By Karynn Brown
April 16, 2019

thewildwoodsband.com

When people think of Nebraska, they don’t usually think of local music. It falls somewhere far below football and corn and college and maybe even something about the “Silicon Prairie.” There’s no doubt that the greater population around us would link Nebraska music with what passes for popular country now-a-days.

However, this notion is changing. There is a quiet stir among the Midwest; in small venues, bars, coffeeshops, intimate performances. Sometimes, even at international music festivals. The tide of Midwestern music is coming. And arguably, it looks exactly like a certain Wildwoods album release show this Saturday, April 20.

The Lincoln folk/Americiana quintet is set to release its third full-length studio album since 2012. Entitled Across a Midwestern Sky, this album promises to be as sweet, soul-wrenching, contemplative, and utterly lovely as The Wildwoods have made themselves out to be.

The group has chosen to host their album release party at the Talon Room in Lincoln—located in the former Spaghetti Works building—setting this Saturday’s performance up to be an intimate event. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are being sold through the band’s website via Eventbrite for ten dollars each. Each ticket entitles the audience member for a full-color copy of the new album, Across a Midwestern Sky.  The Wildwoods will be joined by another local singer-songwriter, Will Hutchinson. The two often perform and tour together, their lightly acoustic and storied styles creating an ideal lineup.

The Wildwoods have built their career on a decisive and delicate sound that mixes country, indie folk, and Americana. Their performances give a fun and familial air as singers Noah and Chloe Gose lead the band through soft lyrics that speak to nature, relationships, travel and life. Their sound is often hailed as one that melds the past and present tense of folk music. Reminiscent of modern bands such as The Lumineers, Mumford and Sons, and Wild Child, each member of The Wildwoods plays with talent and poise that creates an almost orchestral sensation of captivating  instrumentation.

Will Hutchinson’s addition to The Wildwoods showcase is aptly fitting. Often playing as a one-man performer, Hutchinson’s work walks the lines of folk and indie, while always showcasing his songwriting. Hutchinson’s musical emphasis is largely in live performances, where he plays with passion and charisma in any room. His albums include Wildflower People (2017), Goldfish Diaries (2013) and Arrive (2009) . Hutchinson’s songs often form ballads inspired by ancient folk songs and life experiences.  

This week’s show brings together two great sounds in a small and special venue to highlight the new works of Across a Midwestern Sky. This all-ages show begins at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.. Tickets and information can be found on Facebook or at the Wildwood’s website.

Karynn Brown is a multimedia intern with KZUM.