Community. Communion between audience and performers. Inspiration, anticipation, spontaneity; SHARED transcendent moments. Do you miss these things? I sure do! The Virtual Dream Café (VDC) attempts to recreate this atmosphere, via Zoom (interactive environment), until live music venues are able to reopen.
There's something about Heartland women who just tell it as it is, but with charm and panache. Join Emily Hurd, Laura Joy, and Sue Fink as they share their unique voices and inspired songs, bound to make you think and feel.
About the Performers:
- Singer-songwriter and pianist Emily Hurd is a prolific songwriter, best known for her clear voice, bold lyrics, and clever rhymes. Her songwriting style combines soul, country, folk, and blues. Paul Zollo of American Songwriter says that she writes "albums to fall into and swim in forever." Emily's songs have appeared on television's NCIS, 90210, The Good Wife, Melrose Place, and Life Unexpected. She has currently produced 17 full-length albums.
Originally from Rockford, IL, Hurd has been touring her native Midwest and both coasts of the U.S. for years. She studied and excelled in both the culinary arts and music business. Today, Emily combines her two interests in a historic building called The Norwegian, which she renovated into a brunch pub and live music venue. https://www.emilyhurd.com/ - Laura Joy is a nationally touring artist who impresses audiences with her warmth, ability to connect emotionally, and songs that touch the soul. She has developed a unique playing and singing style that defies comparison. She has written songs that have won wide acclaim including first place at the Great River Folk Festival, best original song from NPR’s Chicagoland affiliate and repeat accolades at the Acorn Theater Songwriting Contest. She has opened for and shared stages with many nationally known touring artists including Restless Heart, Greg Brown, Robbie Fulks, Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts. https://laurajoymusic.com/
- Chicago-based singer-songwriter Sue Fink enchants audiences with her whimsical perspective on the world, through her compelling songs and charming performances. Her genre, “urban campfire cabaret,” is folk with a hint of jazz, a large dollop of humor, and a drop of sadness for good measure. Her songs receive airplay locally and nationally, including "The Midnight Special" (WFMT) and "Folk Festival" (Lilli Kuzma, WDCB); most recently, her “Alternate Universe” song was included in Episode 691 of This American Life (NPR).
Sue performs solo, as CatBird (duo with Jane Godfrey), and as SongSisters (trio with Amy Dixon-Kolar and Patti Shaffner). As host of the Virtual Dream Café, Sue appears in the round with very talented performers whom she feels everyone should get to know. http://suefink.com/
About the show format:
- "In the round" means we each perform a song, one after another. Performers are inspired by each other's songs, and spontaneity abounds!
- This show runs from 7:30 to ~8:30 pm (CST), approximately 1 hour... so, likely 3 to 4 rounds.
- "Doors open" at 7:15pm, so we can chat before the show begins. (Zoom is an interactive environment, where performers and audience can see and hear each other! Audience will be muted during the show, for sound clarity issues, but we can talk before and after the performance.)
- This will be an intentional show: we ask you to donate to reserve your seat, and then be present so we can share community. The show will NOT be recorded for later viewing. The intent is for us to share the magic together, in real time.
- Your generous $donation goes directly to these artists. Your donation also reserves your place in the "Zoom room," so to speak. We look forward to sharing music, and community, with you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Refund Policy
Your donation is non-refundable, but you may transfer your spot to someone else (for the same show date) if you're unable to attend.
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