As some of you might know, the Ark turns 40 this year. To celebrate, there are a series of "in the round" concerts this July. Maura will be performing on the first night of the series, with John Gorka, Nanci Griffith and The Chenille Sisters. The show is sold out - luckily, my husband and I are members of the Ark and so we got tickets.

I think it's pretty neat that Maura will be performing with two songwriters whose songs she has recorded. I was wondering a few things:

(1) will Maura sing harmony with the other artists and vice-versa, or will each performer sing alone?

(2) Will Maura have a band? John and Nanci both play guitar, so they wouldn't require any backing instruments (and I don't know about The Chenille Sisters - I've only hear them sing one song live, and it was accapela).

Just curious. Also, I was hoping to see Maura at the Hiawatha Music Festival in Marquette, Michigan (in the UP) near the end of July. Unfortunately, vacation schedules didn't cooperate. I'm still going to try to convince my parents that they should go, since they live about an hour away.......

Theresa

Gosh, what a show. John Gorka is outstanding, and of course so is Nanci Griffith. I am not as familiar with the Chenille Sisters but if they were put in that company they must be good too.

This sounds like a show not-to-be-missed.

Have a great time and report back to us.

I wonder if John Gorka will turn his guitar over and try to wring the last note from its innards, funny stuff. His music is my favorite next to Maura's.

I think John and Maura did a double bill once years ago at the old Bottom Line in NYC, they complement each other well.

1) It's an in-the-round show ("ITR" in Nashville shorthand), so I'm sure there will be plenty of harmonizing, etc.

2) No, Maura won't have a full band, but she will be accompanied by the amazing John Mock.

Now if the ARk only added John Prine, the show would be one for the AGES!

John Prine and Maura did a benefit show together for the Ark a number of years ago (maybe 8 years ago?). Alas, I had to miss the show as I was deep in debt and tickets were on the order of $75-$100. I heard it was a great show, though.

Thanks for the info, Mac. I can't wait!

Theresa