In a show that travels from the Freight's origins to the youthful innovators of today, Phil Marsh and the Cleanliness & Godliness Skiffle Band (CGSB), who played at the 1968 opening night of the Freight & Salvage, are joined by the improvisational "street corner swing and bluegrass" sounds of Absynth Quintet. CGSB performs in the skiffle style, which British music critic Mark Kermode describes as "the missing link between archaic American jug band blues and modern rock'n'roll."

Tonight's incarnation of the Freight's inaugural band features Phil Marsh on guitar and vocals, Richard Saunders on bass, Will Scarlett on harmonica, Gary Salzman, guitar, and Nancy Coleman on guitar and vocals. "We all may play weird skiffle sound-effects style instruments too," says Phil. Count on a number of additional musical cohorts joining in the fun.

After his work with CGSB, Phil was musical director for the Pickle Family Circus, wrote songs for the San Franciso Mime Troup and helped create the Masked Marauders superstar spoof album. Tonight, in addition to CGSB favorites, Phil ranges from folk and country to blues and originals.

Humboldt county-based Absynth Quintet melds the familiar and the avant-garde in what they call jazzy, Gypsy jamgrass. Eugene Weekly calls it "plucky and tight . . . with a dash of Eastern European exoticism that puts you in a smoky, understated hash bar kind of mood." JazzMando.com says, ". . . rich with energy and finesse, they produce a fierce acoustic energy that never betrays a carefully crafted sophistication. " We call it a great night of live music.

Listen to a track from Phil Marsh & the Cleanliness & Godliness Skiffle Band: