February 18, 2011 

“Sue Fink is a somewhat-quirky, poignant singer-songwriter and entertainer known for her compelling songs and charming performances: think Christine Lavin with a dash of Rockie Leww Joes, Nellie McKay, and Jack Johnson.  She shares her unique perspective with the listener through humor, witty lyrics, and sing-along tunes.  Audiences are engrossed, amused, and energized!”

 

“Sue comes from a poetry/short-story writing background.  In the late nineties she was fairly sure she was writing a song; after taking a songwriting class taught by Andrew Calhoun, it was confirmed; it WAS a song, and she was hooked!  It is her background as a computer instructor, though, that informs her performances: ‘As an instructor, I learned that no only must I know my material, but I must involve my audience from the beginning.  They have to have a reason to listen.  They must be intrigues and entertained.’  When Sue performs, her audience listens, laughs, participates, and leaves happy.”

 

“A sophisticated and mature singer and songwriter with a disarming little-girl voice, Sue Fink has honed her craft on the local folk scene, performing regularly at venues such as Uncommon Ground.  That woodshedding, coupled with a tastefully fleshed-out sound on her new album, Thoughts at an Intersection, are part of what make her stand out from the many other musicians gently strumming their acoustic guitars.  The real appeal, however, is Fink’s distinctive, off-kilter worldview, as witnessed in songs such as ‘Alternate Universe’ (“In my alternative universe/things only get better, not worse”) and the anti-corporate-naming-rights anthem ‘Formerly Chicago’ …”(Jim DeRogatis, Critic, Chicago Sun Times) “Having been to her live show, I can say this--you will have a great time, be thoroughly entertained, and walk away with a lighter step and a smile on your face!” (Lillli Kuzma, host, Folk Festival, WDCB Public Radio)

 

www.suefink.com/ 

February 18, 2012 - Main Stage

“Tangleweed is a band of four forward-looking musical reactionaries from Chicago, Illinois. While the band’s instrumentation is standard bluegrass, their music is anything but. With a repertoire both broad and deep, one listener described them as sounding like “a band playing on a pirate ship off the coast of New Orleans in the 1920s”. Their three CDs have garned critical praise and worldwide airplay, earning the band invitations to appear at major festivals and high-profile venues around the country.

“Tangleweed formed in the summer of 2004, with Paul Wargaski on bass,  Billy Oh on fiddle, and mandolinist Kenneth Rainey. Rainey in turn brought in his Logan Square neighbor Scott Judd on guitar to complete the group.

“Tangleweed combines high-energy performances with impeccable musicianship and a wide-breadth of influences to create a unique sound that is simultaneously modern and old-timey. The band has been hailed in reviews worldwide as a welcome breath of fresh air for lovers of stomping string band music and high lonesome harmonies.”

www.tangleweed.org

Photo by E. Ken Carl

 

  March 31, 2012 - Opener

The music scene in Chicago during the 60’s and 70’s was one of the “most electrifying and memorable periods in music history.  Dean Milano has been making music in Chicago since 1966… playing bass and singing… he was there when it all happened – and has lived to tell about it.” 

 

He says, “After 35 years of writing music, I finally decided it was time to buckle down and put together an album and my first CD- Songs About Stuff, was the result. The styles of my music range from folk, country, rock, ballads, Latin, bluegrass, pop and novelty songs. I’ve been lucky enough to have had a little help from some old friends, including award winning musician Don Stiernberg, Greg Cahill of Special Consensus Bluegrass Band, Dave Kovnat from the Bobby Rydell Band, Kira recording artist Greg Trafidlo and many more… Doing my time on the road and just the experiences of life in general were enough to plant the seeds for a few song ideas. I don’t really write love songs or songs about shattered relationships. For the most part, I write story songs. Most of the stories in my songs are true, things that either happened to me or my friends and acquaintances. They’re stories that I think are worth telling and I hope folks think they’re worth listening to.”

 

http://www.toys-n-cars.com/

 

                                                                                                                                                                            

March 31, 2012 - Main Stage

“Songs about broken things and poignant little ponderings are delivered with a rootsy vibe, a touch of twang and a soulful groove. Annie and Rod are on a musical journey that began in 1982, culminating into a symbiotic sound that reflects their deep and intuitive understanding of each other.  Annie’s disarming, earthy voice and solid command of her guitar are punctuated by Rod’s effortless accompaniment and beautiful solo work. Together they weave unforgettable melodies that are at once intricate and sparse - musically completing each others’’ sentences. ‘Capps has a way of starting a song with an image that’s simple, yet arresting enough to propel you through the ensuing developments, which often covers quite a bit of territory.... it’s terrific!” (Jim Manheim, Ann Arbor Observer)

 

“Over the years, Annie and Rod have done it all; from rock to musical theater and while they continue to draw from a wide range of genres and influences, what comes out is a hybrid sound all their own. Genuine and playful; effortless and endearing; this duo has been enchanting audiences in quality music venues, house concerts, coffeehouses and festivals throughout their home state of Michigan and beyond.”

 

 “Annie and Rod Capps write complex, winding melodies ... sliding you into the middle of lives and situations that are always interesting and dotted with real insight.””  (Dave Siglin, The Ark)  “When I look around the room at an Annie and Rod Capps performance, I see a lot of smiling faces with eyes riveted to the stage ... there is a magic that energizes an audience. I can’t wait to bring them back to our concert series!”  (Tim Piazza, host of Concerts at the Cabin [indianafolk.org]

 

http://maynardmusic.com/

 

April 28, 2012 - Opener

"Amy Dixon-Kolar is one of the great female singer-songwriters among us…” (Vicki Engle - Plank Road Folk Music Society)  “Amy is a seasoned singer-songwriter whose entrancing music and lyrics, honest, distinctive vocals and fluid guitar stylings bring a new perspective to the everyday. Her take on life comes from her years as a teacher, interpreter, mom, social activist and performer…”

“With a father who was an amateur jazz drummer and a mother who introduced the family to all types of musical genres, from classical to world music, opera to folk, Amy came to a love of music naturally. She has traveled the country, playing coffeehouses, clubs, schools, college campuses, festivals and house concerts… She has also been invited to perform for a number of political gatherings – sharing her music of women, peace and social justice.”

 “In January, 2009, she was invited to participate in the celebration of President Obama’s inauguration by singing her song “Rosa Sat – a Song for Barack Obama” on Chicago’s NPR station, WBEZ. “Rosa Sat” has gone on to become a YouTube sensation, receiving a quarter-million hits since it was posted, and is now being sung by choirs, social justice groups, at folk music gatherings, and in schools around the world!”  

“Listening to Amy Dixon-Kolar reminds us of why we need music in our lives. Go to one of her gigs, and be mesmerized by her beautiful writing and her stirring voice - you won't be disappointed." (Sue Demel/Sons of the Never Wrong)

 

http://www.amydixonkolar.com

April 28, 2012 - Main Stage

 

Back for the second time, Kim and Reggie Harris are two vibrant, superbly talented and engaging performers whose captivating stage presence has inspired audiences around the world for over 25 years. As singers, songwriters, storytellers, educators, historical interpreters and cultural advocates, they have used their remarkable voices and their unique talents to bring new insights to the entertainment and educational spectrum. 

Kim and Reggie perform original contemporary folk music and traditional African-American Spiritual and Freedom Songs.  In concert Kim and Reggie know how to reach out and grab an audience by the heart as they sing of life, love, the quest for freedom and care for the environment, with musical versatility and beautiful vocal harmonies. Whether at a festival, in a coffeehouse, a large concert or even an intimate concert setting, their In Concert performances are a special musical treat.

http://www.kimandreggie.com/

 

May 19, 2012 - Opener

“BIRDY is a Chicago-based acoustic group featuring outstanding vocals and harmony, creative musical arrangements, impressive covers and fine originals.  With an eclectic repertoire that draws from both traditional and contemporary influences, Birdy has quickly established itself on the Chicago music scene and beyond, and is a regular performer at coffee houses, restaurants and pubs, folk venues, community centers, neighborhood parties, festivals, and farmers markets." 

“Formed in 2006 by Bianca Bevard (vocals) and Sharon Speziale (vocals, guitar, fiddle), Birdy was literally 'sparked' while the two were singing around a bonfire at a camping weekend.  Instantly recognizing the soaring harmony blend, Bianca and Sharon began performing together, then added in-demand percussionist Meg Thomas, who provides a wonderful driving and creative dimension to BIRDY's established sound.  More recently, veteran bassist Roy McNaughton joined the group, with bass lines that are both artistically fluid and warmly down to earth."

"A typical Birdy concert  includes: BIRDY originals, covers of favorite singer/songwriters, traditional folk tunes with a twist, a random Beatles tune, songs of love (lost, acquired or desired), and a few other styles thrown in for good measure. " "It has been a pleasure seeing Birdy take flight, starting with Sharon Speziale and Bianca Bevard, and now including Meg Thomas and Roy McNaughton.  The freshness of this group, with its gorgeous solo vocals and harmony, fine musicianship, and eclectic repertoire, has been a delight to hear, and is a most welcome addition to the folk music scene.  I look forward to watching Birdy soar!" (Lilli Kuzma, Folk Festival on WDCB Public Radio)

 

http://birdytunes.org

 

May 19, 2012 - Main Stage

"Joe Jencks is the type of musician that will cause you to drop that morning newspaper or pull your car to the side of the road when you hear his songs... His voice will instantly draw you into his passionate songs. He is the type of musician whose music will become a part of you."  (Ron Olesko, WFDU –FM Teaneck NJ)


 

“Jencks is an international touring performer, songwriter, entertainer, and educator. From venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, to coffee houses, festivals, spiritual communities, and schools, Joe Jencks has spent the last nine years touring full time... He is noted for his unique merging of musical beauty, social consciousness, and spiritual exploration. Jencks weaves a diverse web of stories with brilliant musical skill, ensnaring even the most rigid of hearts, inviting them to open. His songs invite us to live inside of our passions and our beliefs. 

Jencks applies his conservatory training to a contemporary genre, and offers the listener the best of both worlds.

 

“Drawing on his Irish heritage (dual U.S./Irish Citizen), Jencks uses his lush and lyrical voice to enchant, heal, and inspire. Jencks has won numerous songwriting awards and is also highly regarded as a song interpreter... In his original compositions, Jencks explores a wide range of topics, including family history, staying in love, and a brand new piece in the Irish tradition called On Eireann's Shore. This beautifully lilting love song genuinely honors his heritage, and sounds as if it could have been written a century ago... Jencks has the passion of Gospel singer, the knowledge of a classical vocalist, and the soul of an Irish Tenor. And at the center of Joe's music is an abiding love for humanity that transcends the everyday and boarders on the mystical.”

 

joejencks.com

 

September 17, 2011 - Opener

Chicagoan Jenny Bienemann will be joined by her husband, Robin, for our special opening concert of the sixth season of the Coffeehouse.  “Jenny spent her youth performing in community theatre and dedicated herself to the crafts of singing and songwriting after settling back in Chicago after college. Her songs are fresh and honest, falling somewhere between winking innocence and worldly detachment - life isn't easy, but it's really okay. With each lyric firmly grounded in the everyday, her hip guitar riffs, vocal overlays and idiosyncratic pacing lend the project the feel of a dream sequence. ‘Jenny Bienemann is a unique, creative entertainer who immediately touches the audience with her heartfelt singing and holds them captivated for the entire evening!’ (Steve Aultz, Edgar's Place.)”

Robin Bienemann sings “his hilarious and touching new batch of songs…inspired by stories of people working for a living. Work is a common thread of experience that ties almost all of us together. We might like, or not like it, but we all do it. Wickedly funny original songs with refined Jazz and Blues guitar stylings… a wild mix of sophisticated music, catchy tunes, and dry humor. Juxtapose Bienemann’s slightly odd way of looking at the world with his wild guitar, drenched in jazz and blues and his old time radio voice and you have a fabulous presentation of original tunes."

 September 17, 2011 - Main Stage

"ZOZO is an acoustic/electric folk band incorporating the talents of Andrew Calhoun, songwriter, vocals and guitar; Casey Calhoun, vocals and dance, Gary Cleland, acoustic bass; and Victor Sanders, lead guitar. 

"ZOZO is fronted by veteran Chicago area folk artist Andrew Calhoun and his daughter Casey, whose pure, distinctive voice takes the lead on songs by artists from Anais Mitchell to Dave Carter to Pink Floyd, from folk to pop to swing, and adds new dimensions of harmony and call-and-response to originals, Irish and Scottish ballads and American spirituals. Casey Calhoun, an accomplished dancer, often dances the breaks of songs to Victor Sanders' ever-evolving leads.

"Victor Sanders (electric guitar) as guitarist, composer, recording engineer and producer, balances a playful imagination with boundless musical and technical knowledge. It's not just the pedal board which creates sounds you've never heard before-- it's the ability to add just what each song needs.

"Gary Cleland - bass  is a lifelong Chicagoan, Gary is classically trained. He studied at the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University, as well as privately, with current and former members of the Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera. The classical music background has benefited his extremely varied tastes in music today… from a world folk ensemble, pop bands, and this folk music ensemble."

As the lead of ZOZO, Andrew Calhoun has been" a creative force in the songwriter movement, a dynamite guitarist, and a traditional song interpreter of great skill. His introductions to songs can keep you doubled up with laughter, his songs run the gamut of human experience and emotion." (Phil Cooper) Andrew "tells the truth. To my knowledge, there is no better songwriter alive." (Dave Carter)
 

http://www.waterbug.com/calhoun/zozo.html

 

October 1, 2011 - Opener

The Kettle Moraine String Band was created four years ago when its members met at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. Sharing their love of bluegrass are Kris Huysken on upright bass, Ted Johnson on fiddle and banjo, Dennis Harpole on mandolin and fiddle, and Jim Sanabria on guitar.  Our own Blair Hull will sit in on their set and join in the fun!

 

 

http://www.myspace.com/kettlemorainestringband

October 1, 2011 - Main Stage

 

Two times, during Season III and Season V, Jan Krist has delighted the audience at the Stained Glass Coffeehouse.  Once again, Jan is back with her husband, Alan Finkbeiner.  A dynamic team, together they have produced Jan’s newest release, When Planets Collide, touted as “a collision of musical styles and observations both humorous and heartbreaking.”

“Detroit born Jan Krist is a well-established veteran of the acoustic music scene; with 13 nominations and 4 Detroit Metro Music Awards under her belt, she has proven herself to be a Detroit area favorite. She can also claim the honor of being a finalist at the Kerrville song writing competition, in Kerrville TX, an annual event which helped to launch the careers of Lyle Lovett and Nancy Griffith."

“Jan takes her ordinary, plain Jane demeanor and all the elements we’ve learned to take for granted (6 strings and common time) and lets us know, this is not your ordinary woman with a guitar, even if it is. ‘Her talent as a songwriter equals - if not surpasses her vocal gifts. She has an uncanny way of cutting to the heart of a topic and providing the listener with food for thought.’ (Image Journal)  ‘Evocative... somewhere between Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush, but it’s all Jan Krist. Unreservedly recommended!’” (Billboard Magazine)

http://www.jankrist.net/

October 29, 2011 - Opener

“Heather Styka's image-based lyrics are delivered by a voice possessing the versatility and purity of Eva Cassidy and Joni Mitchell, with a dash of Ella Fitzgerald-esque vibrato. Her songs carry a heartbreaking degree of truth, chronicling the human cycles of despair and redemption, and analyzing the importance of places, relationships, family, and community… As ‘one of the more original of the many contemporary singer/songwriters touring the US’ (River City Folk), Heather Styka is one new voice not to be missed in today's ocean of music.

“Styka's Midwestern background, urban identity, and rural roots remain at the forefront of her songs. Having recently graduated from DePaul University with a focus in creative writing, Styka appreciates a good story or a poetic image -- and it shows in lyrics that rely on metaphor, wordplay, and narrative. While Styka's songwriting has been likened to that of Leonard Cohen, Josh Ritter, and Damien Rice, her influences are as diverse as they are rooted, ranging from Celtic to classical, Townes Van Zandt to Django Reinhardt. The resulting compositions ‘capture moments, impressions, feelings, and thoughts in a way that connects with the listener, a lyrical wave that can carry one to shore with a solid conclusion, or go way out into the ocean, searching for an answer, insight, or direction’ (Lilli Kuzma, WDCB).”

http://heatherstyka.com/

October 29, 2011 - Main Stage

"Doug and Telisha Williams hail from Martinsville, Virginia, where boarded up factories stand as monuments to how fast the world can change. When they write and sing songs about dying small towns, they know what they’re talking about… When you hear them sing songs about a couple of hard luck kids who made some bad decisions and wound up in jail, you’ve got to remember that Doug & Telisha are still good friends with those kid’s family. The songs… came from stories told across kitchen tables or between friends after a couple of pitchers at the Ten Pin."

 

"Their hometown sits in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains and you can hear, smell and taste that influence on their new record, Ghost of the Knoxville Girl….Like the ghost in the title track, the characters in this collection of songs are resilient spirits who face their troubles straight on, never looking away. Telisha’s voice rises from way down deep and delivers the honest truth with a frank clearness that never wavers. You never for one minute doubt that the emotion is real. Having played and written together since they were teenagers, Doug’s guitar and harmonies follow suit, giving soul to heart"… “We hope in some small way our songs not only document these times, but honor the people who are just doing the best they can to get by these days.” Doug says…

 

"Wherever Doug and Telisha go they always make quick friends with their audience, pulling them right into their lives. 'That’s what it’s all about for us,' says Doug, “being out there, playing on the road, meeting people. Everything else is just... everything else.”  No matter how far they roam, Doug and Telisha always find their way back home. A place that holds tight to the intricacies and contradictions of life in the south today. A place where old time religion, superstition, rundown bars, gravel parking lots and boarded up factories tell stories that wind up being songs. A place where in just one set, Doug & Telisha can still send audience members to their feet in applause…" "Telisha’s vocals carry the twang of Steve Earle and Nanci Griffith, while Doug’s bluesy, country guitar conveys both rhythm and harmony…" (Performing Songwriter)

 

http://dandtw.com

 

 December 3, 2011 - Opener                              

 

December 3, 2011 - Main Stage

“Trillium – A Midwest wildflower that’s been know to spring up almost anywhere… and an acoustic music quartet, located in the far west suburbs, outside Chicago.  Their eclectic repertoire ranges in style from Celtic to folk to ragtime to swing to bluegrass, and appeals to all ages and most musical tastes. ‘They’re quite a lively band!’ (Rich Warren – The WFMT Midnight Special)

 

The Trillium musicians are:

 

Mim Eichmann (hammered dulcimer, vocals):  “Known almost exclusively as the artistic director and choreographer of Midwest Ballet Theatre and as the director of its home, Midwest Ballet Academy, Mim has also quietly pursued a small alternative career as a vocalist… A few years ago… she began studying (the mountain dulcimer) with Dona Benkert, later supplemented by work with Bill Robinson, and credits her playing style to Dona’s razor-sharp precision with a wild dash of Bill’s extemporaneous interpretations.”

 

Ed Hall guitar, banjo, vocals):  “Ed’s approach to fingerstyle guitar has always been to try to arrange pieces for guitar that are not typically played on one guitar, difficult pieces, arranged as accurately as possible by ear… instrumentals like The William Tell Overture, Hoedown from Rodeo  by Copland, The Hungarian Rhapsody II by Liszt….” Ed has won the coveted National Fingerpicking Championships at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas.

 

Doug Lofstrom (bass):  “Doug has been playing bass for more years than he can remember and in just about every possible genre imaginable!  His extensive experience in composing and arranging serves Trillium well when conjuring up new material for the group’s eclectic repertoire… Among his many music-related credits, he has been musical director for Chicago’s Free Street Theatre and composer-in-residence for the Evanston’s Symphony of the Shores.  He teaches bass, musical composition and music theory at Columbia College, Chicago.”

 

Jonathan De Souza (fiddle, mandolin):  “Jonathan… started lessons (on the violin) at the age of three, following the Suzuki method… He enjoys many instruments and many styles, including traditional fiddling, jazz, and classical chamber music…  His compositions range from choral/orchestral concert works to experimental electronic sound installations to musicals for schoolchildren.  Jonathan has written exclusively for the stage, as both a playwright and a composer.”

 

Trilliium – “really top shelf.” (Lilli Kuzma – WDCB Folk Festival)

 

http://www.trilliumtheband.com

 

www.DougLofstrom.com

 

January 21, 2012 - Opener

"A Chicago singer/songwriter, Jeanne T. Arrigo is startlingly straightforward, earnest, and organic in her material, which is enlivened by a beautiful singing voice.”  “For those who like their folk songs more introspective and intense, Arrigo is their girl. She has a passionate, powerful, almost operative voice…’ (Jennifer Layton, Indie-Music.com)

“Raised in the small Missouri town of Moscow Mills on a seven acre farm - her dad’s dream come true in small measure - music and performing seemed to be part of Jeanne’s life from the beginning... Jeanne and her two book-end brothers used to set up boxes and bang away on the “drums” to classic rock, while Jeanne sang to any song on the radio, developing her harmonizing skills.  Later, acting became the focus when she won a major theatre scholarship to Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA, and furthered her stage craft and technique, while continuing to perform in choral groups…”

After college and with ” some significant personal reflection and an obvious need for creative growth (launched in part by her discovery of "The Artist's Way")… Jeanne began writing her own songs. The connection with music was strong - it was her roots and felt like home - and she began putting most of her creative energies into songwriting and singing/playing out, primarily at local open mics in Chicago... Though rooted in the folk tradition of storytelling, Jeanne's songs and performance style go beyond traditional folk as she creates an organic, infectious relationship with her audience.  She gives ‘a beautiful music production…’” (Annette Warner, CoffeehouseTour.com)

 http://www.jeannetarrigo.com

 

January 21, 2012 - Main Stage

One of the best concerts of Seasons II and III, the Sons of Never Wrong will be back this January to delight the audience again. "The Sons is as good as it gets when it comes to a different view of three part harmony on top of original, whimsical songs that spring from a tradition you swear you have heard before but just don’t know where and when.  The Sons is a trio made up of Sue Demel, Deborah Lader and Bruce Roper.  Three somewhat mixed up adults of perfect parents of a bygone era, just crazy enough to think life in the fast lane comes with a banjo.

 

"Bruce brings the subtle, like a hammer honed by a well-seasoned carpenter, to build a song that shelters.  His reputation in the folk industry is that of a crafted, prolific writer.  His songs feel like they were written by a wise old poet, yet sung by a child.  With a gift for painting the melancholy, sometimes with a wink and a nod, he makes things that are hard to say easy to hear.

 

"Whether it’s scatting, chanting, weaving, or arranging, Sue explodes the pre-conceived notions of harmony singing.  Sue is a seasoned back-up vocalist and her body of work as a songwriter achieves a rare peace between the boundaries of love and redemption.

 

"Deborah’s diverse influences converge and are expressed through her unique and multifaceted music.  A nationally recognized visual artist, she is also a skilled multi-instrumentalist (guitar, mandolin, slide banjo) with a special fit for songwriting and a sought-after affinity for vocal harmony."

 

"One of folk music's most distinctive trios..." (Grand River Folk Society)

 

http://sons.com/