On Stage: Slambovian Circus of Dreams comes to Elkton Music Hall

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times

“Special” is a good description of Elkton, Maryland – especially this weekend.

Elkton is the county seat of Cecil County, Maryland. It was formerly called Head of Elk because it sits at the head of navigation on the Elk River, one of the five tributary rivers in the northern part of the Chesapeake Bay.

The town constitutes part of the Delaware Valley. It was once known as the “Gretna Green of the East of the US” because of its popularity as a place for eloping couples to marry.

That history is part of what makes Elkton “special.”

In the early 20th century, couples who needed a quick marriage would seek out one of the towns across the country which had fewer restrictions on marriage licenses.

Because of its geography and the lack of a waiting period (which had become mandatory in neighboring states by the early 1910s),

Elkton, once known as the marriage capital of the East Coast, was one of the busiest of these “marriage mills.”

Elkton’s Chesapeake location made it a convenient destination for couples coming from the northeastern states – driving or riding the rails.

This was a gold mine for cabbies.

The hacks met couples arriving on the southbound trains from New York, New Jersey and other Northeastern states (called the “Honeymoon Express”) and offered them package deals that helped create an economic windfall for the town of Elkton.

New York Giants Hall of Fame outfielder Willie Mays married Marguerite Wendelle in Elkton in 1956. In the television show, The Waltons, one of the Walton boys got married to his 17-year-old bride in Elkton.

About two years ago, Elkton’s “special” status surfaced again with the opening of the Elkton Music Hall (107 North Street, Elkton, Maryland, www.elktonmusichall.com).

Elkton Music Hall is a 300-plus capacity venue that hosts national and local musical artists. It also offers private events and is part of the Elkton Arts and Entertainment District.

The venue presents music acts from a variety of genres – from local bands to tribute shows to nation acts ranging from Low Cut Connie (coming March 20) and Kathleen Edwards (April 2) to Kathy Mattea (February 25), the Outlaws (March 4) and actor/singer Jeff Daniels (April 4).

This weekend, there will be a “special” event at the Elkton Music Hall – the area debut by the legendary New York band, the Slambovian Circus of Dreams.

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams will headline the Elkton Music Hall on February 22.

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams, which has been making music since 1998, features a trio of founding members Joziah Longo (singer, songwriter, guitarist, leader of the band), his wife Tink Lloyd (accordion, cello, flute, ukulele, theremin, keyboards) and Sharkey McEwen (guitar, mandolin, backing vocals).

The current line-up also features RJ McCarty (keys, sax, banjo, backing vocals), Bob Torsello (bass), and Matthew Abourezk (drums).

Traditional shows for the band include the “Slambovian Circus of Dreams Halloween Show,” the “Fairport’s Copredy Convention,” “Kingston Earth Fair,” and two December Slambovian Circus of Dreams traditions — Christmas and New Years concerts.

The band just finished a five-state December run of “A Very Slambovian Christmas” shows which finished with a show last week in Newtown (Bucks County).

“This is our first time to play in that area so we’re really looking forward to it,” said Lloyd, during a phone interview Wednesday afternoon from upstate New York where she and Longo reside.

The band’s trip south from the Hudson Valley also includes shows on February 21 at Avalon in Easton, Maryland, and a show on February 23 at Havana in New Hope.

“We took off January to record,” said Longo. “I’m always writing. I’m much more prolific writer than recorder.”

Lloyd said, “We completely rewired. Now, we’re picking songs for the next album. Some are already done.”

Unfortunately, they didn’t spend as much time on recording during January as they would have liked.

“We got tied up with Garth’s funeral,” said Longo, referring to Garth Hudson, one of the founding members of The Band who passed away on January 21.

“We spent a lot of unexpected time in Woodstock. We were there for about a week.

“We only knew Garth from him showing up at our shows. He was showing up to see us play before people even knew us.”

Hudson was one of Dylan’s main musicians for years. The Slambovian Circus of Dreams has its own connection to Dylan.

The Slambovians have been described as, “Exploring the depths of Americana one trippy tune at a time, influences and elements of Dylan, Bowie, The Band, Incredible String Band, Syd Barrett and The Waterboys flavor the musical mix.”

The Slambovian Circus has released more than a dozen albums. Right in the middle was “The Circus Does Dylan”, an album released in June 2010 featuring 12 Dylan tracks recorded live between 2005 and 2009.

“This show is flavored with Dylan and Garth,” said Lloyd, referring to Saturday’s show in Elkton.

“We’re going to do some Dylan songs. Songs from the four-year period in the Dylan movie are the only ones we do. We’ll be doing some songs from our back catalogue, some from the 25th anniversary album and some new songs.”

Wisely, the Circus is not railing against the current political situation in America.

“Don’t pick a side – pick a future together,” said Longo.

Lloyd said, “We’re hiding out from politics completely. We’re getting organized for a cosmic spring in Slambovia – a spring where we’ll bring a hopeful spirit to people.”

Longo is a Philly native who went to St. John Neumann High which back then was called Bishop Neumann High. Both the school and Longo’s childhood home are located in South Philadelphia.

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams has endeared itself to area fans with its annual New Year’s Eve Eve show at the World Café Live in Philadelphia.

“Our New Year’s Eve Eve show is always a big tradition for Joziah,” said Lloyd. “His childhood babysitter comes to the show. His family comes to the show. His friends from kindergarten come to the show. They all come to the show to connect with everybody.”

According to Longo, “I’m a South Philly boy and all my South Philly people bring umbrellas and dance like jellyfish. Coming back to Philly means a lot to me because it’s the place where I was born. It’s a great way to end the year. We’re all trying to find our best self.”

The band has another feature that dates back more than a decade-and-a-half.

“We’ve been doing summer shows in the U.K. since 2008,” said Lloyd. “We’ve gone over every year except 2020 and 2021 because of COVID.”

In 2023, the Slambovian Circus of Dreams played the Fairport Convention’s Copredy Convention in Banbury and was named the “fans’ favorites.” They also played the Wickham Festival in Wickham with the Waterboys headlining.

“Our first time to play in the U.K. was the Rhythm Festival,” said Lloyd. “It was a classic rock festival with acts like the Animals and the Zombies. Jim Driver, who is involved with the Glastonbury Music Festival, asked us to play at the festival.”

The Rhythm Festival, which was last held in 2011, was an outdoor music festival held in Bedfordshire. From 2006 until 2010 it was held at Twinwood Arena, near the village of Clapham. In 2008, it was held from August 29-31.

Performers included Jefferson Starship, Saw Doctors, Richie Havens, Michelle Shocked, Big Star, Steve Cropper, Quicksilver Messenger Service, The Zombies, Chas and Dave, Jah Wobble, The Pretty Things, Nine Below Zero, The Foxes, Neville Staple and Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams.

“They had us as the opening act for the festival,” said Lloyd. “And they also had us play as the closing act. People just freaked out over us. It was pretty crazy.”

This year, the Slambovian Circus headed back across the pond for a series of shows, including a pair of festivals — Devizes Arts Festival in Devizes and First Light Festival in Lowestoft. They also played shows in Pocklington, Saltaire, Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Chelmsford and London.

The big news in 2024 was the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the band’s debut album, “A Good Thief Tips His Hat.”

The album was initially released in 1999 and then re-released in 2021 after the band got control of its catalogue.

“The album was never released in the U.K. and is now being released by a British label,” said Longo. “We’ve been playing songs from that album. Learning to play songs from a 25-year-old album was like learning new stuff.”

Longo has been extremely busy at his home along the Hudson.

“I’m working on three musicals and four new albums,” said Longo. “I’ve been writing a lot.

“The musicals are moving along – starting to happen. The whole skeleton is coming together. I’ve been reading books about scriptwriting. It’s really about articulation.

“The albums are written and arranged. Matthew and I have been laying down tracks for one of them.”

“A Very Unusual Head,” which is the band’s sixth studio album, was released January 21, 2022, on their new label, Storm King Records.

“A Very Unusual Head” was recorded over four years in five studios and two countries. The album is a step away from the guitar-based Americana vibe heard on their previous albums.

“A Very Unusual Head” is a real Slambovian tribal project with contributions from many friends and a few “special guests” such as Dar Williams, Anthony Thistlethwaite (The Waterboys), Kolson Pickard (Tall Heights, Pico Romanesque), drummer Felipe Torres (protege of Carmine Appice and sideman for Davey Jones), drummer Matt Abourezk (Thin White Rope) and Tristan Tadin (keyboards).

Canadian engineer Dio Tadin (Tristan’s father) recorded the bulk of the album on a former reindeer farm near Peterborough, Ontario and at Big Blue in Cornwall, New York. Tadin’s resume includes work at Daniel Lanois’ studio in Hamilton, Ontario.

“We recorded two-thirds of the album in 2018,” said Lloyd. “We got half of it mixed and then COVID hit. We released ‘Beez’ as a single and made an EP that was only sold at our U.K. tour.

“Then, we pulled together all the tracks recorded over the last five years. We did a lot of work with Dio Tadin in Peterborough, Ontario. Then, the Tadins moved their studio (Big Blue) to Cornwall, New York – which is near us. We finished making the album there.”

Inspired by the Surrealists and early British Psychedelia and the paths they pioneered, the songs on the album deal with topics ranging from the pseudo-scientific to the pseudo-religious realms and other forms of hob-nobbery for fun and profit.

The diverse album has a song about Steven Hawking (“Force of Nature”), the planets (“Pluto”) and an inspirational song about the importance of bees in the ecosystem (“Beez (I Know Where the Beez Have Gone”).”

As always, the Slambovians’ songs feature great instrumentals accompanied by lyrics that are intelligent, socially aware, witty and mindful. Longo is a modern-day troubadour bringing a message to the people of 2025.

The new album displays many of the band’s influences — Beatles, Bowie, Incredible String Band, Syd Barrett, Brahms and The Waterboys…along with a good measure of Woodstock-era psychedelia.

Fans at the Elkton Music Hall will have the opportunity to experience the Slambovian Circus of Dreams at a local venue.

“With Maryland, we never really get to that area,” said Lloyd. “People will get to hear something new.”

The Slambovians will also play on February 23 at 5 p.m. at Havana (105 South Main St. New Hope, www.havananewhope.com). Tickets are $30.

Video link for the Slambovian Circus of Dreams – https://youtu.be/9UTTwqUOJPE.

The show on February 22 at the Elkton Muisc Hall will start at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $32.

Other upcoming shows at Elkton Music Hall are Jeffrey Gaines & James Maddock on February 20, “Echoes The American Pink Floyd: Pink Floyd Tribute” on February 21 and Kathy Mattea on February 25.

The Montreal Guitar Trio is making a return visit to the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com) on February 23.

The Montreal Guitar Trio (MG3) surprises, amazes, exalts, and ignites audiences with their dynamic and breathtaking stage presence. This passionate trio has been sharing their work with fervor for over 25 years.

In addition to their three guitars, these multi-instrumentalists also sing and play the violin, mandolin, bass, accordion and more.

The original trio featured Sébastien Dufour, Glenn Lévesque and Marc Morin. Dufour has been replaced by Sébastien Deshaies.

Described by the CBC as the hottest guitar ensemble in Canada, Montreal Guitar Trio has quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, as well as an interactive force in various musical forms.

For more than 25 years, the trio’s virtuosity and creativity and impressive stage presence have been winning over audiences around the world.

“We started in 1998 – 27 years now,” said Morin, during a phone interview Wednesday from his home in Montreal.

“Sébastien (Dufour), Glenn and I met in Montreal at the University of Montreal.

“We started as a trio after college. We began playing metal and rock and then went to study classical. What brought us together was the love of many kinds of music and blending them together. We were raised in rock and studied classical. We had eclectic tastes.

“I initially called Glenn about my project. Then, Glenn proposed Sébastien as the third member. The project was playing the music of (Argentinian composer) Astor Piazzolla, (Brazilian composer) Egberto Gismonti and (Italian composer) Ennio Morricone.”

MG3 has performed hundreds of concerts throughout North America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia in the most prestigious venues including the legendary Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Rundetårnet in Copenhagen and the BB King Blues Club in New York.

Winner of the 2011 Opus Award for “Concert of the Year” in the Jazz & World Music category, Montreal Guitare Trio has
released eight albums, including the trio’s two latest ones – “Danzas” (2017) & “Der Prinz” (2014).

Throughout the years, the trio has collaborated and shared the stage with world-renowned ensembles and artists, such as the Orchestre Symphonique de Québec, Jorane, Solorazaf and Don Ross.

“Morricone is like our mentor,” said Morin. “We always play Morricone. It was already a classical crossover. These composers were classical but not really in the classical world.”

Ennio Morricone was an Italian composer, orchestrator, conductor, trumpeter, and pianist who wrote music in a wide range of styles. With more than 400 scores for cinema and television, as well as more than 100 classical works, Morricone is widely considered one of the most prolific and greatest film composers of all time.

He received numerous accolades including two Academy Awards, three Grammy Awards, three Golden Globes, six BAFTAs, ten David di Donatello, eleven Nastro d’Argento, two European Film Awards, the Golden Lion Honorary Award, and the Polar Music Prize in 2010.

Now, the virtuoso Montreal Guitar Trio is presenting a tribute concert in memory of the great Ennio Morricone.

From the beginning of their career, the music of this legendary composer has been a significant part of the trio’s repertoire.

This special concert dedicated to his memory will also feature special surprises with the unique flair that only the MG3 can offer.

“Morricone is our constant thing as a trio,” said Morin. “There has never been a Montreal Guitar Trio performance without Ennio.

“I don’t know exactly why. We just need him to be there. It’s cult music. We play that music like it was ours.”

The music of the Montreal Guitar Trio operates on many levels.

“We play rock, classical and a lot of ethnic music,” said Morin. “That’s what keeps it interesting. In our music, you will hear Indian, Arabic, Eastern European and South American. We also play some African based on music from Mali.

“Every album is a wide span of musical interests – expect the last one which is Spanish-inspired. We like to mix styles.”

Video link for Montreal Guitar Trio – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYlHU2DbfU4.

The show at Sellersville on February 23 will start at 7:300 p.m.

Ticket prices start at $25.

Other upcoming shows at the Sellersville Theatre are Bruce in the U.S.A. on February 20 and 21, Harry Chapin Band on February 22, Enter the Haggis on February 25 and Vanilla Fudge on February 26.

Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, 215-477-9985, www.jameyshouseofmusic.com)  will present the Jake Walden Band on February 21 and Mark Margolies Band on February 22.

Every Sunday, Jamey’s presents “SUNDAY BLUES BRUNCH & JAM” featuring the highly acclaimed blues group the Girke-Davis Project as the host band.

The Candlelight Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, 302- 475-2313, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org) is presenting the final weekend of “Something Rotten.”

“Something Rotten” is a Tony Award-nominated musical written by brothers Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick. It was a situation where two brothers wrote a musical about two brothers writing a musical.

The hilarious comedy is running now through February 23 at the Candlelight Dinner Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org).

The show opened on Broadway in 2015 at the St. James Theatre and closed in January 2017 after 742 performances. It was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and won one.

The production at the Candlelight features JJ Vavrik as Nick Bottom, Kaedon Knight as Shakespeare, Nigel Grant, Jr. as Nicle Bottom, Alexa Wilder as Bea and Malik Muhammad as Nostradamus.

The ultra-humorous comedy tells the story of the Bottom brothers – two siblings who are desperate to write their own hit play while the “rock star” Shakespeare keeps getting all the hits.

When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical.

Tickets, which include dinner and show, are $70.50 for adults and $35 for children (ages 4-12).

As always, there are quite a few tribute act shows at area venues this weekend.

On February 21, the Colonial Theater (227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, thecolonialtheatre.com/events) will be the venue for

“Rising Sun Presents Kashmir: The Spirit of Led Zeppelin Live!”

This month is a special month in Led Zep history – the 50th anniversary of the release of “Physica Graffiti.” The landmark album was released February 24, 1975.

On Kashmir’s “Physical Graffti’s 50th Anniversary Tour,” the band will be performing “Physical Graffti” in its entirety along with other Zeppelin hits.

Kashmir was created by vocalist Jean Violet back in 2000. It has grown from the streets of New York City to now being one of the top Led Zeppelin Tribute bands touring nationally and internationally.

The band features Violet as the personification of a young Robert Plant; Kevin Slover in his iconic black dragon suit, strutting the stage like a young, cocky Jimmy Page; multi-instrumentalist Lenny Lee, who has long been inspired by the playing and creativity of John Paul Jones; and David Blampied,  the “keeper of the groove” who is equally adept at the subtle, nuanced passages as well as the thunderous grooves Bonham was known for.

Video link for Kashmir – https://youtu.be/7_saN277cCM.

The show at the Colonial on February 21 will start at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $29.50, $39.50 and $54.50.

Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295, http://www.kennettflash.org) is hosting “Angry Young Band: The Billy Joel Tribute” on February 21, “SEATTLE TRIBUTE NIGHT featuring Riot Act (A Tribute to Pearl Jam), Loud Love (A Tribute to Chris Cornell) and Into the Flood Again (A Tribute to Alice in Chains)” on February 22 and “Beatlemania Again! — A Tribute to The Beatles” on March 8.

Ardmore Music Hall (23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, www.ardmoremusic.com) always is heavy with tribute shows and there is one on tap for this weekend — “An American Classic: Bruce vs. Petty” (Springsteen, Petty) on February 22.