Now a club, concert hall, and studio performer in New York City, ex-Berkeleyite Phil Marsh sang and picked his guitar with the Cleanliness and Godliness Skiffle Band at the Freight & Salvage on its 1968 opening night. Thirty-six years later, Phil and the core skifflers reunite for an evening of toe-tapping, finger-snapping good times. Purveyors of distinctive jug band arrangements of songs ranging from Jimmy Reed and Johnny Cash to originals like "Cozy Corner Bar," Phil is joined by band co-founders, bassist Richard Saunders and guitarist Gary Salzman, along with latter-day skiffler, harmonica ace Will Scarlett, and other alumni and associates, including drummer Tom Ralston, guitarist Steve Mann, and singer-songwriter Paul Arnoldi, plus other fabulous guests.

In its heyday, the Skiffle Band was a mainstay at the Fillmore and Avalon ballrooms. The group released five albums, including rock 'n' roll's greatest "superstar" spoof using the pseudonym, Masked Marauders. In the spirit of the times, Greil Marcus speculated in Rolling Stone magazine that this mysterious collection of powerful originals seemed to bear the earmarks of the work of the leading players of the day, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, and John Lennon. (The classic was recently released on CD by Rhino Records).

Join us for a celebration of the 36 years of music inaugurated by the wonderfully talented players who will grace our stage this evening.