Twisted Bluegrass for Music at the Museum on March 8 at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield

ISM Location: Springfield

For Immediate Release:

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Music at the Museum Concert Series at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield will present the idiosyncratic humor and the amazing musicianship of The Matchsellers on Thursday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m.  Known for an intense musical chemistry, world class playing skills and exciting performances, they have been described as having “a twisted sense of lyrical humor paired with energetic Americana music”.

The Matchsellers are Warsaw, Indiana native Andrew Morris and Julie Bates of Kansas City, Missouri.  They are both highly accomplished musicians, with Andrew performing on guitar and Julie handling the fiddle duties. Their exciting, gritty, and often hilarious stage show has been developed over four years of relentless touring across the U.S. and Europe. The two met while living in Germany and began exploring traditional American music from abroad. In their subsequent travels through the U.S., they collected influences from various regional styles of American folk music. While a focus on humor and absurdity permeates their show, they are dedicated interpreters of tradition whose excellent musicianship, songwriting and taste are never overshadowed.

The pair’s respective backgrounds in electric blues guitar and classical violin– as well as a penchant for the absurd– offer a refreshing point of view. They have been featured on various NPR and international radio stations, as well as blogs including The Bluegrass Situation, Dying For Bad Music and more.

The Music at the Museum Concerts are hosted by Illinois singer/songwriter Chris Vallillo, and take place every second Thursday of the month at the Illinois State Museum auditorium. Concerts start at 7:00 p.m.; admission is $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for Museum Society members and kids under 12.   There will be a variety of desserts and drinks available during the break.  

For the full 2017 Music at the Museum schedule, go online at www.museumconcerts.com.  The Illinois State Museum is located at 502 S. Spring Street in Springfield. The Illinois State Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 12 noon until 4:30 p.m. 

                                                                        ###

Contact Person: Karen Everingham

Contact Email: Karen.Everingham@illinos.gov

Contact Phone: (217) 782-5949

Release File (pdf): ism-musicmarch2018.pdf

Release File (doc): ism-musicmarch2018.docx