Hillstomp returns to the Treehouse

By Luciano Marano • June 14, 2018 4:30 pm
Photo courtesy of the Treehouse Café | Hillstomp, headliners of the traditional Taste of Lynwood afterparty in the Treehouse Café, return to stage there at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 16 for a special 21-and-older concert event.
Photo courtesy of the Treehouse Café | Hillstomp, headliners of the traditional Taste of Lynwood afterparty in the Treehouse Café, return to stage there at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 16 for a special 21-and-older concert event.

Hillstomp, headliners of the traditional Taste of Lynwood afterparty in the Treehouse Café, return to stage there at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 16 for a special 21-and-older concert event.

Tickets — $12 in advance, $15 at the door — are on sale now via www.treehousebainbridge.com.

Straight from the Black Hills of Southern Portland, Hillstomp is the high-octane duo of “Hurricane” Henry and “Lord Johnny Buckets.” Henry Christian plays guitar like he was flogging a mule, and Lord John Johnson beats up on lard tubs like his life depended on it.

Hillstomp is infamous for digging through the dumps and backwoods of American music, distilling it into their own unique moonshine. A sort of Flat & Scruggs meet The Cave Singers, Hillstomp leaves it all on the stage every night: blues, Mississippi trance, Appalachian jigs and a dash of punkabilly just for the kick. Assorted buckets, cans and BBQ lids comprise their palette, drenched in rambunctious slide guitar.

Somehow, it works.

Despite their home brewed instruments and novel approach, Hillstomp is no novelty act. Their memorable live performances tap into a primordial magic that cannot be rehearsed, converting outlaws and traditionalists alike.