In this age of backing tracks and AI slop, there aren’t many performers left who can walk onstage with nothing but an acoustic guitar and not only command, but reward a roomful of attention for ninety minutes.
Hamell On Trial is one of them.
The anti-folk lifer, punk-rock storyteller, professional rabble-rouser, and all-around force of nature returns to New England this June for a rare, four-date run with two Portland musicians who tap the same vein: Will Bradford and Plague Dad.
Hamell first crawled out of New York City’s anti-folk underground in the ’90s, eventually landing releases on Mercury Records and Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe label. Since then, he’s spent decades crisscrossing the country, building a devoted following one sweaty club, dive bar, and listening room at a time.
Trying to explain a Hamell On Trial show to somebody who hasn’t seen one is a little like trying to explain a tornado.
There are songs, sure. Killer fucking songs.
But there are also rants, jokes, stories, observations, and the occasional moment that makes you laugh and wince at exactly the same time. One minute he’s funny as hell. The next he’s breaking your heart. Then he’s kicking down the doors to shine a light on all the hypocritical bullshit that seems to be part and parcel of today’s modern world. It’s all part of the deal with Hamell on Trial.
Joining him for the run is Will Bradford, whose work with SeepeopleS and theWorst has made him one of Maine’s most distinctive and enduring songwriters. Bradford’s solo sets strip everything down to the essentials: tightly crafted tunes, sharp lyrics, and the kind of world-weary, hard-earned perspective that only comes from spending years actually doing the work.
Also on the bill is Plague Dad, the latest project from Portland musician Frank Gallagher. Drawing from folk, punk, Americana, and old-time traditions, Plague Dad packs a surprising amount of noise and energy into a single human being. Think Woody Guthrie raised on 7” punk records and bad decisions.
If your ideal night out involves pristine choreography, synchronized dance moves, and carefully managed branding, move along. There’s nothing to see here.
But, if you like songs, stories, and performers who still believe live music should feel a little dangerous, grab a ticket, ‘cause they’re going fast and this is one show you don’t wanna miss.
Tour Dates
Wednesday, June 10
O’Brien’s Pub — Allston, Massachusetts Get Tickets Here
Thursday, June 11
The Square — Portland, Maine Get Tickets Here
Friday, June 12
Hey Sailor — Searsport, Maine Get Tickets Here
Saturday, June 13
The Loading Dock — Littleton, New Hampshire Get Tickets Here