Special to the News-Times
The Murphy Arts District has announced that the band Pail will reunite for a one night only concert at the First Financial Music Hall in February.
Formed in 1994 by Trey Johnson and Garron Helm of Prescott and Chad Morris of Hope, Pail was known in El Dorado for the regular concerts at venues like Rookies, The Mast and The Corner Cafe.
"If you lived around El Dorado back in the early to mid 2000s, the music scene was on fire! We had the Corner Cafe, The Mast, and Rookies which were all popular spots for live music. Pail was probably the biggest and well-liked group that played during that era. I know they made many fans over the years with their last performance being at MusicFest in 2012," said MAD Marketing Manager Joanna Benson.
The trio was influenced by a variety of genres, ranging from 80s pop, punk rock and metal to folk and the blues, and produced seven albums, including one that has never been released.
"We love El Dorado as much as our hometowns," said frontman Johnson. "Oh, the memories! Places like Rookies, The Mast, and The Corner Cafe really gave us the gigs to hone what became Pail."
Opening the show will be musician Dave Almond, one of Pail's biggest musical influences. Almond, also a Prescott native, started playing music in 1974 at the age of 16. He brings a fresh mix of Americana and blues to the stage and has several albums featuring original tunes.
"I just want to encourage everyone from the past to come out and bring someone that's never seen us. It's the old two birds with one stone saying. The old fans can relive some memories through the songs, while the newcomers will be able to carry it forward. We plan on playing a variety of songs from the vast vault of Pail, from each stage of our evolution. We are all over 50 years old and life is short. With that being said, if you have something special, you should share it," said Johnson.
The one night only Pail concert is set for Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. Tickets are on sale now, with prices ranging from $15-$25. Doors will open at 6 p.m. on concert night, and the show will start at 7.
"We are truly honored that Pail agreed to do their one night only concert at MAD. I want El Dorado and surrounding areas to really show up for a night of nostalgia and great music, " said Benson.
Tickets for the event will be available for purchase at eldomad.com or by calling the box office at 870-444-3007. Tickets may also be purchased at the box office, 101 E. Locust St. Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.