BEREA, KY – Two of the Midwest’s most beloved folk acts will share the stage at Rebel Rebel Studio & Lounge on Sunday, October 26, bringing stripped-down string band music and heartfelt harmonies to Berea’s intimate music venue.
The Tillers, an Ohio River Valley string band from Cincinnati, have been thumping their distinctive sound of folk music since 2007. Known for their ability to “break your heart with an intangible, timeless pain,” writes Col. JD Wilkes, the band has toured extensively across the country and overseas, building a devoted following with their authentic approach to traditional string band music.
The group’s sound draws from old-time folk and bluegrass traditions, featuring tight harmonies and acoustic instrumentation that transports listeners to another era. Their music has been described as both raucous and reverent, capturing the spirit of American roots music while making it entirely their own.
Joining them are The Montvales, a folk duo featuring Sally Buice and Molly Rochelson. Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, and now based in Cincinnati, the pair spent their formative years busking on street corners before developing their banjo-and-harmony-driven sound. Their shows blend stripped-down instrumentation with powerful songwriting that sticks with listeners long after the final note.
The Montvales have earned recognition for their woman-centric voice in folk music, bringing modern perspectives to traditional forms. Their latest album, “Born Strangers,” showcases their evolution from acoustic duo to full-band arrangements while maintaining the intimate connection that defines their live performances.
Rebel Rebel Studio & Lounge, located at 440 Chestnut Street in downtown Berea, serves as a live music and event venue that runs an Emerging Musicians Incubator, supporting both established and up-and-coming artists in the region. The venue’s intimate setting provides the perfect backdrop for string band folk, allowing audiences to experience the nuances of acoustic performance up close.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with music beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($15 for students), per Eventbrite.
For more information about the show or upcoming events at Rebel Rebel, visit www.rebelrebelberea.com or call 423-794-8632.