Doors 6pm, Music 7:30pm

Alice DiMicele

Alice Di Micele is an Americana/Folk artist, rooted in the natural world, using the earth as her primary source of inspiration, threading its essence into her music. Alice’s connection to nature has created a deep bond with her listeners over the decades, gifting people a safe space to express their emotions and heal in the process. Throughout her career, she has released a staggering 17 albums, including her latest works ‘Every Seed We Plant’ and ‘Interpretations: Vol 1’, building a dedicated fanbase along the way.

Alice Di Micele weaves a rich tapestry of sounds, from the early days of her folk-inspired songs, through to the sensual influences of jazz and soul, and the energetic pulse of funk and rock. Her kaleidoscopic soundscape is grounded by her warm, magnetic vocals. From rich deep tones to impressive high notes, and gorgeous Joni Mitchell-esque vibrato inflexions, Alice’s vocals stretch over five octaves, giving her voice both power and intimacy.

Alice’s story began as a singer, first in her school choir and later as a teenager in a local rock band. But her life took a new direction after watching David Grisman Quintet perform at Carnegie Hall. Inspired by the show, she called her band’s guitarist that same night and asked him to teach her guitar, determined to become a writer herself. And so, her lifelong love affair with songwriting began.

1988 would see the release of Alice Di Micele’s debut album ‘Make A Change’, which was followed by many years of touring  and performances at festivals and music venues from the Strawberry Music Festival to Fineline Music Cafe in Minneapolis. Her time on the road has been an extraordinary one, sharing the stage with the likes of legends such as Bonnie Raitt and Joan Baez to Arlo Guthrie, and even the man who sparked it all, David Grisman. Throughout this, she has remained a true independent musician, releasing and touring her music without the help of a record label or management, instead focusing on her audience and building a loyal following.

In some areas of her career though, she has recruited the help of others; her band, the aptly named ‘Force of Nature’. This lineup includes guitarist Andy Casad, drummer and backing vocalist Nick Kirby and long-time bassist Rob Kohler, who has spent over 30 years touring with Alice. Rob is currently residing in Montana with his wonderful elderly mom and Matt Spencer is an amazing bassist who fills the chair when Rob isn’t available.

https://www.alicedimicele.com/

https://www.facebook.com/alicedimicele/

Sarah De Valliere

Sarah De Vallière is a lot of things – an award winning composer of film and game music, a classically trained pianist, and a performing singer-songwriter. As a graduate of Boston’s Berklee College of Music, it’s no surprise that her talent has taken her further than most independent artists – allowing her to pave a non-traditional path and lifestyle of full-time artistry.

In an industry that can often feel oversaturated with stale soundscapes, lifeless lyrics, and predictable patterns, Sarah’s music cuts through the clutter. Drawing comparisons to iconic contemporary pianist such as Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, and Ben Folds, De Vallière’s music is equally thoughtful, quirky, intentional, and honest. It’s a sound she describes as cinematic folk rock with nuances of jazz and pop.

“In a lot of ways my life as a film/game composer crosses into my life as a songwriter. I treat my songs like scenes of movies… as though I’m scoring the lyrics. Most of my songs are written that way and I’ve heard time and again that my music sounds a bit like it was written for film.”

Sarah’s resume is just as diverse as her musical influences – including her more recent collaboration with YouTube sensation Alan Becker of Animator vs. Animator, co-creating the Fishwife Tales project with award-winning poet, Jennifer Jean and writing music for rising star children’s author Laurel Nakai. 

“Her new album, “Dreams on Hold” poetically reflects the trials and tribulations of being a woman in modern society. Influenced by her classical roots and the wonder of nature, she blends elements of pop, blues, roots, soul, and gospel to create an enthralling American storybook.”- City Newspaper

At the early age of 3, Sarah De Valliere took the piano in her home, thumbing out melodies to her favorite nursery rhymes. her father’s encouraging enthusiasm kept her glued to the keys daily. Soon enough she was enrolled in weekly classical piano lessons with distinguished pianist Mari Panosian, a graduate of Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory.

As a PK (Pastor’s kid), Sarah began playing piano weekly for her father’s congregation. The songs were notated as chord charts rather than fully transcribed music, giving her the freedom to interpret each song in her own way. In a span of 7 years her musical aptitude had grown so much that she began competing in classical competitions in her hometown of Providence, RI – some of which she won.

By the age of fourteen Sarah was writing her own original compositions, and by sixteen she was the go-to musician for high-school musicals, orchestra, and special events. It was then that she decided to go to Berklee College of Music – a decision that would later expose her to jazz, American roots/folk, and world music.

While Sarah’s father is responsible for introducing her more seriously to the piano, she credits her mother’s commitment to her faith as a heavy influence in her songwriting.

"My mom spent a lot of time teaching me stories from the Bible as a kid. She always made them applicable to the real world by explaining the relevance they have to our relationships with others and God. Even though I’ve spent a lot of time questioning my life (and continue to), I’ve always held onto these stories as life lessons."

It’s these stories and the questions they’ve brought that have helped developed Sarah into the thoughtful lyricist she has become known for – never afraid to ask the big questions. Admittedly she states,

"For me, writing a song is a way to dig deeper. Deeper into an idea, deeper into an experience, deeper into a feeling. Hopefully by the end of that process, I’ve uncovered something meaningful,  even if it’s just more questions."

“Sarah-whoa! Oh my God. She came in here with her band, and I was in my no-alcohol mode, so I was dead sober. I just kept going, “Stop it, Sarah, you’re making me cry.” Her voice, and her keyboard technique, and her songwriting-those were all her songs. This city has so many talented people.”- ZZounds.com

Having just released a full length self-titled album, Sarah is back in the studio working with some of Chicago’s most talented musicians, including trumpeter Shane Jonas (Low Down Brass Band, Akasha) and drummer, John Deitmeyer (Matthew Santos, Patricia Barber, Matt Ulery).

travels will take her outside of the Midwest region and across the country performing in community spaces that allow for song, storytelling, and opportunities to engage and connect with listeners. Her signature style of writing music that is complex yet catchy, daring yet familiar is what pulls her audience in and keeps them coming back.

“I share my songs because I think others can relate or at least be impacted by them. When someone laughs or dances or holds back tears…or lets them out, I feel like I’ve accomplished my goal.”

https://sarahdevalliere.com/

Special Low-Dough Show - Ten Bucks at the Door