Rich Swanger and the Little Known Band w/ Evan Thomas Way and the Phasers

Rich Swanger's RECORD RELEASE SHOW! Don't miss one of the very finest bands around taking the new Infinity Room stage for the first time plus the Salem debut of Evan Thomas Way and the Phasers!

Rich Swanger is an Oregon based songwriter with roots in folk, gospel, and country-blues music. Born amongst the Appalachian hills of Pennsylvania, he was surrounded by song from the very beginning. He discovered harmony in the church choir and found an attraction to twang hearing his father strum country classics around the house. This led to a wild love for timeless melodies and rock-solid songwriting. A move to the Pacific Northwest in 2004 proved to be the catalyst he needed to start releasing some of his own music, and further explore his love of the song.

His humble solo project, Seahorse, started in the late 2000’s and grew organically over the next decade to include some of the areas most inspiring musicians. Sensing a need to address that change and growth, he stepped out from behind the moniker in 2018 with a self-titled release, ‘Rich Swanger & The Little Known Band.’ RS & TLKB transformed his quiet, folky originals into glistening country and blues songs, while also emboldening him as a performer. Lo and behold, he began to heed the deeper call of music.

Rich’s songs have been featured on the television show Shameless. He has played TEDx Portland alongside Rebecca Jordan Smith (Prince, John Legend). Swanger has recorded 3 full length albums (2 under the moniker Seahorse), and performs his own brand of mystic americana music regularly around the Pacific Northwest with his group, The Little Known Band.

Have a listen to the latest single: https://open.spotify.com/track/0tOwsW5hX87vvqRI3B0YJT?si=91ef58164681430f

 

Evan Thomas Way’s career as the frontman for the Parson Red Heads has made the warmth of his voice synonymous with the band’s hope-filled songs. This is why his new solo record is a surprise. While maintaining the layered guitar harmonies and the gentleness of his voice, the songs on “Long Distance” are darker and more deeply personal. The songs were written throughout Evan’s life and recorded secretly as a gift for his wife. Evan is joined by The Phasers—Raymond Richards (who co-produced the record along with Evan and plays electric guitar and pedal steel), Adam Beam (drums), and Alex Chapman (bass), with support from Michael Blake (keys), Eric Earley (organ) and Ben Latimer (saxophone). The result is an album of astonishing intimacy.

Through both the honest emotions of an ordinary life and the comfort of melody and harmony, Evan has given his listeners an album with which to make sense of their own lives. His lyrics provide a voice for those who are hurting while his music is a comfort for those who are healing. Immediately accessible, yet unfolding the true strength of its songwriting and musicianship over subsequent listens, “Long Distance” is a small jewel.

Have a listen: https://open.spotify.com/track/3DGrcih7twcLSH8ssp5s21?si=7e31d942e7dc438e

 

***Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 48 hours required on entry. A picture of your vaccination card is acceptable.***

***Masks must be worn at all times in the venue when not actively eating or drinking, even if you are seated at a table. Thank you for helping to keep our staff and community safe.***