The English Beat at City Winery

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DOORS OPEN 6PM SHOW STARTS 8PM

Originally from Long Beach, California, producer/singer/songwriter Greg Laswell moved to San Diego in the early '90s to attend college. He became involved in the city's music scene by fronting a local band, Shillglen, and founding All the Rest Records. Shillglen broke up in 2001, leaving Laswell free to write his own pop/rock material and devote more time to studio work. He made his solo debut with the release of 2003's Good Movie, which he financed himself and released on his own label. When All the Rest Records went out of business one year later, he started a new company -- 20 Inch Records -- and began working as a producer.

Good Movie became a local success, earning Laswell a contract with Vanguard Records in the process. He signed with the label and released a sophomore album, Through Toledo, in 2006. The album had been written and recorded during Laswell's divorce from his first wife, and its promising sound -- wistful, somber, but tuneful nonetheless -- earned him a spot on the Hotel Cafe's European tour. While touring in early 2008, he released an EP titled How the Day Soundsand readied himself for the arrival of his third album, Three Flights from Alto Nido, which appeared that summer. Around this time Laswell's songs began appearing in films (Friends with Benefits, My Sister's Keeper) and television series (Parenthood, Grey's Anatomy). A Covers EParrived in 2009, followed by the full-length Take a Bow in May 2010.

Laswell issued his fourth outing, Landline, in 2012. Recorded in an old church/home studio in eastern Maine, Landlinefeatured guest vocals from Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Sia, and Elizabeth Ziman. For 2014's I Was Going to Be an Astronaut, he re-recorded ten songs from his catalog and included a cover of "It's a Wonderful Life" in memory of its composer, Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous. Returning in early 2016, Laswell delivered Everyone Thinks I Dodged a Bullet, his seventh LP and first set of new songs since 2012.

The best singer-songwriters serve the song. The songwriter?s songwriter, James Maddock, who has earned the respect of masterful writers such as Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nile, has built his acclaimed legacy on humbly honoring purity of expression. Many albums in his beloved catalog are elegantly spare, conveying his songs and sentiments in the most direct possible way. But for his latest album, The Green, the songs guided him into recording the most eclectic, exhilaratingly soulful, and imaginatively produced album in his career.

?This is my best album. It?s an upbeat record with really strong songs and a lot of surprises,? the British transplant reveals. ?It all happened really naturally. I just listened to where the songs where going and allowed myself the time to give each one a proper sonic home.?



Since 1999, James Maddock?s boldly vulnerable songwriting, honeyed rasp, and distinct folk and Americana aesthetic have garnered acclaim from icons, peers, and tastemaking outlets like NPR, American Songwriter, Relix Magazine, and CMT Edge. Relix notes: ?James Maddock possesses the kind of lived-in, craggy voice that would sound authoritative if he were singing the sports pages. Fortunately, he doesn?t need to do that because his compositional skills are a match for his delivery.? His consistency as a recording artist and a captivating live performer have attracted a devoted fanbase engaged and generous enough to fan fund the last two entries in his six-album oeuvre. He's performed with Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nile, Aaron Comess (Spin Doctors) and David Immergluck (Counting Crows), sang on an album with Susan McKeown, and has built a respected international profile through tireless touring from the Northeast US to Europe to Australia.



Previous to his solo career, James was the frontman for the Columbia Records band Wood. It was in this context that he was first introduced to a mainstream audience when songs from the group?s debut, Songs From Stamford Hill, were prominently featured in Dawson?s Creek. In 2003, Maddock relocated from England to New York, and, soon after, launched his solo career. His 2009 solo album Sunrise On Avenue C won a New York Music Award for ?Best Americana Album,? while its follow-up, Wake Up And Dream, ranked among the top albums of 2011 in WFUV's (NYC) Listener Poll.

The Green truly captures NPR?s accolade that ?his timeless songwriting style, which seems to draw from great songwriters of every era, conveys quiet confidence and lovely intimacy.?



The album is bookended by ?Once There Was A Boy Part 1? and ?Once There Was A Boy Part 2.? Version one has a gospel-folk gait recalling Van Morrison and the more pastoral moments of The Pogues, and version two is a fresh rendition with stately strings and dreamy vocals. The track ?Speaking For The Man? recalls the silken soul of Jimmy Ruffin (?What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?). The title track finds James revisiting the political commentary songwriting style of his formative days. And the sleek and euphoric ?Driving Around With the Win? and the simmering sensuality of ?Let?s Get Out Of Here? are revelations in James?s catalog, showcasing the gorgeous patina of James?s vocals within an ultra modern sophisticated pop context.

The Green was produced by Iestyn Polson (David Gray, Patti Smith, and David Bowie) and boasts a more lush production aesthetic and more ambitious arrangements than any previous James Maddock records. The album features rich gospel-tinged backups courtesy of Cindy Mizelle (Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Duran Duran), tasteful drum loops, elegant string arrangements courtesy of Alan Grubner, and contributions from Aaron Comess (The Spin Doctors), Tony Shanahan (Beck, Patti Smith, Suzanne Vega), and Brian Mitchell (Bob Dylan, Al Green, B.B. King).

This summer Maddock will be taking entries from The Green, as well as fan favorites from his back catalog, on the road. Live, Maddock imaginatively reinterprets his oeuvre to keep it fresh for him and his audience. ?I love how songs reveal themselves differently in the live setting,? James says. ?I?m grateful I have such a large body of work and an audience to share a creative dialogue with. It?s all a luxury and just a really beautiful thing?I feel very lucky.?

DOORS OPEN 6PM SHOW STARTS 8PM

Dave Barnes is a respected Nashville artist and songwriter who received GRAMMY and CMA nominations for Blake Shelton's recording of his hit song "God Gave Me You." Barnes has also penned songs for Tim McGraw, Thomas Rhett & Maren Morris, Reba McEntire, Marc Broussard, Billy Currington, Hunter Hayes, Matt Wertz, Ben Rector, among many others. Touring extensively over the past 15 years as a headlining artist, he has also opened for Bonnie Raitt, Taylor Swift, John Mayer, Lady Antebellum, Hanson, and One Republic, to name a few.



Dave Barnes has recorded three EP?s and ten full-length albums, including his newest project, the LP Who Knew It Would Be So Hard To Be Myself which released February 9, 2018.



He is also well known for his brand of humor, having sold out several stand-up comedy shows throughout the Southeast. Many of his comedic videos are posted to his YouTube video series.



The Tour Where I Sing Songs and Do Stand Up Tour is going to be a night of music sets with new hits as well as the songs you know and love, in addition to a stand up comedy set with a brand of comedy you can only get from Dave. For more information, please visit www.DaveBarnes.com and on his social media.

Prolific singer and songwriter David Ramirez has earned a large and growing following for his soulful, introspective songs and passionate performances. Ramirez grew up in Houston, Texas, where he became interested in music and formed a band with his friends. Influenced by '90s alternative rock, Ramirez's group primarily played parties, but he got hooked on making music, and while attending college in Dallas, he heard an album by Ryan Adams and became fascinated by contemporary folk and influential singer/songwriters of the '60s and '70s, especially Bob Dylan. In Dallas, Ramirez formed a new band and began writing songs that fused pop music with his new lyrical influences, and in 2003 he released his first album, 11503 Lansbury. Two more albums would follow -- 2005's Human and 2007's While Underneath Lights -- before Ramirez chose to break up the band and moved to Nashville to focus on acoustic music.

In 2008, Ramirez traveled to Birmingham, Alabama and cut an EP, simply called Birmingham, that was the first step on his new musical journey. After leaving Nashville for Austin, Texas, Ramirez started touring extensively, playing as often as his circumstances would allow, and as he wrote more songs, he began releasing new material at an impressive rate, cranking out two albums (2009's American Soil and 2012's Apologies) and two EPs (2011's Strangetown and 2013's The Rooster) in the space of five years. Ramirez slowed down a bit after this period, though he still kept up a productive schedule, touring frequently and releasing Fables in early 2016. In December 2016, Ramirez dropped Bootleg Tour 2016, a live album recorded during several concert dates earlier that year. In September 2017, Ramirez returned with a fresh studio album, We're Not Going Anywhere, released through his own Sweetworld label.

Women of Letters is everyone?s favorite literary salon!

June 19th Lineup coming soon!

Each month, host Sofija Stefanovic introduces a lineup of six women, from various walks of life.

The most interesting and acclaimed writers, musicians, actors, comedians and politicians appear together on stage, in an intimate setting, with the purpose of celebrating female talent and the lost art of letter-writing.

The shows are funny and sad, and never recorded or filmed ? part of the magic is that they exist in the moment, and the events are a safe story-telling space.

The show attracts guests of the highest caliber, from all disciplines. Women of Letters veterans include: Molly Ringwald, Jean Grae, Kathleen Turner, Margo Jefferson, Martha Wainwright, Aparna Nancherla, Siri Hustvedt, Edie Falco, Elaine Welteroth, Susan Orlean, Emma Straub, Alexis Okeowo, Sonia Manzano, Eileen Myles, Suki Kim, Tavi Gevinson, Yael Stone, Amber Tamblyn and many more. Proceeds from Women of Letters shows are regularly donated to charity, with over $750,000 being raised globally to date.

?In our world which is becoming increasingly more disconnected by dependency on social media and our tendencies to live online, I feel that projects like Women of Letters are the antidote. Bringing people together in one room to hear people tell their stories is a powerful reminder of our humanity? ? Molly Ringwald

?Women of Letters is the perfect alchemy of literary art-party and storytelling, with drinking and bonding for all genders of truth-seekers. Marieke and Michaela deserve a medal for creating this happening while we're on earth.? ? Amanda Palmer

?You'll bond with some crazy-talented women over diverse passions, intimate struggles, and of course, drinks.? ? BUST Magazine

Hosted by acclaimed author and Moth storyteller Sofija Stefanovic @sstefanovic
Produced by Trish Nelson?s BanterGirl @BanterGirlSTW
Founded by Michaela McGuire @michaelamcguire
and Marieke Hardy @mariekehardy
We are: @WoL_NYC

Lineup Subject To Change

DOORS OPEN 6PM SHOW STARTS 8PM
Due to the intimate nature of this show, dinner service will conclude 15 minutes before the start of the performance and drink service will be limited during the performance. Doors will open 2 hours prior to the show and we encourage you to arrive early if you would like to dine in the concert venue.

JOAN ARMATRADING became the very first UK female singer/songwriter to gain international success.

Three times Grammy nominated, two times Brit Awards nominated, winner of a coveted Ivor Novello Award, winner of the Gold Badge Award, winner of Radio 2?s Lifetime
Achievement Folk Award singer/songwriter, Joan Armatrading MBE has come a long way since her birth in the West Indies and her upbringing in Birmingham.

While growing up, Joan?s father owned a guitar however, it was strictly out of bounds so when Joan saw one for £3 in a pawn shop window she pestered her mother to barter two old baby carriages they no longer used. Joan then taught herself to play and began writing songs at the age of 14. Her debut album, "Whatever's For Us", released on Cube Records in 1972 and produced by the late great Gus Dudgeon, was critically acclaimed, resulting in Joan being voted as best newcomer on the UK music scene.

In 1973, Joan was named the outstanding New Artist of of that year in a critics' poll in the UK music trade magazine Music Week and in 1974, Joan signed to A&M Records world-wide. The career that followed includes a plethora of classic and memorable songs ? "Love and Affection", "Down To Zero", "Drop the Pilot", ?The Weakness In Me?, ?Me Myself I?, ?Willow?.....

1996 - Joan was awarded an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection and received a platinum CD for her part in the BBC's "Perfect Day" by Lou Reed.

March 2003 - the "Lovers Speak" album was released, featuring 14 tracks all written, arranged and produced by Joan and, with the exception of drums and horns, Armatrading played every instrument herself. An exceptional CD which combined strong upbeat melodies, riffs that stuck in your head and passionate, stirring, soulful ballads, it was the result of a long-held desire to make a truly solo album.

2007 - Joan Armatrading, hugely influential and pioneering British singer-songwriter, released "Into the Blues". The album debuted at #1 making Joan the first UK female artist to debut at #1 in the Billboards Blues chart and also become the first ever female UK artist to be nominated for a Grammy in the blues category. The CD remained at #1 for 12 consecutive weeks, once again, being the first ever UK Female Artist to do so.

In 2007-2008 Joan toured the world with the success of "Into the Blues?, which culminated in the release of the deluxe edition of "Into The Blues CD & DVD?, featuring Joan at her best ? live on stage, performing material that spanned her illustrious career.

2008 - one month from her 58th birthday, Joan ran her first marathon (NYC - 26.24 miles) and helped to raise £76,000 for her chosen charity.

2009 - Joan, the "creative force?, was writing and recording new material. You would have thought this would be enough. It seems not!! Being an accomplished guitarist, Joan decided to do a series of 5 interviews, for the BBC, with other guitarists, to discuss their different styles and influences. The series has had hugely positive reviews. The sainted quintet of guitarists were an eclectic throng: Mark Knopfler, originally of Dire Straits (an obvious rocker); John Williams, the classical axeman best known for the tremulous "Cavatina" on the soundtrack to The Deer Hunter; Bonnie Raitt, the flame-haired country singer of "Love Has no Pride?; Bert Jansch, the rumpled veteran folkie of Pentangle (the late-1960s band); and Russell Lissack, the twenty something, floppy-fringed Essex vegetarian from Bloc Party.

2010 - Armatrading released another fine work which headed straight to #1 in the Amazon overall download chart. ?This Charming Life? is a collection of eleven new compositions that saw Joan return to a more rock/pop format, both commercial yet also contemporary.

2012 - Joan released her 20th CD, a jazz flavoured album called ?Starlight?.

2014 and 2015 - Joan undertook a World tour comprising 235 concert dates.

2016 - Joan wrote the music for William Shakespeare?s play The Tempest, commissioned by the director Phyllida Lloyd and the Donmar Theatre.

2018 - Joan will release her 21st studio album and will undertake a limited series of dates in support of her new music.

Known as a true craftsman, Joan Armatrading has had unanimous, widespread and, perhaps most importantly, consistent critical acclaim. Effortlessly eclectic, her sound has ranged from jazz to true soul to sophisticated pop, all driven by her passionate guitar. She has performed for Nelson Mandela twice, performing on his 70th birthday at Wembley and then again in 2001 she was asked by the LSE to perform "The Messenger" (the tribute song she had been invited to compose for him - Mr. Mandela danced throughout the performance). Joan has been given the keys to Sydney, is Patron of various charities, has presented and continues to present BBC Radio 4 and Radio 2 series, she has figured large in VH1's Top 100 voted poll ?The Most Influential Woman In Rock?, she was made an Honorary Fellow of the John Moores University of Liverpool (2000), was also made an Honorary Fellow of Northampton University (2003), has received a Doctorate in Music from the University of Birmingham (2002), an Honorary degree from Aston University (2006) and received an Honorary Degree from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (2008). Moreover, after years of committed studying, Joan achieved a goal she had held since childhood, she gained her BA Honours after studying history from the Open University ? a feat very few other working artists would attempt, let alone while on tour (she took her final exam the day after the last gig of her 2000 dates). However, more than all that, Joan has been honoured by the Queen of England receiving an MBE.

All the while, no matter the accolade, Joan Armatrading has focused on the music. "I write," she says, "because I love it."

Joan Armatrading is indeed the whole package; an excellent song writer, a powerful vocalist and as a guitarist, she is certainly one of the best players of today.

Today, the words "blues" and "shouting" are, alas, inextricably linked, but what about the tradition of mellow blues crooners that extended through Charles Brown, Nat King Cole and, in their more romantic moments, Joe Williams and Ray Charles? "Buster Poindexter" (nee David Johansen) first attracted attention as a glam rock pioneer (in the New York Dolls, with whom he still tours) and then as an early MTV idol (with "Hot Hot Hot"). Yet with his big, deep, resonant voice, Buster Poindexter is most impressive as a crooner and occasional belter of ballads in the classic R&B tradition. His ongoing run affirms the point that however you know him, the artist known as Buster Poindexter, complete with his one-liners and longer comic monologues (not to mention his signature pompadour), is one of the most endearing and enduring entertainers currently trodding the boards in New York.

DOORS OPEN 6PM SHOW STARTS 8PM

Due to the intimate nature of this show, dinner service will conclude 15 minutes before the start of the performance and drink service will be limited during the performance. Doors will open 2 hours prior to the show and we encourage you to arrive early if you would like to dine in the concert venue.

JOAN ARMATRADING became the very first UK female singer/songwriter to gain international success.

Three times Grammy nominated, two times Brit Awards nominated, winner of a coveted Ivor Novello Award, winner of the Gold Badge Award, winner of Radio 2?s Lifetime
Achievement Folk Award singer/songwriter, Joan Armatrading MBE has come a long way since her birth in the West Indies and her upbringing in Birmingham.

While growing up, Joan?s father owned a guitar however, it was strictly out of bounds so when Joan saw one for £3 in a pawn shop window she pestered her mother to barter two old baby carriages they no longer used. Joan then taught herself to play and began writing songs at the age of 14. Her debut album, "Whatever's For Us", released on Cube Records in 1972 and produced by the late great Gus Dudgeon, was critically acclaimed, resulting in Joan being voted as best newcomer on the UK music scene.

In 1973, Joan was named the outstanding New Artist of of that year in a critics' poll in the UK music trade magazine Music Week and in 1974, Joan signed to A&M Records world-wide. The career that followed includes a plethora of classic and memorable songs ? "Love and Affection", "Down To Zero", "Drop the Pilot", ?The Weakness In Me?, ?Me Myself I?, ?Willow?.....

1996 - Joan was awarded an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection and received a platinum CD for her part in the BBC's "Perfect Day" by Lou Reed.

March 2003 - the "Lovers Speak" album was released, featuring 14 tracks all written, arranged and produced by Joan and, with the exception of drums and horns, Armatrading played every instrument herself. An exceptional CD which combined strong upbeat melodies, riffs that stuck in your head and passionate, stirring, soulful ballads, it was the result of a long-held desire to make a truly solo album.

2007 - Joan Armatrading, hugely influential and pioneering British singer-songwriter, released "Into the Blues". The album debuted at #1 making Joan the first UK female artist to debut at #1 in the Billboards Blues chart and also become the first ever female UK artist to be nominated for a Grammy in the blues category. The CD remained at #1 for 12 consecutive weeks, once again, being the first ever UK Female Artist to do so.

In 2007-2008 Joan toured the world with the success of "Into the Blues?, which culminated in the release of the deluxe edition of "Into The Blues CD & DVD?, featuring Joan at her best ? live on stage, performing material that spanned her illustrious career.

2008 - one month from her 58th birthday, Joan ran her first marathon (NYC - 26.24 miles) and helped to raise £76,000 for her chosen charity.

2009 - Joan, the "creative force?, was writing and recording new material. You would have thought this would be enough. It seems not!! Being an accomplished guitarist, Joan decided to do a series of 5 interviews, for the BBC, with other guitarists, to discuss their different styles and influences. The series has had hugely positive reviews. The sainted quintet of guitarists were an eclectic throng: Mark Knopfler, originally of Dire Straits (an obvious rocker); John Williams, the classical axeman best known for the tremulous "Cavatina" on the soundtrack to The Deer Hunter; Bonnie Raitt, the flame-haired country singer of "Love Has no Pride?; Bert Jansch, the rumpled veteran folkie of Pentangle (the late-1960s band); and Russell Lissack, the twenty something, floppy-fringed Essex vegetarian from Bloc Party.

2010 - Armatrading released another fine work which headed straight to #1 in the Amazon overall download chart. ?This Charming Life? is a collection of eleven new compositions that saw Joan return to a more rock/pop format, both commercial yet also contemporary.

2012 - Joan released her 20th CD, a jazz flavoured album called ?Starlight?.

2014 and 2015 - Joan undertook a World tour comprising 235 concert dates.

2016 - Joan wrote the music for William Shakespeare?s play The Tempest, commissioned by the director Phyllida Lloyd and the Donmar Theatre.

2018 - Joan will release her 21st studio album and will undertake a limited series of dates in support of her new music.

Known as a true craftsman, Joan Armatrading has had unanimous, widespread and, perhaps most importantly, consistent critical acclaim. Effortlessly eclectic, her sound has ranged from jazz to true soul to sophisticated pop, all driven by her passionate guitar. She has performed for Nelson Mandela twice, performing on his 70th birthday at Wembley and then again in 2001 she was asked by the LSE to perform "The Messenger" (the tribute song she had been invited to compose for him - Mr. Mandela danced throughout the performance). Joan has been given the keys to Sydney, is Patron of various charities, has presented and continues to present BBC Radio 4 and Radio 2 series, she has figured large in VH1's Top 100 voted poll ?The Most Influential Woman In Rock?, she was made an Honorary Fellow of the John Moores University of Liverpool (2000), was also made an Honorary Fellow of Northampton University (2003), has received a Doctorate in Music from the University of Birmingham (2002), an Honorary degree from Aston University (2006) and received an Honorary Degree from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (2008). Moreover, after years of committed studying, Joan achieved a goal she had held since childhood, she gained her BA Honours after studying history from the Open University ? a feat very few other working artists would attempt, let alone while on tour (she took her final exam the day after the last gig of her 2000 dates). However, more than all that, Joan has been honoured by the Queen of England receiving an MBE.

All the while, no matter the accolade, Joan Armatrading has focused on the music. "I write," she says, "because I love it."

Joan Armatrading is indeed the whole package; an excellent song writer, a powerful vocalist and as a guitarist, she is certainly one of the best players of today