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Alliance for the Arts announces ACMA & Bluegrass Concert Series

Join the Alliance for this indoor and outdoor concert series

By Staff

Morgan Brake Band. PHOTO PROVIDED

Live music is back at the Alliance for the Arts (AFTA) with an exciting lineup of nine concerts, featuring three performances by The American Community Music Association (ACMA) artists and six bluegrass shows. Tickets are priced at $18 for Alliance members and $20 for non-members. To ensure an intimate experience, seating is limited to 132 attendees. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be relocated indoors to keep the music going, rain or shine.

Bluegrass Concert Series

Band: The Morgan Brake Band (INDOOR)

Date: Sunday, Oc. 27 at 3 p.m.

About: The Morgan Brake Band, originally known as Duck Wallow Lane, is a small town bluegrass band composed of young, accomplished Florida bluegrass musicians who have attained national exposure and recognition – including Nashville. Morgan Brake is part of the next generation of up and coming Bluegrass musicians taking flight. She is a fantastic singer songwriter and is already making waves in Bluegrass and Americana across the country.

HWY 41 South. PHOTO PROVIDED

Tickets: www.tix.com/ticket-sales/allianceforthearts/3107/event/1394505

Band: HWY 41 South (INDOOR)

Date: Sunday, Nov. 24 at 3 p.m.

About: HWY 41 SOUTH has performed at nearly every major bluegrass festival in Florida, surpassing their own expectations as a band. They’ve had the opportunity to meet and play alongside their bluegrass heroes, backing up artists like James King and sharing the stage with top performers such as Claire Lynch and Jim Lauderdale.

Tickets: www.artinlee.org/event/hwy-41-south-indoors-bluegrass/

Bill Metts . PHOTO PROVIDED

Band: Bill Metts and Frank Corso (INDOOR)

Date: Dec. 15 at 3 p.m.

About: Bill Metts is a seasoned musician who started his career playing American Folk and Blues on fingerstyle guitar. After six years in a classic rock band, he spent 15 years performing songs from the 1930s and 1940s in nursing homes, where he witnessed the transformative power of music, especially for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Now focused on writing his own songs, Bill is a strong advocate for the belief that music can make the world a better place. He recently performed at the inaugural Fringe Fort Myers Festival.

Frank Corso is a multi-talented artist who thrives as both a painter and musician. Believing in the synergy between music and painting, he has performed across the U.S. and in Italy, specializing in Country Blues and Ragtime on fingerstyle guitar. Additionally, Frank plays Tin Pan Alley tunes on the ukulele and Southern Clawhammer styles on the banjo.

Tickets: www.artinlee.org/event/bill-metts-and-frank-corso-indoor-bluegrass/

Frank Corso. PHOTO PROVIDED

Band: The Flatlanders (OUTDOORS)

Date: Sunday, Jan. 12 at 3 p.m.

About: The Flatlanders are one of North Florida’s top bluegrass and gospel bands, delivering tight harmonies and a hard driving traditional sound with a contemporary edge. Established in early 2020, these members were already seasoned veterans in the genre, and are excited to share their gifts as a band. The band consists of Brian Andrews, Joey Lazio, Andy Kennan and Matt Melton.

Tickets: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/allianceforthearts/3107/event/1394512

Band: Low Ground (OUTDOORS)

The Flatlanders. PHOTO PROVIDED

Date: Sunday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m.

About: Low Ground is a dynamic, bluegrass-inspired band from South Florida, known for blending traditional styles with modern creativity. Their live performances showcase a passion for music and a commitment to honoring the rich histories of Bluegrass, Swing, Folk, Rock, Blues, Jazz, and Jam, while pushing sonic boundaries. The band features Paddy King on fiddle, Amanda Accardi on upright bass, Isaac Taylor on banjo, Trevor Klutz on mandolin, and Nicholas Kiriazis on guitar, delivering a fresh sound that appeals to both traditionalists and those seeking something new.

Tickets: www.tix.com/ticket-sales/allianceforthearts/3107/event/1394507

Band: Swinging Bridge (INDOOR)

Date: Sunday, March 9, at 3 p.m.

About: Swinging Bridge, established in 1997, is a five-member bluegrass and classic country group from Venice, Florida, performing regularly throughout Southwest Florida. The band, featuring Alan Colpitts, Chris Bryson, Doug Rowe, JR Davis, and Bobby Martin, is a popular fixture at local bluegrass festivals and the monthly Southwest Florida Bluegrass Association Jam/Fests. In 2003, they released their debut CD, Rough Edges, which was well-received by their growing fan base. Known for their strong lead vocals, tight harmonies, and lively stage presence, Swinging Bridge delivers a mix of traditional and contemporary bluegrass and country, creating engaging and memorable performances.

Tickets: www.tix.com/ticket-sales/allianceforthearts/3107/event/1394515

The American Community Music Association (ACMA) Concert Series:

Band: House of Hamill (OUTDOORS)

Date: Sunday, Jan. 26, at 3 p.m.

About: House of Hamill formed unexpectedly when Rose Baldino and Brian Buchanan first performed together at the 2014 Folk Alliance International Conference after weather canceled flights for Rose’s bandmates. Their on-stage chemistry was immediate, leading to further collaborations. Four years later, they expanded into a trio when a last-minute lineup change at a festival introduced them to bassist Caroline Browning. Based in Pennsylvania, House of Hamill now performs at major folk festivals across the U.S., earning recognition with their hit “Pound a Week Rise” and viral success with a violin cover of “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” which has over 16 million views.

Tickets: www.tix.com/ticket-sales/allianceforthearts/3107/event/1389626

Band: Grant Peeples ft. J.D. Lashley

Date: Sunday, Feb. 16, at 3 p.m.

About: Grant Peeples, a self-described “tree-hugger that watches NASCAR,” is known for his sharp socio-political songs, raucous humor, and poignant ballads. Recognized with the Focus Foundation Award for Creative Excellence, his music is praised for its humor, compassion, and cultural insight. Peeples tours coast to coast and is a regular at major festivals like The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, 30A Songwriters Festival, and Florida Folk Festival. In June, he will debut at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival. Influenced by Bob Dylan, Peeples has spent decades as a keen observer of American life, using his writing to critique culture and identity through contemporary folk music..

J.D. Lashley: If Folk Singer Todd Snider dropped his kid brother on his head, he’d have probably wound up a lot like JD Lashley. JD works hard and writes harder, trying to pluck jokes and rhymes out of the grind. His style is heavily influenced by Americana and Roots music, and he’s not afraid to sneak in a little Hip Hop… Something for everyone.

Tickets: www.tix.com/ticket-sales/allianceforthearts/3107/event/1389625

Band: The Honey Badgers ft. Fred Bell (OUTDOORS)

Date: Sunday, March 23 at 3 p.m.

About: The Honey Badgers: This contemporary folk-Americana duo from Newark, DE, consists of married singer-songwriters Erin Magnin and Michael Natrin, whose undeniable chemistry and sparkling harmonies captivate audiences both on and off stage. With Erin’s wistful violin and Michael’s driving guitar, The Honey Badgers weave heartfelt stories of self-discovery, connection, and navigating life’s journey. Their powerful lyrics and melodies earned them the title of “Most Wanted” at the 2023 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist Showcase, and they were winners of the 2023 Delaware Public Media Homey Award for Best Folk Song.

Fred Bell: Bell’s musical journey began in Greenwich Village in the 1960s during the height of the “Great Folk Scare.” After a long hiatus to focus on family life, Fred returned to his passion for music in 2005 and has been performing steadily ever since. His charming anecdotes, witty storytelling, and honest songwriting reflect a life well-lived and a deep love for the craft. Now based in Florida, Fred has shared his music at various local venues and continues to write and play with the same enthusiasm that first drew him to the stage.

Tickets: www.tix.com/ticket-sales/allianceforthearts/3107/event/1393320

Tickets are $18 for members and $20 for non-members and are available online at ArtInLee.org or by calling 239-939-2787.

Pre-sale seating is limited to 132 and is first come, first serve. How reservations work for outdoor concerts: We will be accepting the first 132 people for concert reservations. IF weather threatens the outdoor concert it will be moved to our indoor theatre for general admission seats. If there is no weather threat we will sell additional tickets at the door the day of the concert. More information can be found at artinlee.org/bluegrass.

About Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. Since 1975, the Alliance has been committed to transforming lives and improving community through the arts. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, please call 239-939-2787, visit us at www.ArtInLee.org, find us on Facebook or Instagram.