“Henhouse Prowlers Haunt Martyrs’ With Three-Night Halloween Residency”
For those casual fans of bluegrass, it may be shocking to find out that the Midwest has roots and relevance in the genre. Although a lot of narratives are often steeped in its Appalachian and southern roots, bluegrass has a deep connection in Middle America. During the 1940s, “The Father of Bluegrass,” Bill Monroe, recorded sessions at the Columbia Records studio in the Wrigley Building. Monroe laid down tracks, including “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” “The Old Cross Road,” “Toy Heart,” and “Wicked Path of Sin.” Bluegrass legends Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs were part of his backing band, the Blue Grass Boys.
All Photos By: Jeff RandophA momentous occasion in the Midwest bluegrass timeline occurred when Chicago-based quartet Henhouse Prowlers delivered a three-night residency over Halloween weekend at Martyrs’ in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood. Each night had a different costume theme, and the band made a promise not to repeat a song over the three nights. As someone who was in attendance for all three of the shows, they were successful in keeping this pledge. Henhouse Prowlers also highlighted some stellar artists in the world of bluegrass during their residency.
On night one, Henhouse Prowlers brought in progressive tradgrass band, Full Spectrum. Based in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, the five-piece ensemble, comprised of mandolinist and lead singer Colin ‘CC’ Cosgrove, along with Emily Williams (fiddle), Amelia Mason (banjo), Luke Vreeman (guitar), and Bea Riley (bass) brought a high-energy performance and masterful instrumentation. I am convinced the future of bluegrass is strong and its evolution is promising after seeing Full Spectrum. Their rendition of Chapell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” was well-received and on Halloween night, Henhouse Prowlers performed three sets with six-time International Bluegrass Music Association fiddle player of the year Jason Carter. Carter is best known for his work with the Del McCoury Band and the Traveling McCourys. His most recent album with Michael Cleveland is a collaborative effort bestowed upon us by the Bluegrass Gods. Jason accompanied Henhouse Prowlers during their show and took the lead for a stellar version of Doc Watson’s “Southbound.”
The final night featured Jonas Friddle, a teacher, singer/songwriter, and Old-Time banjo player whose songs have received numerous awards. His band included trumpet, saxophone, trombone, and steel drums. This unconventional blending of instruments for an old-time bluegrass set sounds like a far stretch on paper, but the delivery by the band was organic and refreshingly authentic. Jonas accompanied Henhouse Prowlers for a cover of John Prine’s “Grandpa Was a Carpenter” that resonated the genuine imagery of the original.
Over the three nights, Henhouse Prowlers did an incredible job of celebrating their more than 20-year career. In addition to their support acts, Henhouse Prowlers welcomed back former members James Weigel and Aaron Dorfman to join them onstage on night one. Weigel, a founding member of Henhouse Prowlers, delivered an exemplary take on the Flatt & Scruggs tune, “Foggy Mountain Special,” with the band. When Aaron Dorfman took the stage, banjo player Ben Wright stated, “Usually when you reunite with old band members, we have to spend a lot of time rehearsing because they don’t really play all that much anymore. Not this guy.” Dorfman spends a lot of time teaching the next generation of musicians. He joined Henhouse Prowlers for a rendition of “Devil’s Horn,” playing into the nostalgia of the evening with great ownership and substance.
With such a long tenure, Henhouse Prowlers had a vast catalog of music to choose from. They played over one hundred songs over the three nights, with songs from their self-titled debut album and the recently released Unravel. They covered bluegrass greats along with songs from Genesis and Sublime. Their musicianship never veered from excellence over the three nights.
The band is like the opening credits to the Michael Mann film, “Heat.” A scroll of talent that fits right into place with their counterparts. Each member plays their role perfectly. Jon Goldfine plays bass and sings with a commanding presence. Chris Dollar does the same with his guitar playing and vocal prowess. The subtlety that Jake Howard exudes while onstage is exemplified by his mandolin playing. Ben Wright is a steward of bluegrass music. His vocals and banjo playing are complementary and expressive.
Each night was extremely unique and a love letter to the bluegrass community for which Henhouse Prowlers have been contributing to for over twenty years. Not only are they tremendous musicians whose talents embrace the traditions and standards of bluegrass music, it is through their music that a connection is made with their audience. Over the course of three nights, there were a lot of familiar faces. On nights two and three, the band performed their encore acoustic, off the stage and on the venue floor. Admiration and respect permeated all along Lincoln Avenue from October 30 through November 1. It could not play out any other way.
Find Out More Here On The Henhouse Prowlers
Thursday, October 30:
Mountain
Hwy Patrolman
Luxury Liner - D
Speed of the Sound of Loneliness - A
Mississippi Dew - D/E
Avenues - E
Drifter (with James Weigel)
Foggy Mountain Special - Mr. Charlie (with James Weigel)
30 Years of Farming (with James Weigel)
Big Strong Man (with James Weigel)
Syracuse (with James Weigel)
Home For
Simplify
Jane Addams
The Departure
Nashville (with Aaron Dorfman)
Dil Dil (with Aaron Dorfman)
Home Grown Tomatoes (with Aaron Dorfman)
I'm no Good (with Aaron Dorfman)
Devil's Horn (with Aaron Dorfman)
Den of Sin
Palomino
Poor Boy Like Me
Land Of Confusion
Gravel Yard (with Full Spectrum)
Nellie Kane (Jake)
Wonder Where You Are (with Full Spectrum)
Hope You Learned (Jon)
Friday, October 31:
Still On That Ride
Away Away
Clinch Mtn Backstep>
Viola Lee Blues
In the Pines
Subscription to Loneliness
The Track
Lonesome Rd
Country Song
Breaking Ground>
Henry
Rich Man's Dream
Knockin’ on Your Door
Headin' For a Heartache
Head Over Heels
Soul Saver
Love of the Mountains
Travellin' Gal
Lonesome Rd
Southbound (with Jason Carter on lead vocals)
Mourning Dove
EMD > Locomotive Breath
Ain't it a Shame
Tune Tune
Shadow of a Man
Dark Hollow
Possum
Trouble
Scratching Post
Silver Eagle
Pressure Drop
Encore: Oil
Saturday, November 1:
My Last Run
Time Poorly Spent
City of New Orleans
Dawg Eat Dawg World
Spoiler Alert
Gospel In Review
Love and War
Fool's Carnival Song
My Little Flower
Qilpilama
Forgotten Gravestones
Workin' In A Coal Mine
Short Branch Saloon
Look Up To The Sky
Grandpa Was a Carpenter (with Jonas Friddle)
La Bamba/Cielito Lindo (With Jonas Friddle and horns)
Honey, Will You Be Mine
Tall Buildings
Space Man
Wishing Well
Uncle Bubba
Carolina In The Pines (with Cassie, Daniel)
Shynarym (with Cassie, Daniel)
Little Rose
Sura Yako
To Tell You The Truth
Goodbye To Lehigh
Santeria
Lead and Iron
Died Before Their Time
The Show
Helter Skelter
Encore:
Lining Up
Midnight Flyer
