Affectionately nicknamed “the Grateful Dead for kids,” Ben Rudnick & Friends create a jam band dynamic that transforms their concerts into events. The band’s stratospheric level of adventurous musicianship brilliantly beams across a spectrum of bluegrass, light folk, calypso, country, second-line New Orleans jazz, and the many flavors of rock. The result: kids and grownups dance together, older folks happily recognize many songs, and a sense of community fun dominates the scene.
On July 11, 2008, Ben Rudnick & Friends set up at one of their favorite venues, the Town Green in Lexington, Massachusetts, site of their very first gig, where they’d played every summer since 2001. Flying high from a string of summertime shows, poignantly saying goodbye to Mark Yacovone, the band’s accordion player who moved to Mississippi the next day, and joined by Rob “It’s Saturday Night” Lee on saxophone, the band turned in an unforgettable performance. Happily, for music loving families everywhere, this musical slice of family apple pie was recorded. The result is Live in Lexington: Under the Copper Beech.
Notes Ben Rudnick, “The Lexington Friday Night Concert Series has been going on for quite awhile, and we are by far the biggest draw. When we play, there are upwards of 2,000 people on the historic Green with chairs and blankets and food and kids and balloons, and it's just a great atmosphere. We like to say it’s ‘America at its best on a Friday night.’ If you can picture a sort of hip Norman Rockwell image with a little tie-dye thrown in for good measure, that's Lexington when we play. With 2,000 people out there and everyone in a good mood, it transports the band to another zone, and we feel great ourselves, which comes through in the music.”
This CD is just so much fun. Our family loves outdoor concerts but, with three little ones, we rarely actually GO to live concerts. Live in Lexington has easily transported us to a fun and funky concert from the comfort of our own home (or car!). The lyrics and style is family friendly while being 100% parent friendly too (meaning you won't groan in dismay when the kiddos ask to put it in!). I happily croon along to the tracks (so sorry Ben and company!) and I have to watch that I don't toe tap too hard while I am driving. This CD is a keeper for sure! Our favorite is "Mama Don't Low" but the whole CD is really great. Ahh....an outdoor concert without the bugs and hassle of packing up the gang....love it! Pick up your copy today by clicking HERE.
I am so pleased to tell you that one lucky RBM reader will win a copy of Ben Rudnick & Friends: Live in Lexington: Under the Copper Beech. Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter...
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