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Give a hoot and check out the Hooch at the American Legion hall

Tim Parsons

There’s no need to sneak booze into Saturday’s show in the American Legion hall. Not only is there a bar, the Smugglin’ Hooch Band will be in attendance.

The headlining band is Bison, Andy Hatch’s bluegrass group. And what comes before bluegrass? That would be Prohibition-era jug bands.

“We’re in that style,” said Smugglin’ Hooch Jug Band’s Chad Brotherton. “Our influence is earlier than bluegrass.”



Instruments include a washtub bass with a clothesline tied to a broomstick, a Wazoo, mandolin, guitar and banjo. This hootenanny won’t include shouts for “Freebird,” but do expect interpretations of Blind Willie McTell, Blind Blake and Big Bill Broonzy.

Formed about six months ago, the Smugglin’ Hooch Jug Band has performed at Classic Cue, Sierra College and at house parties, where we assume the laundry chores had already been completed.



Dubbed the Sustainability Shakedown, it is a benefit for the Sierra Nevada Alliance. A $10 donation is requested.

If the show is a success, the Sierra Nevada Alliance plans to have more.

The Smugglin’ Hooch Jug Band also will play at Friday and Saturday’s Variety Show at Lake Tahoe Community College. Presented by the Performing Arts League and Associated Student Council, the Variety Show begins each night at 7 p.m. in the Duke Theatre.


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