You may have heard about all of the delicious, innovative food that is coming out of Umami in Northwood. I’m not a food critic, but, in my estimation it’s otherworldly. That said, I exist to tell you about musical happenings, which is the purpose of this piece. Umami is not new to presenting music at their fine establishment. They’ve hosted Chris O’Neill and his rotating cast of characters every Friday starting at 5:30. They also do singer-songwriters on Saturdays, and Cecil Abels’ bluegrass brunch on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. And now, starting on Feb. 9th, they’ll be testing the waters on a late night jam (8 to 10 p.m.). The first installment of such will be Aaron Katz (of Percy Hill fame) and Sarah Blacker. They'll also feature a limited menu of special items from the kitchen.
EDGE caught up with Katz to talk about music, and helping launch this new series.
EDGE: How'd you meet the Umami folks? They're massive fans of Percy Hill and are excited to be hosting you and Sarah,
Katz: Chris O'Neil messaged me about a new room he was booking a few months back. Chris and I go way back to the mid-to-late '90s Seacoast NH music scene.
EDGE: Tell us about the music you guys will be playing. This is a bit different than the Percy Hill "thang," yes? What can folks expect?
Katz: 90 percent of the duo shows I do with my girlfriend Sarah consists of her material. Sarah is an incredible singer-songwriter so it’s an honor for me to sit back and play a supportive role. I bring a few songs into the mix and I will sing some background parts.
EDGE: Is this music best served on a bed of dressed greens or a house-made biscuit?
Katz: Can we do both? Sarah likes the vegan butter …
EDGE: How're things going on the music front? What have you been up to? You're down in Salem, Massachusetts, these days, right?
Katz: Yes, I moved down to Salem from Dover in 2009 after being offered the position to start a therapeutic music and recording program for an organization called Plummer Youth Promise. Along with that steady gig, I am back with Percy Hill after an eight-year break and playing duo and full-band shows with Sarah.
EDGE: In general, why music? Why do you seek it? Why do you create it? What is it good for?
Katz: Music has and continues to give my life meaning and direction. Music is an emotional language that cuts through the crap giving access to the solid source inside us all that heals, energizes and connects. Music is so honest in that it immediately gives back what you give to it. This kind of truth is a rare gift well beyond the majority of things we are fooled into believing have value.
EDGE: You spend any time in the Northwood area when you were living in New Hampshire? It's a bit of a haul, but this place is gorgeous.
Katz: I have never been, but Sarah's family had a home there for many years. New Hampshire is like home to me. So many unbelievable memories – I would not know where to begin.
EDGE: You guys are the first act to play Umami's "Late Night" series which they're looking to host once a month depending on how thing go on the 9th. Any added pressure in kicking things off, or are you excited for the task?
Katz: We are excited to be a part of the development of this new music series.
Visit www.umaminh.com for more information on the show and to salivate over the menu.