Hickory Ridge Concerts kicks off its 39th year this Saturday, January 17th at 7:00 pm at the historic Ellisville Opera House in Ellisville, IL with the Chicago folk duo Wattle and Daub. Wattle & Daub’s authentic acoustic voice is rooted in their passion for the power of the folk music tradition. From the heart of the midwest, in northern Illinois, husband and wife singer-songwriters, Tim and Susan Mocarski are dedicated to keeping folk culture alive and kicking through participation, social commentary, and entertainment.
Tim (guitar, banjo, harmonica, vocals) met Susan (guitar, mandolin, vocals) back in 2013 listening to live local music at a bar in Kenosha, Wisconsin. A year later they started writing and performing together.
Three years later, they got married.
Tim and Susan have been featured acts at the Tall Tales Music Festival, Woodstock Folk Festival, and the Fox Valley Folk Music and Storytelling Festival. Their debut album, Struggles and Love (2017) garnered immediate praise from folk radio hosts. Middle of the Road (2020) contains songs ranging from just plain fun to those focused on what it means to be human in these times, our loves and our experiences. With Trees in the Breeze (2023) the duo continues offering their take on the world around them touching on personal experiences and encounters in their lives. “Our songs use traditional harmonies that are immediately familiar with lyrics that tug at common heartstrings.” Tim adds, The Hickory Ridge Concert Series is hosted by singer-songwriter Chris Vallillo. Concerts are usually (but not always) held on the 3rd Saturday of the month and begin at 7:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:00 p.m. The Ellisville Opera House is a second story venue however they do now have an elevator and is air conditioned. Coffee, drinks, and a variety of desserts are available during intermission. There is an admission charge of $10.00 per adults with children under 12 free.
Hickory Ridge Concerts is supported in part by WIUM 91.3 FM, your source for NPR programming, local news and a variety of music, the Two Rivers Arts Council, and the Doris and Ken Kolb Foundation. Follow Hickory Ridge Concerts on facebook, or on the website, www.hickoryridgeconcerts.com.
