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Jen Chapin Trio Benefit Concert

Wednesday, Mar. 02 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

FolkJazzSinger-Songwriter

The Jen Chapin Trio debuts at The Acorn. Critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Jen Chapin's music is urban folk — story songs that search for community and shared meaning, powered by the funk, soul and improvisation of the city. This special benefit concert supports Big Brothers, Big Sisters - Southern Lake Michigan Region.

Big Brothers Big SIsters

"With songs delivered in a style that ranges from tender fragility to unexpected steeliness, Chapin brings a jazzy edge to the folk form. Sometimes she explores a fleeting emotion, sometimes she weaves a solid narrative—not at all surprising from the daughter of Harry Chapin, a master musical storyteller.” - The New Yorker

About the Artists:

Jen Chapin has been celebrated for writing “brilliant soulfully poetic urban folk music” (NPR) for more than two decades, attracting notice with her debut, Open Wide, in 2002. Nurtured in and around NYC by a large family of artists, writers, and musicians, Jen's “observant, lyrically deft, politically aware and emotionally intuitive” (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel) songwriting features both her "extraordinary voice” (De krenten uit de pop, The Netherlands) and “astonishing jazz band” (popmatters), the combination of which has garnered her well-deserved praise, solidified by appearances on Late Nite with Conan O’Brien, NPR’s Mountain Stage, WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, WFUV's Sunday Breakfast with John Platt, Mary Sue Twohy's Folk Village and the Bob Edwards Show on Sirius Satellite.

As much as an artistic legacy, the roots of Jen's upbringing have inspired her "potent, jazzy, layered folk" (Newsday) songs and a lifetime of passionate activism, through ongoing work with WhyHunger (founded by her late father Harry Chapin), and teaching high school global history in Brooklyn. She has performed on stage with Bruce Springsteen, on bills with Aimee Mann, Bruce Hornsby, and The Neville Brothers, and her rendition of Van Morrison's "Into The Mystic" was featured in an episode of the SyFy TV series "Defiance". Jen Chapin's 2013 release Reckoning, produced and engineered by five-time GRAMMY© Winner Kevin Killen (U2, Elvis Costello, Kate Bush) was named among the best Americana albums of that year byExaminer.com and awarded First Prize, Lyrics category by the USA Songwriting Competition (for the song "Go Away"). Her new trio album Desert or Sea was released in summer 2019. Currently, Jen is developing "Essential Stories" -- a new theatrical concert comprised of two decades of songwriting --sculpted into an intimate autobiographical narrative of family roots, parenting, ambition/ambivalence and politics.


Anyone entering the theater will be required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entry. In addition, all who enter the theater will be required to wear masks. Click here to learn more about Acorn Covid-19 Policy.


RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to support Big Brothers, Big Sisters & The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Box Office opens at 4:00pm ET
Starts 7:00pm, doors open 6:00pm

An Experience to Outlast Any Performance

No two Acorn performances are exactly the same.  Thoughtful curation brings a diverse mix of top talent to The Acorn, exposing audiences to both renowned and soon-to-be-discovered stars.

About The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts

The Acorn brings great known performers and amazing new ones to southwest Michigan.  Located in the historic featherbone factory, The Acorn’s friendly staff and volunteers, and an acoustically rich sound system combine for memorable experiences. We’re located in Three Oaks, Michigan …  just over an hour from downtown Chicago and 30 minutes from South Bend, IN.

The Acorn, a nonprofit organization, annually hosts a singer songwriter competition and a Spectacular Tournament of Playwrights. Our Open Mic nights showcase a variety of strong talent and our educational workshops include songwriting and master classes in performance.

The Acorn’s Mission

To offer a broad range of high-quality arts and education programming that nurtures cultural experience, participation and community engagement among residents and visitors of all ages and enhances the economic vitality of the region.


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