Childhood friends, now troubadours, reunite for show

David Salonen, on lead guitar and fiddle, will join the band during Curry’s set.

Island troubadour Gregg Curry will split a bill with San Francisco singer-songwriter Martha Groves Perry, from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Snapdragon Bakery & Café’s Black Cat Cabaret.

The concert, originally conceived as the two singer-songwriters with their guitar, has now expanded to include the powerhouse rhythm section of Kevin Higgs on drums and Kevin Nortness on bass, backing up both artists.

David Salonen, on lead guitar and fiddle, will join the band during Curry’s set.

Curry met Groves Perry through Higgs, who is both Grove Perry’s cousin and Curry’s childhood friend, at the famed Au Pied de Cochon bistro in Washington DC, more than 35 years ago.

Both Curry and Groves Perry subsequently became singer-songwriters and reconnected a year ago when Gregg and Higgs stopped at her home in San Francisco during a cross-country drive from Alabama to Seattle. Over linguini and a night of lively conversation, the idea for this show was born.

Grove Perry’s music has a straightforward, compelling and sometimes edgy clarity, with blues, southern rock, and experimental influences. In concert, she pairs an endearing and comical stage presence with performances of meaningful and substantive songs. Her lyrics, described by her producer, Kenny Schick, as “journaling in poetry,” reflect the fearless truth-telling and unbothered amusement of a seasoned, female point of view.

Learn more about her life and music at marthagrovesperry.com.

Curry, well known to islanders, digs deep into the roots of American music, informed by his extensive travels absorbing the country’s musical tapestry. Classic rock, soul, and blues as well as the country, bluegrass, and gospel of his native Alabama influence his original songs.

Based in the Seattle area since 1990, his journey took him from the grunge scene of the 1990s to the deep Americana. Curry has released three albums and four EPs with bands, numerous singles, and two solo albums. Find out more about his music at greggcurry.com.

Admission to the concert by Curry and Groves Perry is free, with freewill donations requested to help offset expenses.