Jon Shain is a veteran singer-songwriter who’s been turning heads for years with his words, his fiery acoustic guitar work, and his evolved musical style – combining improvised piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing, and ragtime. He is the 2019 winner of the International Blues Challenge in the solo/duo category. Shain’s most recent solo disc, Gettin’ Handy with the Blues: A Tribute to the Legacy of WC Handy, was released in January, 2018. Shain’s last release is the  gorgeous roots album, Tomorrow Will Be Yesterday Soon,  recorded along with long-time collaborator FJ Ventre. They have a new album, Never Found  Way to Tame the Blues due to be released in 2021.

Jon is performing with FJ Ventre on bass and vocals. They began playing music together in 1982 when they met in high school. FJ went on to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, earning a B.A. in Music Performance and Sound Recording. He remained in the Boston area, performing in the city’s vibrant music scene. Since relocating to Chapel Hill, NC in 2000, Ventre has performed with his group The Swang Brothers, as well as most of the Triangle’s roots acts. In addition to performing as a sought-after sideman, he spends his time behind the mixing board, engineering at his own Good Luck Studio. With Jon, they have become sought-after producers in the folk/Americana genre, producing several charting Folk albums in the last few years.

At 7 PM the music starts. There is an outdoor stage (and an indoor stage in the store if it rains!). A different band each week: John Howie Jr, the Bluegrass Experience, Knee Deep, Neville’s Quarter… A pith helmet is passed to pay the band. Young and old dance.

There is room for the kids and toys and books... and screen doors for kids to learn to bang. No pets or alcohol. Fireflies. Sometimes thunder. Summer nights - listening to the clear voices and sweet songs melding with the cacophony from crickets, owls, tree frogs and toads. Not being able to tell if the white lights are fireflies or Christmas lights. 3/4 time. Not worrying. Not rushing. Just being. As twilight descends.

Come rock with us!