The Trap Dorz and Nocturnal Adoration Society performs @ The MAC

The Trap Dorz play original songs by former rocker Andy Hollinger, who has since moved on to playing quieter instruments. He sings and juggles the mandolin, plectrum banjo, and acoustic guitar while bandmates Rob Emslie (piano, guitar, heavenly harmonies) and Jarpo Born (hothouse harmonica) bring the rootsy songs to life, playing a mix of old and new tunes, including some from The Trap Dorz’s upcoming release later this summer. Their previous two releases are available at lowbudgetrecords.com and on various streaming platforms.

For those who like their pigeonholes neat and tidy, Jimmy Ryan is an unsettling proposition. He plays mandolin with the old-timey pluck of a bluegrass breakdown, but also with the ferocity of rock guitarist. He puts the “man” in mandolin. That melding of styles made Ryan an esteemed pioneer of the local “alt-country” brigade in the ’80 & ’90s when he founded and fronted the bluegrass-tinged rock band The Blood Oranges with the same eclectic approach, making him one of the most dynamic singer-songwriters on the rich Boston Americana scene today. His partner-in-Life, bassist Donna Sartanowicz possesses a silky mellow voice that has a way of slowing the heartbeat and lowering blood pressure. Nocturnal Adoration Society, their fascinating musical fusion duo of original songs, speak to mature life experiences, grounded in hard won wisdom and a partnership that has stood the test of time.