Fill Up Your Soul at American Spiritual

Friday, Oct. 21

For those who are inspired by the cornucopia of aural and intellectual delights music can offer, Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem's American Spiritual will satisfy those corners of the soul. On Friday, Oct. 21, the group takes the stage at Mercyhurst University's Walker Recital Hall to "administer songs and tales that explore and revive the human spirit," according to the event website.

Don't be put off by the title: This isn't your Little House on the Prairie-esque revival show. (Nope, no preachers and fire and brimstone.) During American Spiritual, the band will play literary and roots-inspired music, with notes of blues, gospel, and prison work songs. For a taste, give a listen to "Keep it in Mind," a gentle tune with the aura of a lazy road trip. The guitar and softly arching melody carry listeners through the song. Little intimate images are placed in the lyrics, such as the sound of feet crunching on the snow, the feel of boots on the ground, and a whippoorwill's call.

There are melody and harmony, chords and discords, beats and quavers, and crotchets and staves. There are sounds and moods evoked by different patterns. There's passion. There's also storytelling – perhaps the most traditional part of music and song and the connections forged by songwriting. – Miriam Lamey

7:30 p.m. // Walker Recital Hall at Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St. // miac.mercyhurst.edu/events/