If you live in the Chicago area, please join me at Evanston SPACE on January 11 where I am producing an afternoon tribute to the songs of the late Chicago singer-songwriter Michael Smith. Country and Midwestern tells Michael’s journey starting in Chicago in the 1970s and continuing through 2020 when he passed.
The show will honor the incredible five-decade songbook of Michael, who John Prine once said was his “favorite Chicago songwriter.” Singing Michael’s songs this year are Michael McDermott, Steve Dawson, Rachel Drew, Jenny Bienemann, Naomi Ashley, Linda Marie Smith, Mark Dvorak, Gerald Dowd, Marian Runk, Jamie O’Reilly, and Judson Claiborne. Joining us are producer Jim Tullio (The Band, Mavis Staples, Steve Goodman) to discuss recording Michael over the years, plus, a “special guest.”
Tables are sold out, but some GA is still available. Whether you know his catalog or not, join us to celebrate this unsung hero of Chicago music whose songs have been covered by everyone from Jerry Jeff Walker to Steve Goodman to Suzy Bogguss.
See you in January!