During these hard economic times music lovers need free shows.  There’s just no getting around it.  Sure there are plenty of shows I want to catch at The Pageant, but I have to pick and choose.  That’s why places like The Billiken Club are so great.  You have the opportunity to experience national touring acts without having to offer up any of your hard-earned cash. 

I just ran across another chance to see a fantastic band for absolutely nothing.  Every Friday night the St. Louis Art Museum has free admission to their special exhibits, allowing everyone to enjoy the incredible works of art housed in that beautiful building.  On Friday February 26 visitors will also be able to take in some lovely indie-folk straight from the foothills of the Carolinas.  The Carolina Chocolate Drops will be playing their traditional fiddle and banjo tunes in the Grigg Gallery starting at 7pm.

The Carolina Chocolate Drops will be releasing the much-anticipated Genuine Negro Jig via Nonesuch on February 16.  Here’s a preview of the upcoming album, along with a few downloads:

• MP3: Carolina Chocolate Drops – “Cornbread and Butterbeans” (traditional)
• MP3: Carolina Chocolate Drops – “Hit Em Up Style” (Blu Cantrell cover)
• Preorder: Carolina Chocolate Drops – Genuine Negro Jig