EIU Media Relations

Pokey LaFarge Coming to EIU's Doudna Fine Arts Center; Western Swing/Country Blues Artist to Perform Sept. 12

Pokey LaFarge is a musician, songwriter, bandleader, entertainer, innovator and music preservationist, and he’s bringing his band to Eastern Illinois University on Thursday, Sept. 12.  The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Doudna Fine Arts Center’s Dvorak Concert Hall. 

Pokey LaFarge has won the hearts of music lovers across the globe with his creative mix of early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and western swing. Focusing on various forms of traditional American music, Pokey has crafted a genre all his own. Born in the heartland of America and based in St. Louis, Mo., Pokey's Midwestern appeal and infallible charisma never fail to charm audiences.

This past year has been a banner year for Pokey LaFarge and his band. They signed with Jack White's Third Man Records; were honored with a second consecutive Best Americana Album win by the Independent Music Awards; were featured on NPR’s highly regarded radio program, "World Café"; and, most recently, performed as guest musical artists on CBS’s "The Late Show with David Letterman."

In addition, Pokey LaFarge ,along with the infamous jazz ensemble, Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, recorded a track for HBO’s GRAMMY-winning series, "Boardwalk Empire." The tune “Lovesick Blues” will appear on the Boardwalk Empire Soundtrack Vol. 2, a compilation album featuring such legends as Elvis Costello, Patti Smith and Leon Redbone, among others.  The group also recorded alongside Jack White on his recent album "Blunderbuss."

Pokey LaFarge is currently touring with a five-piece backing band, including original bandmates Ryan Koenig (harmonica, washboard and snare), Adam Hoskins (guitar) and Joey Glynn (upright bass), along with Chloe Feoranzo (clarinet) and TJ Muller (cornet).  The group is touring in support of their second album release, "Pokey LaFarge."  Before departing on a European tour in November, the group will be the special musical guests on the popular NPR program “A Prairie Home Companion.”

Pokey LaFarge has opened for Jack White and has shared the stage with the likes of The Raconteurs, Nils Lofgren, Southern Culture on the Skids, Wanda Jackson and, most recently, with Old Crow Medicine Show at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

While it seems the group has been continuously on tour, Pokey LaFarge says he’s on a mission to encourage audiences worldwide to think differently about what it means to celebrate musical traditions. Simply put, Pokey explains, 'It's not retro music. It's American music that never died.'

Tickets for the Pokey LaFarge concert are $15 for the general public, $12 for seniors (62-plus), and $7 for students.  Tickets can be purchased online here or at the Doudna Fine Arts Center Box Office.  Box Office hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and one hour prior to the scheduled performance.

For Doudna reservations and information, or to arrange accommodations for those needing special assistance, contact Doudna Fine Art Patron Services at 217-581-3110 or doudnatix@eiu.edu. Convenient free parking is located near the Doudna Fine Arts Center.

Submitted by Dan Crews, Doudna Fine Arts Center