Pat Dougherty and the Second Hand Opera CD release
with Total Babe and Mike Michel Trio
"That might have been the loudest folk act I have ever heard."-Steve McClellan, formerly of First Ave. Led by songwriter, Pat Dougherty, The Second-Hand Opera is a five piece folk punk outfit from the Twin Cities currently signed to indie label Keep In Touch Records.
Armed with a guitar that states "THIS MACHINE STILL KILLS FASCISTS," Dougherty weaves tales anyone can relate to. Every song is a short story that features a unique cast of characters. The chord changes are their nervous heartbeats; the dynamic changes, are their mood swings, and the lyrics are their memoirs. Many of Dougherty's pieces have unusual structure, in fact they rarely have a chorus. The songs rely on specific moments to grab the audience. Those moments may be a loud climax or a
soft melody in the middle. Regardless of what captures you, Pat Dougherty knows how to take a punk attitude and wrap it around the form of a folk song.
A Second-Hand Opera concert is an acoustic battlefield, and never the same twice. Dougherty does not use setlists, and will often improvise songs, lyrics, and dynamics. Any audience member should be ready to participate as the quintet will yell, clap, and stomp their way through some of the most unique folk songs you will ever hear. These punk rock troubadours bring a refreshing new voice to folk music in their generation.
Total Babe and Mike Michel Trio will support.
Armed with a guitar that states "THIS MACHINE STILL KILLS FASCISTS," Dougherty weaves tales anyone can relate to. Every song is a short story that features a unique cast of characters. The chord changes are their nervous heartbeats; the dynamic changes, are...
"bloody ace" - NME
"Total Babe's recently released EP, Heatwave, is breathtakingly accomplished, with complicated melodies and fully realized pop sensibilities. The songs are full of sweet sadness and sparkle. The music has a floating quality to it, like...
Major Funders
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008
