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It’s not that unusual for bands at the club level to cancel concerts. When they do, it’s usually chalked up to something like poor ticket sales, throat problems or some other freak occurrence.

But listeners checking out WHTG-FM last Friday heard a much different reason for the cancellation of unconventional folkie Michelle Shocked’s show – scheduled for later that night at the Fast Lane in Asbury Park – courtesy of Shocked’s husband and manager, Bart Bull.

During an interview hosted by DJ Matt Pinfield, Bull accused Fast Lane owner Mark Grubman of trying to change their agreed-upon contract by hiring three local bands as opening acts and asking them to sell tickets to the event.

Days later, speaking on the telephone from another stop on Shocked’s tour, Bull explained that Shocked wanted the show to unveil the direction of her yet-to-be recorded fourth album – expected to focus on funk and soul music – while exploring her previous records, which delved into folk, big-band swing and old-style “fiddle” music.

“The shortest show we’ve played has been over two hours long. And a set-up like this exploits local bands by making them hustle tickets.”

In response to Bull’s statements, Grubman said the opening bands had already been hired for the show when Shocked’s management objected to the arrangement. Subsequent attempts to work out a compromise, which continued up until Bull and Shocked left for their radio interview, failed, he said.

“The main problem was the local bands – they wouldn’t allow them, but I wanted them. I stand by my local bands, and I’m not going to blow them off for a national act.”