We will host a special FREE concert with two distinctly different bands — Jubilee Mule and Pesky J. Nixon. The coffeehouse had an unexpected cancellation and rather than “go dark,” the volunteers quickly agreed to have a special show and continue celebrating our 40th anniversary by opening our doors to two dynamic bands.

Jubilee Mule includes three Marbleheaders — Tim Rowell on banjo, John Price on guitar and his son, Ren, on percussion. Other band members include Tim Baldanzi on mandolin and Etienne Cremieux on fiddle. Noted Boston musician Geoff Bartley has this to say about the band:

“Every time Jubilee Mule plays at the Cantab, they treat listeners to new material and fresh arrangements of traditional songs and tunes. This is not easy to do on a regular basis, but this quartet (sometimes quintet) has been doing it steadily now for over three years. One primary element of old time music is the hypnotic quality possible only when there’s cohesion among the players, and Jubilee Mule has it. This band also draws the largest crowds. It’s obvious they love what they do and, while they take it seriously, they also enjoy themselves. This, of course, is why it’s called ‘playing music’ and not ‘working music!’ ”

Jubilee Mule will be joined by special guest musician Tim FitzPatrick for this event.

The strength of Pesky J. Nixon lies in their rich harmonies and musical versatility. Each member of PJN is a songwriter in his own right. Ethan Baird (vocals, guitars) has a background in music composition and music production. He’s worked for several years as a sound engineer for live venues and in his own Glowdog Studios. He’s also spent the last 15 years as a folk music rat attending and performing in coffeehouses throughout New England. Jake Bush (vocals, accordion, piano, harmonica) has been tearing up the a cappella charts for over a decade as a member of Brandeis University’s Spur of the Moment, Beacon 706, Altavoz, and Six Appeal (later renamed Playback). Dan Carp (vocals, djembe, cajon, hand percussion) has worked as a studio drummer and in orchestral pits and ensembles for twenty years, and sang a cappella and in musical theater at the University of Pennsylvania. Pesky J. Nixon has opened for Ellis Paul and the Kennedys and has been touring throughout the Northeast for some time. They will be releasing their second CD in early June.

Both Tim Rowell and Ethan Baird are volunteers at the me&thee coffeehouse.