Concerts @ Commonwealth presents MIDWEST MAGIC: An Evening of Music with finalists and winners from KERRVILLE'S NEW FOLK COMPETITION.

All performing on our stage October 26 at 7:30 PM

Flamy Grant

Flamy Grant is a shame-slaying, hip-swaying, singing-songwriting drag queen from western North Carolina. Her 2022 debut record, Bible Belt Baby, was nominated for Best Pop Album at the San Diego Music Awards, and she is a winner of the 2023 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition. Both a powerhouse vocalist and an intrepid songwriter, Flamy blends the art of drag with her iconic folk/rock sound to create a memorable musical experience. It’s no accident that Flamy’s drag name is an homage to Amy Grant, the undisputed queen of Christian music and 90s chart-topping pop artist.

Much of Flamy’s music centers on the queer spiritual journey, telling stories of resilience and recovery from religious trauma in a world where LGBTQ+ people are frequently ignored by, harmed in, or ejected from religious spaces. With a bold lip, a big lash, and a blistering voice, Flamy drags audiences to a soulful, uplifting church of her own making. This down-to-earth diva has entertained music lovers from Los Angeles to Nashville with her funny, frank, and fabulous songs.

Sadie Gustafson-Zook

Every time Sadie Gustafson-Zook carves a linoleum block, sews a pencil case out of scraps, or admires the way her the ink in her Pilot G-2 glides over her journal, she thinks, “I should be doing this all the time.” The act of creating something tangible is the air Sadie breathes. Her songwriting is the same- weaving an internal dialogue, the stories she tells herself, warm melodies and clever chords into something real, something she can physically feel with her hands and her throat. And chances are that you’ll be able to feel them too.

Sadie is widely recognized for her songwriting, winning the 2022 Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition, the 2022 Newsong + LEAF Songwriting Contest, as well placing in the top two at the 2022 Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Songwriter Showcase. She’s been featured on Folk Alley and the Basic Folk Podcast and has performed at renowned festivals and venues including Kerrville Folk Festival, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest, and Walnut Valley Festival.

Halley Neal

Halley Neal is a folk singer and songwriter based in Nashville, TN. Inspired by artists like Joni Mitchell and Shawn Colvin, Halley’s sound combines inspirations of classic folk music and modern day singer-songwriters and her live shows center on themes of positivity and peace.

Andy Sydow

Americana, rock, folk, singer-songwriter Andy Sydow is a jack-of-all-trades. As an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who’s lyrics paint a picture of poetic realism, Sydow tours consistently both solo and with a backing band. Throughout the course of a show he’s known to croon an audience with acoustic guitar ballads, sing a few numbers on his lap steel, and even sit down at the keys to show off his surprising boogie-woogie piano chops. He draws comparisons to voices like Paul Simon and Jackson Browne, mixed with a roots rock vibe reminiscent of Tom Petty or Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.

Our Venue

Commonwealth Sanctuary is housed in the historic, former Tower Methodist Church, built in 1914. The original stained glass windows and custom-built, curved pews are all still on site. Now, in its new life as a Community Events Venue, this beautiful old building hosts the best stand-up comedy, music, theater, and cinema that you can find in the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati area. The facility features a full sound system, programmable stage lighting, a 150-inch rear projection movie screen, and a concession stand where we serve a full menu, including beer, wine, and cocktails. Unfortunately, because of the age and architecture of the building, this facility is not wheelchair accessible. Please look for parking in the city parking lot directly behind Commonwealth Sanctuary, in the second city parking lot located one block east near Galactic Chicken, and on the street along 6th Ave. Please do NOT park on 5th Ave.