Coming Soon to Big River Theatre
We are excited to have Carriage House and Reverend Hylton Saturday, March 23 at 7pm!
Tickets: $12 advance/$15 day of show
Meet the folks:
Carriage House
Reverend Hylton
Reverend Hylton is an Americana Singer/Songwriter out of Atlanta who has spent the better part of the last decade touring this beautiful country sharing his songs. Heartbreak, addiction and traveling are the substance of his melodic musical, lyrical and vocal writings. From the stage to the crowd, a real performance is heard. Real words from real experiences make for an authentic time shared by both The Reverend and the crowd.
Check em out!
Mike Munson will be joining us Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 7pm!
Patchouli of Maiden Rock, WI is back!! Saturday April 13, 7pm. It’s all love with these two, and you won’t want to miss it.
Doors: 6:30
Show: 7:00pm
Tickets: $13 advance/$15 day of show
Meet Patchouli:
Patchouli & Terra Guitarra is the #1 Charting International Guitar duo Awarded “2017 Best Instrumental Album of the Year” with 21 CDs and 4,500 shows in U.S. Europe & Asia. Remarkably, they are also renowned for their trademarked visual art concept with exhibitions on 3 continents. They bring their world class music and world class art together in the breathtaking Animated Painting Concert Experience, The Landscape of Guitar.
“Like taking a yoga class in a field of running mustangs” – City Pages, these gifted artists combine “guitars of the Gipsy Kings, the harmony of Simon & Garfunkel and the colors of Van Gogh” in a show that “inspires the Human Spirit” – Chicago Tribune.
A bass, a guitar, drums, and a vibraphone, The Neighborhood Quartet joins Big River Theatre Saturday, April 26 at 7pm. Their performance at BRT falls right around the release of their latest album, set to release April 20, 2024!
Doors: 6:30pm
Show: 7:00pm
Tickets: $15advance/$18 at the door
Meet the quartet:
Remember sitting in your living room as kid? The shag carpet tickling the back of your legs. You were chewing on your Marathon bar and sipping from a can of Rondo Soda while watching your favorite TV show… was it CHiPs or S.W.A.T.?… Doesn’t matter they both were great and so was the music in them. The Neighborhood Quartet might just take you back to those times with their groovy 70’s theme song inspired tunes, but sorry Rondo is long gone, but I’m sure you will find something from the bar to crush your thirst!
The quartet’s unique instrumentation brings a sound that is ethereal and groovy. They blend pop and soul influences with roots and jazz to bring a fresh take on tunes that fit perfectly with whatever you are drinking.
Check out their latest video:
Buffalo Nichols joins us at Big River Theatre Friday, May 3!
you’re not going to want to miss this one, folks.
Doors: 6:30
Show: 7pm
Tickets: $20/$25
On his second album, The Fatalist, Carl “Buffalo” Nichols does things with the blues that might catch you off guard. There’s 808 programming, chopped up Charley Patton samples, washes of synth. There’s a consideration of the fullness of the sonic stage and the atmospherics of the music that can only come with a long engagement with electronic music. But this is no gimmicky hybrid or attempt to turn the blues into 21st century music by simply dressing it with skittering hi-hats. Nichols’ vision for the blues is of a form of music that’s intimately tied to everyday life in 2023, something that’s reflected not only in the choice of instrumentation, but in the complexities of the songwriting and the gray areas his lyrics explore. This is music that comes straight from the present, and as such, it’s a reminder that the same shit that drove the first blues singers to pick up a guitar is still present behind the throbs of deep bass hits today. The Fatalistsounds unlike any blues record you’re likely to hear in 2023.
Check him out:
We’ve got Forrest McCurren rolling through Thursday, May 9 at 7pm!
Meet Forrest:
Forrest McCurren comes from the heart of the heartland, where the foothills of the Ozarks meet the Big Muddy: The Middle-of-Missouri. Blazing his own trail while stylistically tipping his hat to the songwriting giants of the past, McCurren wields the magic of lyricism to cast a light on the many intricacies of everyday life set against vignettes of Middle America. Tackling topics such as: wise words from waitresses, heartbroken high school football standouts, and tattooed trailer park lovers, McCurren writes songs for good people that got bad grades in school, are drunk on dreams, and still trying to figure out if life is sour or sweet.
Thursday, May 9 at 7pm
Tickets: $13 advance/$15 day of show
Doors: 6:30
Show: 7pm
Listen up:
The Rough & Tumble are a folk/Americana duo, consisting of Mallory Graham & Scott Tyler. Forming in 2011, they’ve spent the last 8 years full time in a 16ft camper with two big dogs and one hamster. At home in festival settings, listening rooms and house concerts, their commanding stage presence, engaging performances and affecting songwriting won them Listening Room Network’s Artist of the Year in 2019 and the Independent Music Awards Americana Song of the Year for their song “The Hardest Part. 2021’s We’re Only Family If You Say So, an album about what it means to be family and then to lose it, had singles debuting on American Songwriter and The Bluegrass Situation and has been embraced by fans for its stark honesty, unique storytelling and well-crafted melodies. The band now resides in New Hampshire and their new album, Only This Far, was released in May 2023 that has been described as “quality songs, well written, well played, well sung and arranged, and a pleasure from start to end.”
Friday, May 31 at 7pm
Tickets: $17 advance/$20 day of show
Doors: 6:30
Show: 7pm
Check em out:
Singer-Songwriter Eli Lev joins us at Big River Theatre Friday, June 7th at 7pm!
Doors:6:30
Show: 7:00pm
Tickets: $13 advance/$15 day of show
Meet Eli:
Rising singer-songwriter Eli Lev is making the world a smaller place, one song at a time. Eli pens lyrics and melodies for everyday enlightenment—songs that resonate because they’re heartfelt, earthy, and offer the wisdom he’s gained through lifelong travel and self-discovery. The Maryland-based artist has just completed his epic Four Directions project which includes four EPs that were inspired by indigenous traditions he learned while teaching on the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona. His four part EP releases, All Roads East (2017) and Way out West (2018), Deep South (2019), and True North (2021) – imaginatively and intrepidly connect spheres and generations within a body of work that is irresistibly uplifting, emotionally resonant, and down-to-earth. A cross between The Avett Brothers and The Lumineers, Lev has opened for both Shooter Jennings and Lee DeWyze, performed at The Kennedy Center and 9:30 Club in Washington, DC, and toured extensively around the world.
“His music is inspiring yet raw at the same time. He makes you close your eyes and just imagine there is nothing going on at all. I really enjoy his music and the other musicians that he collaborated with.” – April Watson
Check him out:
https://elilevmusic.bandcamp.com/album/four-directions
Tickets: $13 advance/$15 day of show
Doors: 6:30
Show: 7pm
The talented Anana Kaye and her husband Ikrali join us at Big River Theatre Saturday, August 17th at 7pm!
Doors: 6:30
Show: 7:00pm
Tickets: $13 advance/$15 day of show
Anana Kaye is a Nashville based Indie Alt-Americana Duo. Hailing from Georgia, the other one, where Argonauts sailed to steal The Golden Fleece and where wine was invented 8000 years ago, Anana Kaye and Irakli Gabriel deliver a unique sound we rarely experience in such potent doses today. With influences including Kate Bush, Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, and David Bowie their music is a genre bending musical experience akin to twisting kaleidoscope.
Huffington Post calls them “rich, strong, tender, translucent, and dynamic. The luminous vibrancy simply embraces the listener, enfolding you into sumptuousness.” Anana’s voice brings their ambient sound back to reality with it’s luxuriously earthy tone and husky timbre.
Anana and Irakli currently live in Nashville TN where they also own and operate Duende Vision, a professional photo and video production company. They pride themselves on bringing a musical perspective to visual work with stylistic influences wide ranging in time period and geography. Their detailed, patient, meticulous and enthusiastic approach has been carefully bringing New York and Nashville artist’s vision to life in a unique fashion.
check em out!
Help us welcome The Wildwoods Saturday, September 6th at 7pm!
Tickets: $17/$20
Meet Wildwoods:
In the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, The Wildwoods emerge as a folk/Americana trio, a musical tapestry woven by husband-and-wife duo, Noah (guitar) and Chloe Gose (violin), accompanied by bassist Andrew Vaggalis. Their story is a symphony of exploration and connection, a journey that has taken them from the Midwest to international stages, carving out a unique place in the folk landscape. Their presence has graced stages alongside artists such as Mighty Poplar, Sierra Ferrell, Aiofe O’ Donovan, Melissa Carper, Jamie Wyatt and Joe Nichols at concerts and festivals like Summerfest, FreshGrass and the Oyster Ridge Music Festival.
The Wildwoods have become a force in the folk scene, boasting accolades like being finalists at the FreshGrass Music Festival Band competition and Gems on VHS “Gems in the Rough” competition in 2023. Their songwriting prowess is underscored by semi-final placements in the International Songwriting competition, with tracks like “Untitled” and “Way of Train.” Recognized consistently at the Omaha Arts and Entertainment Awards, they were crowned “Best Band” by the Lincoln Journal Star’s Lincoln Choice Awards in 2022.
Check em out!
Philip Daniel is BACK at BRT Saturday, September 21st at 7pm!
Doors: 6:30pm
Show: 7:00pm
Tickets: $15 advance/$18 day of show
Meet Philip:
Originating from Lincoln, Nebraska, Daniel is a distinguished pianist and composer, acclaimed for his ability to evoke powerful emotions through his music. He holds a graduate degree in Piano Performance from the UMKC Conservatory and an undergraduate degree in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Hastings College.
While pursuing his education, Daniel uncovered a fervent passion for composing original music. Drawing inspiration from contemporary classical luminaries like Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, Philip Glass, and Max Richter, he has cultivated a unique musical voice that gracefully merges classical elements, minimalist soundscapes, and cinematic qualities. Daniel’s compositions resonate with both seasoned musicians and casual listeners, creating a profound impact on a diverse audience.
Hiroya Tsukamoto returns to Big River Theatre Saturday, October 12, 2024!
Tickets: $20 advance/$25 day of show
Doors: 6:30
Show: 7pm
Meet the artist:
Hiroya Tsukamoto is an innovative guitarist and composer who fuses folk,jazz, and world music. Born and raised in Japan, in 2000 he received a scholarship to Berklee College of music and came to the U.S.
Tsukamoto’s instrumental abilities are indeed breathtaking and astounding, but his performances are so much more than that. He has the unique capability of engaging an audience thru a personable and genuine approach that transfixes his audience and almost transcends his capabilities as a guitarist. Audience members will be mesmerized; Tsukamoto plays with an effortless skill on the guitar and a repertoire that will have you traveling the world, not to mention experiencing new sounds with his own compositions.
Tsukamoto headlines concerts throughout the U.S. as well as internationally including Blue Note in NYC, United Nations and Japanese National Television. Most recently Hiroya won 2nd place in International Finger Style Guitar Championship in 2022.
Social Media Links:
Website: www.hiroyatsukamoto.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/HiroyaMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiroya_tsukamoto/
Youtube Links:
1. From Coast to Coast
2. Gemini Bridge
Not just any country ensemble, Other Country Ensemble takes us on a world tour celebrating the diversity of music from other countries around the globe. What do we mean? Just check the line-up!
Michael Ziegahn – flamenco guitar, vocals, cajon
Scott Nieman – bouzouki, mandocello
Laurie Knutson – alto clarinet, bass clarinet
Steve Clarke – soprano sax, C flute, alto flute, bass flute
Mark Black – frame drums, doumbek, nackers, misc percussion
Saturday, October 26 at 7pm
Tickets: $15 advance/$18 day of show
Doors: 6:30
Show: 7pm
Check out their latest work, Covivencia:
https://othercountryensemble.bandcamp.com/album/convivencia-high-definition-audio
Video:
American singer-songwriter Kelley Smith is a hopeless romantic who fancies old poetry and grandpa sweaters. All at once whimsical and haunting, Smith delivers deeply affecting lyrics with wry charm and a time traveler’s voice. Prone to melancholy and daydreaming, Kelley spent her childhood roaming the woods of Minnesota and singing to forest animals. To this day, her longing for that landscape runs deep and seems to find its way into her songs in one way or another.
Raised by musicians, Smith always had music in her bones, but it wasn’t until she was 40 and a mother of four that her first record, Moon Child (2022), came to be. As an insomniac, she wrote this first batch of songs by moonlight. They evoke a sense of belonging, juxtaposed with escapism, as she croons about long-term love, grief, and her draw to the night sky. ”Her authentic, rootsy sound, falling somewhere between country, folk, bluegrass and old-time music, is a pitch-perfect vehicle for the themes she explores…” – Adventures in Americana
Since 2022, Kelley has been lucky to share stages with the likes of Charlie Parr, Dave Simonett, Wild Horses, Drew Peterson, Erik Koskinen, Storyhill, Good Morning Bedlam, Tina Schlieske, Molly Maher, Sarah Morris, and more. Often performing solo or as a duo, Smith interprets old-time folk songs on guitar and banjo, in addition to her original music.
Saturday, November 2 at 7pm
Tickets: $13 advance/$15 day of show
Doors: 6:30
Show: 7pm
She coming with a full band!
Described by What’s Up Magazine as “a time capsule unearthed, fine-tuned and re-imagined”, Lakey draws creative inspiration from far corners of the American music tradition, tracing the lines of musical lineage that connect old time to rockabilly, country to Cajun to Dixieland. A 2024 Cedar Commissions Artist and 2022 Folk Alliance Official Showcase Artist, Lakey is one of the rare musicians that is as talented a songwriter and singer, as instrumentalist and arranger.
Saturday, October 16 at 7pm
Tickets: $13 advance/$15 day of show
Doors: 6:30
Show: 7pm
Sign Up to Receive Our Newsletter!
Sign Up and Receive Our Newsletter and information about upcoming events!
Social Contact