Musicians Jil Chambless and Scooter Muse will bring their unique style of music to the Bama Theatre for the second time this year as part of Acoustic Night.
The show will take place in the Greensboro room, a smaller room in the Theatre. It will be open for all ages, and there will also be a full bar for those 21 and up.
“It is not your usual bar scene,” Bama Theatre manager David Allgood said. “It is a very casual setting. It is for the people that really like music.”
Chambless and Muse, along with The Vogt Family Contra Band, will play in the Greensboro room at Bama Theatre Thursday night. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m., and there will be a $5 cover.
“It’s a great intimate setting for playing acoustic music,” Chambless said. “It’s my favorite way to play. I like playing for small audiences.”
Chambless sings vocals and plays the flute and penny whistle, while Muse plays the guitar. Their musical style is Celtic, a form of Western European folk music. They also play some American music.
Chambless and Muse are also in a band called Henri’s Notions, who have played at the Bama Theatre for about 20 years, Chambless said. They also are in a trio with friend Ed Miller.
“I can’t imagine not doing music,” Chambless said. “I love the kind of music I play. I love getting to play with my family.”
The opening act, The Vogt Family Contra Band, is made up of Chambless’s family: husband Dan Vogt, daughter Sophie Vogt and son Jack Vogt. Along with the band on Thursday will be dancers from the Alabama Academy of Irish Dance, Chambless said.
“The family does a lot of instrumental music,” Chambless said. “It’s perfect for dancing.”
Allgood said acoustic night started four years ago when Alyson Greenfield suggested it to him. He said she did her first show in the Greensboro room at Bama Theatre. She is currently in New York playing music.
“Greenfield has connected with a lot of singer-songwriters over the years,” Allgood said. “There are some really good people out there that are unsigned and have come through here in the last four years.”
Allgood said Acoustic Night happens about once a month and only take place when there is nothing going on at the main stage. The entire cover goes to the artist that night.
Chambless said a good mix of people showed up at their last Acoustic Night in February, which featured singer-songwriter Dylan Snead.
“I feel like our music appeals to everyone,” Chambless said. “Bama Theatre is a great venue. It’s a real jewel in Tuscaloosa.”
Chambless and Muse have both released solo albums, and have both worked with Henri’s Notions and the Ed Miller Trio. Their latest CDs can be found at the local Barnes & Noble.
“We thought this was a good way to promote our individual projects as well as Henri’s Notions,” Chambless said.
The doors will open at 7 p.m., and there will be bistro-style seating. People can check out Chambless and Muse on their websites. They are also on Facebook, as is the Bama Theatre.
“The caliber of music we have precedes a lot of bars in Tuscaloosa,” Allgood said. “Come down if you want to hear good music.”
