Russ Baum will be performing his unique style of SkAmericana music at Red Bicycle Hall on Saturday, Oct. 4th, with a 3-piece acoustic band. As the name suggests, it’s a fusion of Ska music and Americana. And if you are an old Beatles fan and the term “Ska” rings a bell, you are correct, it was an early influence on the iconic British band.
“Ska has sort of a reggae tone,” explains Russ, “with an emphasis on the upstroke. It’s been around since the 1950 when it came out of Jamaica, but right now it’s enjoying what they call the 5th Wave of popularity. Ska is also mixed up with punk sounds and themes, but with a bit more of an almost polka energy, more of an energetic format.
“Folk and punk scenes have embraced Ska over the years because those are protest genres, you might say, commenting on things that need changing and improving in society. It’s a way to tell the truth about things, but still leave listeners with an uplifting feeling. We sing about the real problems in the world, but hopefully leave you with a feeling of relief instead of despair. That’s the goal, anyway!”
This will be Russ’s fourth time at Red Bicycle Hall. “I opened for The Why Store several years ago, and then I’ve done a couple solo shows at The Bike. Eric and Trista Foster who do the sound at Red Bike are friends of mine, and they helped me get the bookings. This time I have a couple of great opening acts, with Zach Hackney and a duo out of Louisville called Sweet G. People can expect sets of all original music, with maybe a few tribute type songs thrown in for good measure.
“I’ve been very busy and fortunate lately, travelling all around the USA. Just last year I played in Florida, Texas, California, Washington, Missouri, plus Indiana and Ohio, of course. I’m going to the U.K. in November for a short tour. And I’ve also been getting booked on some of the music cruises, where you go out for a week or so and there are concerts every day all over the boat. It’s like a floating music festival, and it’s really fun for the musicians and the fans!
“But it’s good to be back in Indiana for a bit, and great to be coming back to Madison. When I first played here 9 years ago I could feel the ‘Music City’ vibe starting to happen. There’s something about the artistic community here that really promotes creativity, not to mention all the great festivals that kind of anchor the whole thing.
“I know for me and my wife, Madison is pretty much our number one place to get away for a weekend, just to relax and soak up the energy. You can just feel the quality of life here and the caring attitude of the people in town. It’s like time travel when you pull into downtown Madison … it’s one of our secret escapes!
You can see Russ Baum live this Saturday at Red Bicycle Hall at 8:00. Tickets are available at RedBicycleHall.com, or at the door.
HOT TIP OF THE WEEK:
Let’s plan our musical week in Indiana’s Music City, shall we? Wednesday I would be sure to catch Joe & Deano at Tiki LIVE. I love those guys, and Deano’s guitar work is stellar. Thursday it has to be Towes at Off Broadway. Corwin (on violin) has a long history playing in Madison, and this duo is something special. Friday … Towes again at Off Broadway! What can I say, they are that good. But Jimmy Davis at the intimate neighborhood 1st Street Bar will be a killer show, too. Saturday I’ll be heading over to Thomas Family Winery to catch Anthony Ray Wright. His brand of Texas/Rockabilly/Country is wildly entertaining, and his talent is off the chart. And looky … two choices on Sunday … take your pick, or check them both out, they are only a block apart!
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