TETON VILLAGE, Wyo. — Seemingly born and living in a bygone era of old-time musical styles, Pokey LaFarge has genuinely ushered a modernized approach to these throwback sounds with an exciting stage vibe. Hypnotic roots duo Cicada Rhythm will open for LaFarge this Thursday at the Mangy Moose, co-presented by Ox Presents and KHOL.
LaFarge has a knack for curating original music that reaches into less conventional American styles—ragtime, folk-blues, vintage country and jazz, and Western swing. Now bringing energy from his ninth studio release, “Rhumba Country” (2024), the troubadour reaches an extended international palette with his sextet, flavoring his sound with mambo, rhumba and reggae. The material was largely inspired from time away from the road, working manual labor on a farm in Maine.
Following his 2006 self-released and self-produced debut, “Marmalade,” LaFarge released several independent released before catching the ear of Jack White. White invited LaFarge to record, tour and eventually, sign with his Third Man Records in 2013. His band expanded to a six-piece, eventually transitioning to Rounder Records and then New West Records. He’s known for vibrant performances, ideal for the hippest of dance parties that are shaken not stirred.
Cicada Rhythm is also a seasoned touring act and not to be missed. Fronted by Andrea DeMarcus and Dave Kirslis, the groovy Georgia-based Americana duo embodies the roots end of the genre with Welch/Rawlings-style harmonies and a sweetness that spans folk, jazz and blues wrapped in a Southern blanket. (DeMarcus will also be in playing upright bass in LaFarge’s band.)
Stellar bill!
Ox Presents with KHOL presents Pokey LaFarge with guest Cicada Rhythm, 9 p.m. Thursday March 6 at the Mangy Moose. Doors at 8 p.m. $35. MangyMoose.com.
