A colorful, exciting season is upon us; a sign of new beginnings, and the launch of Eric Lambert & Friends Spring Fling 2014. Their upcoming tour spans two months and features great shows and travel opportunities, including stops in St. Louis, MO, Indianapolis, IN, Minneapolis, MN, and the legendary Bill Monroe Music Park in Bean Blossom, IN. The band has been lighting up the Midwest, and expanding their reach.
Following a successful Winter Wallow tour, which included two sold out shows, Eric Lambert & Friends are ready to rock their Spring Fling and everyone who joins them. “Some of the things I am looking forward to this spring is good traveling weather, and the opportunity to get outside and play some rockin' Americana string band music,” said Eric Lambert.
Their blooming Spring Fling includes many great shows, beginning with Cicero’s in St. Louis, MO on Friday, April 4. The band’s stop in Indianapolis, IN on Saturday, April 19 marks the first performance for a new acoustic music series. Eric Lambert & Friends help kick off the fresh series, founded and run by local musician and sound engineer Dan Bent, happening downtown at the Wheeler Community Arts Center. It focuses on providing quality music events by exceptional instrumentalists and singer-songwriters in a smoke-free, family-friendly, sit-down listening-room environment.
“I am one of several presenters working to bring talented artists to pleasant, affordable venues where the artist and audience can really connect,” said Dan Bent. “I chose the Wheeler because I really like the intimate feel we get in that room. I'm also happy to contribute to the resurgence of the Fountain Square area as a center for nightlife close to downtown Indianapolis,” he said.
The following weekend, Saturday, April 26, Eric Lambert & Friends kick off their festival season early, performing at the Ladies of Bluegrass 7th Annual Bluegrass Festival near Green Bay, WI with Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Art Stevenson & Highwater, and more. On May 10, they perform at the Takin’ Time Concert Series in Clearwater, MN and a few weeks later, close their Spring Fling with a bang at the John Hartford Memorial Festival the last weekend of May.
“One of the highlights of the tour will most definitely be the John Hartford Memorial Festival,” shared Eric. “Three days of pickin' and hanging out with some of the most beautiful people and some of the finest pickers,” he said. Eric Lambert & Friends have two official performances at this year’s festival; part of an outstanding line-up including Peter Rowan, Pokey LaFarge, Pert Near Sandstone, Jamie Hartford & Friends, Great American Taxi, The HillBenders, and many more. “You never know who you might find collaborating and sharing the stage there,” he said.
This spring, Eric Lambert & Friends fans can expect new tunes, more energy, and an ever-growing and improving live musical experience. “The band has become a living and breathing entity of its own,” Eric said. “Our unspoken communication is improving by the show and we continue to raise the bar on our soloing, our groove, and our singing,” he continued.
The trio of Eric Lambert on guitar/vocals, Pat Otto on mandolin/vocals, and Jake Cullen on upright bass, will be performing new original music, as well as some jazz and swing standards. “We're pretty excited about a couple of Django tunes we've been working on,” Eric revealed.
The band is grateful for what they do and the people who make every show a fun, rewarding experience. “Sending lots of love and thank you’s to our friends, fans, and supporters,” Eric concluded.
Learn more about Eric Lambert & Friends and view a current list of their upcoming shows at www.ericlambert.com.
Eric Lambert & Friends Spring Fling 2014
4/ 4 Cicero’s – St. Louis, MO
4/ 5 Max’s Place – Bloomington, IN
4/6 The Switchyard – Bloomington, IN
4/11 Bootleggers – Maple Park, IL
4/12 Mackey’s Hideout – McHenry, IL
4/18 Champs – Sterling, IL
4/19 Wheeler Community Arts Center – Indianapolis, IN *with Old Truck Revival
4/25 Mary’s Place – Rockford, IL
4/26 The Watering Hole – Howard, WI
5/2 Lamasco Bar and Grill – Evansville, IN
5/7 331 Club – Minneapolis, MN
5/8 The Waterfront – Menomonie, WI
5/10 Takin' Time Concert Series – Clearwater, MN
5/16 Tres Hombres – Carbondale, IL
5/17 Ale House – Bradly, IL
5/29-31 John Hartford Memorial Festival – Bean Blossom, IN
