Joe Pug performing for BackForty Presents. Photo: Todd Roeth
The snow was fresh on the Boulder, Colorado ground as Joe Pug and his entourage unloaded a barrage of instruments into FlapJack’s hole-in-the-wall cavern. Initially, I was only expecting Joe to bring a harmonica and guitar. Why was I holding a PA, two guitars and watching more and more cases being pulled out of his van? Nonetheless, the fresh blanket of late-February Colorado snow caused a bit of anxiety as we hoped people would still make the late Sunday evening commute to this rare show and opportunity.
And so the wave of excitement and community gathering around BackForty Presents continued. By 7:45 over 56 people had packed into this quaint condo for their chance to Joe Pug attempt to fit 3 guitars, 1 electric guitar, and one pedal steel guitar into the smallest stage this side of the Mississippi. With beers stacked on the counter and friends and fans congregating, Joe Pug unleashed his smoked and tarnished troubadour bellow with lyrics reminiscent of Dylan and more so, John Prine, Van Zandt and the like. With echoed harmonies, pedal steel and electric guitar by Joe’s accompaniment backing such truth that Joe exhumes, the faces and jaws of the onlookers dropped like flies.
Again and again we say this. It’s beyond heart-warming…it’s completely astounding to us that we are fortunate enough to gather such artists and friends in these tight quarters to share in such experiences of art, music and conversation. We are truly thankful to Joe Pug , Don Bartlett (manager) and Josh Brinkman (booking agent) for their efforts in helping turn our living rooms into a showcase of talent, this time with Joe Pug.
Joe Pug – “Hymn #101″
Joe Pug – “Nobody’s Man”
Joe Pug – “I Do My Father’s Drugs”
-FlapJack
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