It was lightly snowing and getting colder as I made my way to Johnny D’s to see one of my favorite bands, The Grand Slambovians.

The Grand Slambovians’ Logo

Introduced to them in 2010 when they were known as Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, I have been following their antics (I mean musical accomplishments) ever since. I expected to have a fabulous evening, and I did.

The Grand Slambovians

This was the band’s first time playing at Johnny D’s; the audience was a reasonable size for a Sunday night which hopefully put them at ease.  They were only able to do a brief sound check, and were understandably anxious about how they would sound (as Tink said after the show). Any anxiety was not apparent as they walked through the club back to the green room; Joziah greeted those he knew as well as those he didn’t (me).

Joziah Longo

This is an eclectic band; they have been referred to as playing ‘hillbilly Pink Floyd’ and I think that’s accurate. Americana is also a good description. Whatever you want to call it, the music is wonderfully infectious and they are a joy to see.

Joziah Longo and Sharkey McEwen

The Slambovians are Joziah Longo on guitar, mandolin and lead vocals; Tink Lloyd on accordion, cello, guitar and vocals; Sharkey McEwen on lead guitar, mandolin, and vocals; and Eric Puente on percussion.

Joziah Longo

Tink Lloyd

Sharkey McEwen

Eric Puente

Their set list included songs ranging from their oldest album to A Box of Everything, their most recent release. One of my favorite songs, ‘The Trans-Slambovian Bi-Polar Express’, had the audience singing along with them and dancing in our seats (if not on the dance floor). How can you not love a band that penned a song with that title?

Joziah Longo and Sharkey McEwen

This is a band that is best seen live; they have an energy that I feel as soon as they start playing. It is not the jumping-all-over-the-stage kind of energy, but rather their love of what they do that emanates from the stage. I dare anyone to leave one of their shows without a smile.

The Grand Slambovians

I find my words are not doing justice to The Slambovians. I remember when they were announced as part of the 2010 Lowell Summer Music Series, we were told that they were the best band we’d never heard of.  I will say the same to you.

Tink Lloyd

Joziah Longo

Eric Puente

Sharkey McEwen

They typically play smaller venues, and those are perfectly suited to both their music and their personalities. They like to meet their fans and are truly interested in what we have to say. I recommend seeing them when they play at a venue near you.

Ticket courtesy of The Grand Slambovians; all opinions are my own.