Sandhill Stage Concert The Kennedys and Jacob Johnson

Fri 26 Jan, 7:30 pm. Prairie Creek Lodge, Sandhill Stage, 7204 County Road 234, Gainesville, 32641. 352-373-1078. Alachua Conservation Trust - [email][events]

Advance reservations strongly suggested. $20 suggested donation (cash or check at the door) to benefit non-profits Alachua Conservation Trust and Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery.

The Kennedys, 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. They have spent over twenty years as both as a band and a married couple. In 2015 they both released well received solo CDs, as well as "West," an instant classic Kennedys duo set that seamlessly weaves their influences over the last two decades; Buddy Holly style roots, the tuneful cadences of the Everly Brothers, and the ringing 12-string jangle of the early Byrds, interspersed with darker moments that recall British folk rock a la Fairport Convention.

Jacob Johnson is a top flight instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, as well as an immensely entertaining showman with material that cuts across all genres. Jacob stunned our audience with his guitar chops a few years ago and we are excited to have him return to Sandhill Stage. Part virtuoso and part storyteller, you might say that Jacob Johnson does with a guitar what Gene Kelly did with dance. Although his songwriting has won awards and his guitar-playing has put him on stage with Tommy Emmanuel and Phil Keaggy, his ability as an entertainer is what has won fans throughout the southeast. He refers to himself as "a ham that just wants to be on stage" but he's much more than that. Jacob is an amazingly talented guitarist and songwriter which, combined with a bit of a personality, makes for a wildly impressive stage performance.