Guy Capecelatro III talks regional music scene and Round Robin

On Saturday, January 24, he returns to the Music Hall Loft with another artist-curated Songwriters in the Round for our District Restaurant Singer-Songwriter Series. Our Deputy Director of Programming and Performing Arts Curator Thérèse LaGamma caught up with him recently to chat about the regional music scene and what to expect on January 24.

LaGamma: How would you characterize the New England music scene? Do you see any emerging trends?
Capecelatro III: It’s been fun to see how the local music scene has changed, grown, and developed over the 25 odd years I’ve lived in New Hampshire. When I first moved here there was a very established scene in the folk/ jazz world and a rapidly growing one with the punk/ alternative movement. I sort of had a foot in both, playing in an acoustic duo as well as in a few noisy rock bands. Since then, there’s been a big turnover of venues for more alternative music. Having endured some lean years, it’s nice to see a number of performance spaces popping up that encourage and inspire new bands. As someone who goes out to see live music a couple times a week, I’m really enjoying where we’ve landed musically, and look forward to seeing what emerges next.

LaGamma: We’re excited about the Round Robin you will be doing in January. Can you give fans a little preview of what they might hear?
Capecelatro III: The show on January 24th should prove to be a terrific mix of styles and voicings. With the “in the round” format we’ll be going down the line, taking turns playing songs and telling stories. I’ve always enjoyed watching this kind of performance as it showcases people’s different approaches to songwriting in a setting where the songs have to speak for themselves—without the production of a studio or the help of other musicians. There will be some spontaneous jumping in on one another’s work as well. 

LaGamma: Tell us about the three other musicians you’ve selected to join you on stage—Mary Lou Lord, Mark Schwaber, and Drew O’Doherty. What characterizes their music and why did you choose them?
Capecelatro III: I’ve had the opportunity to play a couple of the Round Robin shows at the Music Hall Loft over the years and when asked to curate this one, I wanted to bring in some folks who don’t usually make it up our way. Back in the early 90’s I played in a band with Mary Lou Lord called The Buckets. She’s someone I had seen busking around Boston and it was awesome to play in a band with her. I met Drew O’Doherty through Tim Walsh, a Boston musician I’ve done some recording with. Drew has played in a couple of seminal Boston bands and also makes incredible music of his own. Mark Schwaber is a part of the Western Massachusetts music scene. I’ve been a big fan since hearing his band, Hospital, in the late 90’s, and have followed him right up through his last few solo records. All three are wildly original musicians who have been writing and recording amazing albums for years. As a fan of all three, it will be such a treat to share a night of music with them.

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