The Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective will be kicking off the Sugar Maple Concert Series with our 3rd annual Volunteer Holler, Wednesday, September 23rd at the High-Noon Saloon! The concert series as a year-round celebration of the past, present and future of the annual summer Sugar Maple Festival. While the event is open to the public, it offers special nod to more than 100 volunteers who power the non-profit organization and it’s annual summer festival. These volunteers are welcome to attend the event for free.

Headlining the show is former member of the prestigious US Navy Country Current band, Frank Solivan II. Bluegrass Unlimited calls Solivan is “a major talent,” while Bluegrass Breakdown writes, “It would be relatively simple to describe Frank using standard marketing jargon and cliché terms of praise, but his creativity and unparalleled artistry seem to begin where those descriptions leave off” (Bluegrass Breakdown). A multi-instrumental master, Solivan sings with power and passion, writes articulate songs that go straight to the heart, and combines the pure, hard drive of classic bluegrass with twenty-first century sophistication. His quartet Dirty Kitchen, features a venerable line-up of nationally-connected pickers like banjo player Mike Munford, who has toured the world with top notch bluegrass artist like Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, the Rice Brothers
and Lynn Morris.

The show starts at 8pm with Kristy Larson Honky Tonk Trio. Country music historian, author, musician and WORT radio host Bill Malone describes Kristy Larson as “one of the shining lights of Madison roots music”. Her light burns even brighter as she joins forces with husband and multi-instrumentalist Mark Roeder. Together, they’re a midwestern Rawlins and Welch.

The Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective will be hosting this year’s Sugar Maple Kick-off Concert Saturday, April 18th at the High Noon Saloon (8pm). The show, sponsored by Rutabaga Paddlesports, will feature three great bands and offer one night only early-bird Sugar Maple Festival weekend tickets for only $20!!! We will also be officially announcing this year’s fantastic Sugar Maple Festival
lineup.

Tickets for the show are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. You can purchase advanced tickets online or at the High Noon Saloon.

Band Schedule:
8 pm Art Stevenson & Highwater
9 pm Joel Paterson (a rare solo appearance)
10 pm Art Stevenson & Highwater
11 pm Sloppy Joe

Come on down and see some great music, and get a great price on some Sugar Maple Festival tickets!

Madison will get a rare opportunity to see great gospel and bluegrass music when the James King Band hit’s the stage at the warm and intimate Frequency just off the capitol square (map). The show is Wednesday, March 18th, from 6pm. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.

James King is considered among the leading voices in traditional bluegrass, summoning timeless echoes of Appalachia with a voice that is equal parts urgent, yearning, and tender. King’s interpretations of bluegrass gospel classics both vintage and modern are so uniquely suited to the powerful longing and commitment that underpins every note he sings.

“In an age where much bluegrass and country music is a product of stacked harmonies and polite, well-mannered vocals, James King is a rarity: an honest-to-God mountain soul singer who likes it loud and hard, who’s not afraid of emotion and sentiment. James King has carried his heart songs to festivals all over the country, and won his share of rave reviews and industry awards. Like generations of Virginia singers before him, he does best what great singers have always done: he finds a good song, and he tells a good story. Even Carter Stanley could not have asked for more.” –Charles Wolfe

The Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective is a non-profit organization supporting the art of traditional music and dance throughout the greater Madison community. We provide educational and performance opportunities that bring together people of all ages to celebrate diverse musical tradition.