Sure, the local bands that play Market Days are good at what they do: putting on a live show that makes people get down. But we wanted to know more about them – where they’re from, how they got into music and why they do what they do. Here’s a look at a few artists playing this year’s lineup.
TOM MAJOR
Entrain
Some parents may get frustrated when their kids bang pots and pans all day on the kitchen floor. That can do a number on anybody’s eardrums. But for Tom Major, Entrain’s founding drummer, pots and pans weren’t loud enough.
We’re not saying banging on cookware always marks the beginning of a musical career for everyone, but that’s how Major caught his big break.
“You just keep doing what you do, play what you play,” said Major. “It’s just a treat.”
At 54, Major isn’t banging on pots and pans anymore: He’s turned his love for drumming into a professional hobby. On a trip to West Africa in 1993, he was introduced to African tribal beat music. His love for world rhythms pushed him to form Entrain.
Major’s life has revolved around music since he was old enough to walk. He said that while music is important to him, he likes connecting with the fans most of all.
“People are the same everywhere,” he said. “As big as the world is, we are all connected. . . . We all love the same things.”
Major loves catching waves as much as he loves dropping beats. He spends his available free time on Martha’s Vineyard bodysurfing and with his two children.
See the show: Saturday
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: Main stage
BROOKS YOUNG
Brooks Young Band
“Always dress like you’re going to the bank to take out a loan. You always need to look sharp.”
That’s the advice blues legend B.B. King had for Brooks Young, the guitarist and front man behind the Brooks Young Band, which released its first studio album in April 2010.
And, while it’s safe to say Young’s got the rock star getup down, his playing is pretty sharp these days, too. The Fender-endorsed guitarist, who’s 28, has played with the likes of King, J. Geils, and James Montgomery, and he’s not showing any signs of letting up soon. But with all the links to stardom, does Young ever get away from the music scene? Not hardly.
In addition to collecting guitars and old records, the Concord native likes to watch the History Channel – something that may surprise his younger fans. “Pawn Stars” is among his favorite programs on the network, but he’s also quick to point out his heavy interest in the iPhone.
“I’m very big on iPhones,” Young said enthusiastically. “I have the new iPhone 4 that’s out so
I spend time looking for the coolest new applications.”
See the show: Saturday
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Main stage
DUSTY GRAY
Dusty and The Know
If you’re driving by Hot Hole Pond in Loudon, don’t be surprised to find Dusty Gray, vocalist and guitarist for Dusty and The Know, casting out in search of landing the big one. The New Englander works to find the right spot in catching the biggest bass around.
Of course, it takes time and patience – much like his budding music career. Gray, 24 of Canterbury, is still learning the ways of the music business as his band enter its fifth year.
“I’ve developed in age and maturity. . . . You learn the ropes as you go on,” he said. “It’s a hard business, but if you can work hard and stick to your guns, you’ll get it.”
Gray dove into the music scene at age 17 and, despite his age and so-called “backwoods” background, has done well for himself. Gray said his country-style work ethic helped him overcome initial unfamiliarity with the music industry. In his first gig with fellow band mates Chris Noyes and Matt Jensen, the trio were without a drummer. Did it matter? Gray pulled off a few acoustic pieces, including several Dave Matthews cover songs to entertain the small crowd.
Since then, the band has paid homage to its rural surroundings by playing rock, roots and soul music.
“That’s what we are; we’re (local) people,” Gray said. “The music fits.”
See the show: Thursday
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Bicentennial Square
The LINEUP
Here’s who’s playing
Thursday
3 p.m. – 3:45p.m.
Quentin (Bicentennial Square)
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Masceo (Bicentennial Square)
Old Time Rules Will Prevail: The Fiddle Contest by Adam Boyce (State House lawn)
5:30p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Wandering Puppies (Bicentennial Square)
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
N.H. Scot Performers (Eagle Square)
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Dusty and The Know (Bicentennial Square)
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Bow Junction (Main Stage)
Friday
3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
USLO (Bicentennial Square)
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Bob French (Bicentennial Square)
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Banjos, Bones and Ballads with Jeff Warner (State House Lawn)
5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Rockin’ Robins (Main Stage)
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Freese Brothers Big Band (Eagle Square)
Grass Dawgs Bluegrass Band (Co-op tent)
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Armor and Rage (Bicentennial Square)
7 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
jamAntics (Main stage)
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tape Deck (Bicentennial Square)
8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Day Janeiro (Main stage)
Saturday
12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Cindi Meehan “Songs for Seniors” (Co-op Tent)
12 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Borderline Eleven (Bicentennial Square)
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Rob Wolfe Combo (Bicentennial Square)
3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Audet (Bicentennial Square)
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Liberty is our Motto! Song & Stories of the Hutchinson Family Singers (State House)
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Glenridge (Bicentennial Square)
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Addison Chase (Bicentennial Square)
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Araba-Lon African Drum Group (Co-op tent)
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Brainfood (Bicentennial Square)
7 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Brooks Young Band (Main stage)
8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Entrain (Main stage)
