River Glen, Sophie Coyote, and Joel Sires Trio in Galena

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Galena Center for the Arts, 971 Gear St, Galena, IL

SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH Doors at 6:30pm Music at 7:00pm TICKETS: $10 advance, $12 at the door (kids 12 & under free) Purchase your advance tickets online at www.GalenaCenterfortheArts.org or in-person at 971 Gear St. Galena, IL.

WHAT TO EXPECT...come one, come all to the Galena Center for the Arts for an evening of well-wrought lyricism and delicious melodies from three modern midwestern troubadours: River Glen, Sophie Coyote, & Joel Sires Trio!

JOEL SIRES TRIO: Joel Sires never gives up, even when he probably should. A good natured blockhead, Sires is equivalent to Charlie Brown, had he played guitar instead of baseball. A headstrong and adventurous life in music has transformed Sires into a delightful left of center singer-songwriter. Having performed on renowned stages coast to coast including SXSW in Austin, Texas, and the iconic CBGBs in New York City, Sires has garnered attention from publications such as Paste and Spin Magazine. The songs carry an element of nostalgia, irreverent humor and genuine pathos that will more than likely turn the listener into a fan, or a friend. www.joelsires.com

SOPHIE COYOTE: Sophie Ann Tootelian aka “Sophie Coyote'' is a singer/ songwriter from the small mid-western town of Waddam’s Grove, Illinois. Born in a one hundred and twenty year old farm house on seven acres of land surrounded by rolling fields. She was raised on a broad range of musical influences that include Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Johnny Cash and many more. This open mind of influence has led to a songwriting style that is reminiscent of the raw and honest age of music; lyrically driven with interesting stories and unique twists and word-play. Sophie's recent releases include the single "Coyote Queen", the music video "Venom", and a live recorded E.P. titled “Indigo Child”. Find more at www.sophiecoyote.com.

RIVER GLEN: River was born at home in Dubuque, Iowa, homeschooled by his mom, and raised in a family band. His original music playfully blends elements of folk, pop, and rock. His songwriting strikes a delicate balance of pop-appeal and lyrical substance; from wonderings about love, family, and belonging, to the celebration of death and loss as a natural part of life. River critiques modern pop-culture through the lens of familiar, traditional folk themes, always with tasty grooves and clever rhymes. River began work on “As Above, So Below”, an album of original music featuring over one hundred and fifty singers/musicians, almost entirely from his home state of Iowa. “As Above, So Below” was released on May 1st, 2023. More information about River’s original music, videos, etc…can be found at www.RiverGlenMusic.com.

River Glen at Voices Art Gallery in Dubuque

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Voices Art Gallery, 1585 Central Ave, Dubuque, IA

River Glen - An Evening of Stories & Songs at Voices Art Gallery in Dubuque! THURSDAY, APRIL 11TH Doors at 5:30pm Music at 6:30pm General Admission: $10 (kids 12 & under FREE)

Hello, Dubuque! River here. After a winter full of travel and adventures, I have returned home and am partnering with the fine folks at Voices Art Gallery to deliver a most heartfelt performance of my original music alongside stories from my travels, the inspiration behind my songs, as well as general musings about love, community, and what it means to be human in the world today. This all-ages performance will be a seated 'listening room' style event featuring the incredible talents of special guests Megan Elizabeth, Kristina Castañeda, Nolan Schroeder, Wxlley, and Chiron. This is your chance to see me perform live before I hit the road again for the summer, so mark your calendars, and please show me some of that good grassroots love by 'inviting' you friends, 'sharing' this event, and spreading the word! Thanks and love. -River

FRIDAY, APRIL 19TH @ Annesley United Church in Markdale, ON Doors: 6:00pm Music: 7:00pm-9:00pm Tickets: $25 Advance, $30 Day-of (kids 12 & under FREE) Purchase in-person or live-stream tickets at: https://annesley.events/events/river_glen_oct_23-278/

FROM IOWA TO ONTARIO 2024... Folk music has historically been a response to the times, to the world around us. “Folk” as a genre serves as an ongoing artistic reflection of society and the lives of common everyday folks, to provide an opportunity to orient how our individual and often deeply personal life experiences fit into the larger picture of our communal experience. A musical tradition that Iowa songwriters Abbie Sawyer and River Glen are honored to carry forward in their “From Iowa to Ontario” Tour 2024.

LIGHTING UP PEOPLE’S HEARTS… Abbie Sawyer captivates live audiences with her warmth, humor, stirring lyrics and soulful voice. As a singer-songwriter, Abbie shares her deeply-felt music from the heart to the heart. Expect to go on a journey with each song as she shares stories and anecdotes along the way. Her debut solo album, “Love Is a Flood” (2022), illuminates her experiences of motherhood and the pandemic, including postpartum anxiety and depression, joy and healing. This album and Abbie’s experience was featured on Iowa Public Radio and National Public Radio. As a life-long performer and musician, Abbie has curated a deeply-felt, intimate style using her acoustic guitar and voice, bringing warmth and wonder to her performances. “I want to feel life through my heart, and I want to help light up other people’s hearts." — (Iowa Public Radio, “For Abbie Sawyer, Life is Therapy”)

NOURISHING PEOPLE’S CURIOSITY… River Glen was born at home in Dubuque, Iowa, homeschooled by his mom, and raised in a family band. His original music playfully blends elements of folk, pop, and rock. His songwriting strikes a delicate balance of pop-appeal and lyrical substance; from wonderings about love, family, and belonging, to the celebration of death and loss as a natural part of life. River critiques modern pop-culture through the lens of familiar, traditional folk themes, always with tasty grooves and clever rhymes. In 2017, River was named Fellow by the Iowa Arts Council for his original music. While serving in this honorary position, River began work on “As Above, So Below”, an album of original music featuring over one hundred and fifty singers/musicians, almost entirely from his home state of Iowa. “As Above, So Below” was released on May 1st, 2023. More information about “As Above, So Below” as well as more of River’s original music, videos, etc…can be found at www.riverglenmusic.com “These combined life experiences have fed into River Glen & Band’s ambitious new album, As Above, So Below, which incorporates a kaleidoscopic array of musicians who call Iowa home. As longtime Iowa Public Radio DJ Bob Dorr observes in the introductory track, this record is a “patchwork quilt woven lovingly with voices and instruments of over 150 people.” Yes, you read that right: more than 150 musicians!” —- (KEMBREW MCLEOD OF LITTLE VILLAGE WRITING ABOUT RIVER’S ALBUM "AS ABOVE, SO BELOW" 2023)

SOOTHING PEOPLE’S WORRY… Emily Gilbart is an indie folk artist based out of Orangeville, Ontario. Her music centers around her unique voice and acoustic guitar, which come together to create a sense of warmth and intimacy. Her lyrics are introspective and raw, exploring themes of heartbreak, mental health and coming of age as a queer woman. Emily has participated in a number of prestigious programs for emerging artists, including the Developing Artist program at Folk Music Ontario in 2019, and the Youth Discoveries Program at Summerfolk in 2018. She was a finalist in the Toronto Blues Society’s Talent Search, as well as the recipient of a number of awards in her local community. At 22 she has released two five-song EPs and two singles, and has plans to release a third single in spring 2024. https://www.emilygilbart.com/