Rowan Brothers return to perform Sept. 24 on the Veranda at Cafe at Adele’s in what is becoming something of an annual tradition. The music starts at 6 p.m.
Each year about this time, Lorin Rowan and Chris Rowan bring patrons an evening of music that includes both new and old original songs and an array of everything from rock and pop to Americana and bluegrass.
Well versed in many genres and presented accoustically with beautiful harmonies, an evening with The Rowans is always a delight.
“This is something we always look forward to,” Lorin said.
As has been the case their entire careers, both Chris and Lorin have been pursuing their individual projects this past year,while adapting to change.
The incarnation of The Rowan-Cunningham Band, a successful collaboration with fiddle champion and vocalist Sue Cunningham, has come to an end with Sue’s recent passing.
“That was such a beautiful thing, and while I do not want to be the messenger of bad news, Sue finally succumbed after a long fight,” Lorin said. “That project really allowed Chris and I to explore bluegrass.”
In an age when music is long on competition and often short on actual talent, the Rowans have found ways to stay relevant and involved.
Lorin’s trio Rattlebox continues to play its brand of progressive Americana music and features cellist Doug Harman, pedal steel guitarist Barry Sless and Lorin on guitar and vocals. Add to that mix an array of classic rock either performed solo or adding in brothers Chris and Peter.
“To be honest, there’s no one thing, but three or four things all designed to keep my fingers in the pies,” Lorin said. “I love playing on my own and with my brothers, and the different music and challenges that are part of it.”
He and Chris also have an incarnation that is a spin-off of the Beatles, created for a friend who wanted ‘60s music played at an event, that has proven successful over time and when one lands a gig, there’s a spirit of sharing the wealth.
They’ve been playing as part of Phil Lesh’s Ramble at Terrapin Crossroads, at Panama House and other venues in the Bay, and often find themselves invited to play at music festivals. Lorin has also found a niche in playing corporate gigs, which pays well and allows him to pursue a seamless life.
“It’s business 101 of how to keep it all going,” Lorin said. “We’ve been lucky to keep playing, and I know I would rather play for 20 people who care than for 200 who don’t.
Chris, too, is focused on a new recording project, eight years in the making.
“Chris is putting the finishing touches on his latest album,which is more pop rock,” Lorin said. “I haven’t heard it yet ... good things take time.”
For two guys that have been involved in the music industry more than 40 years, the fact they are still creating new material and performing is no small feat. They play some 250-plus dates a year, are usually home in their own beds at night and people still want to see them perform.
“I am always in the moment of now, a healthy place to be, always writing new songs, reinventing classic hits and coming up with new material,” Lorin said. “If it wasn’t fun, I wouldn’t be doing this, and I’d have to say the same goes for Chris.”