Henhouse Prowlers

Friday, Oct. 27 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

Henhouse Prowlers return to the Acorn! Steeped in traditional Bluegrass, perfected by years of blending exquisite vocal harmonies and impeccable fingerpicking, this quartet’s unique sound amalgamizes American roots with global influences.

“The musical prowess of this bluegrass band was unlike anything I’ve yet to encounter... It’s straight-laced, tight-knit, barn-burning bluegrass with enough vocal harmonization to make Del McCoury blush.” — SOUND FUSE

About the Artists:

Founded 19 years ago with the simple desire to play original and powerful bluegrass, this quartet now finds themselves at the intersection of performance, diplomacy and education.

On stage, the group's enthralling performances give audiences a sense of how much they love what they do.  On record - including their 2021 release and ninth full length album, The Departure - the band explores their collective life experiences through songwriting and intricate instrumentation. While bluegrass is the undeniable foundation of the Prowlers music, the band bends and squeezes the traditional form into a sound all their own.

Working with the U.S. State Department and under their own nonprofit, Bluegrass Ambassadors, the Prowlers have toured over 25 countries across the globe. The group's experiences with people and musicians across Africa, Asia, Europe, and The Middle East have shaped the band’s world view and broadened the group’s direction towards bridging cultural gaps with music, educational programs and workshops. Using traditional American music as a foundation, connecting folk music and cultures the world over, the Prowlers incorporate international elements into their already robust repertoire of unique traditional American music.

Whether performing live or presenting workshops, and wherever they are, the Henhouse Prowlers find and spread the commonality we share as human beings through the universal language of music.

You can feel it at every show.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Led Zeppelin 2

Saturday, Oct. 21 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

LED ZEPPELIN 2: The Live Experience, from Chicago, IL is comprised of musician/songwriters from the best of Chicago’s indie/alternative/metal music scenes. From cutting their individual teeth in the top rock clubs of Chicago, often sharing stages with major international acts, LZ2 promptly gained national attention in 2010 and has sold out major rock music venues across the USA.

In concert, LZ2 delivers authentic renditions of classic Zeppelin material, as well as recreating the live improvisation & onstage dynamics that earned Led Zeppelin their legendary status for performing. LZ2 has performed across the US and draw rave reviews for a “spot-on” Zeppelin show, playing both deep cuts and classic tracks from the entire studio, live and bootleg catalog, and occasionally entire Led Zeppelin studio albums and performances from specific dates. LED ZEPPELIN 2 brings forward the Led Zeppelin experience to a new generation while satisfying diehard Zep fans with a raw, fresh approach.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Billy Elton — Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John

Friday, Oct. 20 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

Billy Elton features pianist and vocalist Reid Spears leading an 8-piece band, performing all of the legendary songs of Billy Joel and Elton John. The band is dedicated to top-notch musicianship, and performs a completely live show with no backing tracks. With timeless music that appeals to all generations, every Billy Elton show is engaging, exciting, and entertaining to all!

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

MegaBeatles

Saturday, Oct. 14 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

MegaBeatles is a talented group of musicians from Northwest Indiana/Chicago that recreate the music of the Beatles with precision, passion and Love! The band features members of the Chris and Lou band and the CrawPuppies - both Northern Indiana favorites. As individual bands they both have very successful reputations as original and cover bands. It is a rare treat when these bands combine for a high energy set of amazing post 1965 Beatles hits, deep cuts and fan favorites. A Splendid time is guaranteed for all!

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Dave Bruzza of Greensky Bluegrass w/ Ben Traverse

Friday, Oct. 13 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

The Acorn presents multi instrumentalist and songwriter Dave Bruzza, a founding member of Greensky Bluegrass.

About the Artists:

Dave Bruzza is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and founding member of Greensky Bluegrass. For 20 years he has toured the country with GSBG and has performed solo as well as with side projects such as Airborn or Aquatic? and his own band Unsafe at any Speed. Dave grew up in Michigan and had an interest in music since he was young. Taking up the drums at a very young age he was dedicated to playing and exploring all the possibilities of music. He developed a taste for bluegrass in his teenage years and was given a guitar from a friend to learn how to play. Soon after Greensky was born and his career has been constant since then.

He has contributed and performed on every release of Greensky Bluegrass, as well as every show and tour in the band's career. Dave helped found the psychedelic folk rock band Airborne or Aquatic? in the early 2000’s in Michigan with friends and peers Jake Robinson, Seth Bernard and Susan Fawcett and other artists from Earthwork Music. He has appeared on all their albums and has performed in most of the incarnations of the band through the years. He and friend Ian Gorman released a duo record “Harmony on the Fade” in 2012. This album was a great place for both musicians to demonstrate their multi instrumentalist talents and collaborate on a collection of original material.

Dave has also appeared as a guest on albums. Most recently on Seth Bernard’s “My Heart is My Home” on Earthwork Music.

In 2018 he formed Dave Bruzza Unsafe at any Speed for a short run of shows in the midwest. The response was so positive he has made this a regular project in Greensky's downtime.

Ben Traverse is a young balladeer with a very wide hat who commands a wide array of instruments in their mission to bring the finest traditional folk music into the 21st century. Proud Michigander and Earthwork Music Collective member, Traverse brings a forward thinking, communal enthusiasm to old and rich musical tradition.

On their journey, they've released two albums: a totally solo collection of old time American ballads and songs in the spirit of Pete Seeger and the early Folkways Recordings catalog and a collaborative album with Michael Dause (Moss Manor, Treeskin) of rollicking shanties and seafaring ballads. A third release celebrating the music of the Irish Diaspora is set to release November 3rd!

“Ben is the modern day Pete Seeger. They're a musical archeologist who writes songs that sound like they’re from a hundred years ago.” -The Accidentals

“As a musician, Traverse is rooted in the past, forward thinking, and fully present. Their foundation is solid and they cares deeply about music and people” -Seth Bernard

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Meagan McNeal "Do it with Love" Benefit Concert for Neighbor by Neighbor

Friday, Oct. 06 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

The rare combination of grace, power, and control - Meagan McNeal's vocal heights paint soaring overtures, while bending sound and satisfying the soul. With her limitless capacity, she is able to examine various genres critically, while delivering an unforgettable experience.

Please join us for a special evening supporting Neighbor by Neighbor. It is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in Harbor Country that works to address food insecurities, homelessness, and the dire needs of the vulnerable seniors in our community.

Reserve your ticket for the VIP Pre-Show Event at A Drawing Room. This ticket includes access to the VIP Pre-Show with hors d'oeuvres, wine, and a reserved seating ticket for the event at The Acorn! (VIP Pre-Show ticket holders: A separate concert ticket is not required for admittance to the show at The Acorn.)  There are a limited number of tickets available, so get one before they are gone!

Get Concert Ticket Only

Get VIP Package (Pre-Show Event & Concert Ticket)

About the organization

Neighbor by Neighbor is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in SW Michigan that works to address food insecurities, homelessness, and the dire needs of the vulnerable seniors in our community. We are a resource for our low-income neighbors in SW Berrien County that provides the tools and education for them to progress from dependence to independence

We do this by: Ensuring they are stably housed, and able to pay for their basic necessities while providing access to a range of resources that address increases in skills, knowledge, and education allowing them to achieve independence.

What does that mean? For Seniors and the disabled, the goal is to stabilize them, and ensure they are safe and secure, so they can live as valued members of our community. For the broader population, the immediate objective is to ensure they are safe, have food on the table, and a roof over their head. Once that is accomplished, we assess their current situation, and partner with them to create a plan leading to employment opportunities and financial independence.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

The Music of Simon & Garfunkel

Saturday, Sep. 30 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

Nashville-based duo Aj Swearingen and Jayne Kelli deliver an evening of nostalgic hits from the 1960s and Simon & Garfunkel's biggest album of 1970.

About the Artists

Nashville duo recreates the sound of legendary Simon & Garfunkel with two voices and one guitar, in impeccable harmony. Delivering an evening of nostalgic hits from the 1960s and Simon & Garfunkel's biggest album of 1970, Swearingen & Kelli channel these works in the true form of the Greenwich Village, NY coffeehouse performances. The husband-and-wife duo, comprised of Bethlehem born Aj Swearingen and Lapeer Michigan's Jayne Kelli, are on a mission to share this iconic music with new audiences around the country, along with stories and insight that will make you laugh.

With their siren harmonies and prolific songwriting, Swearingen & Kelli's own body of work has cemented them into the Americana scene, being hailed by Red Line Roots as artists “others would do well to emulate down the road." The duo achieved critical success with their independently released albums, The Marrying Kind and Cold-Hearted Truth, earning features on Gretsch Guitar, Americana Highways, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, and NY Country Swag. With songs heavily nodding to the folk and country of the '60s and '70s, they've shared the stage with legends ranging from Crystal Gayle and Kenny Rogers to folk icons Tom Rush and David Bromberg.

"Jayne Kelli finds her way to the heavenly highs of Art Garfunkel with a soaring and effortless soprano delivery, while AJ Swearingen displays his dexterity with Simon's well-ensconced guitar riffs." -The Capital Gazette

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Lilly Hiatt w/ Nathan Graham

Saturday, Sep. 23 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

Lilly Hiatt lives in Nashville, TN with her husband Coley Hinson, cat Poppy, and dog Elvis. They make music whenever possible and enjoy creating records.

From the Artist:

Lately is a record I wrote to share some of where I’ve been with you. Whenever songs happen for me, they are like photographs of time.

Last year was tough. That’s an understatement for certain. Tears were shed, lives were lost, and lonely was a way of life. I have always felt lonely, but never gone to the depths of solitude that I had in 2020. The irony of that is, I was not alone at all in that space. Everyone had lost something, and we all were trying to rebuild our lives as we knew them.

As a means of keeping sane, I started to write songs. Some of them sucked. I kept doing it though, because I had nothing else to fill my cup. “The Last Tear” came and I thought, I’d like to share this. That opened the door for more. “Been” happened not too long after, reminiscing about this and that, and so on. The inspiration was occurring from simple moments, such as gathering with my family after months of not doing so. Or walking around looking at my neighbors on their porches and waving a hello.

I also was finally catching up with myself, and understanding I was reeling from some of my missteps. Forgiveness can occur through written words for me, so it was quite soothing to have my guitars and a melody. Depression was a big part of fall and winter. I forgot how down I could feel. But I also felt hope in that light that came from a memory of a past adventure or a stranger’s smile while walking down the street. Little things lifted my spirits.

I missed my friends. I missed my family. I was devastated by the grief our country was facing, as well as the world. I felt unified in knowing that I was not on my own in that mentality. Many were questioning a lot of what was happening and though ideologies and understandings were fractured and opposing, most people I know craved to be together again.

I realized that my heart was full of everything I loved and that would carry me forward for the time being. Eventually we would all get back to one another.

Now that we are beginning to, I will be thrilled to share and play these songs for you.

Much Love,
Lilly Hiatt

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band - A CLUB ACORN Show

Friday, Sep. 22 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

The Crown Prince Of Zydeco – Creole-born C.J. Chenier was raised in an indigenous American culture with its distinctive language, cuisine and music. He delivers soulful vocals along with masterful accordion-driven Zydeco and Blues.

A Club Acorn Show – dance party, club vibe, standing room, limited seating available.

About the Artists:

Clayton Joseph Chenier is Creole music royalty. His father, the legendary Clifton Chenier, invented the style of music we know today as Zydeco and was the first Creole musician to be recognized with a Grammy Award.

Raised in this indigenous American culture with its own distinctive language, cuisine and music, C.J. delivers soulful vocals along with jaw-dropping masterful accordion-driven Rock, Zydeco and Blues.

After spending his childhood in the tough tenement housing projects of Port Arthur, Texas, C.J. joined his Father’s band on his 21st birthday. His first gig was playing for the opening of the now world-renown Antone’s, Home of the Blues Nightclub in Austin, Texas.

On the road his father showed him how to front a world class touring band, teaching C.J., a multi-instrumentalist, how to run the family business and how to develop his lifelong passion for music into a career. When Clifton died in 1987 his son, C.J., adopted the Red Hot Louisiana Band and recorded his debut album for the great American independent label Arhoolie Records.

Chenier (along with Ringo Starr) was hand-picked by Paul Simon for his 1990 Rhythm of the Saints album which was nominated for Album of the Year and Producer of the Year. He was then invited to go with Simon for his sell out “Born at the Right Time Tour”.

C.J., who started his career with his father, Clifton Chenier, has also played with John Mayall, The Gin Blossoms, Ray Parker, Jr., Joe Sample, Jimmie Vaughan, Sonny Landreth and Buckwheat Zydeco. He has appeared on The Jon Stewart Show and been featured on CNN. He has performed at numerous music festivals around the world and is a consistent crowd pleaser for The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Attending a C.J. Chenier show is a transformative experience. You may come in tired and beat up just from living in this world – but you will leave renewed and happy. And that is the promise C.J. makes, “You can’t come to my show and stay unhappy. You’re going to break a smile before too long. This is happy music.”

C.J. performs with The Red Hot Louisiana Band as a Zydeco/Blues and Jam Band.

He has a moving and dynamic solo storytelling and musical show outlining the history of the Chenier involvement in Zydeco music. And he has a children’s show which is perfect for museums, schools, Performing Centers and more.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Duke Tumatoe & The Power Trio

Saturday, Sep. 16 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

Duke Tumatoe & The Power Trio return to The Acorn! Blues legend Tumatoe’s guitar playing has been described as “B.B. King played through Jimi Hendrix (with a touch of Andy Gill).”

About the Artists:

Duke Tumatoe is a blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has been entertaining audiences for over four decades with his unique blend of humor, talent, and showmanship. Born in Chicago, Duke began his musical career in the early 1970s. He was a member in the band that became REO Speedwagon before forming his own group, Duke Tumatoe and the All-Star Frogs.

Duke's music is a mix of blues, rock, and R&B, and he is known for his witty lyrics and irreverent sense of humor. Over the years, he has released several albums, including "Red Pepper Hot!," "I Like My Job," and "You've Got the Problem!" Duke's music has gained a wide following, thanks in part to his regular appearances on the nationally syndicated "The Bob and Tom Show." His humorous songs and engaging personality have made him a fan favorite, and he continues to tour extensively, playing at festivals, clubs, and theaters across the country.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.