The Square Root, Roslindale, MA
3/22/25
An eclectic but charming cafe in Rozzie, The Square Root has built a reputation throughout the northeast for putting on some great nights of music. The crowd goes quiet as the duo known as Pyewackett, takes the stage for their debut show. The duo is composed of Julie Kantner on guitar and Donna Sartanowicz, on a Paul McCartney style violin bass. Although it’s their first show as a duo, Donna and Julie demonstrate such powerful chemistry on stage, playing off each other effortlessly. Donna also performs in a band called “The Nocturnal Adoration Society,” which was nominated for a New England Music Award last year. She performs a few of that band’s numbers in addition to Pyewackett originals, keeping the crowd captivated with her catchy songs and lovely voice.
A three piece band that hails from both Boston, MA and Readsboro, VT is up next. Homefried Valentines features the husband-wife duo of Michael Eigen on vocals, guitar and drums and Carla Eigen on vocals and electric ukulele. Both of the Eigens come from impressive musical backgrounds. Michael performed in the Americana band, Los Goutos and Carla is a trained opera singer who also performed in the 90’s alt-rock band, The Sextiles. Homefried Valentines deliver a blend of Americana/folk music that is both vibrant and theatrical as well as sparse and introspective, thanks in part due to Carla and Michael’s beautiful intertwining harmonies, with slow vibrato and impressive sustain in their vocal delivery. Their set flies by with each song being received well and returned with much applause from the audience. Anthony Giordano, the owner of the Square Root is on hand and by the smile on his face, I’d guess he is enjoying the show. The Square Root is a special place for both music and community and tonight was a heck of a night. (Kier Byrnes)