photo courtesy of the deadly nightshade

In 1972, when three Smith College and Mount Holyoke students began playing local dives under the moniker The Deadly Nightshade, all-female groups were mainly seen as novelty acts. The trio refused to be cast as the typical girl group, however, and conquered Pioneer Valley venues before taking New York City by storm with their loud, dance-inducing country rock.

In the Grammy-nominated band's eight-year existence, Pamela Robin Brandt, Helen Hooke and Anne Bowen released two major label records, toured nationally with the likes of Billy Joel and Peter Frampton, and even did a couple of segments with their friends on Sesame Street.

Some 37 years later, The Deadly Nightshade is back on the bill at the Iron Horse Music Hall. Inspired by the overwhelming response to two reunion shows last year, the band decided a bigger venue was required—especially one with room for dancing.

May 24, 7 p.m., $12.50/advance, $15/door, Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center St., Northampton, (413) 584-0610, www.iheg.com.