Stop what you’re doing and get on down to the Ohio Theatre and Event Center for the 2nd Annual Ohio Theatre Folk Festival. It will be a night of modern folk music that spans the spectrum from intense rust belt blues with gospel coloring to classic three part folk harmonies, with a little banjo on the side.
November 19th, Birds of Chicago will headline the event with special guests: The Crane Wives, Jo Serrapere & the Willie Dunns, and Toledo’s Ben Stalets. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $25, at the door, or $20 in advance through the Ohio Theatre web site: ohiotheatretoledo.org.
Birds of Chicago
Birds of Chicago are again headliners, blending American gospel, folk, and rock-and-roll. Chicago natives, Allison Russell and JT Nero create a sound that is both deeply felt and intensely exhilarating. “Birds of Chicago, reassert the simple notion – radical in these times – that beautiful words and music can still tap deep veins of emotion.” The Birds of Chicago are currently on tour promoting their 2016 album, “Real Midnight.”
The Crane Wives
The Crane Wives weave classic three part vocal harmonies in new, yet very accessible ways. Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, the indie-folk outfit is known for eclectic instrumentation and organic song-craft. The Crane Wives were launched into the national spotlight when the Decemberist’s Colin Meloy had his picture taken with their debut album, “Safe Ship Harbored” during an NPR interview. Three albums further down the road, positive PR keeps following the band.
Jo Serrapere & the Willie Dunns
Jo Serrapere is a Detroit native who has appeared on Prairie Home Companion and at the Lincoln Center, in Washington, DC. Her brand of American roots music crosses the modern folk spectrum from gutsy alt country to sultry jazz and blues. She seamlessly leads the Willie Dunns with vocals that soar over electric guitar surf solos melded with rockabilly stand up bass, while never veering from a genuine folk feel. “The lyrics and content are strong with human issues of life and love… It’s a pleasure to hear a woman who can sing the “Blues” and sing them well.” – Bonnie Austring-Winter CBC Radio.
Ben Stalets
Opening the night, Ben Stalets will be both emcee and solo performer. Originally from Toledo, Ben has been touring the country performing imaginative and heart-felt songs.
The historic Ohio Theatre and Event Center is located in Toledo’s Old North End at 3114 Lagrange Street. The beautiful old theater, built in 1921, was recently updated with a new sound and lighting system. It is the last surviving example of the many neighborhood theatres that were a hallmark of Toledo nightlife. Proceeds from the event will support the preservation and revitalization of this beautiful community cornerstone.
For more information visit the Ohio Theatre and Event Center web site at:
ohiotheatretoledo.org
