Mon, May 7 - 8pm - $10

  John Mead Presents First Mondays at Martyrs continues to bring you exciting original music and stirring nights of classic rock and soul. May's show gives you two killer bands led by two powerful women bringing the soul, rock, and rhythm & blues of two of the greatest vocalists of the late 60s and early 70s—Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin.Judith Weirach and Tell Mama deliver the wailing, emotion-laden music of rock & roll legend and queen of the psychedelic blues, Janis Joplin. Judith recreates the raw, edgy vocals and electrifying energy of one of rock & roll's most powerful female voices, while the band--Chris Winters and John Mead on guitar, Jimmy Tomasello on bass, Debbie Kaczynski on keys, and Peter Manis on drums—brings the driving rock and soulful vibe that makes this a show you do not want to miss! Come experience the live music of Janis Joplin, a legend who left us too early.Rachel Drew & the Bitter Roots performs a set of songs by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Besides Rachel and her soulful vocals, the band features Alton Smith on piano, Gerald Dowd on drums, Dave Nelson on guitar, and John Abbey on bass. The band, and Rachel's songs, evoke mid-60s R&B, early-70s Ronstadt, Roy Orbison, and classic country. Whether inspired by dreams, family, or heartbreak, her songs have a haunted, aching quality. Rachel also performs with Tony Richards, Peter Joly Group, John Mead, Phil Angotti, Tom Ryan, Androgynous Mustache, and more.Tell Mama at 8. The Bitter Roots follow at 9:15. Don’t miss it.

Soulful Americana band, Rachel Drew & the Bitter Roots, features Rachel's vocals with Alton Smith on piano, Gerald Dowd on drums, Dave Nelson on guitar, and John Abbey on bass. The band, and Rachel's songs, pay homage to mid-60s R&B, early-70s Ronstadt, Roy Orbison, and a bit of classic country. Whether inspired by dreams, family, or heartbreak, her songs have a haunted, aching quality. Rachel also performs with Tony Richards, Peter Joly Group, Phil Angotti, Great Moments in Vinyl, and more.