The Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center will welcome three folk and bluegrass artists this spring, starting with Sweet Baby James, the No. 1 James Taylor Tribute Artist, on Saturday, April 30 at 7:30 PM.

The following weekend features a double bill of Tom Rush on Saturday, May 7 at 7 PM and bluegrass from Danny Paisley on Sunday, May 8 at 7 PM.  

“The music of these three artists has influenced generations of musicians,” said Uptown! Executive Director April Evans, “and we could not be happier that they could all appear here in West Chester this spring. Our intimate Mainstage is a perfect setting for these concerts.”   
 
Bill Griese, aka Sweet Baby James, sounds so much like Taylor and plays his signature guitar style so closely, you can close your eyes and imagine you’re listening to the legend himself. Expect a genuine, down-to-earth presentation, a respectful and fitting tribute to an American original. 

“I am as excited about coming up to the Knauer PAC as I have been about any show I’ve ever done,” said Griese. “My brother and his family (and now my mom) live in West Chester, and I have been visiting for 20-plus years. I love the area and the borough, and I just know I am also going to love this beautiful venue. And if you’re a James Taylor fan, I promise you’re going to love this night of music.” 
 
Rush’s impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the ’60s and the renaissance of the ’80s and ’90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists.

James Taylor, Emmylou Harris, Tom Petty, and Garth Brooks have cited Rush as major influences. His early recordings introduced the world to the work of Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, and Taylor. Rush is now celebrating his 52nd year on stage and in the studio, still doing what audiences love him for: writing, playing, and knitting together the musical traditions and talents of our times.

“It’s been way too long since I’ve been to Uptown!” said Rush. “Every visit over the years has been a treat for me — I can’t wait to get back.” 

Paisley and the Southern Grass play powerful, unadorned, and intense traditional bluegrass. Their combination of instrumentation and vocals convey the energy and emotion of classic bluegrass and country music.  

Paisley’s lead vocals will captivate your senses, so much so that many prominent musicians, including Alison Krauss, have considered him one of their favorite singers. His voice combines powerful range and soulful blues with a sound like no one else in bluegrass today. 

“May 8th is fast approaching, and we can’t wait to be at the beautiful Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center,” said Paisley. “We hope you will join us for a great afternoon of hardcore traditional Bluegrass music and fun. See you there!” 

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