WDCB Public Radio will host a Folk Festival Concert on Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) at the station’s studio complex in the Open Campus Center on the College of DuPage campus, 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn.

“An Evening with Danny Schmidt and Andrew Calhoun” is a co-bill concert featuring two of the most highly regarded folk artists in the country. The concert is presented by WDCB in conjunction with Lilli Kuzmahost, host of the station's eclectic “Folk Festival” program. 

Danny Schmidt of Austin, Texas, is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant singer-songwriters to emerge in recent decades. Sing Out Magazine described his songs as, “A flood of poetry, mythology, folk wisdom, and surprise.” A winner of the Kerrville New Folk Award in 2007, he was subsequently signed to a major roots music label, Red House Records, releasing two acclaimed albums, “Instead the Forest Rose to Sing” and “Man of Many Moons.” Schmidt’s mix of folk and Americana infuses his music with a rich complex of sound, led by his stunning lyrics, a distinctive and fine voice, and accomplished guitar performance.

Likewise, Andrew Calhoun of Glen Ellyn, Ill., has received wide acclaim in the field of contemporary folk for his brilliant, poetic songs and remarkable albums. He has released twelve recordings and has also published two books of poetry. The Oregonian wrote of Calhoun, “He's blessed with a resonant baritone, crystalline fingerpicking, and a writer's ear.”  The late, legendary songwriter Dave Carter said of Calhoun, “Andrew Calhoun tells the truth. To my knowledge, there is no better songwriter alive.”

Calhoun has also made his mark in the field of traditional music, with outstanding albums that offered new interpretations and arrangements. From the acclaimed “Telfer’s Cows” (Folk Ballads of Scotland) to “Bound to Go” (African American spirituals and secular folksongs), to the most recent “Grapevine,” Calhoun has produced important recordings to advance and enrich the folk tradition. As the founder of the artists’ cooperative label, Waterbug Records, Calhoun has also helped many artists gain exposure and a wider audience.

The concert with Danny Schmidt and Andrew Calhoun will begin at 8 p.m., doors opening at 7 p.m. Admission is $15. Seating is limited and advance admission purchase is highly recommended. Online purchase by credit or debit card with no extra fee is available at www.WDCB.org or by calling WDCB during business hours at (630) 942-4200. Admission the night of the event is by cash only. 

Refreshments and artist CDs will be available at the event. Proceeds will benefit WDCB, a listener-supported, independent public radio station. WDCB 90.9 fm Public Radio is heard in Chicagoland and beyond, with worldwide streaming at WDCB.org and also via mobile phone aps. For more information, contact WDCB Marketing Coordinator Ken Scott at (630) 942-3716 or scottk@cod.edu.