When Kenny Chesney sings “When The Sun Goes Down,” not many listeners stop to consider the consequences of that sun never coming back up again. The subject matter found in Broken Arrow, the latest LP from alternative country artist Charlie Overbey, isn’t quite as dismal as global annihilation, but it’s still light years away from the feel good vibe of the aforementioned Chesney tune. Catch him on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at Standing Sun Winery in Buellton to hear for yourself.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Overbey tried, but ultimately failed, to break away from the country music his father exposed him to while growing up. His father played nothing but Cash on his 1947 Gibson acoustic guitar. Overbey refers to this period as “the school and church of Johnny Cash.”
“When you’re raised, and it’s all around you, it’s the last thing you want to be a part of,” Overbey said in press materials.
It wasn’t until adulthood—many years and one punk rock rebellion phase later—that the artist finally embraced the genre and admitted its role in shaping his musical growth.
During the last few years of touring the world, opening for various acts including Motorhead, Social Distortion, Blackberry Smoke, and David Allan Coe, Overbey slowly compiled a collection of new, original songs about his youth and upbringing. These introspective compositions became the foundation for Broken Arrow, which was produced by Grammy-winner Ted Hutt, whose past collaborators include Old Crow Medicine Show, Lucero, Dropkick Murphys, and The Gaslight Anthem.
“I’ve never worked with anyone like Ted. This is the first time I’ve ever let go and trusted somebody else as a partner in my songs,” Overbey said. “He really pulled some stuff out of me that I had not planned on delivering. Honestly, these songs can be hard for me to sing; they come from a deep, real, and sometimes dark place.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. for Overbey’s show at Standing Sun. Blues/Americana group Jeremiah and The Red Eyes open for him. Tickets to the concert are $20 at the door, but you can reserve your seat in advance for $5 more.
More music
Mozart maniacs and Beethoven buffs best not miss the Frisson Ensemble on Friday, Feb. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lompoc. Works by Ennio Morricone and traditional Celtic suites will also be performed.
Local singer, songwriter, and guitarist Conner Cherland is offering his not-so-traditional blend of Americana, indie, folk, and soul on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 1 p.m. at Zinke Wines in Los Olivos. Cherland’s influences include Sufjan Stevens, Eminem, Shakey Graves, Ed Sheeran, and Hozier among others.
If you’re looking for someone to finally take your side, you might want to catch The Agreeables on Friday, Feb. 1, at 1 p.m. at Cold Spring Tavern. No worries if indie-rock isn’t your cup of tea though, the tavern also hosts The Third Man, who perform bohemian noir lounge, old-school country, and surf; The Shorelines, a contemporary psychedelic duo, on Saturday, Feb. 2; and Kelly’s Lot, a blues, roots, and Irish melody group, on Sunday, Feb. 3.
Fun and fancy free
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! presents Grupo Bella, on Friday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. at Guadalupe City Hall. This mariachi septet, Nicole Rivera, Maya Arce, Melissa Casas, Lillian Lopez, Diana McConnell, Michael Tejada, and founding member Vanessa Ramirez, performs both Mexican and Mexican-American folk music.
Ramirez originally founded the band as a trio in 2010 and is also known for her solo career as a television composer (cough, cough, My Fair Wedding and Hell’s Kitchen, anyone?). Special guest artist Tomas Herrera will be joining the group for this free, family-friendly concert. The musicians will meet with the audience for refreshments and conversation after the performance.
Calendar Editor Caleb Wiseblood wrote this week’s Local Notes. Contact him at cwiseblood@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Jan 31 – Feb 7, 2019.
