Benicia, CA (Top40 Charts/ AAUW) - American's Old West was tamed by rugged visionaries who crossed the fruited plains in covered wagons, carrying with them everything they owned, and rolling away in search of new horizons. These pioneers - fiercely independent and wildly creative - carved out a lifestyle still evident in American today...
....in our nations' trailer parks.
As our vast melting pot of a country evolved, so did the covered wagon. Large wagon wheels and stretched animal skins gave way to steel belted tires and aluminum siding. Many of these mobile homes eventually rolled up to their desired horizons, and communities developed, dotting the landscape. Families grew out of these communities. Until today, million of Americans count themselves amoung a proud and select group known as trailer park dwellers.
One of these proud Americans is songwriter and humorist Antsy McClain. Growing up in a small Kentucky trailer park called Pine View Heights, McClain had what he calls "a memorable and idyllic childhood," filled with colorful characters and extraordinary events. Life in Pine View Heights has given McClain a wealth of experience from which to draw - and write. Penning the lyrics and msic to seven Trailer Park Troubadour albums, as well as hi own, critically-acclaimed solo record, "Time-Sweetened Lies," McClain is fast becoming one of the most respected songwriters in Americana/Roots music today.
McClain grew up hearing all styles of music in Pine View Heights. Antsy (whose given name was Ronnie Joe - the nickname "Antsy" being pronounced upon him by a junior high school couch) devoured every kind of music he could find. He listened to everything from Bill Monroe to Aretha Franklin, from Steely Dan to George Jones, until eventually, he was more confused than most of his peers, who listened strictly to 70's commercial pop radio. This confusion formed the basis for his songwriting, and explains the almost schizophrenic nature of his recording projects. Late nights listening to diverse radio programs like The Grand Ol' Opry and Dr. Demento further cemented his unique outlook toward music and entertainment.
Anty's 5-piece band, The Trailer Park Troubadours are a skilled assortment of musicians who play in the rootsy, rock and roll tradition of their hard-working, blue collar forefathers. McClain calls the music "folkabilly," and their live shows are a unique, critically-acclaimed mix of masterful musicianship and self-deprecating humor for all ages. The Troubs, as they are called by fans, are committed to taking their unique blend of music around the globe, showing up wherever they're invited - and then some.
Their live shows are a unique critically acclaimed mix of masterful musicianship and self-deprecating humor for all ages.
Check out their video "Skinny Women Ain't Hip" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDtBjA-8AmA
American Association of University Women Benicia/Vallejo Branch in assocation with Red Dragonflly Productions presents
Antsy McClain & The Trailer Park Troubadours
in a benefit for AAUW's Tech Trek Scholarship Program
Saturday, March 31, 2007
8 pm
The Majestic Theatre
710 First Street
Benicia, CA 94510
$24 General Admission
Purchase tickets online at www.RedDragonflyProductions.com
Call 707.771.0140 for information
