After some event cancellations earlier this month due to Hurricane Ian, the Americana Community Music Association returns and will welcome The Black Feathers in concert on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at the ACMA listening room in Fort Myers. ACMA member Chuck Williams will be the opening performer that night.
The ability to write songs that are both modern and ancient is a rare thing. The product of an arcane art of weaving in traditional influences so thoroughly that they become the warp and weft of fresh creations.
The Black Feathers, made up of Ray Hughes and Sian Chandler, are two such talents. They first became aware of the magic between them while collaborating on several musical projects, becoming The Black Feathers and life partners in 2012.
Americana, folk, and acoustic indie rock sensibilities coexist comfortably in their musical world, with Hughes’ guitar work buoying the kind of harmonies often only heard in family bands. Their music quickly draw the interest of listeners, but it is the stage chemistry that will keep them riveted.
Having already built up a loyal following in the UK, The Black Feathers have been spreading their wings across the US. They have performed at Philadelphia Folk Festival and AmericanaFest, and have also been awarded official showcases at the North East Regional and Far-West Folk Alliance conferences.
Massachusetts snowbird, ACMA member, singer-songwriter Chuck Williams opens the show. Chuck’s approach is typically relaxed, at times sentimental and always confident. He is not a folk artist with heavy political leanings in his songwriting such as Joan Baez, Phil Ochs or U. Utah Phillips.
However, what Chuck has mastered is how to pull at Americana heartstrings and tell rootsy stories through his simple and effective novella type lyrics. Nothing is overproduced or played with flash. Chuck has a personable singing style and it’s not done to impress but express.
The doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Door donations are $12 for ACMA members and $18 for non members. The ACMA will be donating half of the door proceeds to the Harry Chapin Food Bank’s hurricane relief fund.
All Faiths Unitarian Congregation is located at 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Find out more online at www.americanacma.org
