Program #249 (June 25 at 8:00pm and June 26 at 3:00pm)
Singer/songwriter Shannon McNally first emerged amid the roots rock and Americana revival of the early 2000s.
A crafty mix of soul, blues, rock, and country, McNally established herself with releases like 2002 s Jukebox Sparrows and 2006 s North American Ghost Music while also seeking out interesting collaborations with the likes of Neal Casal, John Hiatt, Charlie Sexton, and Dave Alvin.
Working prolifically between major and independent labels, McNally notched further career highlights with the 2013 Dr. John collaboration Small Town Talk (Songs of Bobby Charles) and 2017 s acclaimed Black Irish. Known for honoring and augmenting the music of her heroes, she offered up another tribute in 2021 s The Waylon Sessions, covering the music of Waylon Jennings.
Program #233 (January 29 at 8:00 p.m. and January 30 at 3:00 p.m.)
A singer, songwriter, and guitarist with a keen eye for the details of American life and a powerful and passionate performing style, Dave Alvin helped to kick-start the American roots rock scene in the early 80s with the band the Blasters, and has since gone on to a career as a solo performer, songwriter, producer, and sideman that s been as well respected as it is eclectic.
Born in Downey, California in 1955, Alvin was raised by a family of music fans, and as teenagers Dave and his older brother Phil immersed themselves in blues, rockabilly, and vintage country sounds, collecting rare records and attending nightclub performances by the likes of T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, and Lee Allen.