Since 1998 perennial coalescent of 4 members. Melodies, harmonies, and instrumentation blossoming from mid-autumn through early fall. Common throughout the upper mid-west from upper Michigan to Minnesota primarily in northern Wisconsin and south to Florida. Often found in disturbed soils near bluegrass or road-side ditches and taverns. Styles including but not limited to; country, bluegrass, neo-acoustic-electric-old-time, americana (whatever the hell that is), and, of course, jug-band. Members primarily hirsute. Instrument distribution orbicular and frequently changing on stage over the course of the evening. Showy clusters of original songs warranting the creation of the separate species; Daryljethro slopgrassicus (known commonly as Slopgrass, Slop, or Sloppy Joe). Used medicinally as a euphoric, purgative, and treatment for chorophobia.
Every Sloppy Joe performance draws on a deep well of original songs. This material is frequently recombined with jug-band instrumentation (spoons, jug, wash-tub, etc.) all while band-members swap the guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and bass around the stage. One observer claimed to see the upright bass change players three times in one song.
In this era when many bands perform out of a weak-eyed allegiance to pop-culture’s formula for “success” and a soul-less mimicry of music that’s already ‘been there and done that’ this originality of sound and subject-matter is the refreshing difference that sets Slopgrass apart from any other stage-style.
Sloppy Joe has performed regularly in the tall pines of the north country (Manitowish Waters, Cecil, Swamp n' grass, Northland, Flat Rock, Prairiegrass festivals to name a few), and the mountains and cypress swamps of the south ( Suwannee Springfest, Americana, Magnoliafest, and Poppy Mountain) all the while maintaining the unique slopgrass sound. Although they are no strangers to these big stages Sloppy Joe has thrilled audiences from the rough roadhouses of America’s backwoods to old-time rendezvous gatherings and community celebrations on Main street USA.
In their travels they’ve had the opportunity to share the bill with a variety of great acts including The late John Hartford, The Del McCoury Band, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Leftover Salmon, Danny Barnes, Michael Hurley, Piper Road Spring Band, Rev. Jeff Mosier, Vassar Clements, and Hayseed Dixie.
Asking any other band to play slopgrass might get a, “You can’t get there from here!" response.
Remember, "If it ain’t Sloppy Joe it ain’t Slopgrass”!
The band consists of 4 members, and boasts no less than 3 talented lead singers, each one an accomplished songwriter and instrumentalist. They Are:
GAVIN SCHABERG (Vocals, banjo, guitar, mandolin)
JEFF SACHS (Vocals, upright bass, fiddle, banjo, guitar, jug, mandolin)
STEF LEE (Vocals, guitar, upright bass, fiddle, banjo, musical saw )
JIMERS SOUKUP (Washtub and upright basses, jawharp)
Join us for dinner and the concert, or, as always, just come out for what promises to be a really great concert.
Menu dining will be available at the club from 5pm to & 7:30. Along with the regular menu, Exec. Chef Stacey Kunesh has three specials in keeping with the evening's entertainment theme (no not slop); but Mustard Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits and Gravy $12; Alana's Famous Baby Back Ribs with Homemade Macaroni and Cheese and Bacon Braised Greens, $13; or Homemade Gumbo w/Chicken, Andouille Sausage and Crawfish, $15. Riverside accepts cash, Visa and Master Card and now has a public liquor license. The bar will be open for beverage service throughout the evening. (no carry- ins, please). Please call the club directly 863-9937 to make dinner reservations.
