Willi Carlisle
Coming straight out of the Ozark Mountains and onto the Momentary Green, join us for an evening of free outdoor music by Willi Carlisle, named by The Guardian as “the greatest Americana artist you’ve never heard of.” A musical storyteller, Willi breathes an old soul into new folk songs with an honesty you can’t help but like. Versatile and energetic, passionate and clever, this is not an act to miss.
Free, no tickets required.
“An absolute juggernaut…One also gets the impression that if that if he fell into a box of musical instruments, a perfectly fledged folksong would come out…with his sweet and soulful voice”- Canadian Broadcast Company
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Willi Carlisle is, according to The Washington Post, “powerful…both down-home and brainy.” With years of collecting folklore, playing or calling square dances, and working in the avant-garde, Willi Carlisle is a multi-faceted writer, performer, and instrumentalist.
With a style forged in the fire of Ozark old-time music and his ever-growing collection of antique music, Carlisle’s musical stories hoot, stomp, and saunter through joys and troubles uniquely southern and timelessly true. Equally comfortable on banjo, accordion, fiddle, and guitar, Carlisle has earned accolades for his versatility with performances in the UK, Canada, and across the USA, appearing with acts like Dom Flemons, Mary Gauthier, Los Texmaniacs, Cory Branan, Carson McHone, and more!
While his big frame and expressive voice draw comparison to old balladeers and bluesmen, Willi sings new songs for the oldest reasons: love, heartache, and joy. People who watch and listen will find that he laughs and sheds a tear onstage almost as often as his audiences do, fire-and-brimstone proof of larger-than-life songs and stories.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Plenty of space: Arrive early! We recommend arriving about half an hour before the shows to claim your preferred spot. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair or blanket and spread out.
- Food and drink: Hungry or thirsty? Enjoy the culinary creations of the Momentary Food Truck and fun beverages from the RØDE Bar. Open Fridays 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Arvest Bank Courtyard. Or, you’re welcome to pack a picnic for your group, we just ask no big coolers or outside alcohol.
- Easy Parking: We recommend parking in our nearby garage, located next to the 8th Street Market at 801 SE 8th Street. Note: There is an 8′ height limit for the garage.
- Worried about the weather? Call the Inclement Weather line to check on any cancellations or relocations: (479) 657-2488, or catch our Instagram and Facebook stories for the most up-to-date information.
- Safety Precautions: We continue to monitor local COVID-19 trends and government health guidance. As of now, proof of COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and masking are not required to attend this show. Please monitor our website for updates; protocols are subject to change.
ABOUT FREE FRIDAYS ON THE GREEN
Kick back and celebrate summer with free live music on the Momentary Green. Watch the shadows lengthen as you stretch out, unwind, and enjoy the signature sounds of nationally recognized performers all summer long. Check out the full lineup for Free Fridays on the Green, or sign up for eNews and get the latest music updates delivered straight to your inbox.
Sponsored by Kath and Jase McLay and family.
Presented on the Coca-Cola Stage.