Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective kick off their 2009/10 Sugar Maple Concert Series on September 23 at the High-Noon Saloon.
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 featuring and Lynn Morris.
The September 23 kick-off is also billed as FLTMC’s 3rd Annual Volunteer Holler. While the event is open to the public, it offers special nod to more than with 100 volunteers who power the non-profit organization and it’s annual summer festival. These volunteers are welcome to attend the event for free.
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.
A portion of the Sugar Maple Concert Series’ proceeds help produce the annual festival, typically the first full weekend of August at Lake Farm County Park in Madison. Contact www.fourlakesmusic.org or 608/227.8685 for more information.