Eighth Annual Music in the Park

Eighth Annual Music in the Park

Wheaton’s Eighth Annual “Music in the Park” event will be held Saturday, July 11th, 7:00-10:00 pm, in Memorial Park, 208 W Union, downtown Wheaton, will feature a variety of musical styles. Admission is free. Music in the Park promises to be an event the entire family will enjoy. Bring a picnic basket, relax and enjoy a vast array of music by some of the top artists in their genre.

David Massengill - by birth a Tennessean, “emigrated” to the Greenwich Village folk scene in the mid-70’s, walking the same streets and playing the same storied coffee houses as Dylan and Van Ronk.

Thirty years later, he’s still walking those streets—but now he’s being recognized universally for his pivotal role in keeping the American folk music tradition alive. Called “a master of vivid lyrical imagery” (Boston Globe), David continues to create beautiful and poignant “story songs” that are intimate and relevant and tug at your emotions. Songs like “Rider On An Orphan Train“ a narrative ballad ringing with truth and anguish” (Washington Post), “Number One In America”, a riveting and ironic civil rights anthem” (Boston Globe) and the biting political statement, “The Gambler”, a thing of beauty about all things ugly” (Barry Crimmins).

His songs have been covered and recorded by Joan Baez, The Roches, Lucy Kaplansky, Tom Russell, Nanci Griffith and his mentor, Dave Van Ronk, who said David “took the dull out of dulcimer!” Notes Music Boulevard, “That David made the lap dulcimer his instrument of choice tells us a lot about the soft-spoken native of eastern Tennessee. He accompanies his performance with an instrument indelibly Appalachian, yet conquers even the most urban of musical communities. He does it without losing that remarkable gift for true storytelling.”

David has released six albums, eleven bootlegs and fourteen books to date, including “Partners in Crime”, the debut album of The FolkBrothers, David’s duo project with the late great Jack Hardy.

For more info visit www.davidmassengill.com

Eric Lugosch - one of the most creative minds of the American acoustic guitar scene. Like his colleague Duck Baker – who is also one of his greatest fans – he very skillfully combines technical know-how with musical expressiveness. Lugosch is a fellow who tinkers, who consistently seeks musical depth in his arrangements and whose artistic concept is marked by both respect of tradition as well as uncompromising originality. His spectrum of color embraces the entire range of American music, be that ragtime, blues, R&B or jazz.

The hallmark of this American fingerstylist consists of an elegant, vigorous tone and a twinkling humor while playing, that inevitably peers charmingly through his music. Lugosch, who hails from Philadelphia, chalked up his first musical experience as a singer in the “Philadelphia Boys Choir,” – an experience that continues to echo in him to this day: “I began listening to music with an ear for the orchestral. Motifs and lines are still central elements in my way of composing.” At the age of twelve he started secretly practicing on his brother’s guitar and delved into the pickings of Rev. Gary Davis and Mississippi John Hurt “For me, it was solo guitar right from the start”, Lugosch recalls. “I experimented a great deal, worked out lines, and was always on the lookout for the orchestral sound of the instrument.” He seems to have found it, even winning the 1984 “National Fingerpicking Championship.” Eric Lugosch lives in Evanston, Illinois, where he writes, teaches and continues developing his own personal vision of fingerstyle guitar beyond all clichés. For more info visit www.ericlugosch.com

Come Sunday - a brand new twist on America’s two original musical genres: jazz and gospel are melded together into one swingin’ good time, then delivered by four powerful singers and the deep grooves of a crazy-good rhythm section and arrangements that will lift you out of your seat. This amazing septet is formed by some of Chicago’s most versatile musicians from a cross section of genres. This dynamic sound is highlighted by each member’s willingness to be part of one voice inside a powerful groove. Allemana’s arrangements set this group apart, creating a new vibe that draws on the past collaboration by Ellington and Mahalia Jackson (hence the nod to “Come Sunday”) but spiced up with a vibrant wall of sound.

Each player brings a personal spin to the mix, creating a sonic quality that is new to the gospel-jazz form. The progressive & irrepressible Lenny Marsh on drums sets a rock tinged back beat. Veteran Al Ehrich’s bass lines are cool and smoky, making every note count. Mike Allemana, who spent 15 years as guitarist for sax legend Von Freman and in 2008 was voted best jazz soloist in Chicago (Chicago Reader), weaves melody and improv lines throughout each tune with his signature jazz guitar. The vocalists come from a rich musical history as well. Sue Demel, known for her work as folk singer-songwriter in the Sons of the Never Wrong, weaves her inspiring sound through the mix, adding soothing tones as well as breathtaking punches of vocal energy. Lindsay Weinberg, a much sought after singer and teacher, adds her golden-throated, remarkably intuitive, jazz flecked alto stylings. Alton Smith lends his extraordinary range, brilliant musicianship and stirring improvisations to each number. Bill Brickey, well versed in gospel and rock, lends a downright remarkable “otherworldliness”

to the sound, bringing audience members to their feet with his interpretations. There’s a buzz buzzing around the windy city for this exciting ensemble. In 2009 Come Sunday was invited to perform at the Chicago jazz Festival. Come see “Come Sunday” and explore a historic musical tradition turned upside down. The show is full of tight harmonies, crazy musical grooves, heartbreaking hymns, and an improvisational call and response surprise around every corner.

For more info visit www.comesundayjazz.com

For more information on this event, please visit www.folk-lorecenter.com/events or call Folk-Lore Center at 630-393-1247. This event is sponsored by First Trust Portfolios, Farmers Insurance – Budd Smith Agency, Folk-Lore Center, Burning Bush Art Gallery, Wheaton Fine and Cultural Arts Commission, Wheaton Park District, City of Wheaton.