llinois State University’s Concerts on the Quad series begins Monday, July 2, with the fiery mandolin, sparkling vocals, and profound songwriting of bluegrass artist Ashley Lewis.
Lush harmonies and weaving string lines compliment Lewis’ sweet voice and melodic playing. The result is a full bodied, multi-texture sound that pushes musicianship towards the forefront, while still retaining the simplicity and catchiness of bluegrass and country pop. Lewis draws upon influences from roots rock to Delta blues, and paints a varied tapestry of sweet-souled country.
Ashley Lewis (right) and her band Legacy.
Lewis’ band Legacy consists of some of the finest talent known and combines vocals with instruments including mandolin, fiddle, guitar, banjo, dobro, and upright bass. The band lineup includes Doug Knecht, Jon Mollenhauer, and Teresa Fry.
The 2018 Concerts on the Quad schedule includes:
July 2, Ashley Lewis and Legacy
July 9, Creole Stomp
July 16, Switchback
July 23, Evening of Jazz: The BraziLionaires
July 30, Singing Under the Stars
All Concerts begin at 7 p.m., are free and open to the public, and take place on the east side of Cook Hall (the Castle) on the Illinois State University Quad. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
The Concerts on the Quad series is presented by the Illinois State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music and in conjunction with the Illinois Shakespeare Festival and The Pantagraph, and is sponsored by the Mirza Fund of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, Fell Trust, the Town of Normal Harmon Arts Grant Program and Debbie and Terry Lindberg.
