The 'Boro Sessions presents Lightnin' Wells

This is seated, air conditioned, listening room concert. Advanced tickets $20 + taxes and processing fees / Day of show tickets $25 + taxes and processing fees.

Mike "Lightnin'" Wells breathes new life into the vintage tunes of the 1920s and depression era America employing guitars, harmonica, ukulele, mandolin and banjo in a dynamic style, developed in over 50 years of studying and performing blues and traditional folk music. With his experience, knowledge and well- honed performance skills, Lightnin' Wells has established himself at the forefront of the traditional blues revival. His musical style is personal and energetic yet remains true to the original root form. His goal is to entertain and educate using a variety of sources, influences and techniques to express his dedication, respect and pleasure in presenting this unique American art form. Noted musician and radio personality Paul Brown recently described Lightnin' Wells' musical presentation as "something that's sincere and real, in a way that precious little performance is nowadays." Another reviewer noted, "Whether you look to performers for inspiration, education, virtuosity, or sheer entertainment, Lightnin' Wells delivers all the above, every single time".

Originally from West Virginia, he grew up in Eastern NC, immersing himself in the traditional folk music revival, and developing a strong interest in Piedmont and country blues. His style encompasses elements of the blues, country, gospel, old- time, bluegrass and folk. Mark Coltrain stated in Living Blues that, "You won't find a more versatile musician around – able to move deftly between country blues, old-time banjo, and novelty tunes with a single pluck.” His many years of public performance began in Chapel Hill, NC in the early 1970s.

During the following decades he has presented his brand of acoustic blues throughout North Carolina, the United States and Europe. As part of his ongoing musical education, Wells sought out still living Piedmont performers, which led him later to produce the first commercial recordings of second-generation N.C. blues veterans Big Boy Henry, Algia Mae Hinton and George Higgs. He served for ten years as a board member for the Music Maker Relief Foundation, which assists elderly blues and old-time musicians to meet their basic needs, and he continues to serve this organization in an advisory capacity. He has traveled and performed extensively with these musicians and has documented their backgrounds and musical histories for future generations. He is also a life-long student and devotee of the pioneering performers in the Piedmont blues tradition which once thrived in the Carolinas, including such artists as Blind Boy Fuller, Rev. Gary Davis and Elizabeth Cotton; deceased musicians whose influence seems only to grow with time.

In 2005, Wells traveled to Boone, North Carolina for the first Black Banjo Gathering where he accompanied Algia Mae Hinton. He also has shared the stage with John Dee Holman, Cool John Ferguson, Etta Baker, Ironing board Sam, Boo Hanks, etc.

Lightnin' remains an insatiable student and researcher, studying the various forms of American roots music from bygone eras. He has taught blues guitar at most of the leading "Blues Weeks" sponsored by universities and teaching organizations throughout the country. He is a regular faculty member at the Augusta Heritage Center, Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival, and Swannanoa Gathering. Wells is a touring artist of the North Carolina Arts Council and American Traditions National Roster (through the Southern Arts Federation).

Over the years Wells has toured throughout Europe and the US. Some performances included The Great Blue Heron Music Festival, Gathering of the Vibes (2002), Chicago Blues Festival (2000), Hampton Acoustic Blues Revival (2006), Moulin Blues Festival (1996), Bull Durham Blues Festival (1990, 1993, 1995, 1998, and 2000), Festival for the Eno, (1981 onwards), Playa Zancudo in Costa Rica, Warehouse Blues, Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, Fiddle and Bow Society at Muddy Creek Music Hall, Blue Ridge Music Center, among many others.

Website: www.lightninwells.com

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightnin'_Wells

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