Two concerts scheduled for Bishop Hill Commons

Crossroads Cultural Connections will present a night of powerhouse songwriting and soul-stirring vocals on Friday, Feb. 20, and an Iowa Americana duo on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Bishop Hill Creative Commons.

Before each concert, there will be an optional potluck at 6 p.m., when guests are invited to bring a dish to share. Each concert is an all-ages show that will begin at 7 p.m. A $20–30 donation is suggested at the door. For tickets and more information, visit here.

Friday, Feb. 20: Elizabeth Moen and special guest Sophie Coyote

Elizabeth Moen’s voice is big, beautiful, and impossible to ignore—an instrument of raw power capable of soaring to electrifying heights or pulling listeners in with an intimate whisper. Blending indie rock with American folk, Moen’s songwriting feels like a late-night conversation with a friend—confessional, witty, self-aware, and deeply human. Since her 2016 debut, she has drawn praise from outlets such as “American Songwriter” and “No Depression” for her striking honesty and unforgettable melodies.

Her 2022 independent release, “Wherever You Aren’t,” showcased her signature mix of vulnerability and humor, earning acclaim for its emotional depth and vocal dynamism. Now preparing a highly anticipated new album produced by Spencer Tweedy (Waxahatchee), Moen continues to carve out her place as one of the most compelling voices in modern Americana.

Opening the evening will be Illinois native Sophie Coyote, a singer-songwriter from the small Midwestern town of Waddams Grove. Raised in an old farmhouse surrounded by open fields and steeped in classic rock, honky-tonk country, and blues, Sophie crafts songs that feel rooted in tradition yet uniquely her own. Her lyrically driven storytelling, clever wordplay, and emotional honesty evoke the raw, golden era of songwriting while bringing a fresh and personal perspective to the stage.

Together, Moen and Coyote promise a night of bold voices, heartfelt storytelling, and the kind of connection that defines the Bishop Hill Creative Commons experience.

Saturday, Feb. 21: Weary Ramblers

Newly formed but deeply seasoned, Weary Ramblers—comprised of acclaimed songwriter Chad Elliott and celebrated fiddler Kathryn Fox—bring years of experience and award-winning artistry to the stage. Their multi-instrumental performances blend Americana, folk, blues, and roots music with tight harmonies and compelling storytelling.

They are winners of the 2025 Josie Music Award for Americana Song of the Year (Duo/Group/Collab), champions of the 2025 Iowa Blues Challenge (Solo/Duo Category), and recipients of the 21st Annual International Acoustic Music Award for Best Group/Duo. They have also been recognized as semi-finalists in both the International Songwriting Competition and the Unsigned Only Music Awards.

Chad Elliott, hailed by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings as an artist whose music is “as honest as Woody Guthrie’s,” has written more than 1,500 songs over a two-decade touring career. Known as “Iowa’s Renaissance man,” Elliott is also an accomplished painter, sculptor, and author. He has shared stages with legendary artists including Odetta, Tom Paxton, Loudon Wainwright III, Ruthie Foster, and Greg Brown.

Kathryn Fox, described as a “fiddler extraordinaire” by Cityview Magazine, is a DownBeat award winner whose extraordinary résumé includes performing and recording with George Benson, The Beach Boys, The Eagles, Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, and Joshua Bell, among many others. She has toured internationally and appeared on PBS specials, and played on a Grammy-nominated track alongside Kate McGarry.

Bishop Hill Creative Commons, operated by Crossroads Cultural Connections, continues its mission of building community through live music and shared experiences.

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