TYLER WESTCOTT BLOWS US AWAY AT RIO TOMATLAN!

Well most of us see Tyler Westcott lighting it up with his various groups such as Folkfaces, Paper Roses, and The Observers, and that’s just what he did in Canandaigua with Folkfaces to a packed house at Ploughshares on Saturday night. On Sunday, however, an incredible transformation occurred when Tyler came to Quiote at Rio Tomatlan with just his guitar, banjo, harmonica, and well-crafted original songs and stories of his personal life and life on the road as a full-time musician. For two hours with no intermission from the first note to the last he had his audience in the palm of his hand, and they responded enthusiastically with hoots and shouts of affirmation. The ease with which he moved from one story and song to another displayed a professionalism comparable to iconic musicians who travel the national circuit. His delivery, very similar to Arlo Guthrie’s, reflected other greats such as Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Dave, Van Ronk, Bob Dylan, and of course Arlo’s father, Woody. Just like these greats, his honesty presented with a terrific sense of humor was beyond being refreshing and satisfying. Throughout the afternoon, sometimes I thought I was at a coffee house in Greenwich Village, and other times I thought I was sitting in a government camp along Route 66 during the 1930s. Whether rocking out with one of his bands or doing an intimate solo show, Tyler makes people happy with his music. He has found his Niche, and I look forward to more great stories and songs. I’d like to thank Tyler’s mom for grounding him a lot when he was a kid, only allowing him access to a guitar. Had she not done this, we might not have gotten this incredible singer/songwriter and performer.

Big thanks to Tyler for a terrific show! Big thanks to Raf, Erin, Trevor, Jasmine, Julie, and the rest of the staff at Rio for all the help you give us to make this event work! Big thanks to Scott Regan for promoting these shows on WRUR’s “Open Tunings!” Big thanks to you, the audience, for your continuous support of this venue! Without you, it would not be possible! Coming right back at you with another show in one week, Sunday, November 17. Brian Ayers and Mike Nelson, two of Bloomfield’s favorite sons, will be our guests in Quiote. There will be music for the brunch at Rio from Noon until Brian and Mike take the stage at 3 PM. Brian and Mike will be filling in for John Dady, who will be involved with “Show for Joe,” a show celebrating the life of Joe Dady. Stay tuned for more details about Brian and Mike and “Sunday Music at Rio!”