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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241227T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241227T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20241107T221732Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241107T223157Z
UID:4329-1735329600-1735329600@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Graham Curry's Annual Winter B-Day Bash!
DESCRIPTION: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 a blast! \nGraham Curry is a bluegrass multi-instrumentalist born and raised in Missouri and has been playing since he was a young child. Graham specializes in flat-picking guitar\, mandolin & fiddle and has a strong passion for traditional Bluegrass\, American roots & world folk music. \nGraham\, who splits his time between St.Louis and Nashville as an accomplished live & session musician has toured with various acts from coast to coast (including Old Salt Union) picking and performing at all sorts of theaters & festivals since the age of 18. Areas of study include learning the ways of such players as Clarence White\, Tony Rice\, Jimmy Martin\, David Grier\, Norman Blake\, JD Crowe\, Ricky Skaggs\, Doc Watson and many more. Though his style is his own\, the music will be a familiar throwback to America’s musical past.
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/graham-currys-annual-winter-b-day-bash/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Graham-Curry-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241221T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241221T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20241107T211129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241107T221225Z
UID:4327-1734811200-1734811200@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:The Wee Heavies Annual Holiday Sing!
DESCRIPTION: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 really relate to the main themes of traditional Celtic music: drinking\, working\, fighting\, love\, and drinking. (Truth be told\, their bass is a tee-totaler and has never been drunk in his life\, but he makes up for it with the fighting.) The Heavies love nothing more after a long (and typically futile) day of whaling on the Mississippi near their home base of St. Louis than to pick up a frosty glass\, reminisce about the days of the Jacobite rebellion\, and sing in earth-shaking\, heart-rending four-part harmony about the complexities of coal mining.
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/the-wee-heavies-annual-holiday-sing-2/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wee-heavies-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241220T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241220T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20241128T151250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241202T183431Z
UID:4341-1734724800-1734724800@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Ryan Koenig Presents: The New Missouri Fox Hunters Record Release
DESCRIPTION: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 never”\, my show this year will be The New Missouri Fox Hunters celebrating the (very late) digital release of our first album! Nick Pence\, Alena Wheeler and I tracked this record all the way back in 2019 with Focal Point favorite Gary Gordon engineering at his own Inside Out Studio.  In 2020 we (of course) became a lot less active as a band and these tracks slipped through the cracks… until now!  The record contains all original material in a traditional style and our take on The “Original” Missouri Fox Hunters’ song “Down By Missouri River”.  Come celebrate with us and watch us play the entirety of the album as best as we can remember\, better late than never!
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/ryan-koenig-presents-the-new-missouri-fox-hunters-record-release/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/fox-hunters-NMFH-FP-2024.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241214T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241214T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20241107T205328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241107T210632Z
UID:4324-1734206400-1734206400@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Jakes Leg's Annual Holiday Acoustic Dance Party
DESCRIPTION: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. (That’s only 11-ish years less than the Dead played Dead themselves!) This will be an acoustic performance. ALSO\, the show will likely not be the perfectly silent listening experience we are known for\, however\, we promise that it will be great fun for all.  Dancing recommended but not required. please note that seats are first come first served and limited as some of our seats will be moved for dance floor space. So if you want a place to sit\, we suggest getting advance tickets and arriving a little early for the 7:30pm doors!
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/jakes-legs-annual-holiday-acoustic-dance-party/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Jakes-leg-holiday-2022-3.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241213T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241213T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20241009T004015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241009T010255Z
UID:4267-1734120000-1734120000@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Bob Bovee (Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music)
DESCRIPTION:Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music is glad to welcome back Bob Bovee! \nBob is a Nebraska native whose family sang and played the old-time songs. Many of the western and railroad songs he does were learned from his grandmother and uncle. He plays banjo and autoharp\, sings and yodels\, and can drive a dance band with his guitar and harmonica. Since 1971\, Bob Bovee has traveled the country taking old-time music to audiences of all ages at festivals\, fairs\, coffeehouses\, schools\, libraries\, and radio and TV programs. Bob is well known and loved for his dry and witty stage humor. Along with a repertory including dance tunes\, ballads\, cowboy songs\, humorous and sentimental numbers\, blues and rags\, Bob spices up his shows with stories\, history\, and folklore of the western states. He has published numerous articles and reviews for The Old-Time Herald and Inside Bluegrass and been an instructor for a course called “The History of Country Music” for the Honors Division at the University of Minnesota. Bob is also the Artistic Director for the Bluff Country Gathering and the organizing force for the Lanesboro Barn Dance. \n“No one handles old-time cowboy and humorous songs better than Bob. His vocals are hauntingly rough. His guitar and harmonica are as good as you will ever hear. Gail is one of the top fiddlers in the country\, and her vocals are worth the price of admission. Whether performing in concert\, playing for a barn dance\, or on a recording\, Bob & Gail leave you wanting more.” Don Stevens\, All Music Guide \n” You are a national treasure!” David McLaughlin\, Johnson Mountain Boys \n“. . . taste and sensitivity to repertoire\, arrangement and execution are unimpeachable.” Bill Hinckley\, Buzz Magazine \n“. . . bitingly authentic\, without ever sounding imitative.” Paul Stamler\, Come For To Sing \n“I’ve long felt that Bob is one of the great singers of cowboy song alive today.” Kerry Blech\, The Old Time Herald \n“Have you heard those real old recordings of a cowboy singing a traditional song? The songs have an ‘old’ quality about them\, and the singers’ voices seem to belong to a dried up old puncher just in from off the trail. Well\, intentional or not\, that is exactly how Bob Bovee sounds. His voice isn’t pretty\, but it’s darn sure true to the genre . . . he renders these songs with authenticity and affection. It seems as though he belongs to this music and it to him.” Cowboy Magazine
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/bob-bovee-focal-point-friends-of-old-time-music/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bob-bovee.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241208T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241208T140000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20241106T232935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241110T065908Z
UID:4320-1733666400-1733666400@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Annual Rough Shop Holiday Extravaganza! (SUNDAY MATINEE)
DESCRIPTION:SUNDAY MATINEE\n\nThis 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 shows have become an annual tradition for so many!  It’s all there – the wonder\, the longing\, the joy\, the beauty\, the feeling of loneliness for some\, the celebration and MANY holiday decorations.  It all comes through in the original songs by Rough Shop and the wide array of Christmas and holiday songs by other artists from classics to Dolly to The Kinks and beyond . Also to mark this momentous occasion there will be a prize for best holiday themed outfit at each show! \nOf course\, a celebration of this scale is too immense for the five-member Rough Shop to pull off on their own\, which is why they bring in MANY musicians and vocalists from an array of other St. Louis bands to join the Yuletide festivities! \nAlso the band will be donating 50% of the proceeds from all three shows to the Focal Point!
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/annual-rough-shop-holiday-extravaganza-sunday-matinee/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Roughshop-Temporary-2-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241206T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241207T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20241106T215252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241110T065820Z
UID:4315-1733515200-1733601600@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Annual Rough Shop Holiday Extravaganza! (FRIDAY and SATURDAY NIGHT)
DESCRIPTION:FRIDAY NIGHT\n\nSATURDAY NIGHT\n\nThis 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 shows have become an annual tradition for so many!  It’s all there – the wonder\, the longing\, the joy\, the beauty\, the feeling of loneliness for some\, the celebration and MANY holiday decorations.  It all comes through in the original songs by Rough Shop and the wide array of Christmas and holiday songs by other artists from classics to Dolly to The Kinks and beyond . Also to mark this momentous occasion there will be a prize for best holiday themed outfit at each show! \nOf course\, a celebration of this scale is too immense for the five-member Rough Shop to pull off on their own\, which is why they bring in MANY musicians and vocalists from an array of other St. Louis bands to join the Yuletide festivities! \nAlso the band will be donating 50% of the proceeds from all three shows to the Focal Point!
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/annual-rough-shop-holiday-extravaganza-friday-and-saturday-night/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Roughshop-Temporary-2.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241129T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241130T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240907T201624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241017T181219Z
UID:4224-1732910400-1732996800@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Jim Findlay's Colin Sphinctor Band
DESCRIPTION:FRIDAY NIGHT\n \nSATURDAY NIGHT\n \nSt.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 of weed\, love of truckers\, love of small brains\, love of weed\, love of women\, love of canned goods\, love of friends and most importantly love of weed! We guarantee that you will be absolutely amazed\, offended\, enthralled\, disgusted or all the above as you laugh yourself half to death to hits such as Big T\, Spare Tire Love\, If Wishes Were Horses\, High Roller\, Puff Up For Me Johnny and Nine Pound Roach Clip! Why\, might you ask\, have we chosen to bring such an obviously stellar band to our stage? Because we have many times before! And as a folk club\, we have a thing for tradition!
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/jim-findlays-colin-sphinctor-band/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/colinsphincter.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241122T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241122T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20241008T234132Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T234252Z
UID:4263-1732305600-1732305600@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Spencer and Rains (Focal Point Friends of Old Time Music)
DESCRIPTION: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\, she was perched up on some stage tapping her foot to the beat of fiddles\, banjos\, mandolins and guitars. While growing up\, her free time was spent traveling to festivals and fiddling contests throughout the Midwest where she learned from the likes of Pete McMahan\, Cyril Stinnet\, Lymon Enloe\, Dwight Lamb\, Amos Chase\, and Lucy Pierce. Tricia is multi-instrumentalist who has studied with some of the great masters in old time and is highly sought after as a performer\, dance fiddler\, and instructor. \nHoward Rains is a native Texas artist and fiddler from a musical and artistic family whose two obsessions are painting and playing traditional American fiddle music. Howard plays rare\, old tunes learned from friends\, family\, mentors\, and old recordings. As much known for his painting as his fiddling\, Howard has painted many of the great old time musicians\, both living and gone. Together\, Spencer & Rains have performed and taught nationally and internationally\, playing old time fiddle tunes and singing old songs in the style of their home states while also exploring other American regional styles. Both multi-instrumentalists and known for their twin fiddling\, they are steeped in traditional music. Their releases “The Old Texas Fiddle Vols. I & II” reintroduce listeners to the pre-contest styles of Texas fiddling while “The Old Man and the Old Woman” shows off their vocal chops. In their unique and powerful style\, Howard and Tricia are dedicated to the preservation\, performance\, and teaching of old time music. \n“(Spencer & Rains) continue to dig deep musically.” \n–Rus Bradburd\, Fiddler Magazine \n“Rains has established himself as an authority on old Texas-style fiddling with his recently released album The Old Texas Fiddle…” \n–Michael Hoinski\, New York Times \n“The Old Man and The Old Woman is an Old Time Music gem” \n–Ernie Hill\, No Depression \n“At times\, it doesn’t even seem like old-time string band music\, hinting at things older and murkier in the depths of the old-time pool.” \n–Devon Leger\, Kith Folk
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/spencer-and-rains-focal-point-friends-of-old-time-music/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/spencer-rains.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241120T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241120T190000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20241014T183959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241016T171447Z
UID:4286-1732129200-1732129200@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:The Burney Sisters
DESCRIPTION: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 knowing songs while arranging for multiple instruments and structuring unique and resonant harmonies.  The result-personal and penetrating music that both connects with and captivates their listener. Their soul nurturing sibling harmonies and tunes are reminiscent of The Avett Brothers\, First Aid Kit\, Lake Street Dive\, The Staves\, and Joseph.
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/the-burney-sisters/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Burneys-cropped.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241117T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241117T190000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20241008T195509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T220734Z
UID:4259-1731870000-1731870000@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:John McCutcheon
DESCRIPTION: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 a shaky\, lopsided battle between piano lessons and baseball (he was a mediocre pianist and an all-star catcher)\, he had “found his voice” thanks to a cheap mail-order guitar and a used book of chords. \nFrom such inauspicious beginnings\, John McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folk singers. As an instrumentalist\, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments\, most notably the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over twenty albums of other artists\, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works. His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers. \nEven before graduating summa cum laude from Minnesota’s St. John’s University\, this Wisconsin native literally “headed for the hills\,” forgoing a college lecture hall for the classroom of the eastern Kentucky coal camps\, union halls\, country churches\, and square dance halls. His apprenticeship to many of the legendary figures of Appalachian music imbedded a love of not only home-made music\, but a sense of community and rootedness. The result is music…whether traditional or from his huge catalog of original songs…with the profound mark of place\, family\, and strength. It also created a storytelling style that has been compared to Will Rogers and Garrison Keillor. \nThe Washington Post described John as folk music’s “Rustic Renaissance Man\,” a moniker flawed only by its understatement. “Calling John McCutcheon a ‘folk singer’ is like saying Deion Sanders is just a football player…” (Dallas Morning News). Besides his usual circuit of major concert halls and theaters\, John is equally at home in an elementary school auditorium\, a festival stage or at a farm rally. He is a whirlwind of energy packing five lifetimes into one. In the past few years alone he has headlined over a dozen different festivals in North America (including repeated performances at the National Storytelling Festival)\, recorded an original composition for Virginia Public Television involving over 500 musicians\, toured Australia for the sixth time\, toured Chile in support of a women’s health initiative\, appeared in a Woody Guthrie tribute concert in New York City\, gave a featured concert at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival\, taught performance art skills at a North Carolina college\, given symphony pops concerts across America\, served as President of the fastest-growing Local in the Musicians Union and performed a special concert at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This is all in his “spare time.” His “real job\,” he’s quick to point out\, is father to two grown sons. \nBut it is in live performance that John feels most at home. It is what has brought his music into the lives and homes of one of the broadest audiences any folk musician has ever enjoyed. People of every generation and background seem to feel at home in a concert hall when John McCutcheon takes the stage\, with what critics describe as “little feats of magic\,” “breathtaking in their ease and grace…\,” and “like a conversation with an illuminating old friend.” \nWhether in print\, on record\, or on stage\, few people communicate with the versatility\, charm\, wit or pure talent of John McCutcheon.
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/john-mccutcheon/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/JOMC.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241116T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241116T160000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20241025T002546Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241027T211105Z
UID:4299-1731772800-1731772800@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Eileen Gannon and Robert Ryan
DESCRIPTION: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 Cheoil na hÉireann (World Irish Music Championships). Eileen has toured and performed all over the world and is a regular tutor at international festivals like the Catskills Irish Arts Week\, and Scoil Eigse. Eileen also represented Ireland at World Expos in 2010 in Shanghai\, China and in 2015\, in Milan\, Italy. \nRobert Ryan is a traditional Irish fiddler from London\, who grew up immersed in the thriving Irish musical community of that city. Robert was encouraged to learn the tin whistle from a young age\, and took up the fiddle at the age of eight\, learning from the great Clare fiddler Brendan Mulkere. Over the years he developed a strong interest in the music of the Sliabh Luachra region of Ireland\, and he has a deep love of the dance music associated with that area. He has recently moved to St. Louis\, where he performs and teaches Irish music\, and is particularly interested in sharing his passion for the music of Sliabh Luachra. \nEileen Gannon and Robert Ryan have been performing to international audiences since 2015\, when they met at the Catskills Irish Arts Week in upstate New York. Eileen and Robert are both born to Irish immigrant parents\, growing up in St. Louis and London respectively\, and in childhood they learned their music within the immigrant community of the Irish diaspora. They are based in St. Louis\, MO. \nTheir album “Down The Rocky Road” can be found on bandcamp\, and they will soon be releasing a companion book of transcriptions for melody and accompaniment instruments.
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/eileen-gannon-and-robert-ryan/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/eileenandrob-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241115T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241115T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240928T151827Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241107T224027Z
UID:4249-1731700800-1731700800@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:(CANCELLED) Brick City Four presented by Focal Point Friends of Traditional Jazz\, Blues & Ragtime
DESCRIPTION:Unfortunately this show has been cancelled and all sales will be refunded. 
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/brick-city-four/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Brick-City-Four-PromoPic-600DPI.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241109T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241109T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20241008T194431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T194634Z
UID:4252-1731182400-1731182400@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Dale Hannah
DESCRIPTION: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’. No two shows are ever the same. With songs like ‘Back In The Day’ to a new crowd favorite ” The Cannabis Car”  his songs are a musical joyride of styles and influences. From Hank to Hendrix as one fan put it. \n…”Hannah’s blend of influences\, including folk\, country\, blues and rock can be heard in a style that actually does sound like America\, a melting pot where cultures\, and musical genres mingle such that they are indistinguishable from one another\, but form a new thing altogether”. … \nDale has spent most of his life pursuing his love of music. Growing up in the Midwest exposed him early on to a rich musical palette. The songs of Johnny Cash\, Roger Miller \,Bob Dylan\, Neil Young  and The Beatles were part of the soundtrack of his youth. \nIn addition to his solo performances\, Dale Hannah has been  a co-host with Erin O’Toole on WGRN 89.7’s Songwriters’ Showcase Radio Program\, they also co-produced the monthly acoustic concert series at The Globe Theater in Greenville\,IL. It had a 3 1/2  year run featuring all original  local and touring songwriters. He is also part of the acoustic duo\, Wildflower Conspiracy along with Erin O’Toole.and Shane Danosky. \nDale Hannah brings to the stage over 50 years of musical experience. Along with his acclaimed original material (3 albums worth)\, his repertoire also includes many songs by a wide range of artists in the Folk/Americana/Traditional genres. No two shows are ever the same.
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/dale-hannah/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dale-hannah.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241108T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241108T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20241014T032501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241016T164818Z
UID:4281-1731096000-1731096000@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Miss Jubilee's Washboard Band presented by Focal Point Friends of Traditional Jazz\, Blues & Ragtime
DESCRIPTION: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 early American music.  The out-of-towners include Hal Smith (Searcy\, AR) on percussion\, Andy Schumm (Chicago\, IL) on horns and Tyler ‘Twerk’ Thomson (New Orleans\, LA) on upright bass.  There will also be some familiar local faces in the band\, including T.J. Muller who leads and performs with The Arcadia Dance Orchestra as well as the Gaslight Squares\, and Ethan Leinwand\, the expert in St. Louis Blues piano!  It’s sure to be an amazing performance!
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/miss-jubilees-washboard-band-presented-by-focal-point-friends-of-traditional-jazz-blues-ragtime/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/jubes-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241103T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241103T190000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240916T003051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240923T215741Z
UID:4235-1730660400-1730660400@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Jessica Fichot Quartet (featuring Chloe Feoranzo)
DESCRIPTION: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 3 acclaimed albums under her belt\, Jessica has charmed audiences around the world – performing her lively songs at concert halls\, festivals and clubs in China\, Mexico\, Canada and across the US and western Europe. Featuring scorching performances from her bandmates on clarinet/sax\, upright bass and guitar\, as well as her own beautiful\, clear vocals in French\, Mandarin Chinese\, Spanish and English\, Fichot’s music is truly a dazzling trans-world journey.  \nFichot’s quartet includes acclaimed clarinetist\, saxophonist\, vocalist Chloe Feoranzo. A Focal Point favorite\, Chloe has performed with groups such as Pokey LaFarge\, Postmodern Jukebox\, Shake’Em Up Jazz Band\, Asleep At the Wheel. \n“Fichot brings an art-song sensibility to delightfully catchy tunes.” – LA Times \n“Enchantingly original.” – LA Weekly \n“a delicious blend of acoustic styles” – San Francisco Chronicle
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/jessica-fichot-quartet-featuring-chloe-feoranzo-2/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/chloe-band-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241102T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241102T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240911T165843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240911T172404Z
UID:4229-1730577600-1730577600@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Jerron Paxton
DESCRIPTION: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 multi-instrumentalists that you have not heard of. Yet. And time is getting short\, fast. \nThis young musician sings and plays banjo\, guitar\, piano\, fiddle\, harmonica\, Cajun accordion\, and the bones (percussion). Paxton has an eerie ability to transform traditional jazz\, blues\, folk\, and country into the here and now\, and make it real. In addition\, he mesmerizes audiences with his humor and storytelling. He’s a world-class talent and a uniquely colorful character that has been on the cover of Living Blues Magazine and the Village Voice\, and has been interviewed on FOX News. Paxton’s sound is influenced by the likes of Fats Waller and “Blind” Lemon Jefferson. According to Will Friedwald in the Wall Street Journal\, Paxton is “virtually the only music-maker of his generation—playing guitar\, banjo\, piano and violin\, among other implements—to fully assimilate the blues idiom of the 1920s and ’30s.”  \nPaxton was featured on CNN’s Great Big Story and appeared in the multi award winning music documentary AMERICAN EPIC produced by Robert Redford\, Jack White & T-Bone Burnett\, and has performed to a sold out audiences at the Lead Belly Tribute at Carnegie Hall along with Buddy Guy\, Eric Burdon\, Edgar Winter\, Kenny Wayne Shepherd\, and other such stars. It is no exaggeration to say that Paxton made a huge impression. In the years since his incredible performance at that star-studded show in one of the world’s greatest concert houses\, Paxton’s own star has been rising fast. He opened for Buddy Guy at B.B. Kings in NYC; for Robert Cray at the Reading PA Blues Festival\, and performed at numerous other festivals including: Woodford Folk Festival & Byron Bay Blues Festival in Australia; Calgary Folk Festival in Canada; Jewel City Jam in Huntington WV; Freihofers Jazz Festival in Saratoga Springs FL; Clearwater Festival in Croton-on-The Hudson NY; Fayetteville Roots Festival in Fayetteville AR: Cambridge Folk Festival in the UK.\, Harvest Time Rhythm & Blues Festival in Ireland; and has headlined the Brooklyn Folk Festival.
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/jerron-paxton/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Jerron-Paxton-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241101T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241101T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240805T141448Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240805T142945Z
UID:4172-1730491200-1730491200@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Jim and Susie Malcolm: a Scottish music concert fundraiser for Focal Point
DESCRIPTION: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! \nFor the past 30 years and more\, Jim Malcolm has been the ultimate Scots troubadour\, taking the traditional songs of Scotland and his own prizewinning compositions to all corners of the UK and around almost every state in the USA. His voice is one of the finest in Scotland\, and his mellifluous guitar playing is the perfect accompaniment. He plays mouthorgan to a standard you’ll rarely hear. Jim was voted Songwriter of the Year in the Scots Trad Music Awards\, and was nominated three times for Scots Singer of the Year. He has 15 solo CDs to his credit\, and has appeared on countless others\, including three albums with the world-renowned Old Blind Dogs\, from his eight years as their frontman. Old Blind Dogs are famously Prince Charles’ favorite Scottish band. \nIn recent years he has had another trick up his sleeve\, as his wife Susie joins him on stage. You may have heard her voice singing harmonies on Jim’s CDs\, but with their children fledged\, Susie is in on the act. An award-winning traditional singer herself\, Susie sings songs from the North East of Scotland and has a penchant for ballads. Their 2017 debut album as a duo\, Spring Will Follow On was warmly received and has been widely played across two continents and its successor\, The Berries\, has been called “a masterclass in Scottish traditional song”. Their third duo CD\, Auld Toon Shuffle\, was released in the spring of 2022. Together they offer harmonies and humour…tales from the road\, the riverside and from the home front\, and are not to be missed. \n  \n“The Berries\, by Jim and Susie Malcolm\, is a beautifully produced and performed masterclass in Scottish traditional song.” \n– Bob Leslie\, Celtic Music Radio\, November 2019 \n  \n“The Berries – a stunning array of Scottish Trad Songs.” \n-Liz Clark\, Celtic Music Radio\, November 2019 \n  \n“This record just stops time” -Bill Golembeski \n  \n“The Berries is a warm\, intimate and beautifully realised album” \n-David Haslam\, R&R Magazine
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/jim-and-susie-malcolm-a-scottish-music-concert-fundraiser-for-focal-point/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/jim-suzie.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T190000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20241013T135719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241013T163534Z
UID:4271-1730314800-1730314800@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:St. Louis Songwriters Showcase
DESCRIPTION:TICKETS AT DOOR\nHunter Peebles\nThe 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 Southern Illinois\, just east of St. Louis\, MO\, Hunter reflects his influences in country\, folk and Americana soundscapes. Inspired by songwriters like John Prine and singers like George Jones\, Hunter Peebles blends his take on the human condition with strong vocal delivery. His full band\, “Hunter Peebles & The Moonlighters\,” released their debut studio EP “Volume One” in November of 2023 on all streaming platforms with more to come in the latter half of 2024.\n  \nMeredith Foster\nMeredith Foster is a Nashville- based singer & songwriter known for her honest lyrics\, rooted sound\, and soulful storytelling. A native of Wildwood\, Missouri\, Foster began playing shows at age 13 and started writing songs at 14. She relocated to Charleston\, South Carolina after 4 years in Mississippi and now splits her time between Nashville & Charleston\, playing venues all across the country. She was recently named NSAI’s One to Watch\, with her song “Momma Raised a Quitter” earning a coveted spot in NSAI’s Top 40 and was featured as a special guest In the Round at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville alongside the legendary Buddy Cannon\n  \nNick Pence\nYou will find Nick Pence at the carrefour of whit and philosophy. With in his songs there is a dance and sometimes a grapple with the humor that carries the characters through the glimpse into their worlds. His guitar playing\, especially the slide\, and his banjo playing are robust. It is a joy to share tears and laughter with this musician and his songs.\n  \npo mia\npo mia is an eclectic\, up-and-coming singer/songwriter based in St. Louis\, MO. They are best known for their versatility of musical styles\, colourful stylistic expression\, as well as their ability to engage a crowd through their lyricism and captivating performances. Coming from a music therapy educational background\, po mia’s musical works often tackle themes of identity\, love\, fear\, and navigating real life experiences.
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/st-louis-songwriters-showcase-2/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-10-30-Showcase-poster-jpg.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241025T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241025T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240703T201204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240703T201258Z
UID:4098-1729886400-1729886400@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:The Special Consensus
DESCRIPTION: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 Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) Hall of Greats. Special Consensus has released 21 band recordings and received seven awards from the IBMA and two Grammy nominations. \nSpecial Consensus’ sound is grounded in a deep appreciation and understanding of bluegrass music\, incorporating both the drive and harmonies of the traditional sound with the more contemporary sounds and repertoire of today.  With the foundation of Greg’s unique banjo playing style and the vocal prowess of the 2023 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year Greg Blake (guitar)\, Dan Eubanks (bass) and Michael Prewitt (mandolin)\, these musicians effortlessly support each other and consistently maintain their bluegrass center whether they’re playing a jazz-tinged instrumental or a song from any of their award-winning recordings. These four talented vocalists and instrumentalists follow their creative desires without straying too far from their roots. \nRivers and Roads\, the band’s 19th recording\, was nominated for a 2018 Grammy and was awarded 2018 IBMA Album of the Year. The tune “Squirrel Hunters” from that recording received the Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year award. \nInternational tours have brought the band to Australia\, Canada\, Europe\, South America\, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The band has also appeared on National Public Radio\, The Nashville Network\, the Grand Ole Opry at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville\, Tennessee\, and in concert with symphony orchestras nationwide. \nDedicated to preserving their craft as well as keeping it fresh\, in 1984 Special Consensus initiated the Traditional American Music (TAM) Program to introduce bluegrass music to students in schools across the country and in several foreign lands. \nThe band records for Compass Records and proudly celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2020 with the release of Chicago Barn Dance. This recording also celebrates the long-standing connection of country and bluegrass music with Chicago from the time of the WLS “National Barn Dance” that was a precursor to the Grand Ole Opry. The songs on this recording either relate to Chicago and/or are written by artists who once lived in Chicago. The title song “Chicago Barn Dance” received the 2020 IBMA Song of the Year Award. \nCompass Records released Great Blue North\, the 21st Special C recording\, in May of 2023. The band has been touring in Canada for nearly four decades and this recording was made as a tip of the hat to all the friends and fans made throughout the country over so many years. All songs featured on the recording were written by Canadian writers and numerous Canadian musician friends of the band made guest appearances. The Gordon Lightfoot song “Alberta Bound” received the 2023 IBMA Collaborative Recording of the Year award.
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/the-special-consensus-2/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Special-Consensus.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241019T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241019T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240225T043933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240225T043933Z
UID:3910-1729368000-1729368000@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Mary Flower with Nick Pence & Ethan Leinwand presented by Focal Point Friends of Traditional Jazz\, Blues & Ragtime
DESCRIPTION:“a world-class finger-style guitarist and lap slide player.” \n–DownBeat \nNo less an authority than legendary Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna guitarist Jorma Kaukonen admiringly described Mary Flower as “a national treasure in your own backyard.” \nIndeed\, the internationally renowned award-winning Portland\, Oregon-based singer/guitarist/songwriter is a prodigious talent whose seasoned skills have established her as one of America’s foremost roots performers. Flower combines a deep historical knowledge with a restless creativity that keeps her music evolving into new creative territory while echoing influences from Piedmont to the Mississippi Delta\, with additional stops at ragtime\, swing\, folk\, and hot jazz. \nMidwest native Flower relocated from Denver to the vibrant Portland music scene in 2004. Since then\, she’s continued to impress crowds and critics at folk festivals in America and abroad\, including Merlefest\, Waterfront Blues Fest\, King Biscuit\, A Prairie Home Companion and the Vancouver Folk Festival\, while maintaining a parallel career as a renowned guitar teacher. Mary has shared her guitar skills at over 25 guitar “camps” and is about to celebrate 10 years at her own guitar intensive near Portland\, Oregon\, Blues in the Gorge. Along the way\, she’s twice been a Finalist in the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship\, as well as being nominated three times for the Blues Foundation’s prestigious “Blues Music Award.” Mary is a contributing writer for Acoustic Guitar magazine and has recorded several instructional DVDs for the Homespun label.
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/mary-flower-with-nick-pence-ethan-leinwand-presented-by-focal-point-friends-of-traditional-jazz-blues-ragtime/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mary-flower.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241017T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241017T190000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240805T144653Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240805T145612Z
UID:4179-1729191600-1729191600@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:The Lovestruck Balladeers w/The Goldenrods
DESCRIPTION: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 and traditional music scene\, The Lovestruck Balladeers formed during a series of recording sessions for Jalopy Records’ 2018 release\, Estrellas de Radio.  Since their debut at The Brooklyn Folk Festival that same year\,  the versatile quintet has made a name for itself as a compelling act highlighting musical excellence\, fresh arrangements\, original songs and a tightly crafted stage show. \nThe Lovestruck Balladeers are Jake Sanders\, Dennis Lichtman\, Sean Cronin and Dalton Ridenhour.  Featuring special guest Mike Davis. \nPlus… an opening set by The Goldenrods who 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 and serious\, often sung in harmony. \nThe Goldenrods are fronted by Ryan Koenig (ex Pokey LaFarge\, currently Rum Drum Ramblers\, So Grand Polka Band\, New Missouri Fox Hunters\, Fiddlin’ Sam and the Bolo Band) singing and playing fiddle\, octave mandolin\, and guitar. The band is completed with Jess Adkins (Opera Bell Band\, So Grand Polka Band) singing and playing accordion and guitar\, as well as Kellie Everett (The Hooten Hallers\, Arcadia Dance Orchestra) singing and playing upright bass.
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/the-lovestruck-balladeers-w-the-goldenrods/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lovestruck-Balladeers.Press-Photo-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241012T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241012T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240708T030614Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240708T031827Z
UID:4149-1728763200-1728763200@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Chicago Farmer
DESCRIPTION:Chicago Farmer returns for a second appearance at The Focal Point! \nThe son of a small-town farming community\, Cody Diekhoff logged plenty of highway and stage time under the name Chicago Farmer before settling in the city in 2003. Profoundly inspired by fellow Midwesterner John Prine\, he’s a working-class folk musician to his core. His small-town roots\, tilled with city streets mentality\, are turning heads North and South of I-80. \n“I love the energy\, music\, and creativity of Chicago\, but at the same time\, the roots and hard work of my small town\,” he shares. Growing up in Delavan\, Illinois\, with a population less than 2\,000\, Diekhoff’s grandparents were farmers\, and their values have always provided the baseline of his songs. He writes music for “the kind of people that come to my shows. Whether in Chicago or Delavan\, everyone has a story\, and everyone puts in a long day and works hard the same way\,” he says. “My generation may have been labeled as slackers\, but I don’t know anyone who doesn’t work hard – many people I know put in 50-60 hours a week and 12-hour days. That’s what keeps me playing. I don’t like anyone to be left out; my music is for everyone in big and very small towns.” \nHe listened to punk rock and grunge as a kid before discovering a friend’s dad playing Hank Williams\, and it was a revelation. Prine and Guthrie quickly followed. The name Chicago Farmer was originally for a band\, but the utilitarian life of driving alone from bar to bar\, city to city – to make a direct connection to his audience and listener\, took a deeper hold. \n“You can smell the dirt in the fields\, hear the wind as it blows across the plains\, and see the people that Chicago Farmer sings about. Each track captures a moment in time\, whether for a person or a particular place. Imagine if a John Steinbeck short story had been written as a song\, and this will give you a fairly good idea as to what Chicago Farmer accomplishes on his albums.” \n— HONEST TUNE
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/chicago-farmer/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chicago-Farmer-Photo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241005T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241005T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240823T114657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240823T114657Z
UID:4209-1728158400-1728158400@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:The Road Apples Ride Again!
DESCRIPTION: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 circa 1967\, The Road Apples have been a collection of some of the most talented musicians in the area.  As much an extended family as a band\, The Road Apples will bring their infectious and unique mix of Bluegrass\, New Grass\, Americana\, Western Swing\, and Original Music to this concert and will feature the founding members of the Road Apples: \n\n Bob Breidenbach on Dobro and slide instruments\n Ed Cabanas on Stand-Up Bass\n John Jump on guitar\n Thayne Bradford on Mandolin\, Fiddle\, Guitar…and anything else he feels like playing\n Fred Gumaer on drums\n\nJoin the family for this reunion in a setting that can’t be beat!
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/the-road-apples-ride-again/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/road-apples.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241004T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241004T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240907T193201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240908T092847Z
UID:4219-1728072000-1728072000@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Elijah Wald
DESCRIPTION: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 style of Joseph Spence\, and Mexican corridos. Starting out as a busker\, he has toured all over the United States and much of the rest of the world\, playing in coffeehouses\, bars\, nightclubs\, colleges\, concert halls\,  and on festival stages from New Orleans to Chicago\, Tokyo\, Salzburg\, and Sydney. \nElijah’s mentors include Dave Van Ronk\, with whom he performed\, recorded\, and wrote Dave’s memoir\, The Mayor of MacDougal Street (which inspired the Coen Brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis); Howard Armstrong\, the legendary Black string band master\, with whom he toured for five years; and Jean-Bosco Mwenda\, the father of Congolese acoustic guitar. He won a 2002 Grammy (admittedly for best liner notes\, which in Van Ronk’s immortal words “is kind of like getting the Nobel Prize in fingerpainting”)\, filmed a highly-regarded instructional video on the guitar style of the Bahamian wizard Joseph Spence\, and his shows blend music and stories from a wide range of people and places in a compellingly personal style. \n“a brilliant fingerpicker and distinctive singer” — The Boston Globe \n“exuberant and educational” — The Times of India \n“Great songs\, sporty picking\, and some of the prettiest shirts on God’s green earth.” — Dave Van Ronk
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/elija-wald/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Elija-Wald-1-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240928T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240928T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240814T042457Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240814T051320Z
UID:4199-1727553600-1727553600@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Beppe Gambetta
DESCRIPTION: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 guitar master. We’re so lucky and honored that he has agreed to grace our stage with his presence.  \nBeppe Gambetta is a guitarist\, vocalist\, researcher and composer born in Genova\, Italy in 1955 who developed a style of concert presentation that brings American and European Roots to speak together with one voice. In his unique approach\, Gambetta blends energetic grooves with passionate melodies\, giving new life to sources from different times\, periods and places. In addition\, the original music he composes gives contemporary influences to traditional roots music. \nWhile Beppe still lives in his native Genova\, he travels to North America at least three times each year. His reputation in the U.S. and Canada is reinforced by his participation in prestigious festivals like the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield\, Kansas\, Merlefest in North Carolina\, the Four Corners Festival in Colorado and Canadian Folk Festivals in Winnipeg and Edmonton\, as well as events like the radio shows “All Things Considered” and “E-Town.” Beppe has performed in prestigious rooms like the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville\, Tennessee and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. In his career he has performed with some great heroes of the folk scene like David Grisman\, Gene Parsons\, Doc Watson\, Norman Blake and with the band Men Of Steel: an international guitar summit (Dan Crary\, Tony McManus and Don Ross) of different guitar schools with complex musical interactions.  \nIn a world dominated by the trends and logic of the market Gambetta’s playing and singing stand out for their intimate emotions\, communication\, research in tone\, sobriety and humour. An inspired music that modestly avoids relying solely on his high level of technical excellence\, but also reveals the innermost feelings of a brilliant\, playful mind that is always exploring and innovating while staying firmly rooted in tradition.
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/beppe-gambetta-2/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beppe-Gambetta-2.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240927T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240927T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240708T023301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240708T025923Z
UID:4146-1727467200-1727467200@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Carolann Solebello
DESCRIPTION: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 joining us as a solo troubadour but she also tours with a modern folk foursome No Fuss and Feathers. Carolann’s smooth\, compelling voice and warm acoustic guitar style nod to rural folk traditions while her decidedly urban sense of rhythm and sophisticated vocal phrasing plant her firmly in the present. An award-winning songwriter and proud member of AFM Local 1000\, Carolann has five solo albums to her credit and is working on a sixth.
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/carolann-solebello/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/C-Solebello-2.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240922T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240922T190000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240708T022529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240708T022947Z
UID:4143-1727031600-1727031600@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Golden Shoals (Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music)
DESCRIPTION: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 no strangers to traditional music\, having placed in contests including Clifftop (3rd place 2023\, 4th place 2022)\, Mount Airy\, The Grand Masters Fiddlers Championship and Galax. Often switching instruments between fiddle\, two guitars\, and banjo\, their original songs have been compared to Gillian Welch\, with the added edge of instrumental prowess informed by energetic old time and bluegrass recordings.  \n  \nInitially brought together by a mutual love of American folk music\,  Golden Shoals’ sound has expanded to include country\, Americana\, Indie and Experimental influences\, allowing them to move more freely beyond genre boundaries with their songwriting while still emanating a deep understanding of Old-Time and Bluegrass music. Ever inspired by the enduring spirit of traditional Appalachian mountain music\, their songwriting comes across as simple\, honest\, and fresh to the ears. The listener can expect the polished technique of conservatory training\, in tandem with the grit\, drive\, and soul of musicians like Roscoe Holcomb or Ola Belle Reed.  \n  \n“Golden Shoals bridge the sometimes distant worlds of traditional bluegrass and old time music together. With one foot steeped in tradition and the other focused on fresh songwriting\, Golden Shoals are helping to further the narrative of American Roots music and introducing the traditions of our past to a whole new generation of listeners.” – Kris Truelsen\, WBCM Radio Bristol
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/golden-shoals-focal-point-friends-of-old-time-music/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/golden-shoals.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240921T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240921T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240814T052021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240827T222129Z
UID:4202-1726948800-1726948800@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Brian Curran's Guitar Showcase
DESCRIPTION: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 skills for a night of music to be remembered!
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/brian-currans-guitar-showcase/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/higgins-black-curran.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240919T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240920T200000
DTSTAMP:20260620T033843
CREATED:20240814T032056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240814T042142Z
UID:4195-1726772400-1726862400@thefocalpoint.org
SUMMARY:Choro das 3 (Thursday and Friday Night)
DESCRIPTION:THURSDAY TICKETS\n \nFRIDAY TICKETS\n \nWe’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 our YouTube archive page\, “Focal Point St.Louis”\, at 16k views and counting.  Trad-Brazilian music\, jazz\, Classical\, Bossa Nova\, Calypso\, Blues\, World\, Folk and so much more are all rolled into one musical style and performed flawlessly by these 3 sisters. This may well be the last time in a while to see them as they will be headed home to Brazil soon with no return announced as of yet. We VERY much recommend not missing out. If you only see a handful of shows this year\, make Choro das 3 one of them! \nChoro das 3 is a family based trio formed by the sisters: Corina (flute)\, Lia (7 string guitar) and Elisa (mandolin\, clarinet\, banjo\, accordion and piano). Tragically\, Eduardo\, their Father\, lost his life to Covid early in the pandemic\, before vaccines were available in Brazil. Eduardo was the band’s percussionist from its founding. He played pandeiro (Brazilian tambourine). The trio’s mother\, Cristina\, stepped in to play a stronger role in band management. Bravely\, the sisters resolved to continue as Choro das 3\, but they play every song in their father’s memory. \n They have released 11 albums and have been touring in North America\, Europe and Brazil for the past 21 years. The trio plays Brazilian instrumental music based on choro\, an instrumental music genre that emerged in Brazil in the 19th century to become the foundation for all Brazilian music!
URL:https://thefocalpoint.org/event/choro-das-3-thursday-and-friday-night/
LOCATION:MO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thefocalpoint.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/choro-das-3©-flavio-torres-scaled-1.jpeg
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