• Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    CHICAGO, ILL. - Sierra Hull performed at the Old Town School of Folk Music, near Lincoln Square in Chicago last Thursday. Joining her onstage are Mike Seal on guitar, Geoff Saunders on bass, Christian Sedelmyer on fiddle, and drummer Mark Raudabaugh Jr., a new addition to the band.

    The stage is set with lanterns in the background and a richly patterned carpet for those watching from the balcony. Front and center are an array of instruments Sierra plays throughout the night with exactly the kind of easy confidence you would expect from someone who debuted on the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 10. A musician as prolific as Sierra Hull doesn't need much introduction.
    Sierra Hull - 25 Trips
    With her new album 25 Trips out on the 27th, the Chicago audience was among the first to hear an exciting collection of new music. Almost every number was preluded by a story from Sierra's life and most have a deeply sweet, nostalgic quality.

    She punctuates the lineup of new tunes with tales of childhood, requests shouted from the audience, and even pulls off a singalong: crowd-favorite "Father Time," which features the Westminister Quarters melody that chimes on every hour in grandmother's houses all over the world. It's a deeply moving collection of songs.

    Much of 25 Trips oozes with singer-songwriter tenderness, so much so that it's easy to forget the Tennessee bluegrass roots underneath. There's lots of pop influence, a heavy hint of twang, but it's all fueled by raw skill and serious musicality, from Sierra and her entire band.

    After a standing ovation, they performed their encore sans microphones and jammed in a tight semi-circle at the very front of the stage. Dropping all the cords and choreography brought an honest energy and was a satisfying end to the set.

    Sierra's album 25 Trips is out now and she'll be touring the US all the way into Fall 2020, don't miss her if she comes to your city!

    Skye TichenorAbout the author: Skye Lizotte is a freelance photographer based in Alberta, Canada. This is her third assignment for the Mandolin Cafe. Her musical interests vary widely and include everything from Yann Tiersen to Marty Robbins. She shoots with the Sony mirrorless system and Sigma lenses.


    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago



    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    Sierra Hull in Concert at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

    About the concert sponsor: Founded in 1957, the Old Town School of Folk Music provides a wide range of music, dance, theater, and visual arts courses to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whatever one's interest, the Old Town School provides broad access to more than 700 accredited class offerings, private lessons, and workshops that span an array of artistic genres.

    Additional Information

    Comments 8 Comments
    1. BradKlein's Avatar
      BradKlein -
      Nicely done! Only slightly jealous... ;-)
    1. CES's Avatar
      CES -
      Thanks for that, well done! Downloaded the album yesterday and am digging it. It’s cool to witness her maturity and associated musical evolution. And, damn, she can play!!
    1. LarryTanner's Avatar
      LarryTanner -
      I think there is room for one more mic on that mandolin.
    1. Mandolin Cafe's Avatar
      Mandolin Cafe -
      Noting the anniversary of this feature.
    1. JFDilmando's Avatar
      JFDilmando -
      Notice the very closely seated audience and ONE Guy with a mask. Sorry, glad I missed that performance
    1. Mandolin Cafe's Avatar
      Mandolin Cafe -
      Quote Originally Posted by JFDilmando View Post
      Notice the very closely seated audience and ONE Guy with a mask. Sorry, glad I missed that performance
      Surprised anyone was wearing a mask Feb. 27, 2020. Sierra toured for several more days, maybe a week after this appearance before heading home and canceling the rest o the tour.
    1. Mandolin Cafe's Avatar
      Mandolin Cafe -
      Noting the anniversary of this feature.
    1. Mandolin Cafe's Avatar
      Mandolin Cafe -
      Noting the anniversary of this feature.