Mary Gauthier, Amy Pickard October 25, 2007

Alt-country singer/songwriter Mary Gauthier exploded onto the scene in 1999 following her self-released sophomore effort, 'Drag Queens in Limousines.' The album, which garnered her a Crossroads Silver Star and a four-star rating in Rolling Stone, had critics comparing her self-described "country noir" to the likes of Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, John Prine, and, not surprisingly, Lucinda Williams. The success of 'Drag Queens...' led to main-stage shows at festivals around the country and multiple tours in Europe. Embraced by critics, folkies, and "No Depression" fans alike, Gauthier's warmly candid treatment of her fringe-dwelling subjects rings true, as it never verges on sentimental; her characters' downtrodden lives are never coldly exploited. Singer/songwriter Lucy Roche is the daughter of singers Loudon Wainwright III and Suzzy Roche. Lucy has just released her first recording '8 Songs,' a pure, solo, acoustic mix of original material and covers.

Amy Pickard's bittersweet country songs are accompanied by rough country flatpicking and folk sensibility. The M Shanghai Den's all acoustic house band will be playing some old timey, bluegrass and folk songs as well as many originals.