Four Play with The Dustbowl Revival’s Z. Lupetin

We had 4 questions for The Dustbowl Revival’s founder Zachary Lupetin. He had 4 answers. Lupetin and his Venice Beach-based band of merry men/women are headed to San Diego this Friday, April 3rd to perform at Templar’s Hall in Poway. This energetic young roots/jazz collective was named LA Weekly’s “Best Live Band” so we’re definitely looking forward to a barn-burner!

1.I see from your press page that many media outlets have used some fun descriptive words and metaphors to convey the essence of your band and your music. Now I’d like to hear how you describe The Dustbowl Revival.
I would describe The Dustbowl Revival as a brass band and a string band who had a baby. It’s a great confluence of roots music sounds that have been forged through five straight years of playing on the road.

2. Your tour schedule is packed! What’s one city/country you’ve never played in but would love to?
We have never played in Austin or New Orleans – love to make the pilgrimage down there soon.

3. Is there any song that has been banned for life in the tour van?
We try and avoid any smooth jazz in the van at all times.

4. It’s been a while since you’ve played in San Diego – what can first-time attendees expect from your award-winning live shows?
Our show in San Diego will showcase some of our newest material we are passionate about now – we never make a set list the same twice so it’s a discovery process we play with the audience.

THE DUSTBOWL REVIVAL “RIVERBOAT QUEEN” from The Dustbowl Revival on Vimeo.

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San Diego friends, we hope you’ll join San Diego Folk Heritage in welcoming The Dustbowl Revival to our Poway Stage for a wonderful evening of live music. For tickets and information, please visit www.sdfolkheritage.org. Full Press Release: http://bit.ly/1BmjVrV.

Musicians Duet Better: SDFH Interviews Chris Stuart

San Diego Folk Heritage is excited to welcome bluegrass/folk duo Chris Stuart and Janet Beazley to Templar’s Hall in Poway, CA on Friday, January 16th. We think there is something special about the intimate yet powerful performances duos are able to deliver, so we asked Stuart to elaborate on this topic. Check it out!

You’ve performed in many different formations, band, solo, etc. What is special about a duo?
While a five-piece band has its own rewards with a big sound, Janet and I really love the duo format because it focuses on the songs and harmony vocals. Plus, it suits a more intimate venue better, which we love to play. And we travel a lot easier this way.

What is your favorite song to perform live together and why?
Probably “Shenandoah Wind” because the harmonies are fun and it always gets a good reaction from the audience. It’s a song from the point of view of a farmer going off and dying in the Civil War and his last thoughts.

What is the biggest strength your duo partner brings to your act?
I think we both are aware of our roles in each song to add to the overall effect. If Janet is singing, then I’m aware of my role as harmony singer and rhythm player – to draw the attention to her by playing underneath her voice so the audience can hear the words, but still have the overall rhythm, melody, and harmony supporting her. And she does the same when I’m singing lead or taking a break on the instrument.
Stuart Beazley
Do you cover any famous duets?
We do a couple of Louvin Brother songs and we love the Stanley Brothers and other duo acts, but we do mostly original material.

If you had to pick one of the following duets to cover together, which would you pick?: “Don’t Know Much” (Linda Rondstadt/Aaron Neville) or “Beauty and the Beast” (Celine Dion/Peabo Bryson)
If we could sing like any of those people, I’d feel more comfortable about answering that question!

Catch this amazing bluegrass/folk duo perform live on January 16th. For more information, click here.