Big named bands flood these Tuscaloosa streets from time to time, stopping in to visit their fans at bright and shiny venues with stadium seating. However, local musicians find their nooks in the favorite hole-in-the-wall bars and local art studios dotted about this community. Singer-songwriters Stuart Bond and Rachael Roberts with drummer Reed Watson, owner of Hackberry Records, create a sultry folk melody that has attracted the young ears of this football-crazed town.

Today, Saturday, February 13, Sparrow and the Ghost along with the Motions will perform at Little Willie’s starting at 10 p.m. The concert is $5 and benefits the 1st annual Druid City Arts Festival (DCAF) - an all day event featuring live, original music and art in the downtown area on March 27th.

Bond and Roberts began singing together during open-mic night at the former coffeehouse, Capture Studio Café,. After joining and splitting with the band, Still Guns, they formed their duo known as Sparrow & the Ghost. Watson, who recently joined them, and Bond previously played together in the band National Trust; Watson brings contagious energy and edgy percussion skills to this now trio. Singing songs written and titled “17 Ghosts,” “Bluebird,” and “The Nest,” the sound flowing out is difficult to funnel into one genre. It’s a melting pot of folk, a bit of blues, traditional country, and borderline pop.

Although Sparrow & the Ghost surface a rhythm and vibe for every listener looking to snap their fingers and irresistibly stomp their feet, the lyrics are soaked in eccentricity. Curiosity of their songs and attractive poetic formats stirs among the crowds at each of their performances.

Sparrow & the Ghost play at various bars and music venues around the Tuscaloosa area. Have a listen at http://www.myspace.com/sparrowandtheghost

For more information regarding the Druid City Arts Festival, please visit www.creativecampus.ua.edu.

by Kinsey Russell