Music Folk is proud to present (in addition to other events) a Concert Series featuring national and regional live acoustic acts in the smoke free and intimate setting of our store. (They're listed with the above logo.)

All concerts are scheduled for the second and fourth Sunday of the month. All tickets are $7.00 and there will be a B.Y.O.B. policy. So if you would like to kick back, have a cocktail or a glass of wine and listen to talented musicians come and join us.

Colin Blair

Sunday

July 12th

7 pm

$7

BEST FOLK ARTIST 2007 - The Riverfront Times

"At 29 years old, Colin Blair has established himself as one of the most skilled fiddle players in St. Louis. Though he started on the devil's box at a relatively old age (nineteen), he learned deep in the Ozarks, in the lamp-lit shack of Banjo Billy Mathews, one of the legends of Arkansas old-time music. Blair can play fast and raw or smooth and soulful, and though he doesn't have a steady band at the moment, he's putting together an eclectic ensemble that will draw on anything recorded for 78 rpm. The best place to hear him is down at Music Folk (8015 Big Bend Boulevard, Webster Groves 63119; 314-961-2838), where he works as a repairman and sales rep. Drop by, say howdy and ask him to saw a tune. That's the way the old-timers do it."

Colin Blair

Colin's Saturday Kiddies Matinee

Satuday

July 18th

3-5 pm

FREE

Visit with Colin Blair
(Voted RFT 2007 - Best Folk Musician)
for an hour of Fine Fiddlin', Banjo Pickin'
and Story Tellin'.

Fun for YOUNG and OLD alike.

Sat. July 18, 3-5 pm
at Music Folk

For children 12 and under
Must be accompanied by parent or guardian
Very limited seating
Ask for your FREE ticket at the front counter

Lyal Strickland

Sunday

July 26th

7 pm

$7

We talk about passion and perseverance, talent and tenacity. Somewhere in the mix, it all melds together and becomes music, and sometimes, the music almost becomes magical! And that’s where Lyal Strickland is right now. Magically melding together years of passion, perseverance, talent, and tenacity with melodies and lyrics and simply making…music.

A bit of background…Lyal became interested in music at age twelve, first experimenting with clarinet, and quickly learning bass guitar. At thirteen, he began writing songs, picked up rhythm and lead guitar and formed the band 4:13, an alternative rock band that lasted through his high school years.

The recordings…While still in high school, Lyal self-released three cd’s. Five songs from those cd’s found their way into independent films, and a couple of them were adapted for commercials. He was asked to write and record a song for Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks using the theme of angels. The result was “God Given Tears”, a song about learning to accept and understand life’s challenges.

The shows…Blending the soul of a front porch picking with the excitement of a Saturday night, Lyal’s original songs express life with all of its ups & downs. Passionate vocals, captivating guitar, an occasional harmonica, and Lyal’s down to earth style keep audiences begging for more! Playing high profile clubs, community festivals & charity events, Lyal has become a favorite of music lovers in the Ozarks. Expanding into surrounding states, he’s rapidly developing a dedicated following.

The highlights…Lyal was the opening act for SheDaisy at one of the premier venues in the Mid-South, The Amp in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and also opened for Tracy Lawrence in Springfield, Missouri. He was a guest on the nationally syndicated Jim Bohannon Show, as well as Coyote 107 (Lebanon, MO), The Wolf 100.5, Alice 95.5, and KSMU (Springfield, MO). After entering the Colgate Country Showdown, he was a state finalist in both Arkansas (2005) and Missouri (2006). Heading west, he played for the opening of the 13th annual Sedona International Film Festival in Sedona, Arizona.

Well Fed & High Strung…the much anticipated live cd was recorded in Springfield, Missouri during two sessions. Well Fed Head Books and High Strung Music set the stage for intimate evenings of honest songs delivered with emotional eloquence. “The new album focuses on the heart of the songs. It’s really raw and organic. Just me and a guitar,” Lyal says. Although comprised mostly of new songs, including a hidden track that’s a work in progress, a few favorites from past cd’s show up in acoustic versions. The passion, the perseverance, the talent, the tenacity, the melodies, the lyrics…the magic…the music…is Well Fed & High Strung….Lyal Strickland.

Salt of the Earth

Sunday

August 9th

7 pm

$7

A roots group with a straightforward and unassuming style, a sound that is stripped down to its core, and songs that come straight from within, Salt of the Earth formed early in the spring of 2003. The members are Lynne Reif on lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and occasional harmonica, Mike Schrand on bass, baritone guitar and vocals, Jake Brookman ..o and Jim Hieger on lead acoustic guitar, banjo, and vocals. Both Lynne and Mike have a history playing and singing in the St. Louis-based Roots-Rock band Belle Starr (1996-2002). Jake is a classically trained cellist who has played in groups ranging from symphony orchestras to punk bands, and Jim is a self-taught all-natural lead player with performance roots in the "jam band" circle. Salt of the Earth features Lynne's songwriting, which aims to chew on life in a heartfelt way, and spans the genres of pop, folk and blues. The band puts down rhythmic instrumental accompaniment complemented by rich melody and harmony lines. Sit back and listen to the music. Thats all there is.

HUSS and DALTON

Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop featuring Shane Adkins and Jeff Hill

Friday

August 14th

7:30 pm

FREE

Visit with Jeff Hill our Huss and Dalton Guitar Representative and discuss a guitar building philosophy that embraces both traditional and modern design techniques. Located in a small shop in Staunton Virginia, Huss and Dalton build a small number of handcrafted instruments per year utilizing only the finest of woods and materials. Then try our large selection of standard and custom series Huss and Dalton Guitars

With Jeff will be Shane Adkins, 2005 International Fingerpicking Guitar Champion and 2003 International Thumbpicking Guitar Champion. Shane will be demostrating the technique of traditional thumbpicking blending the styles of Chet Atkins and Merle Travis

Hope to see ya'll there.

Mississippi Sawyers

Sunday

August 23rd

7 pm

$7

Although, The Mississippi Sawyers as a band are fairly new, its members are anything but when it comes to keeping the tradition alive and making their own sound. Every member has their own style and continues to find new ways to reach a broadening audience, both young and old. Whether you want that lonesome feel of the traditional or those "ear grabbin" guitar and mandolin licks or the steady rhythm of the banjo to satisfy, you'll be sure to find your toe a tappin'. As a band, they have a hefty handful of original songs so be sure to catch em' cause its only just begun.

The Mississippi Sawyers feature Jeff Griffy on guitar as well as lead and harmony vocals. From 2001 through 2005 Jeff filled the guitar position with David Davis and the Warrior River Boys and you can hear him on the self titled 2004 album on Rebel Records. Mandolin player, Dave Mueller, has been playing in various bluegrass bands in the Missouri and Illinois area while fine tuning his lead and harmony vocals as well as polishing his own mandolin style. On banjo, Mike Aehle has a mature and driving rhythm as well as singing a strong tenor and baritone part. Mike has performed with many great Missouri area bands and you can still catch him occasionally with the midwest band The Greers. Lastly, there is Candice Hale on upright bass. Candice has spent the past few years studying and learning from some of the best bluegrass musicians in St. Louis and now sings the occasional tenor and high baritone part. The Mississippi Sawyers are currently working on an all original cd expected to be released in the early part of summer.

Ian Fisher

Sunday

September 13th

7 pm

$7

When I was 13-years-old, I began playing bass guitar and started a band with some friends. I got frustrated with the guitarist, who I thought didn't practice enough, so I bought a guitar and taught myself how to play. Then, since no-one else wanted to sing, I decided that I would to do that too. After three years, dozens of members, and multiple names, the band split up. I then started playing solo shows and randomly with other musicians. I've continued that pattern to this day. Now-a-days I am living in Vienna, Austria, and playing and creating the music that I love. In the fall of 2007 I released the album "Invasions" and in the fall of 2008 I released "Pawn Heart". Both of these albums are available on Itunes, Amazon, and a few other websites or you can get them at my concerts. This spring I will release a new album entitled "Stained Glass".-----------------I hope you enjoy my music and I hope to hear from you!-----------------------------

Sandy Weltman's Beginning Harmonica Workshop

Sunday

October 4th

1-3 pm

$30

Beginning Harmonica Workshop with Sandy Weltman

This 1 and ½ hour- long workshop is designed for the novice or beginning harmonica player. We will cover important beginning techniques and touch upon some simple melodies and basic blues. A 10 hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C is required and a small tape recorder and notebook is highly recommended. Cost is $30.00

Hot Club Caravan

Sunday

October 11th

7 pm

$7

Started late 2007, Hot Club Caravan is having audiences swing with the elegant gypsy jazz made famous by Django Reinhardt of the 1930's, (until his death in 1953.) It's an accessible music for all listeners coupled with virtuosity by front men Sandy Weltman on harmonica and Gary Hunt on Django guitar. Clint Hasse on Django guitar and Carl Caspersen on double bass drive the rhythm with Clint also providing vocals on special selections. By doing repertoire comprised of classic Django with great pop tunes from bands like the Beatles, and witty originals, Hot Club Caravan is providing a rich acoustic performance for music listeners craving real musicians on real instruments.