The first American country band to tour China was not one of the usual
suspects; it was the Mary Lamont Band.  You might not have heard of
them, but this Suffolk County-based band has been playing around Long
Island for years and lately they have begun to play in New York City as
well.  Tonight they hit Hill Country in Chelsea for three sets of
country, Americana and rock.

Although a New Yorker for years, Mary herself originally hails from
rural Ontario, once again supporting the idea that Canadians do the
best American music (see also Neil Young and Kathleen Edwards).  Mary
has also quite a diverse background as her day jobs have included
modeling and working for the Alice Cooper management team.

Jim Marchese, the lead guitarist, has strong country and rock chops. 
He's also an accomplished photographer, and was tour photographer for
Bruce Springsteen's The River tour in Europe.

Mary Lamont, Hill Country, 30 W 26th St (F Train to 23rd
Street, walk three blocks to 26th Street, turn right and go 1/2 block),
9pm-midnight

 –Eliot Wagner