Jan. 26, 2019 – Robert Jones

Rev. Robert Jones, Sr. is an inspirational storyteller and musician celebrating the history, humor and power of American Roots music. The recipient of the prestigious 2018 Kresge Award, his deep love for traditional African American and American traditional music is shared in live performances that interweave timeless stories with original and traditional songs. For more than twenty-five years Robert has entertained and educated audiences of all ages in schools, colleges, libraries, union halls, prisons, churches and civil rights organizations.

Feb. 23, 2019 – Kirsten Maxwell | Kim Moberg

We’re excited to have Kirsten Maxwell return to the Rose Garden! In 2016, she made quite an impression. Her crystalline vocals, ebullient stage persona and original and cover songs left us wanting more. Adding to the show will be Kim Moberg, the winner of our 26th annual Performing Songwriter Competition, chosen in May 2018, who will play a split with Kirsten.

March 23, 2019 – The Meadows Brothers

The Meadows Brothers’ gut-bucket, dirt-road, twangy spirit takes hold in a new road-tested collection of original songs. When The Meadows Brothers decided it was time to start recording, they discovered a tangle of rich imagery, atmospheric states and narratives, both real and imagined – that together create a fine tapestry of listening. These songs culminate in “TRUTH,” a diverse compilation on of modern folk-rock-infused Americana. Some of you might recognize Ian Meadows, who was a finalist in our Performing Songwriter Competition in 2016.

April 13, 2019 – The Kennedys

Two of our favorites make a return to the Garden, helping us to celebrate our 30th season! Pete and Maura Kennedy, both East Coast natives, met in Austin, Texas, joined forces with Nanci Griffith’s Blue Moon Orchestra for a couple of years, and set out on a road that, for two decades, has led them not only west but all over the US and the UK many times. This year, they celebrate their twentieth anniversary both as a band and a married couple. Rather than indulge in a nostalgic look backward, they’ve taken Dylan’s dictum “don’t look back” to heart; writing and recording forty new songs.

May 18, 2019 – April Verch
plus our 27th annual Performing Songwriter Competition

Another of our favorites, April Verch, comes home. The Ottawa Valley (Canada) fiddler, step-dancer, singer and all-around wonderful performer is back as part of a new dynamic trio. An unassuming delight in person, April’s talents are many, and she has gained worldwide renown. You might have seen her performing at 2010 the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Vancouveras part of a segment called “Fiddle Nation.” We are thrilled to have her back to conclude our 30th season and be the featured act after our 27th annual Performing Songwriter Competition.