Since its opening last year, the beautiful and newly refurbished Bay Theater in Seal Beach has been presenting classic movies as well as wonderful musical acts. This Saturday the artistic excellence continues with a very special show featuring the Americana duo of ALICE HOWE & FREEBO.
Best known for his ten years playing bass with Bonnie Raitt, Freebo has toured and recorded with some of the greatest artists of his generation, including John Mayall, Ringo Starr, Crosby Stills & Nash, Maria Muldaur, and Dr. John. For the past twenty-five years, he’s been writing and performing his own original music. Alice Howe is a talented young singer and songwriter who recently had the honor of being named Best Female Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards. Their chemistry together is undeniable as Freebo weaves his unique fretless stylings into Alice’s soulful, impeccably-tuned vocals for a harmony-driven performance showcasing two uniquely compelling songwriters.
Since 2017, the duo has been touring and recording together. Freebo produced Alice’s latest record Circumstance, recorded at iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Their latest album, “Alice Howe & Freebo Live” is their first release as a duo, and it debuted as the #1 Most Played Album on the Folk Radio Charts.
Alice & Freebo have played the main stage at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, and Kate Wolf Festival, have been featured on the nationally syndicated live radio program Mountain Stage, and they tour relentlessly across the US and Europe. Ron Olesko of Folk Music Notebook says of Alice Howe & Freebo, “When these two get together, prepare yourself for an extraordinary evening of song and smiles, and maybe a tear or two. Powerful songwriting, mesmerizing vocals, outstanding musicianship, and a palpable camaraderie make for an experience unsurpassed on the contemporary acoustic scene.”
Opening the show on Saturday will be multi-platinum songwriter and master improvisor HAROLD PAYNE. A compelling performer and soulful singer, Harold has written songs for such diverse artists as Rod Stewart, Patti LaBelle, Carlos Santana, and longtime collaborator Bobby Womack….and literally from Peter, Paul, & Mary to Snoop Dogg.
Harold Payne will open the Bay Theatre show.
Harold Payne is a multi-platinum songwriter and master improviser who has written songs for such diverse artists as Rod Stewart, Patti LaBelle, Carlos Santana, Kelly Rowland & long-time collaborator, Bobby Womac, and literally from Peter Paul & Mary to Snoop Dogg, and for Van Morrison, Kenny Loggins & Heart.
With a focus on Veterans currently in rehabilitation, Harold will include his song “Quiet Heroes” on his September 20th song list because, in addition to his first appearance at the Bay Theatre, Harold is also scheduled to begin his first “Operation Song” songwriting experience with veterans at the Long Beach Veterans Administration Hospital on October 8th.
Harold says, “I am happy to be invited to participate in both of these local events including the very first Operation Song full day Retreat known to be a life-saving and successful music therapy program that saves lives.”
For more information contact Ben Ahle, Bay Theatre manager (714) 681-6073. For information on Bandcamp, contact Terri Quinlan: (562) 889-5924.