Intrepid Songwriting and Acoustic Innovation at Kahilu Theatre

Julian Lage and Chris Eldridge. Photo courtesy of Kahilu Theatre.

Kahilu Theatre will present an evening of acoustic innovation with Release the Hounds, featuring Julian Lage and Chris Eldridge with Aoife O’Donovan on Thursday, April 13, at 7 p.m.

O’Donovan will open the evening at center stage performing her captivating and intrepid acoustic songs. Julian Lage and Chris Eldridge will follow with a masterful acoustic performance typical of the virtuosic duo. Their style encompasses an edgy blend of folk, bluegrass and jazz.The performance will conclude with the trio performing together.

Aoife O’Donovan. Photo courtesy of Kahilu Theatre.

Lage is recognized for his work in jazz and new music circles, collaborating with such artists as Gary Burton, Nels Cline, Fred Hersch and Jim Hall. Eldridge is equally noted in the progressive bluegrass world for his contributions with The Seldom Scene and The Infamous Stringdusters, which led to his work with Chris Thile’s Grammy-nominated quintet, Punch Brothers.

Lage and Eldridge’s collaboration took off with their self-released, four-song EP, Close To Picture in 2013. The EP album is described as a venture into “unchartered territory, beyond genre.”

The whole point was to explore sounds and textures that are uniquely possible on a flattop, steel-string guitar,” said Eldridge. “There hasn’t been a lot of exploration of what they’re uniquely capable of, their particular rich tonal palette, what they have to offer to the world that other instruments don’t.”

Aoife O’Donovan has captivated audiences in a myriad of collaborations including the Grammy-winning album by Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile on The Goat Rodeo Sessions. She also worked for a decade in the progressive string band Crooked Still and most recently with I’m With Her, a trio of singers including Sara Watkins and Sarah Jarosz. Aoife has also made regular appearances as a featured vocalist on A Prairie Home Companion.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the April 13 performance. Snack and beverages will be available for purchase at the Kahilu Theatre bar.

Tickets are $68, $48, $38, $20 and available for purchase online, by calling (808) 885-6868, or at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office, Monday to Friday from 9 to 1 p.m.