UPCOMING AREA EVENTS

Abigail Washburn
Friday, September 10, 2010
You may have seen Abigail on the LVD's stage before... as part of Uncle Earl. This time, she returns to present her solo career with guest musicians backing her up. Harnessing a passion for both old-time American folk music and ancient Chinese culture, Abigail Washburn achieves an unlikely sound that absolutely works. Her first solo album with the Sparrow Quartet is very innovative and flawlessly combines banjo and violin-driven melodies with Chinese lyrics and rhythms. Whether playing her banjo, or producing an electronic album, there is an undeniable element of Abigail Washburn in every project she embraces. Abigail's spirit and philosophy translate from language to language and bind countries, cultures and genres.


Location: LVD's Concert Hall, on OBF's third floor
More Info: Tickets: $15 ahead or at the door, Starts 7:00 p.m.
Website: http://http://www.lvds.info/schedule.html

Alfonso Ponticelli & Swing Gitan
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Chicago's premier gypsy-jazz band opens our fall season with a bang. Playing 1930's-style music made famous by guitarist Django Reinhart, this band blends the jubilant swing of early jazz with the feisty passion of gypsy music - throwing in a strong dose of guitar pyrotechnics and virtuosic improvisation for good measure. Swing Gitan features bandleader Alfonso Ponticelli on lead guitar. Studying gypsy-jazz music for more than a decade, Ponticelli introduced the music to Chicago in the 1990's when he began teaching a weekly Django-style class at the renowned Old Town School of Folk Music. A multi-instrumentalist, he won the 1994 U.S. National Mountain Dulcimer Championship and has played both banjo and guitar with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. Joining Ponticelli is a world-class lineup of musicians - Tony Ballog on violin, Jason Miller on rhythm guitar, and Beau Sample on upright bass.

More Info: 7 PM $15 Contact LVD Concert Hall for ticket information

The Steel Wheels
Sunday, October 10, 2010
This four-piece band, based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, is rooted in musical styles that explore the territories between blues and bluegrass, old-time sing-alongs, and foot-stompin' fiddle tunes. A truly Americana band, these deft musicians are subtle innovators, respecting the past but decidedly forging a new sound. Trent Wagler, on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, has been a scene staple in Virginia for nearly a decade. Multi-instrumentalist Jay Lapp was born there and, after touring with several successful Midwest bands, began a musical partnership with Wagler that showcases his remarkable and unmistakable mandolin style. Rounding out the group are upright bassist Brian Dickel and fiddler Eric Brubaker. The band shines exceptionally in its live shows with a charisma that causes toes to tap and audiences to hang on every word.

More Info: 3 PM $15 (Contact LVD concert hall for ticket information)