The Center for the Arts

Genre: Folk, Jazz, Rock Julian Lage Hailed as one of the most prodigious guitarists of his generation and “highest category of improvising musicians" (New Yorker), Julian Lage has spent more than a decade searching through the myriad strains of American musical history via impeccable technique, free association and a spirit of infinite possibility. The California-born New York-based musician boasts a prolific resume on his own accord in addition to collaborating with Gary Burton and John Zorn, as well as duo projects with Nels Cline, Chris Eldridge and Fred Hersch, among others. Leo Kottke Acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke was born in Athens, Georgia and raised across 12 states, where he absorbed a wide range of musical influences. He began on violin and trombone before switching to guitar at age 11, inspired by Mississippi John Hurt. After a stint in the Navy, where he lost some hearing aboard a submarine, Kottke settled in Minneapolis and became a fixture at the Scholar Coffeehouse. His debut LP, Twelve String Blues (1968), was followed by a breakthrough release on John Fahey’s Takoma label, leading to a Capitol Records deal and albums like Mudlark and Greenhouse that showcased his virtuosic fingerpicking. Kottke earned a loyal following through constant touring, including in Europe and Australia. His acclaimed collaborations with Phish bassist Mike Gordon include Clone (2002), Sixty Six Steps, and Noon (2020). He has received two Grammy nominations and an honorary doctorate from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.