Ellen Cherry at Quarry House Tavern: God Bless Independent Music

Ellen Cherry, w/ Danielle Gasparro and Simon Lynge

at the Quarry House Tavern, Silver Spring, Maryland

November 12, 2008

Recommended beverage to go with this show:
Gouden Caroulis Classic

Let’s start with the venue. On the edge of downtown Silver Spring, next to an Indian restaurant on a corner of Georgia Avenue, a staircase descends to the L-shaped Quarry House Tavern. The place has a reputation for live country music, but other musical genres inhabit the place, including rockabilly and pop. And while it looks like a dingy dive bar, it ain't no place for Miller Lite fans. Quarry House boasts an outstanding beer list, including dozens of Belgian beers, from Witte to Bocks to Abbey Tripels. This place is a homey haven that’s been a neighborhood staple for 70 years, around since long before the downtown area's transition in recent years. Can’t believe I just discovered it now.

The music on this night was moving and enchanting. The headliner, the adorably personable Ellen Cherry from Baltimore, brought along a few other musicians and played two round robin sets with them. First up, Danielle Gasparro from New York City had such a powerful voice and lovely songs. On keyboard and vocals with a guitarist in tow, she belted out her original music—which showcased her sweet, smoky vocals. Her jazz background was evident long before her mesmerizing cover of “Girl from Ipanema.” This gal is one to watch.

Seattle-based musician via Denmark, the talented Simon Lynge was next up on guitar and vocals. He sang sweetly and his stories were most amusing. One of his songs was used in the film American Pie 2 though he was unaware until after the movie’s release that it’d be used during the, err, female ejaculation scene. Appropriately, the song is titled, “Love Comes Back to You.”

A surprise guest also came out to play, JP McDermott, a local rockabilly favorite who plays often around town.

Last up was Kristin Putchinski, whose stage name is Ellen Cherry. She played songs from her new cd, Heart Like a Lion, and a couple from earlier releases, including ones from her 2005 EP, Years, which focus on women in history. Bold songs with excellent lyrics and gorgeous vocals.