The New Soft Shoe, a Gram Parsons cover band here in Cleveland, has been changing up venues this year. The band, fronted by Brent Kirby, only plays once a month and in years past it's always been at the Happy Dog on Cleveland's west side. Tonight the band returns to the Dog for just the third time this year. And it'll be a special night.
Mary Bridget Davies, a Fairview Park native, who's Broadway run of A Night With Janis earned her a Tony nomination, will be singing with the band. In fact, she was an original member of The New Soft Shoe, albeit for a very short time.
Other female vocalists have sung the part of Emmylou Harris, Parson's protege and duet partner on his solo albums after leaving The Flying Burrito Brothers, from time to time. I once asked Kirby why he didn't just have a permanent position for a female vocalist in the band. "There's just not enough room on the stage with six players already", was his reply.
They'll gladly make room for Davies tonight.
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