Alibi Picks

BaBa is a local banjo and tuba duo comprised of Steven Robert Allen and Mark Weaver, respectively. Rosetta is the first CD release by these two humble artists and consists largely of standards, from parlor music (Stephen Foster's “Hard Times Come Again No More”) to “The Sheik of Araby,” made famous by Spike Jones. It's hard to describe the combination of banjo and tuba. I'm going with “traditional weird.” I think Robert Crumb would approve.

BaBa is among a few local acts known for their accomplished live musical accompaniment at silent film screenings—to which this oddball pairing of instruments lends itself quite well—and their CD release party at Low Spirits (2823 Second Street NW) on Friday, July 3, includes a showing of Buster Keaton's 1920 short film “The Scarecrow.” I think we can be fairly certain this audience will be the only one in the world watching a Buster Keaton film with live banjo and tuba accompaniment. This is an original soundtrack by BaBa which premiered down in Roswell, N.M., at the Anderson Contemporary Art Museum this past January. Supporting the BaBa boys are friends of the weirder side of folk, Pawn Drive and Joe Daddy and Hoodoo Jeff. This 21+ show starts at 9pm and is free. Low Spirits • Fri Jul 3 • 9pm • FREE • 21+ • View on Alibi calendar