Live music is part of M&T Second Friday!
Buffalo native James Newhouse has been a contributor to the local music scene for many years.
A love for traditional jazz and country blues brought him a broad array of influences ranging from the guitar wizardry of Blind Blake, Willie McTell and the Reverend Gary Davis to the vocal stylings of Son House, Fats Waller and Ukulele Ike.
From the late 70's to the 90's, James performed with the band Open All Nite who developed a cult following for their brand of offbeat musical mayhem dubbed "Acoustic Gonzo Chic". On any given night the audience might hear a reggae version of a Stones song followed by a Motown medley done bluegrassy or a trumpet and banjo spiritual.
In recent years, as a solo singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, James has played locally and at various venues in the Adirondacks and around the Piedmont area in North Carolina. He presents a mix of original tunes and adapted covers of music by Ry Cooder, Tom Waits, John Hiatt, Leon Redbone and many others who carry the banner of Americana and Roots music.