Madison Folk Music Society presents JOE JENCKS / special guest KAIA FOWLER

610 North Street,Madison WI 53704

24 February, 2023

Description

Joe Jencks is an 25-year veteran of the international folk circuit, an award-winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist based in Chicago. Merging conservatory training with his Irish roots and working-class upbringing, Joe delivers engaged musical narratives filled with heart, soul, groove and grit. Having penned several #1 Folksongs including the ever-relevant "Lady of The Harbor," Jencks is also co-founder of the harmony trio, Brother Sun. Joe is noted for his unique merging of musical beauty, social consciousness, and spiritual exploration. Blending well-crafted instrumentals and vivid songwriting, Jencks serves it all up with a lyric baritone voice that has the edgy richness of a good sea-salt caramel. Jencks is currently touring in support of his 17th recording, The Coming of the Years, an album that stands firmly in the modern Celtic traditions and is still quintessentially a Joe Jencks record. Centered around songs Jencks wrote while on tour in Ireland over a 12-year period, this album emerges as a synergistic blend of past and present merging with themes of immigration spanning multiple generations. The album is already being received with critical acclaim. “You can expect many a gifted artist to move you deeply, but Joe Jencks will change who you are.” - Angela Page – WJFF, Radio Catskill, Jefferson, NY ==================== Special guest opener, Mad Folk's own Kaia Fowler creates music that speaks to the soul. Kaia's passion, presence, warmth, and authenticity all invite listeners to open their hearts and transcend the everyday through song. A versatile guitarist with mastery of fingerstyle and strumming techniques, Kaia is best known for her beautiful voice, often described as having a soothing or healing quality. Her latest album, One Breath, placed on the Folk Alliance International “Top Albums of the Month” chart for July 2022, receiving radio play from coast to coast in the U.S. and in Canada. With mixing on most songs provided by Grammy award-winning engineer Charlie Pilzer, One Breath features songs of hope and healing. Special guest tracks include “Take Shelter in Love” with harmony vocals and bouzouki arranged and performed by Joe Jencks; “Obon, Dance of Light” with bass and bamboo flute parts arranged and performed by Peter Phippen; and “Ridin’ Along” with Tricia Alexander on blues harmonica. For Kaia, who also practices Reiki energy therapy, and serves as a life and wellbeing coach, music creation fits into a larger healing arts ministry. She extends her musical performances beyond stage and studio into communities where she promotes greater wellbeing and a sense of togetherness and Unity. Listeners describe Kaia Fowler’s voice and songs as inspiring comfort, courage, and connection. “Fabulous voice and song, and fabulous harmonica by Tricia Alexander!” — Lilli Kuzma, Host of Folk Festival on WDCB Chicago, IL ==================== Thanks to WORT-FM for sponsorship of this event. * * * * * * * For over forty years, the non-profit Madison Folk Music Society has fostered folk and acoustic music in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area. Funded entirely by members, concert ticket sales, and donations, we keep the light of folk music shining! Mad Folk hosts six to ten concerts a year featuring some of folk music's finest national touring acts. We also publish a monthly newsletter -- Mad Folk News -- featuring album reviews, a calendar of area folk music and dance events, and articles of interest to regional folk music fans! Become a Mad Folk member to receive the newsletter! Learn more at our website: https://www.madfolk.org