We first noticed Henry Toland, a solo indie-folk gem from DeLand who also performs with others as Passing Afternoons, at local country guy Jackson Rodgers’ New Faces showcase at Will’s Pub in July. Now he’s touring with Roadkill Ghost Choir and set to debut his new EP, currently being recorded in Athens, Georgia, by Roadkill steel pedal guitarist Kiffy Myers. As his thoughtful songs grow a wider audience, we thought he’d be perfect as this month’s featured artist on Off the Avenue, where we continue highlighting bright local musicians with our pals over at North Avenue Studios. Changing things up a bit for this special session, Toland met up with the North Avenue crew at DeLand’s Dutton House to lay down two songs, “Cabin Song” and “Oldest Friend.” See "Oldest Friend" below and click here to see "Cabin Song," as well as a full profile on Toland, whose EP we will share as soon as it is available.
Last month, we were excited to hear that Southern Fried Sunday tastemaker Jessica Pawli was taking the reins at the Milk Bar to bring in more music to the Milk District, including erecting a nice new stage at the front of the craft beer bar. So far, we’ve seen groovy sets from Leisure Chief covering Dilla, a recent notable performance by Jessy Lynn Martens (whose voice Archer fans are well-acquainted with, as the local singer voices Cheryl Tunt’s country star persona), DJ nights and more. Your next chance to catch live music at Milk Bar is 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, when Maxx Von Shadow graces the freshly painted stage. Although I can’t say more at this time, I’ve heard murmurings that Halloween weekend could be the first opportunity for Pawli’s show-planning to blow out the Milk Bar stage and take over the strip that could soon become as well-loved by those starved for intimate concerts as by those folks craving innovative food trucks on Tasty Tuesdays.
Next month, downtown club and concert venue Backbooth celebrates 10 years with very enticing, well-rounded music selections that honor local music. Catch the Legendary JC’s with a nine-piece lineup at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, coming together for one of their sporadic robust sets that will likely have singer Eugene Snowden more lit up than he is every Wednesday at Lil Indies for Ten Pints of Truth. Then at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, Precious bounces back on stage for an equally rare treat, as Steve Garron’s guitar dependably rips every time, but he performs so seldom. Plus, that night, he’s joined by heavy rockers the Ludes, who I’m told are finally releasing a record after all these years. That night, Backbooth spices it up further by adding some new local favorites, Join Hands and Panther Camp. So rejoice! Backbooth basically couldn’t have done this party weekend better. Happy anniversary, BB.