Where on Earth can you experience the phenomena known as Jug Band? Just what is this marvelous musical extravaganza? The Mock Crest Tavern (3435 N. Lombard, Portland) is where you will be transported to the golden days of Jug/Rag and "tent" band revelry. "Johnny Ward and the Eagle Ridin’ Papas" are the cause of all of this musical mayhem, and they are one of a very few Jug Bands left alive today.
John Ward is a well-known musician with regional awards, recordings and tours to his credit. He is an awesome harmonica and chromatic harmonica player, also blows jug, but does a great job on his lovely National Steel Resophonic guitar, as well. True to the Jug Band tradition, John and band mate Claes Almroth trade kazoo licks, harmonica riffs and vocals on many selections. Claes scrubs the washboard, too! Most excellent mandolin, guitar and vocals are provided by Walter Cryderman, with Heinz Neuman on that big "dog-house" bass, Doug Marx playing guitar and sharing vocal duties, and Russ Miller throwing in with fiddle. The song selections range from 20’s styled Rags, Jug and ballads to Country-ish presentations and real Blues numbers. This musical time warp meanders long enough in the vaudevillian to satisfy everybody’s tastes.
There is a deep national connection to the type of music and band format presented by the Eagle Ridin Papas. They pull at the funny-bone and tug at the heart strings. They tell stories rich with American humor, and history. This is as American as it gets, and you just feel like you belong there, that the stories and songs are part of your family history. The band is fairly large, and they spread out, just about taking over the place! The energy, joy and commitment to the music and all the side presentations is absolute, and you can’t help being swept away by this group.(Somewhere in the back of your mind you are thinking "This is great! So this what people did before TV!")
The Mock co-owner (Jon Batcheller) has gone out of his way to provide a solid acoustic venue for discerning listeners. He has live music there on Tuesdays-Sundays, and it is quite an eclectic mix, focusing on Traditional acoustic music. There are a few electric bands there, getting their feet wet in the Blues scene. Look for the Eagle Ridin Paps featuring Johnny Ward each and every Tuesday at 7:00pm, and also performing select week-end nights. You can reach John Ward for booking consideration at (503) 296-8413, and you can catch the whole gang on Dec. 7 at a special show with DJ Geezer (spinning those vinyl 78’s!) at the Mock Crest Tavern.
Friendly staff, gumbo, imported bottled beer, micro-brews and a great patio make the Mock a real gem for acoustic music. It is just small enough to be cozy, and just big enough to be comfortable. Historic in it’s own right, the Mock Crest continues to make community contributions through it’s support of traditional American music. Still, for the gaming crowd, the Mock has a nice pool table and state gambling machines. The wooden interior and big beautiful bar lend itself to the warm acoustic tones, and the place is carpeted, absorbing sound. When the live music is on break, a CD shuffler with hundreds of local acts and national Blues and Jazz artists will provide great background sound. The Mock is early 20th century chic, with all of the original wood paneling and ambience. Upgrades have only made it a friendlier atmosphere, just a great place to while away an evening.
So, next Tuesday pry yourself away from primetime TV, head over to the Eagle Ridin’ Papas jamboree and experience first hand just what a Jug Band is, and how very entertaining these guys are. You may discover a far more interesting show is "airing" live and direct at the Mock Crest Tavern. The address is 3435 N Lombard (corner of Wabash & Lombard, heading west from I-5) and the phone number is (503) 283-5014. Parties of all sorts are welcome, and you can negotiate a catered party with Jon. There is a Mock Crest website with photos and news, and you can guess it is www.mockcrest.com !