Episode 102

Xtreme Tasting League: Scotch

Aaron and Scott return to sample some single malts Perrin brought in from some duty-free stores: Laphroaig PX and Kininvie 17.

Reminder–Scott has this to say about his upcoming show:

On Friday, April 28th, the Cedar Cultural Center will host a very special event: Michael David Matheny, a well-known figure in the Twin Cities Irish Music community, is releasing his long-awaited solo album, “El Dorado.” Unfortunately, Michael won’t be performing at the show, because he died of cancer in 2012 at the age of 45.

Over the course of a 25-year career, Michael David Matheny performed as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with bands including Gallowglass Irish Trio and The Long Straight Forever. When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, he began cataloging his original songs, “while undergoing chemotherapy and taking advantage of good days and nights as they came” as he wrote in a letter to his family. In late 2015, after more than two years of heartbreaking work combing through Michael’s music, his family brought in producer Scott Keever to complete the task of finishing Michael’s album.

“El Dorado” features 16 tracks, some completed by Michael before he died, and the remainder finished by Scott, with additional performances by Michael’s friends and former bandmates. The songs showcase Michael’s ability as a songwriter, singer and performer in the Celtic tradition, on guitar, mandolin and mandola, and the album is both an emotional farewell to the man and a fitting tribute to his skills.

In celebration of the release of the album, there will be a concert at the Cedar Cultural Center on Friday, April 28th, This concert was made possible by contributors to an Indiegogo campaign launched in November 2016 which raised over $6,000. Although Michael himself won’t be there, the performers from the album will. The set list will include most of the songs from the album as well as songs from Michael’s back catalog. The performers will be Lojo Russo, Raymond Yates, Scott Keever, Dayna Jean Wolter, Ken Larson, Eric Pedrotty, Matt Ogden and Matt Miller. It promises to be an evening of tears, laughter and really great music.

Doors will open at 7pm, with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.