By Meredith Deliso
ith Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, fast approaching, the Doc Marshalls and their Cajun honky-tonk sound are in hot demand. “Mardi Gras is a crazy time,” said Nick Beaudoing, who leads the New York City-based five piece. “I had a lump in my throat just looking at our schedule. I don't know how I'm going to get through it.” The days leading up to Mardi Gras include a radio appearance, a show at Hill Country and a solo show for Beaudoing at Banjo Jim's in Manhattan before the Doc Marshalls lay it down at Park Slope's Union Hall with Texan songstress Carrie Rodriguez and alt-country group The Tall Pines on the Carnival day, February 5. In addition to Texas-raised Acadian Beaudoing, whose bilingual upbringing results in a mix of both English and French-language songs, the Doc Marshalls is made up of Mat Kane on fiddle, mandolin and washboard; Matt Walsh on lead and acoustic guitars; Terence Murren on bass; and Doug Clark on drums. And, of course, Beaudoing on vocals, acoustic guitar, washboard and Cajun accordion. “I guess Mardi Gras is a very special time for us because it's the one time a year when people expect to hear accordion music,” said Beaudoing. “It's a lot of fun for us.” With influences ranging from Johnny Cash to Buck Owens to Gram Parsons, the band's mix of traditional Cajun music and honky tonk should convert most Brooklynites to country music's side. Last year, the band played Mardi Gras at the Living Room, which wound up being a bust without a cabaret license at the venue. “It was really no fun because whenever anybody started to dance, they stopped them,” said Beaudoing. “That's not what Mardi Gras is about.” The band's looking forward to playing at Union Hall, where nobody will be stopped for getting up to dance to the band's zydeco shuffles and Cajun grooves. Fans of the band can expect to hear new tunes off the band's latest album, “Honest for Once,” released last month, as well as a healthy dose of both Cajun and traditional honky tonk. “The novelty never wears off of either,” said Beaudoing. “It can be a lot to take in, two to three hours of bluegrass, unless you're a big fan. When you switch between the genres, people appreciate it.” Also hailing from Texas, Austin native turned Brooklyn transplant Carrie Rodriguez will be taking the stage with her band on Mardi Gras at Union Hall. Rodriguez got her start playing fiddle for Chip Taylor, who soon found herself harmonizing and doing duets with the musician and eventually recording her own solo CD, 2006's “Seven Angels on a Bicycle.” In the weeks leading up to the Union Hall show, the singer/songwriter was working on her next album, produced by Malcolm Burn, and this gig will provide Rodriguez and her band the chance to test out much of this new material live. Rodriguez was at Union Hall in the fall, so the artist is looking forward for the chance to go back. “That show was kind of wild, more rock and roll than we usually are,” said the singer. “I think the space inspired that. Playing in basement spaces – it makes things more rocking.” Rodriguez, who in addition to singing plays the fiddle, four string guitar and 4 string electric mandolin, will be joined on stage by her band, which she has been recording her sophomore album. With new tracks freshly laid down, those familiar with songs from Rodriguez’s debut can also expect to hear quite a few new songs as well, and a surprise or two for Mardi Gras. “We want to try and do something fun for Fat Tuesday,” said the singer. “I plan on breaking out more than I usually do, try to work up a Louisiana attitude.” When not on tour, the musician can normally be found in Greenpoint, where she has lived for the past three years, and much of the city’s sights and sounds have found their way into her work. “I actually don’t think I would be doing what I’m doing if I hadn’t moved up here,” she said. “I think people run at a different speed in New York. It kind of rubs off on you when you get there. I feel like my life’s been on fast forward since I got up here.” Also on the bill for the Mardi Gras concert is The Tall Pines, a country family collaboration of self described as “strong songs and strong singin’ by rough dudes and rowdy women,” to bring more country soul to Brooklyn. Union Hall is located at 702 Union Street. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at ticketweb.com. For more information, call 718-638-4400 or go to www.unionhallny.com/.
