Tag Archives: Rumba Cafe Promotions

Tonight @ Bluestone: Justin Townes Earle

MP3: Justin Townes Earle – Rogers Park (live at the Castle Theater in Bloomington, Illinois)

When Justin Townes Earle came to Columbus in the past, he’d always play the Rumba Cafe, even though he outgrew the venue pretty quickly. It made for an intimate show, but it was crowded, and if you got close to the stage you were one of the lucky ones.

Now that the Rumba’s Todd Dugan is booking occasional shows at the Bluestone, Columbus has a chance to see Earle with a bit more elbow room, good sight lines and some stained-glass ambience. After seeing Lucero in the space last month, I was also impressed by the quality of the live sound, something Rumba has become known for. …Think a smaller, classier Newport with better sound.

Tristen opens tonight’s show ($17, 18+, 9pm). Dugan’s next big Bluestone show will be Watershed‘s CD release show on June 8.

Tonight @ Bluestone: Lucero

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Rumba Cafe manager Todd Dugan has recently branched out and started booking bigger shows at other venues under the name “Rumba Cafe Promotions.” That explains why, if you go to the Bluestone (previously BoMA) website, you’ll see Lucero and Justin Townes Earle listed in the upcoming shows.

JTE will have to wait till May, but today (4/9) brings Lucero to town. The band has been tapping into Memphis soul lately, but Lucero is a chameleon, so any pithy description of the music would leave something out. Instead, head to the band’s website where you can stream every Lucero album. The new record, Women & Work, is out now on ATO ($5.99 at Amazon).

Ragged-voiced Americana/bluesman William Elliott Whitmore opens tonight’s show. $17, 18+, doors at 7pm.