Events

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 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, 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. 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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 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”  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 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 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 Read more about Hotel Faux Pas[…]

Focal Point will be celebrating our annual Scottish October in September this year with the return of The Tannahill Weavers! NOTE: this show sold out quickly last time, so we Read more about The Return of the Tannahill Weavers[…]

All the Days was born out of a desire to play music between two St. Louis area veteran songwriters and friends, Danny Kathriner and Stephanie Stewart. Both prolific songwriters, they Read more about All The Days[…]

THURSDAY TICKETS FRIDAY TICKETS We’re REALLY looking forward to this one! These young ladies absolutely floored us last time! Subsequently their show became one of the most watched concerts on Read more about Choro das 3 (Thursday and Friday Night)[…]

Three like minded musicians coming together once again to showcase the acoustic guitar! Each of these fine players is unique in their own way and together they will blend their Read more about Brian Curran’s Guitar Showcase[…]

Golden Shoals is Amie Alvey and Mark Kilianski - a fiddle and guitar duo with a "rousing old-time-style music that’s fueled by acerbic modern-day wit” (-No Depression Magazine). They are Read more about Golden Shoals (Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music)[…]

Carolann Solebello is a performing songwriter born and bred in New York City. Best known to folk audiences as a founding member of Americana trio Red Molly, she will be Read more about Carolann Solebello[…]

As we lead up to our 50th anniversary, We've been inviting long-time friends back to play with us once again, and Beppe is no exception. A tried and true Flatpicking Read more about Beppe Gambetta[…]

Elijah Wald has been performing for almost fifty years in a wide variety of styles, from blues, ragtime, swing, country, and cowboy songs to classic Swahili pop, the Bahamian guitar Read more about Elijah Wald[…]

There is a band of musicians and friends in the St Louis area whose longevity and fan base are truly unique.  Formed during their high school years in Webster Groves Read more about The Road Apples Ride Again![…]

Chicago Farmer returns for a second appearance at The Focal Point! The son of a small-town farming community, Cody Diekhoff logged plenty of highway and stage time under the name Read more about Chicago Farmer[…]

The Lovestruck Balladeers enchant audiences with their masterful performances and inspired repertoire of ragtime, jazz and beautiful songs from around the world. Born out of New York’s vibrant classic jazz Read more about The Lovestruck Balladeers w/The Goldenrods[…]

"a world-class finger-style guitarist and lap slide player.” -DownBeat No less an authority than legendary Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna guitarist Jorma Kaukonen admiringly described Mary Flower as "a national treasure in Read more about Mary Flower with Nick Pence & Ethan Leinwand presented by Focal Point Friends of Traditional Jazz, Blues & Ragtime[…]

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 Read more about The Special Consensus[…]

TICKETS AT DOOR Hunter Peebles The human experience is filled with heartache, loss, love and joy. Hunter's songs capture these sentiments with seemingly effortless simplicity and depth. Growing up in Read more about St. Louis Songwriters Showcase[…]

We're happy to welcome back Jim and Susie Malcolm, who have decided to donate the ticket sales from this concert to The Focal Point! For the past 30 years and Read more about Jim and Susie Malcolm: a Scottish music concert fundraiser for Focal Point[…]

Jerron Paxton has earned a reputation for transporting audiences back to the 1920's and making them wish they could stay there for good. Paxton may be one of the greatest Read more about Jerron Paxton[…]

Returning to the Focal Point following her successful debut there in February, Los Angeles-based chanteuse/songwriter Jessica Fichot presents a repertoire of French chanson, 1940s Shanghai jazz, and international folk. With Read more about Jessica Fichot Quartet (featuring Chloe Feoranzo)[…]

Miss Jubilee returns to the Focal Point with a stellar line up of musicians from all around the country!  These players are all extremely versed in many historic styles of Read more about Miss Jubilee’s Washboard Band presented by Focal Point Friends of Traditional Jazz, Blues & Ragtime[…]

Dale Hannah is a singer/songwriter who calls the middle of Illinois his home.."from the city streets to the farming towns'.  Dale has a deep love for playing 'in the moment'. Read more about Dale Hannah[…]

Unfortunately this show has been cancelled and all sales will be refunded. 

Eileen, a St. Louis native, is one of the top Irish harp players in the world. She has won numerous accolades including the highly coveted Senior Harp title at Fleadh Read more about Eileen Gannon and Robert Ryan[…]

No one remembers when the neighbors started calling the McCutcheons to complain about the loud singing from young John's bedroom. It didn't seem to do much good, though. For, after Read more about John McCutcheon[…]

The Burney Sisters are comprised of sisters Emma (17) and Bella (14) Burney who create music with a maturity and emotional intelligence that belies their age. They write keen and Read more about The Burney Sisters[…]

Spencer & Rains play old time music. Tricia Spencer is a Kansas fiddler who grew up learning the tradition of old time music from her Grandparents. At an early age, Read more about Spencer and Rains (Focal Point Friends of Old Time Music)[…]

FRIDAY NIGHT SATURDAY NIGHT St.Louis’ (as well as St.Charles’) own goofballs of the midwest are doing a reunion! Expect masterful musicianship, ridiculous parodies, goats on wheels, ballads of love, love Read more about Jim Findlay’s Colin Sphinctor Band[…]

FRIDAY NIGHT SATURDAY NIGHT This year marks the 19th year that Rough Shop will be at the Focal Point to offer up their take on the holiday season! Find out Read more about Annual Rough Shop Holiday Extravaganza! (FRIDAY and SATURDAY NIGHT)[…]

SUNDAY MATINEE This year marks the 19th year that Rough Shop will be at the Focal Point to offer up their take on the holiday season! Find out why these Read more about Annual Rough Shop Holiday Extravaganza! (SUNDAY MATINEE)[…]

Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music is glad to welcome back Bob Bovee! Bob is a Nebraska native whose family sang and played the old-time songs. Many of the western Read more about Bob Bovee (Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music)[…]

Jake’s Leg’s annual appearance on our stage has become a Focal Point tradition. Spanning the generations, Jake’s Leg has been performing the music of The Grateful Dead for 48 years. Read more about Jakes Leg’s Annual Holiday Acoustic Dance Party[…]

Hey folks, Ryan Koenig here.  I’m announcing my end of the year show for 2024 a bit late, but better late than never!  On the theme of “better late than Read more about Ryan Koenig Presents: The New Missouri Fox Hunters Record Release[…]

The Wee Heavies are a primarily a cappella quartet started in 2014. They were drawn to the traditional music of Scotland & Ireland because they felt that they could all Read more about The Wee Heavies Annual Holiday Sing![…]

Graham's Birthday shows are ALWAYS an absolute bluegrass explosion! With special guests galore, it's certainly one of our most looked forward to end-of-year shows! Don't miss this one, you'll have Read more about Graham Curry’s Annual Winter B-Day Bash![…]