An Evening with Bill Toms and Hard Rain featuring The Soulville Horns

While it’s hard to put a finger on any one sound that defines “American music,” the compositions of Bill Toms are as close a template as any. The Pittsburgh native, along with his band Hard Rain and The Soulville Horns, deliver a sound that takes the greatest of America’s most beloved genres and melds them into a poetic representation of the best the country has to offer. Bill Toms captures the American conscious with thoughtfulness, honesty, and a groove that keeps the tail feathers moving.

Bill first gained national attention in the 80s as guitarist of Pittsburgh’s legendary band Joe Grushecky and The Houserockeers. During that time he toured not only throughout  the United States, but also Europe for many years. He’s opened and played with legends such as The Band, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Little Feat, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. While playing guitar, co-writing, and adding vocals for the Houserockers, they recorded six studio albums and one live concert album.

Throughout their career, Bill Toms and Hard Rain have released 11 albums and are almost done with their next one. You’ll hear some songs from it on Saturday, April 27. Bill and his band have shared the stage with the likes of Buddy Guy, Levon Helm, Marshall Crenshaw, Steve Forbert, Kevin Gordon, Dan Baird, and Will Kimbrough among others.

Bill has also been recorded and produced over the years by both Will Kimbrough and Bruce Springsteen.

Kimbrough sums it up as well as anybody: “Bill Toms is a hard working, blue collar, blues guitar playing, soul shouting poet.”

You don’t want to miss this evening of soul ,blues, R&B, and rock and roll mixed together in a musical gumbo you won’t forget.

Food & Bar: Our full food and drink menu will be available before and during the show.