By Yvonne Wall
There has been live music in the courtyard of Ancestor Square since 1978, when it was completed and the jailhouse and five other historical buildings were restored. The Acoustic Concert Series played for years, entertaining audiences under the ambiance of warm summer breezes and evening stars. In 2002, the Southern Utah Song Writers Association introduced the SUSWA Spring and Fall Concert Series, and this year marks the 15th year of live music featuring local singer/songwriters.
On May 5, Nic Chamberlain and Ryan Tilby will initiate the series with some great roots music. If it’s blues, bluegrass, outlaw country, folk, Southern rock, or just plain songs to get your feet moving, both Chamberlain and Tilby have been around the block.
Ryan Tilby is a national banjo champion who has played as a sideman for countless regional acts in the West. He is a coveted session player for almost any stringed instrument, all the way from Dobro to double bass.
Nic Chamberlain is known for high-flying vocals and powerful drive in playing flat-top guitar. Whether it’s opening for the Beach Boys or Styx, playing Everly Brothers songs around the country, or bringing local crowds to their feet after a beautiful tenor solo, he’s got musical versatility as a frontman.
Opening the evening will be Carlie Wall, who quite literally took Southern Utah by surprise a few years ago as a 14-year-old songwriter with abilities that left everyone in awe. Now at 21, she’s a seasoned artist who has continued creating great music.
On May 12, Raven Cain will take the stage. Having inked a couple of record deals over the past few decades, he is no stranger to entertainment. Raven’s well-known reputation for a spirited stage presence and thought-provoking lyrics earned him the title of the ‘90s Iggy Pop by Flash Magazine. Raven is a singer/songwriter who’s outlaw Southern rock stylings could be compared to Chis Stapleton, Shooter Jennings, and Guns & Roses with a touch of Stone Temple Pilots.
Bruce Bennett, well known in the community as movie critic and community theater actor, will be opening the show. Bennett’s talents include songwriting and playing the guitar.
On May 19, SUSWA will feature LaTressa Smith with Azure Sweet, playing an acoustic blend of Americana and folk covers and originals. With a love of harmony and meaningful lyrics, Smith shows a great balance between fun and inspiration! Adding a nice, full sound to the group is Melissa Kesterson on vocals, violin, ukulele, and percussion and Carolyn Murset on vocals, mandolin, banjo and guitar. Kevin Till is the mortar of the group with his upright bass.
Jerry Allen, a transplant to Southern Utah from North Carolina is not only a singer songwriter but a drummer as well. His love for music began with his discovery of the Beatles. He will be opening for “Azure Sweet.”
The Lawn Darts unplugged will be summing up the season with their first-rate original tunes, like “Swinging for the Fence,” and “Into the Light.” Lisle Crowley, one of Southern Utah’s most accomplished guitar players, teams up with Travis Brown for a great duo on stage and in the recording studio.
Opening the evening will be Haven Sunderland of Hurricane. A vocalist/pianist, she made her splash winning Hurricane Idol and runner-up for this year’s Dixie’s Got Talent.
The shows all begin at 7 p.m. in the heart of Ancestor Square. A few chairs are provided, but guests are welcome bring lawn chairs of their own or blankets and sit on the grass. Surrounded by the wafting aroma of the several restaurants, we invite you to come a little early and take advantage of the incredible food. For more information, go to suswa.com.
