Treblehook To Open Concert Series

By Shannon Hicks

The local band Treblehook –– which almost needs a new name now that the trio has a new member –– will return to the lawn at C.H. Booth Library next weekend to open the library’s annual summer concert series.

Alan Morgan, Brian Morgan, and Andy Spencer have been joined by musician Dave Morgan, and the group will make its formal debut with the June 27 show in Newtown.

Treblehook had been out of the music scene for about two years, but the foursome played a surprise show at Fireside Inn a few weeks ago and the response, Mr Spencer said last week, was phenomenal.

“We did this very low-key, and it was just as much a surprise for us as it was for the audience,” Mr Spencer said. “We showed up and the folks who have been following us and urging us to play were there. The place was packed and it was great.”

Treblehook was formed in 1996. Its original members were Mr Spencer and the brothers Morgan. Alan Morgan plays guitar and harmonica, Brian Morgan plays lead guitar, and Mr Spencer plays guitar and banjo. All three contribute vocals. The band’s name came from the fact the three members grew up in Sandy Hook.

Its debut show was in 1997 at The Chat House, a coffee house on Church Hill Road in Newtown that went on to offer a number of performance opportunities for Treblehook. Even when ownership of the coffee house changed hands, the trio was invited to continue performing at the location. Treblehook was also the debut band for Newtown Congregational Church Coffee House, a monthly event that was presented during the late 1990s, as well as events in Woodbury, Morris, and elsewhere in Newtown, among others, before taking a break.

Newcomer Dave Martin, who lives in Bristol, has been playing in a bluegrass band for “quite some time” with Mr Spencer. He brings into the mix his talents on tuba, sousaphone, electric bass, and upright acoustic, “anything that has to do with the bass,” he said during a recent rehearsal.

The band performs original songs and a traditional folk and pop repertoire. The guys plan to present a number of new songs and a few new covers for next week’s concert.

The library’s concert series will also include performances by Washboard Slim and The Blue Lights on July 18 and then The Golden Eagles Jazz Band on August 15. Performances begin at 7 pm and are presented on the back lawn of C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street. Admission is free.

Picnics are welcome. Bring low lawn chairs or blankets for seating. In the event of rain concerts are moved into the library’s lower meeting room. For additional information the library can be contacted at 426-4533.