The Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective will host the Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival Kick Off Show on Friday, May 6th, 9:00 PM at the High Noon Saloon, in Madison, Wisconsin. The kick off show with feature two artists that played the Festival last year: The Modern Sounds and the Currach.

The Modern Sounds is a Chicago based trio featuring Joel Paterson on guitar and vocals; Beau Sample on string bass and vocals; Alex Hall on drums and vocals. This big little band is dedicated to performing traditional American music; specializing in rockabilly, hot jazz, western swing, classic blues and everything in between.

The Currach, features Darl Ridgley on bodhrán, Josh Perkins on guitar and Daithi Wolf on fiddle. This group is a Madison institution in the Irish traditional music scene, treating audiences with lively jigs and reels—“the stuff that’s been played in Irish pubs for hundreds of years,” according to Daithi Wolfe.

During the show, fans will have the opportunity to purchase weekend passes to the 2011 Sugar Maple Festival at a special Kick Off Show price of only $25! Amongst the acts lined up for this year’s Fest are Chulrua, a traditional Irish band who delivers music that has been handed down from generation to generation in Ireland, and folk legend Greg Brown, whose songwriting has been recorded by the likes of Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana, Shawn Colvin, and many more.

As a special Saint Patrick’s Day treat, we’re announcing that traditional Irish band Chulrua will be playing this year’s fest!

The official 2011 Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival is in and it’s a beaute!

Designed by Allyson Casey

The James King Band will be performing at the Roxbury Tavern on Dec 12, 2010. Tickets are $12 in advance at the Roxbury and Lane’s Lutherie, or $15 at the door. James King, aka “The Bluegrass Storyteller”, is the real deal and the Roxbury is a great location with fabulous food; two great reasons this show should not be missed.

Here’s a video of James when he visited Madison and played Dudley’s…

The Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective Board of Directors–producers of the Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival–have elected a new slate of officers. Please help us welcome Bob Batyko as our new President! Bob is a familiar face in the Madison Bluegrass scene and is a member of (This is the) Squirrel Hunters, and Sparetime Bluegrass. The Board is rounded out by new Vice President, Theresa Bernstein, our long time treasurer, Mark Schlutt and Kirsten Moore as our returning secretary. We also welcome our newest member Stephanie Ramer and returning member Brian Ray.