A Good Evening with Good Morning Bedlam

Wednesday, May 17

Some sounds are distinctly American. And there's nothing quite like the bright clamor of a string band to remind you where you are. Minneapolis-based Good Morning Bedlam has a beautiful rootsy folk authenticity that's absolutely integral to the success of the genre. An acoustic quartet, the band features guitar, upright bass, fiddle, and banjo. Nary a drum in sight. Songwriter and guitarist Isaak Gil Elker serves as the primary singer of the band, and has a wonderful lilt to his voice, so much so you might think he was a long, lost Avett Brother. Elker is sometimes joined by fiddle player Sophia Mae, as she provides rich harmonies to fill out each note. The band released their debut full-length Prodigal in July of last year. It features 10 tracks of energetic music borrowing from elements of bluegrass, country & western, jazz, indie rock, and most importantly, folk.

Erie's own Brooke Surgener will open the evening. Anyone familiar with Surgener knows that she is a brilliant songwriter with a voice to match. The astounding clarity with which she sings will impress fans of any genre. Often switching between guitar, mandolin, and guitalele (a charming guitar/ukulele hybrid), her captivating performance should be an amazing kickoff for the evening.

Join the bands on the "Hyde" half of the Jekyll & Hyde's: the more dimly-lit side toward State Street. – Nick Warren

8 to 11 p.m. // Jekyll & Hyde's Gastropub, 8 E. 10th St. // Free // 456.0072