No, it’s not a musical version of To Kill a Mockingbird.
But its former star, Jeff Daniels, will sing for you on July 22, 2020.
Daniels will strap on his guitar at 7 pm to perform original songs in a concert streamed by the Folk Project. Virtual admission is $15. Afterward, Daniels will field questions submitted by viewers.
“With the world’s current happenings keeping us from getting together, we look for different ways to connect. We all need to be reminded that we’re not alone,” said Daniels, the star of Mockingbird on Broadway, and of films including Terms of Endearment, Gettysburg, Dumb and Dumber and The Martian.
Video: ‘If William Shatner Can, I Can Too’ by Jeff Daniels:
Daniels, 65, has been hooking up with music venues around the country to livestream his concerts during the coronavirus lockdown. Over the years, he has studied with Stefan Grossman and Keb’ Mo’; sat in with Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt and David Bromberg; and played with his son’s band.
The Folk Project, which in March transitioned from live entertainment to its Acoustic Stayaway online series, also returns to live shows this month, with three “Safety First” drive-in concerts in Madison, featuring blues guitar wizard Toby Walker and comic singer-songwriter Vance Gilbert.
“We’re a musical community of artists, players and listeners,” said the Folk Project’s Mark Schaffer. “We’re trying to keep the community connected during a time of isolation.”
Walker and Gilbert each will play a set during shows at 2 pm and 6:15 pm on Saturday, July 25, and at 2 pm on Sunday, July 26, at the Madison Recreation Complex on Ridgedale Avenue. The Folk Project is partnering with the Madison Downtown Development Commission.
Admission per carload ranges from $38 (one occupant) to $127 (four occupants). Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Parking spaces will be socially distanced, with an “entertainment zone.” Masks will be required beyond those zones. The performances will be simulcast on FM for those who wish to remain in their cars. No food will be sold; alcohol, umbrellas, large vans and RV’s are prohibited.
Walker and Gilbert were chosen for this coming out party because of their out-sized personalities, Schaffer said.
“Toby is a dynamic player, and so is Vance, a huge personality. They can put on a wonderful show,” he said.
Video: Toby Walker Beatles tribute, Acoustic Getaway 2014:
Pre-pandemic, the Folk Project hosted The Troubadour concert series on Friday nights, contra dances on Saturdays, and two Acoustic Getaway weekends.
Now, its Acoustic Stayaway offerings include free virtual concerts on Tuesdays and Fridays (on July 17 it’s Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, of Ken Burns’ The Civil War fame), a series of online workshops, and an online music-themed talk show on Sunday afternoons.
Video: Vance Gilbert plays ‘Zombie Patty-Cake’ at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival 2016:
