“Hopelessly stuck somewhere between American and Japanese,” says the band Pirates Canoe of themselves. Sometimes a trio, sometimes a sextet, Pirates Canoe began perfecting their lithe, fine and eclectic take on eccentric Americana in 2009 in the Kansai area of Japan. Wrote Rolling Stone of their notable SXSW performance, “a sound that’s Alison Krauss-meets-Ry Cooder-meets-Allen-Toussaint.” Pirates Canoe hosts a monthly show at Coffeehouse Jittoku, Japan’s oldest and most respected live house.
If that is too large a commitment for now, catch them at the Unison Arts & Learning Center in New Paltz this Friday, March 25 at 8 p.m. Tickets for Unison members cost $16 in advance and $18 at the door. For non-members, it’s $20 in advance and $22 at the door. Students get in for half-price. For tickets and more information, visit https://unisonarts.org or call (845) 255-1559. For more on Pirates Canoe, visit www.piratescanoe.com.