Heartfelt Bluegrass, Folk and Country“In his crafty way, O’Brien writes songs whose music invites us in warmly, wrapping us comfortably in sound before unveiling the lyrics that often reveal our shortcomings or sometimes celebrate the bonds we share with others.” (Folk Alley)The FSU Appalachian Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with an uplifting performance from multiple Grammy Award-winning bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien and vocalist and mandolin player Jan Fabricius. Since 2015, this husband-and-wife team have performed together nationally and internationally, both as a duo and as part of the Tim O’Brien Band. Their heartfelt music reveals the power of their deep collaboration, and they light up the stage with the warmth of acoustic roots that is both original and traditional.A Wheeling, W.Va., native now based in Nashville, O’Brien first emerged as a singer, instrumentalist and songwriter with the iconic bluegrass group Hot Rize. He has since released numerable rootsy classics and written songs for legendary artists like Garth Brooks and The Chicks, collaborated with legends like Steve Earle, Mark Knopfler, Dan Auerbach, Sturgill Simpson and Steve Martin, and appeared at festivals including Western Maryland’s own DelFest. Raised in Kansas, Fabricius performed from an early age. Although her music with O’Brien started informally around their home, she soon found herself singing and playing mandolin with him both in the recording studio and on stage, resulting in a musical partnership that serves as a beautiful narrative of their life together.Following the show, Chuck Dicken, WFWM-FM station director, will host a lively and interactive conversation with the artists and audience members.The performance of Tim O’Brien and Jan Fabricius is presented by CES in partnership with Folklore and Folklife Programming at FSU.CES is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org) and receives financial support from the Allegany Arts Council and the City of Frostburg.

Fine Musicians from the U.S. Armed ForcesSince 1922, the “Pershing’s Own” musical institution has maintained a tradition of excellence as the premier musical organization of the U.S. Army. Known for their inspirational and exceptional musicianship, these ensembles perform at significant national and international events and promote global goodwill while showcasing the talent of their trained soldiers.The Brass Quintet, founded in 1972, and the Woodwind Quintet, founded in 1996, are frequently called upon in support of high-level military and civilian events at the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon and beyond.CES is supported in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, and receives financial support from the Allegany Arts Council and the City of Frostburg.

New Orleans Jazz, Blues and Ragtime“Musically, Tuba Skinny mine a rich seam of traditional jazz and blues from the '20s and '30s. And, while it's evident the band treasures the sense of history evoked by these vintage tunes, the players' natural exuberance makes the music feel irresistibly alive.” (Sydney Morning Herald)Tuba Skinny brings a joyful, rambunctious performance of music that encompasses the influences of Depression-era blues, jug band, spirituals, string band music, ragtime and New Orleans R&B. For over a decade, Tuba Skinny has toured the world and amassed a devoted and diverse following of music lovers.Featuring Shaye Cohn on cornet, Barnabus Jones on trombone, Todd Burdick on tuba, Craig Flory on clarinet, Gregory Sherman on guitar/vocals, Max Bien-Kahn on banjo, Robin Rapuzzi on washboard and Erika Lewis on vocals/bass drum, the band interprets traditional jazz and creatively incorporates many musical influences. The result is a true reflection of Americana, encompassing the full genealogy of popular American music from an early 20th century perspective.Following the show, Chuck Dicken, WFWM-FM station director, will lead a lively and interactive conversation between audience members and Tuba Skinny, who will discuss how their distinct style reflects the spirit of Americana.The engagement of Tuba Skinny is made possible through the Jazz Touring Network program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. CES is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org) and receives financial support from the Allegany Arts Council and the City of Frostburg.