They’re using that word “Fri-yays” to hype the Folk February concert series in Sewickley.
I’ll allow it.
These are, indeed, some shows to say “yay” about at the Sweetwater Center for The Arts, that cool building you see every time you’re sitting at the Sewickley Bridge traffic light southbound.
The Turpentiners, an acoustic quintet that plays rural swing, kick off the series Feb. 9, followed by Pittsburgh’s nationally touring Buffalo Rose on Feb. 16.
Buffalo Rose’s sweet harmonies and excellent musicianship were a sound to behold at the 2022 Cabin Fever Music Series at Beaver Station.
Folk February continues Feb. 23 with Byron Nash, the beloved Pittsburgh rocker who’s cultivated a loyal fan base in the Beaver Valley, via shows in Ambridge, Beaver, Beaver Falls and Bridgewater. Nash is a versatile guitar slinger, who can crank up the heat or provide an oh-so-satisfying simmer (like his cover of The Cure’s “Lovesong”) so it will be interesting to hear how he tackles folk music.
“What many don’t know is that I play a lot of acoustic guitar and it is my primary songwriting instrument,” Nash said. “I know that I’m known for my funky, loud, rock and blues guitar playing, but the truth is I have this very sensitive, delicate, singer songwriter side that I rarely have shared with the public. I have quite a few songs in that style that I have finally decided to share with the world.
“Playing this event is a personal commitment to me believing in and releasing the material,” Nash said. “I think I was a little shy or insecure about showing that side of me … until now. I think many would be surprised on how it sounds.”
Back by popular demand after a successful 2023 debut, Folk February Fridays takes place in Sweetwater’s Community Room.
Here’s the venue’s sales pitch: “Folk Fridays is an opportunity for gathering community members, as well as ‘folks’ who have not seen Sweetwater. Cozy up for an evening of community, cocktails, and live folk music. Your $25 ticket provides access to the venue, as well as (Sweetwater’s) Chef Alvarez’s hors d’oeuvres. Adult beverages will also be available for purchase.”
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with music beginning at 7:30 p.m. Seating is first come, first served. Tickets are at sweetwaterartcenter.org.
Learn more about Folk February by clicking here.
