This will be a quick return to The Focal Point for Mean Mary and she'll be bringing her brother Frank James along to perform together Sunday, December 10th, at 6PM (doors 5:30) Tickets $20 in advance.  Please get your tickets early; we expect a sell-out show! Mary and Frank will be playing crowd favorites (such Read more about A Very Merry Mean Mary Christmas[…]

The Hot Club of St. Louis is an all-star line up of the city’s finest acoustic jazz musicians led by guitarist Joe Park. The group will perform many of the classics made famous by Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France as well as some of Park’s own original compositions. Rinn Netherton - violin Read more about The Hot Club of St. Louis[…]

Yes, you heard it right! Not only will this be Jake's Leg's 10th Annual Holiday Show at Focal Point but they will only be doing ONE show rather than the typical two, so get those tickets while the-get'ns good! Spanning the generations, Jake's Leg has been performing the music of The Grateful Dead for 48 Read more about Jake’s Leg’s 10th Annual Holiday Acoustic Dance Party (One Night Only!)[…]

Graham Curry is a bluegrass multi-instrumentalist born and raised in Missouri and has been playing since a young child. Graham specializes in flat-picking guitar, mandolin & fiddle and has a strong passion for traditional Bluegrass, American roots & world folk music.  Graham, who splits his time between St.Louis and Nashville as an accomplished live & Read more about Graham Curry’s Birthday Bash with The Missouri Fury[…]

Hey folks!  Ryan Koenig here.  I’ll be having my annual last Saturday of the year show at the Focal Point again on December 30th.  This year I’m going to feature the band that I (willingly) exhausted myself the most for in 2023, So Grand Polka Band!   So Grand Polka Band is run by my constant Read more about Ryan Koenig Presents: So Grand Polka Band[…]

Old Mines friends take note! Music historian, author and clawhammer banjo player Calamity Mo collects and currently specializes in the French- Creole songs of Missouri and Illinois. Calamity Mo is in the region to join in Prairie du Rocher’s Guiannée, the old French folk song still sung yearly for New Year’s Eve. For us, she’ll Read more about Calamity Mo: Mississippi Valley Creole Culture Aficionado[…]

Enjoy an evening of 1920's & 30's jazz performed by some of it's finest practitioners from around the USA. Each member of this band is a multi-instrumentalist and bandleader in their respective cities of Chicago, New York, Cincinnati, Davenport and Austin, and each travel the world performing this energetic and entertaining style of music. The evening will include Read more about T.J. Muller’s All Star Jazz Band Ft. Andy Schumm, Matt Tolentino, Mike Davis, Josh Duffee & Colin Hancock[…]

Mainstays of the St. Louis Folk music scene, Nate and Dan Lowery originally hail from Dallas, Texas. Born into a large musical family, the brothers were exposed to traditional music at a young age. Their earliest memories are of their father playing Doc Watson songs on his Martin D-35 guitar. It wasn’t long before they Read more about For the Sake of the Song: A Tribute to Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt with The Lowery Brothers and Kevin Buckley[…]

Band leader Mitzi MacDonald says “The neatest thing about Keltic Reign is the evolution of the band. My kids cut their teeth listening to us play…and now they are playing.” It’s true, the house has been filled with Celtic music for many, many years. So which Keltic Reign are we talking about? …well, it is Read more about Keltic Reign RETURNS for their (mostly) Annual New Year Focal Point Concert[…]

Born and raised in Cape Girardeau, MO, Laka grew up singing in a small community Pentecostal church. The energetic self-proclaimed soul singer had performed at a variety of St. Louis venues with an acoustic duo or full band since 2016. Commonly referred to as dynamite, many are surprised by the power that her voice projects. Read more about Laka[…]

Corey Harris is a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and band leader who has carved out his own niche in blues. A powerful singer and accomplished guitarist, he has appeared at venues throughout the North America, Europe, Brazil, The Caribbean, West Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. He began his career as a New Orleans street singer, Read more about The return of True Blues Featuring Corey Harris & Cedric Watson[…]

Kieran Kane’s seminal work in The O'Kanes and Kane, Welch, Kaplin, as well as co-founding the independent label Dead Reckoning Records, laid the foundation for the contemporary world of Americana music. A successful solo artist, collaborator, and songwriter (with songs recorded by Alan Jackson, John Prine, Emmylou Harris, and many more), Kieran is a musician's Read more about Kieran Kane and Rayna Gellert[…]

After taking a long hiatus from her original band Auset Music Project to explore new musical adventures, Auset is bringing her annual Birthday Bash celebration back to The Focal Point!  Joining her in this year's fun will be all sorts of friends from all kinds of other bands hailing from every corner of St.Louis! Count Read more about The Return of Auset Sarno’s Birthday Bash featuring Auset w/ Brad Sarno and Friends[…]

Eimear Arkins will celebrate the release of her new album Here & There with a live performance of the album on January 28. The album features traditional and sean nós songs as well as fiddle tunes, most of which were composed by fiddle players from her home county, County Clare. There are a number of St Louis-based musicians featured on the album Read more about Eimear Arkins Album Release Show[…]

Tickets $15 at the door, no advance sales, cash only. (an ATM is available across the street at the Saratoga Bowling Lanes) STL Songwriter’s Showcase Focal Point is presenting its first ever STL Songwriter’s Showcase. The showcase highlights St. Louis-based performers representing some of the best singer songwriters in the metropolitan area. You will get Read more about STL Songwriter’s Showcase[…]

Hailed by everyone from Dave Van Ronk to Doc Watson, from the Washington Post to Downbeat to fRoots, Dakota Dave Hull’s guitar style spans a wide musical geography to create an infectious, uniquely personal blend of jazz, ragtime, folk, blues, Western swing, and vintage pop. Dakota Dave is a restlessly curious, adventurous traveler along the Read more about Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music presents Dakota Dave Hull[…]

In addition to his Friday night concert, Dave is offering what promises to be a very interesting guitar workshop: The Art of Arrangement. The Art of Arrangement is a hands-on workshop for both soloists and groups. We’ll talk about some of the pitfalls, some of the things I do in making an arrangement, both as a Read more about Dakota Dave Hull Guitar Workshop – The Art of Arrangement[…]

SCOTTISH PARTNERSHIP FOR ARTS AND EDUCATION (SPAE) will present Jil Chambless, Scots singer, vocal music, and orchestra students from the STEAM/Berkeley McCluer High School and St. Margaret of Scotland School.

Tray Wellington Band is a high energy progressive Bluegrass band. Tray has been acclaimed in the Wall Street Journal as "breaking right through sub genre boundaries. If bluegrass is about spotlighting virtuosos, here’s a new one people will be checking in on for some time to come" The band comes equipped with anything from catchy Read more about Tray Wellington Band[…]

Buddy Mondlock writes songs. He does it so well that some great songwriters have recorded his songs on their own albums. Guy Clark, Nanci Griffith, and Janis Ian, to name just a few. You might’ve heard his song “The Kid” (recorded by David Wilcox, Peter, Paul and Mary and Cry, Cry, Cry) and maybe even Read more about Buddy Mondlock[…]

Focal Point is happy to host The New Missouri Fox Hunters!  Performing only occasionally, this trio is made up of Alena Wheeler, Nick Pence, and Ryan Koenig. Focusing on originals and obscure old-time songs, this group of songwriters and multi-instrumentalists came into their sound rather quickly. While attracted to each other through their calm demeanor, Read more about The New Missouri Fox Hunters[…]

Sam Robbins will be returning for his third appearance at The Focal Point! He is often described as an "old soul singer songwriter."  A Nashville based musician whose music evokes classic 70's singer songwriters like James Taylor and Neil Young, Sam adds a modern, upbeat edge to the storyteller troubadour persona.  An avid performer, he Read more about Sam Robbins[…]

Los Angeles-based chanteuse/songwriter Jessica Fichot is a lot like her hometown of Paris: French at heart, but with a soul that's truly international. Drawing from her multi-ethnic French / Chinese / American upbringing, her music takes the listener on a twisting journey out of the French chanson tradition, into the land of 1940's Shanghai jazz, gypsy swing, international folk, and into the wilderness of her imagination. With Read more about Jessica Fichot Quartet (featuring Chloe Feoranzo)[…]

Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music is excited to present Silver Creek's debut appearance at Focal Point. The Silver Creek Bluegrass Band is a group of friends that plays traditionally inspired bluegrass and country music. The band members (Derek Twesten, Colin Graham, Logan Perez, Quinten Voss, and Blake Korte) are from southwest Illinois and perform Read more about Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music presents Silver Creek[…]

This is a REALLY BIG show announcement for Cree and the band! Their new single "Anchors" will be dropping on March 1st, and they will be celebrating at Focal Point with a set of their Cosmic American repertoire followed by a tribute to the Pirate King himself, Jimmy Buffett, playing his classic album "A-1-A" in Read more about Cree Rider with Band[…]

Come one come all!  The Goldenrods are having a record release party for their new album “Cry Time”!   The Goldenrods can be best described as “Country and Midwestern”.  They perform charming original material as well as regional classics from across middle America.  They play two steps, waltzes and polkas; songs both happy and sad, silly Read more about The Goldenrods’ Record Release Show[…]

Unfortunately, the concert on Friday with Joe Mancuso, Erika Johnson and Tracer has been cancelled for personal reasons.  If you have any questions, please reach out to us via email at [email protected]

Carl Sonny Leyland is an exponent of archaic piano styles including boogie woogie, blues, barrelhouse, early jazz, and swing. Performing as a soloist at The Focal Point, he will draw his repertoire from these various genres, and will also vocalize on a few selections.  Sonny started his musical journey in 1980 when he first discovered Read more about Carl Sonny Leyland presented by Focal Point Friends of Traditional Jazz, Blues & Ragtime[…]

Sofia Talvik is a rare artist and an avid storyteller with a voice comparable to giants like Joni Mitchell, or as the Folk/Americana Magazine No Depression said it ”A singer/songwriter who is able to evoke the essence of Laurel Canyon circa the ‘60s as expressed in the work of Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, Buffy Sainte-Marie Read more about Sofia Talvik – Americana / Folk with Swedish Roots[…]

Join Eimear Arkins & Eileen Gannon for their annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration at Focal Point. Eimear and Eileen have been lighting up the Irish music scene in St. Louis for the past several years. They have played numerous sold-out shows across the midwest and beyond. They are both tutors at St. Louis Irish Arts and have Read more about Eimear Arkins & Eileen Gannon – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration[…]

Corrina Rose Logston and Jeremy Stephens are a duo heavily steeped in the sounds of traditional bluegrass and early country music. From heart songs and brother duets of the early Grand Ole Opry era to lively bluegrass tunes and their own original material, their show is sure to keep you entertained. Corrina and Jeremy perform Read more about Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music welcomes back Corrina Rose Logston & Jeremey Stephens (aka The Stephens Brothers)[…]

Lil Rev grew up in Milwaukee, WI and was first inspired to play music when he was just a kid listening to his dad's record collection. His first love was rock n roll (Bruce Springsteen), but a few years later, when he heard Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, the deal was Read more about Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music presents Lil Rev[…]

Just when you think Amy LaVere is at the top of her craft, it grows into something even more powerful. Her songs are both original and timeless, making her well known among songwriters and critics alike. NPR’s Robert Siegel says she “specializes in lyrics that are more barbed than her sweet soprano prepares you for.” Amos Perinne Read more about Amy LaVere and Will Sexton Return to The Focal Point[…]

This young man put the entire (incredibly sold out) Focal Point in ABSOLUTE AWE last time! Get your tickets NOW or you may miss the chance. We expect them to go quick! Jontavious Willis is resolved in his mission: to reinvigorate today’s Blues with the spirit of the past. Inspired by a time when the Read more about Jontavious Willis[…]

The Focal Point welcomes a new trio - a veritable family band - featuring local musicians Ethan Leinwand (piano), Nick Pence (guitar/vocals) and Valerie Kirchhoff (vocals/hot comb). These three have performed at The Focal Point in different smaller and larger combinations, including The Bottlesnakes, The St. Louis Steady Grinders, and Miss Jubilee. As a trio, Read more about Ethan Leinwand, Nick Pence & Valerie Kirchhoff (Miss Jubilee) Presented by Focal Point Friends of Traditional Jazz, Blues & Ragtime[…]

We at the Focal Point would like to introduce you to our new "local" friend, Sergey Tsukhai!  A couple years back, during one of our multi-artist showcases celebrating the annual World Accordion Day, a patron who had heard about the performance through the grapevine appeared with accordion in hand and requested a time slot. Though Read more about Eastern European Accordionist Sergey Tsukhai[…]

Vidar Skrede and Patrik Ahlberg join their Scandinavian fiddle forces together in this Norwegian-Swedish folk music duo – lynx lynx. The variety of strings includes fiddles, Hardanger fiddles, guitars, and even a mandolin. The mix of tunes is put together by both their original and traditional Nordic fiddle tunes.  This is what music sounds like between Read more about Lynx Lynx[…]

Fiddlin' Sam and the Bolo Band, the St Louis Western Swing supergroup, comes back to the Focal Point on Friday, May 3rd. This band draws from the songbooks of Bob Wills, Roy Rogers, Milton Brown and others from Western Swing's heyday of the '30s thru '50s. Bandleader Sam Golden's faithful transcriptions and adaptations capture the Read more about Fiddlin’ Sam and the Bolo Band[…]

SOLD OUT Focal Point is almost 50 years old! Help us make sure the Focal Point can enter the next 50 years in a sustainable position. The Volunteers of the Focal Point are hosting a night of music, entertainment, food and drink. The evening includes a silent auction of some wonderful donated items from dinners Read more about Focal Point Forever – Fundraiser[…]

Jack Klatt Musical missionary and tireless troubadour Jack Klatt isn’t one to be easily categorized or relegated to a narrow niche. He comes across as a young man with a wizened and worldly perspective, an artist who possesses a timeless sensibility of both place and purpose. Yet, his artistic integrity extends to more than simply Read more about Jack Klatt with special guests Sweet William[…]

John Batdorf has been writing and performing his music for well over 50 years!  He has been performing at The Focal Point on a regular basis for many years and each and every time has resulted in a wonderfully memorable show. Check out his website, John Batdorf Music and look at all of the things he's been Read more about John Batdorf[…]

As performances by the the legendary Rum Drum Ramblers are scarce, we always look forward to the Ramblers returning to the Focal Point! The backward-glancing trio Rum Drum Ramblers are most commonly thought of as a blues band, and certainly, the guys in this group seek to revive a certain strand of acoustic, pre-war blues Read more about Rum Drum Ramblers[…]

Focal Point is proud to present John Higgins and Thayne Bradford. Longtime favorites and veterans of the St. Louis acoustic music scene, John and Thayne will be bringing their unique sound to Focal Point for an evening of duet performances drawn from their years of experience in locally-based and nationally known bluegrass, country, and Americana Read more about John Higgins & Thayne Bradford[…]

Growing up in the 60’s Folk Revival, Bob Dylan’s songwriting brought something new to the musical world influencing every style & everyone. Celebrate Dylan’s 83rd Birthday May 24th at 8pm with Bob Case playing solo & with his band singing songs from Dylan’s vast catalog.

Driven by a passion for exploring the colors and complexities of Irish music, The Consequences are a new Irish traditional band founded by Lexie Boatright (concertina & harp), Jake James (fiddle), Cara Wildman (bodhrán & dance), and Ryan Ward (piano & piano accordion). Award-winning soloists in their own right, the quartet comes together to create Read more about The Consequences[…]

Led by Martha Spencer, the Wonderland Country Band includes Jamie Collins on bass/vocals, Lucas Pasley on fiddle/banjo/vocals and Jake Dwyer on percussion/washboard/dance. The Wonderland Country Band has toured across the USA from California to Nashville- recently performing such venues as the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Festival, Buck Owens Crystal Palace, Ashkenaz Center, the Oklahoma Banjo Museum, and Read more about Martha Spencer & the Wonderland Country Band presented by Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music[…]

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR Cara Ristau Singer-songwriter Cara Ristau is the frontwoman of alternative-folk band West End Junction. She has co-written for local acts Modern Andy, Giant Monsters On The Horizon, and Wadis, and performed with The Bob Band, Goldberry, and The Meowzas. Luisa Sims Luisa Sims is a singer/songwriter from St. Louis Missouri.  Read more about St. Louis Songwriters Showcase[…]

Hailing from in and around St. Louis, The Mound City Slickers have played many concert performances and more than a few contra and square dances throughout Missouri and Illinois over the past few years. Steeped in tradition, their concerts are a unique mix of hard-driving Midwest fiddle tunes, old country songs, rags, and other surprises Read more about The Mound City Slickers[…]

We're happy to welcome Todd Albright back to the Focal Point! Todd Albright is a country blues, twelve string guitar player and vocalist based in Detroit, Michigan. Grounded in the pre-war era of the blues tradition (1880-1939), Todd is a mindful purveyor of blues history. His repertoire upholds musical pillars such as Blind Willie McTell, Read more about Todd Ablright[…]

Ian Lubar and Joey Ferber join forces to make up the guitar-playing, song-singing duo, "Ferb & Lubar.” Together, “Ferb & Lubar” accompany each other’s original music, blending tasteful guitar work and vocal harmonies. Both established guitarists and songwriters in their own right, the two artists weave with one another on stage, showcasing a curiosity, trust Read more about Ferb and Lubar[…]

After two cancellations (for perfectly acceptable reasons), Buffalo Rose is finally returning to The Focal Point!  YAY!!!   If you haven't learned of them yet, Buffalo Rose is a charismatic six-piece modern folk/Americana band from Pittsburgh, PA. They take the singer-songwriter tradition to a new level by crafting original songs which are emotive, meticulously arranged, and inspired by a Read more about Buffalo Rose Returns[…]

Rupert Wates was born in London and studied at Oxford University. He has been a full time songwriter since the late 1990s, when he signed a publishing contract with Eaton Music Limited.  In London he worked with some of the best performers in the city.  Moving in 2001 to Paris, Wates formed his own quartet and began playing live Read more about Rupert Wates[…]

Join multi-instrumentalists T.J. Muller & Matt Tolentino for an evening of 1920's & 30's jazz music and popular songs, ragtime and novelty instrumentals. Between the two musicians an orchestra of instruments is covered including; accordion, banjo, piano, guitar, saxophone, clarinet, bass saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba and more! This duo have entertained audiences at festivals all Read more about T.J. Muller & Matt Tolentino Presented by Focal Point Friends of Traditional Jazz, Blues & Ragtime[…]

Bob Carlin is probably the best known clawhammer style banjoist performing today. He has taken the distinctive southern banjo style to appreciative audiences all over the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan. Carlin is a three-time winner of the Frets Magazine readers poll, and has four Rounder albums and several instruction manuals and videos for Read more about Master Clawhammer banjo player and author Bob Carlin Concert & Book Signing[…]

We are SO excited to have the opportunity to not only present an authentic Louisiana Zydeco band, but one that includes a member of the legendary Carrier family! This show is going to be epic! Furthermore, we'll be including plenty of room for dancing. This means that there will only be 80 tickets available, so, Read more about BlackCat Zydeco featuring Dwight Carrier[…]

Sweetie & The Toothaches are thrilled to be back at the Focal Point for another unforgettable evening. They are known for their jump blues and RnB classics as well as original tunes inspired by legends like BB King, Huey Lewis & Ray Charles. Sweetie & The Toothaches pay homage to the rich musical traditions of the Read more about Sweetie & The Toothaches[…]

Spanning the generations, Jake’s Leg has been performing the music of The Grateful Dead for 48 years. (That’s only 11-ish years less than the Dead played Dead themselves!) This will be an acoustic performance exploring the folkier roots of the Grateful Dead. The show will likely not be the perfectly silent listening room experience we Read more about Jakes Leg’s Annual Summer Solstice Acoustic Dance Party[…]

Hiroya Tsukamoto is a Japanese-born fingerstyle guitarist who moved to the United States in 2000 to attend the Berklee College of Music. Tsukamoto brings a blend of masterful fingerstyle guitar and evocative storytelling that transcends cultural barriers. His artistry has been celebrated on renowned stages like the Blue Note in NYC and the United Nations, Read more about Japanese Fingerstyle Guitar Master Hiroya Tsukamoto[…]

ENGLISH Larry & Joe were destined to make music together. Larry Bellorín hails from Monagas, Venezuela and is a legend of Llanera music. Joe Troop is from North Carolina and is a GRAMMY-nominated bluegrass and oldtime musician. Larry was forced into exile and is an asylum seeker in North Carolina. Joe, after a decade in Read more about Larry & Joe presented by Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music[…]

We welcome the Wayward Mountaineers' debut appearance at Focal Point and the release of Jill Jonas's new CD of original songs, Through the Countryside. Wayward Mountaineers blur the lines between Folk, Bluegrass, Americana and Old-Time music. The band was founded in 2009 by Michael Jonas, a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter from High Ridge, Missouri. Joined Read more about Wayward Mountaineers[…]

REFUNDS PROCESSING SOON Darren Nicholson unfortunately had to cancel this show. All tickets will be refunded.

The Special Consensus is a bluegrass band that has achieved a contemporary sound in over four decades of performing, making their music a modern classic. Band leader and founder Greg Cahill is a recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and was inducted into the Society for the Read more about The Special Consensus POSTPONED TILL OCT 25th[…]

FRIDAY NIGHT TICKETS SATURDAY NIGHT TICKETS Not to be confused with (but yet running in conjunction with) Focal Point's 50th anniversary in 2025, Music Folk is celebrating 50 years this year!  Technically it's their 51st anniversary, but who's counting… Music Folk is where it ALL started! Waaaaaay back in 1973 Bill and Janet Boyer opened Read more about Music Folk 50th’ish Anniversary featuring Music Folk staff and The Boyer Family[…]

Please join us for an evening of River Styx! For our summer event, we're honoring the life and legacy of our founding editor, Michael Castro (1945-2018). Michael was a prolific editor, poet, teacher, translator, and St. Louis's first poet laureate. David Wraith hosts, with readings of Michael's work by Pacia Elaine Anderson, Jason Vasser-Elong, and Ben Read more about River Styx Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Michael Castro (1945-2018)[…]

Join us for another wonderful night of Hobocane (a.k.a. Javier Mendoza) music to benefit the children and families of World Pediatrics! This show is generously hosted by the Bubash Family. Get your tickets early as they are likely to sell out! We will have raffle baskets and a 50/50 available, bring your good luck! Show Read more about Hobo Cane (aka Javier Mendoza)[…]

The Hot Club of St. Louis is an all-star line up of the city’s finest acoustic jazz musicians. Led by guitarist Joe Park (Joe Park Trio, Sidney Street Shakers) and featuring St. Louis’ own virtuoso violinist Rinn Netherton, Paul Davis (Wack-A-Doo) on rhythm guitar, and Joey Glynn (Rum Drum Ramblers, South City Three) on bass. Read more about The Hot Club of St. Louis Album Release Concert presented by Focal Point Friends of Traditional Jazz Blues & Ragtime[…]

Lone Piñon is a New Mexican string band, or “orquesta típica”, whose music celebrates the integrity and diversity of their region's cultural roots. With fiddles, upright bass, guitars, accordions, vihuela, and bilingual vocals, they play a wide spectrum of the traditional music that is at home in New Mexico. Lone Piñon is Jordan Wax (violin, Read more about Lone Piñon (Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music)[…]

CASH ONLY AT THE DOOR Mattie Schell Mattie Schell is a Compass Records artist based in St. Louis, Missouri. Half of regional favorites River Kittens, Mattie has also toured as a featured artist with the Allman Betts Family Revival for the entirety of their 2021-2023 seasons. Mattie seamlessly shifts between soul, country, and jazz styles Read more about Focal Point St. Louis Songwriters Showcase[…]

  Atlanta, GA based songwriter Christopher Paul Stelling is known for his intricate finger-style guitar and road tested vocal delivery, both of which are perfectly suited for the Focal Point stage.   To date, Stelling has released 7 albums and played thousands of concerts across the US and EU. Over the last decade Stelling has Read more about Christopher Paul Stelling[…]

Leon Majcen is a musician whose story is one of resilience and determination. He grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida, the son of Bosnian war refugees who had fled their homeland in search of a better life for their children. From a young age, Leon was drawn to the power of storytelling through Read more about Leon Majcen[…]

Tommy and Django Halloran are a father/son guitar duo from St. Louis. The elder Tommy has worked as a bandleader for over thirty years, specializing in jazz, blues, and all manner of soulful music. His son Django is a burgeoning guitarist who with an innate ear for improvisation. For this special concert the pair will Read more about Tommy and Django Halloran[…]

Walter's favorite Woodstock songs reimagined and his stories of 10 years performing with the legendary Woodstock opening act.   One of our FAVORITE St.Louis transplants, Walter Parks is both entertaining and educational, presenting historic music, original music and stories that preface songs in a contemporary way. Walter toggles between hollers, spirituals, Appalachian reels, Delta blues, Read more about Walter Parks – Woodstock Variations & Tribute to Richie Havens[…]

Finnegan's Wake is an American band formed in 1974 at the County Cork Pub in Springfield, Illinois.  John C. Van Orman, William Furry and Bill Rintz joined together during weekly gigs at the Pub, which soon evolved into the band, Finnegans Wake, named after the James Joyce novel.  The three men, bound by a love Read more about Finnegan’s Wake[…]

The Midwestern Harvesters - Lynn "Chirps" Smith, Fred Campeau, and Jim Nelson - have been playing together for over four decades beginning with their long association with the Volo Bogtrotters. Although the Bogtrotters were their primary creative outlet during those years, these guys have forged a special, intuitive musical bond that brings out the best Read more about The Midwestern Harvesters (Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music)[…]

Bluegrass singer, songwriter and Pinecastle Recording Artist, Kim Robins vocals have earned her two nominations for IBMA’s Momentum Vocalist Award (2015 and 2017). Her two Pinecastle releases, Raining in Baltimore and Leave the Porch Light On have received rave reviews and continuous airplay since their release. As Bluegrass Today stated, "Kim Robins deserves to be taken seriously as a vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader Read more about Kim Robins Band (Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music)[…]

“Karen Choi is every bit the Americana traditionalist. Her work is brimming with dusty tales of human encounters both fulfilling and damaging, all rooted in a strong sense of place”   -Hear Nebraska   Karen Choi is a singer/songwriter living in the American midwest. She was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska where she was introduced Read more about Karen Choi And Her Band[…]

The Blue Canyon Boys are equal parts purists and innovators when it comes to Bluegrass: they stay true to the form’s roots while constantly reimagining their relationship to tradition. The result is a toe-tapping mix of haunting standards, genre-bending arrangements, and catchy original numbers—all built on the bedrock of their collective bluegrass mastery. Ever since Read more about The Blue Canyon Boys – High Octane Colorado Bluegrass (Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music)[…]

Wild Earp is a purveyor of country & western and everything on the borderlands thereabouts. The recipient of the 2023 Ameripolitan Award for Western Swing Male, Earp brings a creative approach to traditional American Roots music, developing his own style that honors the masters of the past while still allowing the genre to evolve in Read more about Wild Earp and the The OK Chorale present Marty Robbins’ Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs[…]

Hotel Faux Pas brings its irreverent folk-pop-quirk-rock sound to The Focal Point for its annual reunion. Since the 1990s, the lyrical, satirical quartet has been making witty music throughout the region. Catch the band in all its glory while you can.