Squirrel Nut Zippers to perform at Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival

By Sara Waters
Posted Thursday, April 19, 2007

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Silk Hope, NC – From Thursday, April 19th through Sunday, April 22nd people from all over will gather at the festival grounds at Shakori Hills for the 5th Annual Spring Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance. There will be 50 plus bands playing on four stages – two large outdoor stages, one intimate covered Cabaret Tent and one covered Dance Tent. This spring, Shakori Hills welcomes the Squirrel Nut Zippers, playing Friday evening at 8:15.

For most Triangle residents, it will be one of the first chances in a long while to see the Zippers play. Aside from a few shows this February, the band has not played together in years. When asked what inspired this idea to reunite, drummer Chris Phillips says, "One day early last year I was just looking out the window when it hit me, I thought, I miss those guys, let's do some shows."

And just like that, the band that brought the world Perennial Favorites, Hot, Bedlam Ballroom, and The Inevitable are back to play together for the first time since touring behind Bedlam Ballroom in 2000. Featuring the same line up that last recorded and toured together, the Squirrel Nut Zippers – with original and founding members Katherine Whalen, Jimbo Mathus, Chris Phillips, Je Widenhouse and Stuart Cole – have plans to perform together now and possibly more in the future. "It feels more positive now than ever," Phillips says.

Since last performing together, the members have kept themselves more than busy. Katherine Whalen has released several solo albums, most recently the critical favorite Dirty Little Secret. Jimbo Mathus has also released several acclaimed solo records, all while working as musical director for legendary blues musician and Grammy winner Buddy Guy. Not to be outdone, Phillips and Cole have co-written Dancing to Morocco, a travel guide for Northern Africa based on their recent touring in the region with the Amazing Dancer Dance Troupe, while Widenhouse has performed throughout the country with numerous jazz groups.

 

At their Shakori Hills gig, the band will be performing songs from their entire catalogue on the Meadow Stage. Friday is packed with many other great artists including Keith and Preston Frank’s zydeco, Donna the Buffalo, Boston’s singer-songwriter Eilen Jewell, and Mt. Airy’s honky tonk favorite Kelley and the Cowboys. Check www.shakorihills.org to find the rest of the weekend’s lineup, schedule, photos, directions, and more information.