Ho Ho Hoedown at Good People Brewing Company

On Saturday, December 7, six great acts perform at Good People Brewing Company. The 6^th Annual Ho-Ho-Hoedown benefit will grace the taproom stage with Birmingham favorites: The Glass Jars, Motel Ice Machine, Jasper Coal, Post War, Sassy Brown Band, and George Scherer.

This year’s event was organized by Ryan Flynt of Motel Ice Machine and The Glass Jars’ Jeremy Tidmore. “Ryan has been spearheading this project every year since its inception, and I was happy to be a part of it this year,” says Tidmore. He and his band are happy to return for the benefit. “This will be the third year that we’ve been involved. Shawna played as a solo artist two years ago, and last year (as Loup-Garou) we played as a band. It was one of our favorite shows of the year.”

The Glass Jars, formerly known as Loup-Garou, have seen their style and image grow and change over the past year. With the departure of their sax player this summer, their jazz/rock fusion may have been in jeopardy. However, violist Mollie McFarland stepped up to provide new accompaniment with a classical twist.

Ryan Flynt provides upright bass and vocals for the rockabilly/bluegrass Motel Ice Machine. In true country form, they walk the line between downhome and salty. Their set has a bit of everything, including a few drinking songs and an unconventional Christmas tune (also a drinking song).  

At first listen, Jasper Coal may be mistaken for a certain Boston group until referencing to the coal mines of Birmingham. Celtic folk fuses with aggressive rock guitars and drums, and the pairing of rock stomps and Irish fiddle is hard to beat. Commonly recommended as one of the most exciting bands in town, Jasper Coal is sure to spike your adrenaline.  

Post War is a fine representation of the indie evolution of folk. Varied percussion and elegant strings meet mellow vocals and dramatic progressions. Although their sentimental numbers often place them on the Freelance Whales end of the folk spectrum, songs like “Ol’ Scratch” add some welcome jolts to the tempo.   

Sassy Brown Band’s sultry blues never fails to entertain at venues like Gip’s Place and Ona’s Music Room. Lauren “Sassy” Brown has spent a lifetime singing and charming the crowd, and has in recent years developed a unique vocal style perfect for the four-piece blues group. The band’s rhythm is rock-steady, and they can provide some amazing instrumental breaks featuring Rob Harris’ guitar.    

Birmingham mainstay George Scherer will take the stage between sets to keep the music going while each band sets up. Patrons of Marty’s and venues around Alabama will recognize the singer/songwriter’s insightful music, with shades of Dylan and classic folk attitudes in his lyrics. The times have changed a lot since Scherer began playing, and he’s chronicled it all.  

The show starts at 7 p.m. Cover is $5 at the door, or you may bring an unwrapped toy of a $5 value or higher. All proceeds from the cover (plus a dollar of every beer sold) will be donated to Jessie’s Place, a women and children’s shelter. “Each band playing is donating their time for this great cause,” says Tidmore. “Last year we raised over $2000. We are hoping to match that this year.”

Join the Facebook event page here.