We are thrilled to have a live performance by guitarist, singer and songwriter Phil Heywood on Saturday, June 9, 2018  show starts at 7:30 pm with doors opening at 7:15 pm.

Phil Heywood plays fingerstyle guitar with a bluesy swing and a bucketful of whatever it takes to turn an instrumental piece into an arresting lyrical narrative. His lucid playing encompasses the down-home rhythmic groove of a Mississippi John Hurt or Leadbelly, and the sheer fluidity and melodic flair of such contemporaries as Leo Kottke.

The internationally renowned Kottke handpicked Mr. Heywood to tour and perform duets with him. A soul-satisfying instrumentalist, Phil Heywood draws listeners in with his voice as well, singing in a warm, plainspoken baritone that blends smoothly with his rock-solid guitar work.

Recently Dave Moore and Phil Heywood have been sharing stages, trading songs and embroidering rich instrumental accompaniment on each other’s songs and melodies.

While born and bred in Mount Vernon, Iowa, Mr. Heywood has been based in Minneapolis-St. Paul since the mid-eighties, performing locally and regionally while also establishing himself in the greater guitar and acoustic music world.

In 1986 he won the National Fingerpicking Championship, and followed up a year later by winning the American Fingerstyle Guitar Festival Competition.

Phil has played on NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion with guitar legend Chet Atkins, performed with fellow acoustic guitar luminaries Peter Lang, Pat Donohue, Tim Sparks, and Dakota Dave Hull, and opened shows for such artists as Norman Blake, Greg Brown, John Renbourn, Chris Smither, and John Hammond.

Phil Heywood has recorded six CDs: Some Summer Day (1990), Local Joe (1996), Circle Tour (2000), Banks of the River (2003), You Got To Move (2008), and Rollin’ On (2014). What one inspired critic wrote of Local Joe applies equally to each of Phil’s CDs: “Acoustic guitar fans should consider this recording a must have….Heywood gives us all something to enjoy for a long time.” (Music Reviews Quarterly)

Mr. Heywood will be available for phone interviews and other press inquiries in advance of the show by calling or texting Nancy Emrich Freeman at 847-256-0000.

We strongly recommend coming to his show if you like: Leo Kottke, Chet Atkins, Peter Lang, Dave Moore, or Pat Donohue.

Tickets

Advance tickets can be purchased locally at Bauman’s and Helios, or online via Brown Paper Tickets.

Bauman’s of Mount Vernon is located at 124 1st Street SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314.  You can call them for info and to reserve tickets at (319) 895-8692.

Helios Stitches ‘n Stuff  is located at 221 1st Street NE, Mount Vernon, IA 52314.  You can call them for info and to reserve tickets at (319) 512-3323.

Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

COST:  $5 Students / $20 General Admission / $50 VIP Seating

This will be an intimate concert in a relaxed setting.  Bring your own beverages into the theatre with the purchase of a reusable Uptown Theatre Sippy Cup ($5).

You can also reserve an early dinner before the concert at the Palisades Café, mention LilFest,  and receive the evening’s LilFest special.

Questions?  Call or text (847) 256-0000 or send email to: [email protected]

For more information see these websites:
www.LilFest.org          www.PhilHeywood.com