Two Way Street Coffee House is Chicagoland’s most beloved folk and acoustic music venue, presenting weekly concerts and community events for over 50 years! The show starts at 8pm (CDT) and the doors open at 7:30pm. (Suggested donation $10). We will also host this concert virtually. You may access the livestream on www.twowaystreet.org, on our Facebook page, or on our YouTube channel.
On Friday, October 27, 2023 Two Way Street Coffee House Friday Night Concert Series presents Ed Ashe and Karen Barr as part of our Local Artist Showcase.
Eddie Ashe is what you get when you mix Chicago and Nashville sounds in a bottle and shake it up. Listeners have described his acoustically driven act as “stripped down folk”, featuring a deep-baritone voice with a surprising range. “That George Ezra effect” is how another listener put it. This year, Eddie is performing in support of his newest EP, Bread and Butter. The EP features primarily live recordings of Eddie and his small backing band, recorded at Colin Peterik’s Jam Lab studio and subsequently released in partnership with Randomosity Records. Settle down in between this low-voiced singer and the soaring violin, and you’ll fit right in.
Karen Barr is a folk-inspired singer songwriter who was born, raised, and has lived the majority of her life in Illinois, never far from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line. Her life experiences as a midwestern girl, a midwife and a mom have informed her songwriting with whimsy and empathy. She’s been described as a master storyteller and songwriter with songs that have the charm of a classic fairytale while also feeling fresh and surprising, often with a splash of humor.
Joining her is Zack Whittington. Zack spent the first half of his life in Alabama. He grew up in a house full of musical instruments and settled on the guitar and mandolin. He cut his teeth playing bluegrass in Chicago with the Wandering Boys starting in 2014. He is prominently featured on Karen’s album Honey and Dirt. Zack hopes one day he’ll get around to playing the fiddle decently.
If you can’t join us in person, you can still tune in virtually to catch the show! Make your donation HERE to Ed and Karen. Visit www.twowaystreet.org for more information.