Black Jake & the Carnies sets fierce murder ballads and cautionary tales to the beat of an old-time string band. The Ypsilanti sextet’s unique blend of American folk, bluegrass and punk (dubbed “crabgrass”) sets a raucous pace for original songs about loup-garous, banjo-pickin’ demoniacs and phrenologists on the skids. The band is made up of a fortuitous collection of friends and neighbors of varying creeds, backgrounds, and walks of life, coalescing viscously for your listening pleasure.