Holiday Concert

Acorn Coffeehouse is proud to present dulcimer artists Dona and Dan Benkert and fiddler Rick Veras in a holiday concert, Saturday, December 13th. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. The Concert begins at 8:00 pm. Admission: $10. The Burning Bush Art Gallery is located on 216 N. Main St. Wheaton, Ill 60187 and is a ministry of Gary United Methodist Church. Reservations are recommended on line www.acorncoffeehouse.com. or call 630-393-1247

Celebrate the holiday season in traditional style. Join Dona & Dan Benkert and Rick Veras for an evening of dulcimer and fiddle delights presented with warm audience rapport, high energy and contagious enthusiasm that lead to fun and enjoyment for all. Take a step back in time and experience a touch of the “true, old-time sound” of the past. Their performances are a blend of holiday music both well known and obscure interspersed with delicate waltzes, traditional Irish music, lively fiddle tunes and high spirited, toe-tapping old time favorites. Their arrangements are rooted in the traditions the British Isles, New England Country dance music, Appalachian fiddle tunes, and the music of Irish harpist Turloch O’Carolan, and traditional international carols. Aside from being entertained by the music, the audience will also learn a bit of the history of the music and instruments used in performance.

The Benkerts specialize in dulcimers, both the hammered (dating back to 600 BC), and the Appalachian Mountain dulcimer (the only real American instrument). “Once you hear the beautiful tones the dulcimer produce, you’re hooked,” said Dona. “The hammered dulcimer is actually the forerunner to the piano. It’s played with little hammers much like those found inside the piano”.

Dona is an accomplished hammered and mountain dulcimer artist and winner of the 2003 Studs Terkel Humanities Award. She presents workshops and concerts throughout the Midwest and is celebrating 25 years of teaching at the renowned Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. She has won numerous awards for her work with special needs children and is the coordinator for the newly established Acorn Coffeehouse in Wheaton. Dan is accomplished on both the mountain dulcimer and pennywhistle. They both enjoy sharing their love for traditional music, helping to preserve a bit of our musical heritage. The Benkerts are owners of Folk-Lore Center music school in Warrenville.

Fiddler Rick Veras is adept at any style of music and can be found playing in many bands throughout the Chicago area, as well as being involved in theatrical music productions. His fiddle rings out with just the right harmony, lead variations, or counter melody, blending perfectly to produce an extremely energetic sound. Veras has many years of experience in not only performance, but teaching as well.

Acorn Coffeehouse presents concerts at the Burning Bush Art Gallery on a monthly basis, showcasing high caliber artists in an intimate setting. It’s a wonderful experience to be close to the performing artist as if the concert was in your own living room. There’s a natural bond that the audience forms with the music and the performer. The newly renovated late 1890’s house is a perfect venue for concerts. Along with hearing some of the finest live music, you will also be treated to an inspiring art exhibit. It’s a great blend of auditory and visual arts. Upcoming performers include Joe Filisko and Eric Noden, The Hat Stretchers, Chris Vallillo, and Curtis and Loretta. The complete schedule can be found at www.acorncoffeehouse.com.