Based in New York City, The Rad Trads have quickly gained a reputation as one of the city’s most entertaining live acts. The enthusiasm and raw energy that they bring to their performances is reflected in their widespread popularity – in addition to venues all over the Big Apple, the group has toured across Europe and main stage performances at the Atlanta, Rochester, and Columbus Jazz Festivals. Drawing from early jazz, New Orleans brass, Chicago blues, and good ol’ rock & roll, the Rad Trads’ music is eclectic to say the least. It is brash, catchy, a bit tongue-in-cheek. Their sound is, perhaps most accurately, a little hard to describe. But one thing can be said for certain: this group is fun as hell.
For a taste of the Rad Trads’ quirky style, one needs look no further than the music video for “Keith Richards and I.” The band romps around an outdoor stage, clad in vintage finery that would make even the most untouchable hipster grind their teeth with envy. The camera cuts to an audience of adoring women (portrayed by the band members in drag) who swoon and clamor for the band’s attention. The clip is goofy, self-aware irreverence at its most endearing; it transforms its viewership into the squealing, wig-wearing, weird-dancing super-fandom that the Trads deserve.
On Tuesday, July 11th, the Rad Trads are swinging through Vieux Carré with fellow New York favorites The Brother Brothers for a wild evening of tunes from two of your new favorite bands.
