News Summary
The St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids is launching its Acoustic Café Folk Series, featuring The Milk Carton Kids as the opening act. The series, which commences in September, promises to bring top-tier folk music talent to the area, including Leo Kottke and Sierra Hull. Known for their captivating performances and intimate settings, this series showcases the best of live folk music, with tickets starting at $25.
Grand Rapids — St. Cecilia Music Center has announced the launch of its 2025-26 Acoustic Café Folk Series, which will commence on Tuesday, September 9. The series will begin with a performance from the renowned folk duo The Milk Carton Kids, consisting of Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale. Known for their distinctive harmonies and minimalistic sound, the duo is expected to provide an intimate evening for concert-goers in Grand Rapids.
The Milk Carton Kids, founded in 2011, have garnered a significant following due to their emotional songwriting and dry humor. Their song “Michigan” has emerged as their most-played track during tours and has achieved high listenership on music platforms like Spotify. The upcoming concert represents a return to Michigan, a state where they have previously nurtured a loyal fan base, enhancing anticipation for this performance.
Following The Milk Carton Kids, the series will feature legendary guitarist Leo Kottke on September 23. Kottke is celebrated for his unique syncopated, polyphonic fingerpicking style that intertwines elements of folk, jazz, and blues music. In addition to his intricate guitar work, Kottke’s concerts often include whimsical storytelling that engages his audience. Throughout his career, which spans over five decades, he has released numerous acclaimed albums, including Mudlark, Greenhouse, and Chewing Pine. His latest collaboration with Phish bassist Mike Gordon, titled Noon, marks their first joint album in 15 years, further showcasing his enduring musical prowess.
The series will continue on September 25 with a performance by Sierra Hull, a two-time Grammy-nominated artist. Other significant performances slated for the series include Chris Thile on October 23, Josh Ritter with the Royal City Band on November 2, and Joy Oladokun on November 18. Tickets for these events start at $25 and can be purchased through the St. Cecilia Music Center website or by calling their box office.
The Acoustic Café Folk Series is known for bringing together exceptional talent and providing audiences an opportunity to experience high-quality live music in an intimate setting. The St. Cecilia Music Center has established itself as a vital cultural institution in Grand Rapids, consistently focusing on a variety of musical genres, including folk, jazz, and classical.
As the series kicks off, concert enthusiasts can look forward to this dynamic lineup, with The Milk Carton Kids and Leo Kottke leading a collection of performances that promise to resonate with audiences and celebrate the art of folk music. The anticipated collaboration between the duo and their deep connection with their audience, alongside Kottke’s unique style and storytelling, sets the stage for what promises to be an engaging and heartfelt concert series.
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Additional Resources
- Local Spins: The Milk Carton Kids
- Wikipedia: Folk Music
- Grand Rapids Magazine: Valerie June
- Google Search: St. Cecilia Music Center
- Local Spins: Rhiannon Giddens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fingerstyle Guitar
- Local Spins: The War and Treaty
- Google News: Live Music Grand Rapids
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
