Since 1979, Swallow Hill Music Association has brought the best acoustic, folk and roots music in the Rocky Mountain Region. As we head into the autumn season, fall brings a cornucopia of music that includes award-winning singer/songwriters, Piedmont blues, American roots and jazz, and much more. In addition, longtime community members and customs return, including Mary Flower and Chris Daniels, and our annual Folk Festival-turned-HarvestFest, our longest-standing tradition. Tickets are now available online at
www.swallowhillmusic.org or by phone at (303) 777-1003 x2.
HIGHLIGHTS
Jimmy LaFave
Friday, September 5 at 8 p.m.
"Red dirt music" from one of America's greatest voices, in the tradition of greats such as Woody Guthrie, LaFave has received numerous accolades during his 20+ career, proving him to be one of our country's most authentic singer/songwriters.
Michael Johnson & Celeste Krenz
Saturday, September 6 at 8 p.m.
Expressive singers whose songs capture the personal and universal, no two shows are the same for these professionals, especially when they come together to the Swallow Hill stage.
Robin & Linda Williams
Friday, September 12 at 8 p.m.
Known for their rich harmonies andoriginal songwriting rooted in the country/bluegrass/gospel tradition, Robin & Linda Williams have gained widespread national prominence throughout their three-decade career, including appearances on A Prairie Home Companion, The Grand Ole Opry and Austin City Limits.
Ellis Paul w/Flynn
Saturday, September 13 at 8 p.m.
Ellis Paul returns to Swallow Hill to once more bridge the gulf between modern folk and its populist traditions. A winner of an unprecedented 13 Boston Music Awards, he will be joined by his
American Jukebox Fables producer, Flynn, who will open the show.
Kelly Joe Phelps
Friday, September 19 at 8 p.m.
One of our favorite tunesmiths, Kelly Joe Phelps has a catalog of songs infused with what the
Washington Post calls "poignancy, passion and spirituality." Pairing superb songwriting and master musicianship, his music offers a depth and poetic charm unparalleled.
Mary Flower
Saturday, September 20 at 8 p.m.
With elegant, funky and inventive playing on her lap steel guitar, acclaimed Piedmont picker Mary Flower returns to her Colorado community at Swallow Hill. Recently relocated to the Northwest, she is back to not only perform, but to teach, as she'll also offer a special artist workshop on fingerstyle blues guitar on Sunday, September 21.
Chris Daniels and the Kings Go Acoustic
Friday, September 26 at 8 p.m.
Celebrating their 24th year making music together, Chris Daniels, a former Executive Director of Swallow Hill, comes with his Kings to deliver a special acoustic performance. Described as "Little Feat with horns" and "John Hiatt meets Tower of Power," they're sure to deliver a powerful performance with their unique style of funky blues.
Steppin' In It with Rachael Davis
Saturday, September 27 at 8 p.m.
They brought the house down at our March Folk & Roots Fest and are back by popular demand!The pairing of roots-based Steppin' In It and their vintage instruments with the velvety vocals of singer/songwriter Rachael Davis brings American jazz music that features torch swing numbers alongside bluesy ballads. You'll be up on your feet dancing to a smoky, sophisticated sound that hearkens to the 1930s and 40s.
Sara Hickman
Saturday, October 4 at 8 p.m.
Billboard magazine writes that Sara Hickman "distinguishes herself by her gorgeous, incandescent songs and fiercely independent spirit." A musician and artist, she also gives generously of her time and resources to raise funds and awareness for a multitude of causes, including Habitat for Humanity, the SPCA and Mothers' Milk Bank. For her philanthropy work, she was awarded the prestigious Humana Women Helping Women award.
HarvestFest 2008
Friday through Sunday, October 10 through 12. Friday night concerts at 8 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday Festival events beginning at 11 a.m.
Previously known as the Swallow Hill Folk Festival, the HarvestFest is Swallow Hill's longest-standing tradition and is celebrating its 17th year in 2008. The event originated as the Folk-a-Thon, a 24-hour non-stop celebration of folk music and kinship, and has grown into a weekend event that is focused on what Swallow Hill does best: building community through interactive fun that revels in the merriment of great music.
Friday night preceding the Festival will feature special kickoff concerts by rising newgrass stars,
South Austin Jug Band, and Genevan guitar master
Beppe Gambetta, priced individually. During the Festival a special headlining concert by longtime community members
Harry Tuft and Carla Sciaky will take place on Saturday night, included in the Festival admission. Other performers, as well as activities that encourage attendee participation, will make for fun for the entire family as we share in the bounty of music.
Del Rey & Steve James
Saturday, October 25 at 8 p.m.
Longtime colleagues and collaborators, Del Rey & Steve James are two powerful exponents of American vernacular guitar-playing who have joined forces to make music testament to the hillbilly/smarty-pants/country blues aesthetic. Sharing a sense of humor and a similar manic intensity, their duets are smart, funny and full of instrumental virtuosity.
Pierce Pettis
Friday, October 31 at 8 p.m.
Adored by critics and public alike, Pettis' music is distinguished by his uncanny ability to capture universals in human experience by drawing on the humor and trials in daily life. Awards include the prestigious New Folk competition for songwriting at the Kerrville Folk Festival and a 1999 Country Music Award from ASCAP for "You Move Me," which he co-wrote with Gordon Kennedy, and which was recorded by Garth Brooks on his album,
Sevens.
Upcoming Concerts:
| Fri, Sept 5 | Jimmy LaFave |
| Fri, Sept 5 | Old-Fashioned Hootenanny |
| Sat, Sept 6 | Michael Johnson & Celeste Krenz |
| Fri, Sept 12 | Robin & Linda Williams |
| Fri, Sept 12 | Michael Tiernan |
| Sat, Sept 13 | Ellis Paul w/Flynn |
| Fri, Sept 19 | Kelly Joe Phelps |
| Sat, Sept 20 | Mary Flower |
| Fri, Sept 26 | Chris Daniels and the Kings Go Acoustic |
| Fri, Sept 26 | Autumn's Child |
| Sat, Sept 27 | Steppin' In It with Rachael Davis |
| Sat, Sept 27 | Sean Smith |
| Fri, Oct 3 | Kailin Yong: Daniel Pearl Peace Concert |
| Fri, Oct 3 | Old-Fashioned Hootenanny |
| Sat, Oct 4 | Sara Hickman |
| Sat, Oct 4 | Anne and Pete Sibley |
| Fri, Oct 10 | South Austin Jug Band |
| Fri, Oct 10 | Beppe Gambetta |
| Fri - Sun, Oct 10 -12 | HarvestFest 2008 |
| Fri, Oct 17 | Joe Jencks & Helena Nash |
| Sat, Oct 18 | Violin Summit |
| Fri, Oct 24 | Scott Cossu |
| Sat, Oct 25 | Del Rey & Steve James |
| Sat, Oct 25 | Spencer Bohren |
| Fri, Oct 31 | Pierce Pettis |
For tickets visit
www.swallowhillmusic.org or call (303) 777-1003 x2. Discounts are available for Swallow Hill members. Buy in advance and save! Swallow Hill Music Association is located at 71 East Yale Avenue (just off Broadway) in Denver.
About Swallow Hill Music Association
H
elping people make and enjoy music since 1979,Swallow Hill Music Association is one of the largest nonprofit institutions of its kind in the United States as a source for folk, roots and acoustic music. With more than 2,300 members, Swallow Hill provides a place to celebrate music that is rarely heard elsewhere in the Rocky Mountain Region. Three concert venues house more than 200 performances a year, featuring some of the world's great artists as well as up-and-coming new talent. Swallow Hill's Julie Davis School of Music offers classes for every interest, skill level and member of the family. Each year, a faculty of 60 instructors provides training to more than 4,000 students. A Tier II member of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD),Swallow Hill has won both the Mayor's and Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts, countless "Best of Denver" awards, has been recognized by the the North American Folk Alliance, and is one of the most sought-after venues by folk and roots performers in the country.