Poor Howard, Bullfrog keep a crowd humming, and laughing

A large crowd relaxes while watching Poor Howard and Bulfrog perform Friday at Parson Main Square in Rochester. (Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - Poor Howard Stith dazzled a Rochester crowd on Friday with both his 12-string barrelhouse blues and deadpan humor.

Playing a virtuoso harmonica along with Stith was his longtime bandmate Mike "Bullfrog" Rogers.

The duo, known as "Poor Howard & Bullfrog", played for one of Music on the Square's largest crowds of the summer, said Main Street Director Michael Provost, who added the weather was perfect for an outdoor concert.

Stith and Rogers play roots and blues music from the 1920s and 30s, drawing inspiration from blues greats like Huddie Ledbetter (Leadbelly) and Blind Willy McTell.

If you go hear them you might recognize the song "Po Lazarus" from the depresion-era movie classic "O Brother Where Art Thou".

Mike 'Bullfrog' Rogers, left, and Poor Howard Stith play on Friday before a crowd of about 30 in downtown Rochester at a Music on the Square concert.

The 2000 movie spawned a revival of the genre, which is in full bloom with this talented duo.

And just as understated as the Bullfrog is, so is Stith quite the loquacious one, peppering time between songs with ample downhome humor, like the one about the healing minister playing before a theater of believers.

Seeing one man looking depressed and downtrodden, he asks what's wrong.

"Oh, it's my hearing," he says.

The preacher than calls him up on stage, puts his hands on the man's ears and yells, "Heal them, brother!"

He then urges the audience to yell the same, which they do.

He then slowly takes his hands off the man's ears.

"How's your hearing, now," he says.

"I don't know," the man says. "My hearing's not till next Tuesday."

Free Music On The Square Friday Concerts are held weekly through Aug. 25 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The series continues next Friday with Mike Morris. Most bring a chair or blanket and enjoy lunch while watching the show.

Meanwhile, Poor Howard and Bullfrog will be back in Rochester next Thursday for a 5 p.m. gig at Revolution Taproom and Grill.

For some great music and comedy to boot, check em out.