Check out an evening of American traditional and folk music at ArtisTree (2095 Pomfret Road, South Pomfret) this Friday, April 14. The Sky Blue Boys—also known as brothers Banjo Dan and Willy Lindner—will perform with Last Train to Zinkov, the father/son team of David and Nathan Gusakov, to showcase songs reminiscent of the “brother duets” of country music popular during the 1930s and ’40s.

Artistree/Purple Crayon Productions music director Mark van Gulden was familiar with Banjo Dan from his years with the group The Midnight Plowboys. He also used to live near the Gusakovs; his kids went to school with Nathan. Plus, continuing along the small-world theme, David played with Banjo Dan in The Midnight Plowboys years ago.

“The showcase idea came up when we had to delay Dan and Will playing here while they were out on tour,” explains van Gulden. “During this time, I had the Gusakovs (Last Train to Zinkov) play here. When they played, they performed some songs written by Banjo Dan, and one tune in particular I just loved—the tune called “Karelia.” I recorded it, and when Dan next emailed me to see about getting a date together, I sent him a recording of that song. So Dan suggested the possibility of doing a show with the Gusakovs, and I loved the idea. I still do. These are all such great players, and their music speaks to traditional American music and particularly Vermont. It’s going to be an awesome show.”

When we asked what exactly ArtisTree was, Communications and Marketing Director Tayo Skarrow answered, “ArtisTree is a nonprofit community arts center committed to making creative expression and its appreciation accessible to our community. We provide the opportunity for a joyful, meaningful, and satisfying experience of the visual arts, theater, and music through our year-round classes, workshops, performances, gallery exhibits, and events. We encourage our local community members of all ages and abilities to participate in a wide variety of art processes.” 

Tickets for Vermont Acoustic: An Evening with The Sky Blue Boys and Last Train to Zinkov are $20 and available through the ArtisTree website (www.artistreevt.org). 

Seating is limited to 80 people. The performance begins at 7pm.