In Residence at LIC Bar

Every month LIC Bar has a new “Artist in Residence”. February sees TWO, Jo Williamson and Xavier Cardriche.

LIC Bar is a popular venue for local, national and international artists who might be building up to a tour, making a come-back or preparing for a recording. Jo Williamson is such an artist, having recently taken a break from performing she joins a line of high calibre artists who use the LIC venue to hone their skills before embarking on tours or recording projects. Most recently Jim Keller (famous for his hit 867-5309 with Tommy Tutone) was such an artist, sharpening his performances before a tour with Nick Lowe. Most famously, also, Phoebe Snow in her last performance before her untimely passing in 2011.

Jo’s most recent recording is her album, Be the Man, produced by Martha Wainwright and released in 2011 as her third CD offering. As a singer songwriter, she writes and performs in a pop/folk style which has a story-telling quality. She has a strong clear, accurate voice and a highly musical feel to performances which have powerful, intimate quality reminiscent of early Joni Mitchell, yet powerful like Patti Smith and clear like the great British folk singer Sandy Denny. Check her out here.

Jo’s performances at LIC Bar are at 7pm on Mondays throughout February; nights when three other performers are presented each week, as well as free food at 9pm, courtesy of Parnell’s Restaurant.

Xavier Cardriche is well known to LIC Bar regulars, he is a strong singer with a rich bluesy voice and a confident performance style that connects immediately with the audience. Playing with both a band and solo his songs are powerful and melodic, with variations in style that makes for interesting sets, as can be heard on his self-titled 2012 album. For this residency he is performing solo at 10pm every Wednesday night throughout February. Check him out on here.

by Eric Hathaway