SINGER/SONGWRITER WILLY PORTER MAKES HIS SHELDON DEBUT

by The Sheldon Concert Hall

JASMINE REUNITES TO OPEN THE CONCERT

The Sheldon presents Willy Porter with opening set by Jasmine, Friday, February 16 at 8 p.m. in the perfect acoustics of the Sheldon Concert Hall. Milwaukee-based singer-songwriter-guitarist Willy Porter makes his Sheldon debut, performing music from his new album, Available Light. Blending thoughtful ballads, gently rocking numbers, and instrumentals that showcase his skillful acoustic guitar, Porter is known for a warm, unpretentious delivery that allows him to forge strong connections with audiences.

A singer, songwriter, storyteller, entertainer and guitarist, Willy Porter defies labels and bends genres, moving between slide blues, acoustic folk, grooving rock, and soulful pop, creating a unique sound. Inspired by Leo Kottke, a young Porter gave up his viola for a guitar. A native of Wisconsin, the multiple WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) award winner honed his performance chops in the cafés and clubs around Madison. He also sat on the concert committee in college where he met another guitar legend who would influence him greatly, the late Michael Hedges. Porter has performed at concert halls and festivals throughout the country, and was recently featured on NPR’s World Café.

The popular St. Louis group Jasmine, featuring Carol Schmidt and Michelle Isam reunites to open the show. Over the years, Schmidt and Isam have turned down numerous requests to reunite but finally decided to get together last May to play a few Laura Nyro songs for an event at Left Bank Books. "We had a lot of fun," Schmidt recalls, "and in the process of working together again, we opened a door that had pretty well been closed.” The Sheldon event also marks the re-release of Jasmine's
two albums on a double CD, with bonus tracks from a 1984 performance at The Sheldon.

Don’t miss Willy Porter with opening set by Jasmine, Friday, February 16 at 8 p.m. at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Tickets are $35 orchestra/$30 balcony and are available through MetroTix at 314.534.1111 or online at www.sheldonconcerthall.org.

For more information, call The Sheldon during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Financial Assistance for this project has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. Support is provided by the Regional Arts Commission, Arts and Education Council, and the Whitaker Foundation.

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