Freebo and Alice Howe to play acoustic concert at UU church in Utica: Here are the details

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Utica will be bringing two stellar artists in for an acoustic concert on Saturday July 22 at 7 p.m.

One of them you may not know, but you should; the other, you know but don’t realize you know.

Los Angeles-based guitarist Alice Howe is one of the hottest new artists in the singer-songwriter arena, displaying her vocal prowess and introspective songwriting as she tours to support her critically acclaimed second album, “Circumstance," recorded at the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals.

“The music that inspires my work has a quality that I consider timeless. Genre-wise, it falls somewhere in the realm of Americana-folk-rock-blues-roots-country, but I don’t concern myself too much with those labels,” Howe notes. “It’s about my voice, the lyrics, and the melodies, all surrounded by soulful instrumentation played on real instruments.”

Her duo partner is a guy named Daniel Friedberg. Not ringing any bells? Maybe you know him better by the stage name Freebo, a name that has been featured on marquees and album credits performing with artists likes of CSN, Maria Muldaur, John Mayall, Ringo Starr, Dr. John, Neil Young and, for 10 years, Bonnie Raitt.

Freebo and Alice Howe present a unique study in contrasts, bringing together a rising voice in Americana music and a venerable rock, folk, and blues icon. Each a compelling performer in their own right, they both lead and support each other in their well-crafted songs with flawless harmonies and tasteful instrumentation.

More music news: These two musicians deliver big band sound at Mohawk Valley shows

“The UU Church is excited to showcase Freebo and Alice Howe in Utica,” says Jeff Chard, the church’s worship coordinator, who put the show together. “Individually they are fine writers and performers. Their presence as a duo elevates them to a whole new level.”

Alice grew up listening to the classic singer-songwriters from the 60s and 70s, like Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, and Jackson Browne, so when given the chance to work with someone who had been an active part of that scene, it was like a dream come true.

“When Freebo offered to produce (and play bass on) a couple of tracks, I was thrilled. I went home and turned over my mom’s Bonnie Raitt records and found him pictured on the back, and I took a deep dive into those early ‘70s records that he played on,” Alice recalls. “The more I learned about Freebo’s history and his career, the more I came to understand what an amazing opportunity it was for me to work with someone who was actually there for all the music that I loved.”

Tickets for the concert are $17.75 including service charge, available at alice-freebo.eventbrite.com.

Freebo and Alice will be doing two intimate acoustic sets at the church and Freebo will be guest speaker at the 10 a.m. Sunday worship service on July 23, which will include Alice and Freebo’s own music.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Freebo and Alice Howe to play acoustic concert at UU church in Utica