May 10, 2024, Press Release from the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts: Findlay, OH, May 10, 2024–Marathon Center for the Performing Arts is excited to announce their 2024/2025 Live @ Armes Series concerts, sponsored by Premier Bank.
Performed in the intimate setting of Armes Hall, MCPA's Live @ Armes concert series was introduced in September 2017. Over the past seven seasons, thirty-eight artists have played the series in genres including the blues, bluegrass, singer/songwriter, Americana, folk and country.
The 2024/2025 season kicks off with Damn Tall Buildings on September 12. In their early days, Damn Tall Buildings didn’t rehearse – they busked. Now, whether live or on record, the trio still radiates the energy of a crew of best friends playing bluegrass on the street. Anchoring that energy is their instrumental chops, their strong songwriting, and their varied influences that stretch beyond bluegrass, even beyond American roots music altogether. Whether sharing lead vocals and instrumental solos or blending their voices into high-spirited harmony, Damn Tall Buildings is more than the sum of its parts.
Next up is Leslie Mendelson on October 17. If Leslie Mendelson’s only collaboration with a legendary musician was Jackson Browne, it would be a worthy point to celebrate. What’s truly telling is that Leslie has also drawn the attention of The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir who recorded a duet with her on Roy Orbison's standard, “Blue Bayou,” while no less than classic rock royalty The Who invited her to open two shows at Madison Square Garden last year. With some of rock music’s most legitimate voices seeking Leslie out, it leaves no doubt the rarefied air she inhabits as an artist.
The Slocan Ramblers hit the stage on November 14. The Slocan Ramblers (featured on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville TN, 2020 IBMA Momentum Band of the Year Award Winner & 2019 Juno Award Nominee) are Canada’s bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans have become a leading light of today’s acoustic music scene. With a reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and an uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan, The Slocans have been winning over audiences from Merlefest to RockyGrass and everywhere in between.
South for Winter comes to MCPA on December 5. Often described as “folk-blues," "roots," or “Renaissance,” South for Winter's songs are intoned with a depth of emotion and richness of experience that invites listeners into the story - eager and anxious in turn with each verse. In a landscape saturated with incredible songwriters and musicians, South for Winter have developed a sound all their own. With meticulously crafted lyrics, captivating natural charisma, and an impressive assortment of instruments at their command, South for Winter have time and time again established themselves as a crowd favorite.
The new year starts with Head For The Hills on January 16. Like a painter that starts in acrylics and graduates to oils, Head for the Hills is deeper and richer in their 15th year as a band, with a wider palette of sonic textures at their disposal. Dorm room jam sessions have turned into a decade plus on the road--from humble coffee shops to theaters, festivals, roadhouses and clubs all across the country. Over time those sounds and influences have crept more and more into the bluegrass beginnings of the band, morphing into the best of Colorado acoustic, roots, and soul fusion.
Music lovers won't want to miss Shayfer James on February 6. An American singer-songwriter, pianist, and composer, Shayfer James is known for hauntingly beautiful and bombastic music that blends elements of pop, cabaret, classical, soul and rock. He began playing piano and writing music at a young age, drawing inspiration from diverse musical influences such as Sam Cooke, Stephen Sondheim, Elton John, Nat King Cole and The Native Tongues. His music has been described as cinematic, evocative, and deeply personal, often exploring themes of love, loss, and human nature.
Chicago Farmer plays Live @ Armes on March 27. The son of a small town farming community, Cody Diekhoff logged plenty of highway and stage time under the name Chicago Farmer before settling in the city in 2003. Profoundly inspired by fellow midwesterner John Prine, he’s a working-class folk musician to his core. His small town roots, tilled with city streets mentality, are turning heads North and South of I-80 and across the country.
Never Come Down is next on April 24. Weaving together modern and traditional styles of bluegrass and americana, Never Come Down is a Portland, Oregon based 5-piece known for their dedication to thoughtful songwriting and their polished technical skills. Formed in 2018, the band’s self-titled debut arrived shortly thereafter, and their second album “Better Late Than Never” was released in 2021. They’ve toured internationally and have found acclaim from festivals and venues such as Iceland Airwaves, John Hartford Memorial Fest, Americanafest, FreshGrass and RockyGrass.
The season closes with Matt Andersen on May 15. A powerhouse performer with a soul-filled voice and commanding stage presence, award-winning blues guitarist and singer/songwriter Matt Andersen has built a formidable following the old-fashioned way: touring worldwide and letting his audiences spread the word. Known as one of Canada's hardest-working musicians, Matt specializes in an earthy blend of blue-collar folk, electric blues, and roots rock.
Live @ Armes season tickets are now on sale by going to MCPA.org or calling the ticket office at 419.423.2787 x 100. Individual shows go on sale at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 16.
We look forward to seeing you at the shows!
For more information, contact Marathon Center for the Performing Arts Ticket Office by calling 419.423.2787 ext. 100 or visiting MCPA.org. Marathon Center for the Performing Arts is located at 200 W. Main Cross St, Findlay. Box Office hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Live @ Armes Series
Sponsored by Premier Bank
Damn Tall Buildings
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Leslie Mendelson
Thursday, October 17, 2024
The Slocan Ramblers
Thursday, November 14, 2024
South for Winter
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Head For The Hills
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Shayfer James
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Chicago Farmer
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Never Come Down
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Matt Andersen
Thursday, May 15, 2025
