September 8, 2005

Shivaree Performs in MASS MoCA's Club B-10 Alternative Cabaret Concert Series

(North Adams, Mass.)-- Commonly compared to Tom Waits, Cowboy Junkies, and Billie Holiday, Shivaree (taken from a word meaning 'drunken serenade') will perform in an Alternative Cabaret concert in MASS MoCA's popular Club B-10 on Saturday, October 8, at 8 P.M. Fronted by twisted torch singer Ambrosia Parsley, this trio is known for brooding, poignant tales of Americana storytelling. "Parsley sounds like a goddess from a faraway land," according to Vanity Fair.

As Pure Music put it: "It is quite fitting that "Kill Bill II" ends with Uma Thurman driving off to the strains of "Goodbye Moon" from Shivaree's debut (I Oughtta Give You A Shot In The Head For Making Me Live In This Dump--a Tarantino-esque moniker if there ever was one), as the band's music mirrors the director's expertise at mixing and matching the eccentricities of American culture. Shivaree music might easily include Torch, Tango, Twang, Musique Concrete, Marching band, and Metal--and that is just in one tune. Even though "Goodbye Moon" became a semi-hit on triple A radio, Capitol unwisely refused to issue their second record, Rough Dreams, in America. (Do yourself a favor and find it!)"

Ambrosia Parsley left home at age 13 to pursue her love of music. While recording tracks in a studio she met guitarist Duke McVinnie, who had worked with Johnny Otis, JJ Cale, and Exene Cervenka. After touring with Tom Waits, keyboardist Danny McGough heard their music at a party and introduced himself, eventually rounding out the trio. They began with the name Junebug but changed it when Parsley came across Shivaree in a Jesse James biography. Joe Henry produced their debut, I Oughtta Give You a Shot in the Head for Making Me Live in This Dump, which they recorded in Henry's backyard. The group toured extensively, including Europe, drawing crowds so large Parsley had to overcome bouts of stage fright. Spirred on by enthusiastic praise they released Rough Dreams on Capitol records in 2002, and EP in 2004, and a full-length album, Who's Got Trouble, later that year.

Tickets for Shivaree are $14 in advance or $17 the day of the concert. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams, open from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. Wednesday through Monday (July 1 through August 31, from 10 A.M. until 6 P.M. daily). Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased on line at www.massmoca.org.

MASS MoCA, the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the United States, is located off Marshall Street in North Adams on a 13-acre campus of renovated 19th-century factory buildings.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Katherine Myers
(413) 664-4481 x8113
katherine@massmoca.org