 – Whippany, N.J., Ukrainian American Cultural Center 
May 17 – Annapolis, Md., Rams Head On Stage
May 18 – North Bethesda, Md., Music Center At Strathmore
May 20 – Saint Charles, Ill., Arcade Theatre
May 22 – Milwaukee, Wis., Turner Hall Ballroom
May 24 – Cleveland, Ohio, Music Box Supper Club
May 25 – Rochester, N.Y., Lovin’ Cup 
May 26 – Northampton, Mass., Iron Horse Music Hall

Some shows are already on sale.  Follow this link for more details.