Local Songwriters Take Center Stage Friday At Lincoln Hall

By Katie Karpowicz in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 30, 2014 7:00PM

Chicago singer/songwriter Goldford/Photo courtesy of NoVo Management and Publicity

There's no excuse for not going out Friday. Not even the weather. How could you not have plans when Lincoln Hall is hosting a full night of fantastic musicians?

Caleb Hawley headlines the show and is celebrating the release of his new EP Side 1. The New York-based musician has a flair for soulful songwriting and a voice that will blow your hair back. However, the real stars of tomorrow's show, we're sure, will be the local talent.

Playing direct support to Hawley is Jeffrey Goldford, a local singer who released his debut album Shed A Little Light last summer. While he's at his best when he brings an element of funk to his tracks, Goldford's songs soar and remind us of the best parts of John Mayer's writing style. With such impeccable pitch and daring vocal risks, it's hard to believe the guy didn't start taking his singing seriously until college.

If making it to the show early is a possibility, check out Tall Walker. If it's not, then change your plans. Seriously, this local trio has the potential to break out sooner rather than later and you'll want to say you remember them when. It's barely been a month since the they put out their first EP, and already Tall Walker are receiving praise from local and national outlets. Most recently, they nabbed a spot on the RedEye's list of 15 Chicago artists to watch in 2014.

It's hard to decipher if the band should be classified as pop or rock, the lines have become so blurred in contemporary music, but we can confidently say the four songs we've heard from Tall Walker so far are not generic. They offer more than a catchy hook and a relatable lyric or two. With a sound that's just as sonically soothing as it is energizing, this debut release is well beyond such a young band's years.

Convinced yet? If we've done our job you can purchase tickets in advance for just $10. You'll pay $12 at the door if you're the last-minute type.