Roger Salloom, “America’s Best Unknown Songwriter,” will play a special performance at the Haymarket Lounge at City Winery Boston on Saturday, January 11th. RSVP to the Facebook event here and buy your tickets at this link. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the music begins at 8 PM.

Among Roger’s many accomplishments over the course of his storied career, he boasts two hit records, 20 years apart, on Boston’s own WBCN – the latter lauded as a “Big Mattress Song of the Week.” Then, in 2004, an award-winning filmmaker, Chris Sautter, made a full-length feature documentary about Roger Salloom, SO GLAD I MADE IT, THE SAGA OF ROGER SALLOOM, AMERICA’S BEST UNKNOWN SONGWRITER. It was broadcast monthly on The Documentary Channel around the world and screened in 36 theaters around the country, sponsored by The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and was recognized in GRAMMY MAGAZINE as one of about a dozen ‘docs that rock’ which should be seen by NARAS members.

Yet the artist remains relatively obscure performing and writing under a thin but resilient layer of obscurity. “I can rise to the occasion, but if there is no occasion, apparently, I do not rise,” says Roger today.

A few of his rave excerpts below suggest true deep talent, note that there are other, additional 100 reviews and credentials behind these which would be the envy of any musician.

Here’s what the critics are saying!
“Superb.” ~Rolling Stone Magazine
“…The writing talent of Dylan or Guthrie… musical genius…hilarious and tragic, kindhearted and careless, all the complexities of a real human being.” ~IMDb.com
“A hybrid of Dylan and McCartney” ~Kevin Matthews, Fufkin.com
“Roger Salloom’s voice quickly suggests a comparison to early Bob Dylan, but it’s this vet’s penchant for telling a great story that puts him in the same category.” ~Time Out New York

About Roots of Creation
Billboard and radio chart topping, award-winning, international reggae-rock sensation Roots of Creation, are a touring powerhouse. Their mix of reggae riddims, conscious lyrics, spirited horn lines, and electronic beats makes crowds move and has their loyal underground fan base (RoC Family) and street team (Universal Soldiers) travelling the distance to pack venues from coast-to-coast. RoC has taken on a unique new project: Grateful Dub. Combining their longtime love for reggae-dub style music and the Grateful Dead, RoC reworked some of the world’s favorite Dead tunes into a new studio album. RoC had the pleasure of working in the studio with the legendary 5-time Grammy winner Errol Brown who was Bob Marley’s engineer and now Rebelution’s live sound engineer for this project. Grateful Dub is also being performed live in its entirety at festivals, theatres, and clubs around the country, and features rotating special guests including Melvin Seals (JGB), Scott Guberman (Phil Lesh) full horn sections, and others. Grateful Dub captures the spirit and magic of the Grateful Dead, while laying it down reggae-dub style.
About rice: an American Band
Rice: An American Band formed over the last five years from a collection of Pioneer Valley musicians and friends. In that time they have performed at area clubs and festivals, including Jerry Jam, Wormtown, Harry’s Hill, Strangecreek, Old 78 Farm Fall Festival and more. The current lineup is anchored by Steve Benson (mandolin, harmonica, pedal steel, vocals), Brian DiMarino (guitar), Kyle Heon (drums), Phil Simon (guitar and vocals) and Lauryn Winiarski (bass, backing vocals). The lineup is fluid and ever developing with the band concentrating on original material and distinctive covers, from Pink Floyd to Warren Zevon, Cage the Elephant, Woodbox Gang, Grand Funk Railroad and more. Rice strives to produce an evocative and original show with flair and drive.
About the venue
The owners of the Stone Church have breathed new life into one of the most lovely buildings in the region, by creating a modern venue in sound and comfort, while maintaining the character and beauty of the original church.

Raise Your Soul is a testament to the work ethic of Rebel Alliance, a record ten years in the making. The dozen songs on the album are a breath of fresh air, reggae, and rock with a dash of pop sensibilities for good measure. Bring your dancin’ shoes to the Garage this January- you’re gonna need ’em!

About Rebel Alliance
Blasting out of the woodsy confines of the Berkshires like a love slug from the gun of life is Rebel Alliance, a musical revelation that isn’t afraid to cull the tedious excuses of modern day music and spark a cultural transformation. With deep influences in reggae and improvisational jam rock, it is safe to say that The Reb help carry the revolution to the stage and, ultimately, to the fans. During their live performance you can feel an increasing essence of family which compels you to reach a hand out to a troubled stranger. But their music goes beyond lyrics and notes, beyond the love of kin and kith, beyond the cozy limits of a fixed description. It is a universal blueprint for society as a whole. As a band sheathed in unending positivity, they’re armed with an ardor that is able to form a permanent wrinkle in the status quo. Consider them the ambassadors of Ragetown, set to slay the dark lords of demoralization and malevolence with their tight grooves and valuable rhetoric.

About rice: an American Band
Rice: An American Band formed over the last five years from a collection of Pioneer Valley musicians and friends. In that time they have performed at area clubs and festivals, including Jerry Jam, Wormtown, Harry’s Hill, Strangecreek, Old 78 Farm Fall Festival and more. The current lineup is anchored by Steve Benson (mandolin, harmonica, pedal steel, vocals), Brian DiMarino (guitar), Kyle Heon (drums), Phil Simon (guitar and vocals) and Lauryn Winiarski (bass, backing vocals). The lineup is fluid and ever developing with the band concentrating on original material and distinctive covers, from Pink Floyd to Warren Zevon, Cage the Elephant, Woodbox Gang, Grand Funk Railroad and more. Rice strives to produce an evocative and original show with flair and drive.

About the venue
In 2011 Berkshire Theatre Group opened The Garage, located in the lobby of the Colonial. Its name pays homage to its former owner, Berkshire Auto Co. Garage. This newly developed venue, complete with stage, lights and sound system, is BTG’s dedicated venue for local and regional music performers.