It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s THE 66TH ANNUAL UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO FOLK FESTIVAL, coming atcha like that asteroid came at the dinosaurs! Not to worry, no dinosaurs were hurt in the preparation of this festival, which features some of the top roots and traditional folk music and arts onstage and in workshops. We’re proud to present two full nights of concerts on the evenings of Friday, 20 February and Saturday, 21 February in the University of Chicago’s historic Mandel Hall (1131 E 57th St), plus a full day of free workshops and dances on Saturday, 21 February in Ida Noyes Hall (1212 E 59th St). Concerts will also be streamed online.
Featured artists for 2026:
· MARIACHI FLOR DE PRIMAVERA – Did you know that UNESCO declared mariachi music to be part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity? Originating from the Jalisco region of Mexico, the style features violins, trumpets, guitars, the vihuela, and beautiful, soulful song. Flor de Primavera is a group of young Chicago mariachis who will bring a much-needed breath of spring to our winter festival.
· HIGH FIDELITY – This bluegrass band consists of outstanding musicians and singers steeped in the sounds of tradition. Jeremy Stephens, guitarist, banjoist, and lead vocalist for the group, has worked for the world-famous gospel group the Chuck Wagon Gang, on the television show Ray Stevens’ Nashville, and most recently with Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys. Corrina Rose Logston Stephens, fiddler and harmony vocalist, has worked with a Who’s Who of today’s traditional-based bluegrass performers, most notably Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys and Jim Lauderdale. Multi-instrumentalist and harmony vocalist Daniel Amick has won numerous instrumental contests across the Southeast and is a recipient of IBMA’s 2019 Instrumentalist of the Year Momentum Award.
High Fidelity draws much of their inspiration from bands like Don Reno & Red Smiley, the Stanley Brothers, the Louvin Brothers, Jim & Jesse, and other artists from the same era. They have been compared to the Johnson Mountain Boys, interpreting classic bluegrass through the fresh, young perspective of today’s generation. Maybe it is this quality that makes High Fidelity so warmly received and widely loved by every audience they perform for, from grandparents to grandchildren.
· LUKE HUVAL BAND –Luke Huval, fantastic vocalist, fiddler and accordion player fronts this rockin’ bayou band. Luke grew up deeply immersed in the culture and the language of his forebears and developed a deep passion for their music. Joining Luke is Steve Riley, of Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys fame. Steve is another sparkling singer, fiddler and accordion player, and was mentored by Dewey Balfa, Belton Richard and Walter Mouton. Filling out the trio is Amelia Biere, who provides great guitar backing, along with warm vocals. This rising young band has thrilled audiences at Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, the Gulf Coast Cajun Fest and Southern Week at Ashokan.
· GAP CIVIL –This band is called after an old name for Sparta, NC, their hometown. Gap Civil features Todd Hiatt on guitar, Chris Johnson on banjo and bass, Lucas Pasley on fiddle and vocals, and Kyle Dean Smith on bass and lead guitar. Together, they honor the mountain traditions that have shaped them as people and musicians and proudly share their roots-based songwriting and unique arrangements. Their music features the sounds of old-time, country, bluegrass, Americana, and gospel, and their honky-tonk chops will bring feet to the dance floor!
· JONTAVIOUS WILLIS – Acoustic guitarist Jontavious Willis is resolved in his mission to reinvigorate today’s Blues with the spirit of the past. Inspired by a time when the Blues were plentiful and rhythm reigned supreme; he leverages his unique sound—a synthesis of his Georgia heritage and reverence for traditional Blues—to get the world dancing again. A Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter, Jontavious performs original, toe-tapping tunes in the style of Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and Gospel Blues. His dynamic vocals, technical prowess, and an abundance of Southern charm send jolts of vitality through the Blues community.
· LISSA SCHNECKENBURGER – During the past few decades, Lissa has made music ranging from lively New England dance tunes to somber and introspective Celtic themes. Many reflect the tone of a riotous fiddle party with floorboards thumping, bow hair flying, and instruments and dancers in every corner. Garrett Cameron joins Lissa on mandolin, bodhrán, and vibraphone. Garrett explores the intersection of Scottish/Cape Breton traditional music and groove-based music.
· ETHAN LEINWAND – St. Louis-based pianist Ethan Leinwand specializes in barrelhouse blues. A mostly self-taught pianist, he delights in bringing this lost art to life. His unique repertoire ranges from ragtime to boogie-woogie and tells the story of blues piano. Through performances, workshops, and an active YouTube channel, Ethan has gained world-wide recognition as a leading exponent of barrelhouse blues piano.
Artists are subject to change. Links to artist photos and websites are available upon request via email.
Evening concert tickets are now on sale! Priced at $30 regular, $20 seniors, and $5 students (with ID), they can be purchased online at https://tickets.uchicago.edu/Online/. Tickets can also be purchased from the UChicago Arts Center box office, 773-702-2787, Monday-Saturday, from 12:00-5:00 PM.
Nightly lineup information below may not reflect order of show:
Friday, February 20th, 8:00 PM
High Fidelity
Luke Huval Band
Ethan Leinwand
Gap Civil
Jontavious Willis
Lissa Schneckenburger and Garrett Cameron
Saturday, February 21st, 7:30 PM
Gap Civil
Jontavious Willis
Mariachi Flor de Primavera
Lissa Schneckenburger and Garrett Cameron
Luke Huval Band
High Fidelity
The Friday evening concert will begin at 8:00 PM Central Time; Saturday at 7:30 PM. Livestreams of both concerts will be available on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com /UCFolkFest) and our YouTube channel.
Free workshops and dance instruction will be offered at Ida Noyes Hall on Saturday, 21 February, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Please watch our website, www.uofcfolk.org, and our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/UCFolkFest, for details.
The Folklore Society will also provide online opportunities for generous fans to donate to help cover this year’s costs and support future Folk Festivals.
Support for the livestream broadcast provided by Garth Taylor and the School of American Music, Three Oaks, Michigan.
