Mallory, Zeke (Atkins, Chet; DeMent, Iris; Idlet, Ezra; Ian, Janice; Mo’, Keb’; Grimwood, Keith; Hedges, Michael; Nygaard, Scott; O’Brien, Tim; O’Brien, Mollie; Laura Love Band; Trout Fishing in America; Williams, Dar; Burns, Batt et al.)

Original Concert Poster: The 19th Annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival (Hill Auditorium, January 27, 1996)

Ann Arbor, MI, USA: Zeke Mallory, 1996. First Edition. Single Sheet. Signed by most festival performers. This poster (appx. 17” x 24”) memorializes the 19th annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival which took place on January 27th, 1996 at the Hill Auditorium. The Ark hosted their 47th annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival this past January 2024. This poster was designed and printed by local artist Zeke Mallory and features photos of Iris DeMent (b. 1961), Chet Atkins (1924-2001), and Michael Hedges (1953-1997). Iris DeMent is a Grammy-nominated country-folk-gospel singer; she signed in black ink at top right corner of her photo. Near her signature are also the signatures of brother/sister duo Tim (b.1954) and Mollie (b. 1952) O’Brien. Chet Atkins, also known as "Mister Guitar" and "the Country Gentleman,” is credited with trademarking the signature Nashville country music style. He was primarily a guitarist, but he also played the mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and ukulele; his signature in black ink in the upper left corner reads, “Chet A. CGP” referring to his self-coined title of “Certified Guitar Player” (which was the title of his 1988 album, his 55th studio release!). To the left of Atkins’ signature is that of blue guitarist Keb’ Mo’ (b. 1951). Below the central photo, American singer-songwriter Janis Ian (b. 1951) signed in black ink over her printed name. There is a signature near Ian’s that is unidentifiable to any listed performers or their bandmates. Below that one in the bottom left corner, Scott Nygaard (b. 1955), a traditional bluegrass musician, signed in thin, black marker. Pop folk artist Dar Williams (b. 1967) signed below her printed name with a smiley face in black ink. In the lower right corner, Ezra Idlet and Keith Grimwood of Trout Fishing in America both signed across the margin in black ink. Trout Fishing in America is a folk rock band whose name is derived from the novella authored by Richard Brautigan. Below these two is another unmatched signature that appears to be the last name “Phillips,” perhaps “T Phillips,” which could be Tom Phillips of the Canadian group Tom Phillips & the D.T.s though they are not on record as having performed. Guitarist Michael Hedges (1953-1997) signed in black ink above his photo on the right. Above his signature are those of the Laura Love Band: Laura Love (lead singer & guitarist), Rod Cook (guitarist), Chris Leighton (drummer), and Julie Wolf (pianist/accordionist). Lastly, Irish storyteller Batt Burns, founder of the Sneem International Storytelling & Folklore Festival and M.C. of the 19th Annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival, signed in bold, black ink. A truly irreplicable relic of a mid-90s gathering of uniquely talented artists. Single sheet: presumed first edition, first printing, as is typical for event posters at the time. In fine condition with minimal age discoloration to the once-white margins; minor bumping/ creasing to the fine edges and corners; verso is clean. This item is too delicate to be rolled & must be shipped flat to assure no damage, therefore an extra handling fee of $5.00 will be required. Fine. [Item #7165]

Price: $250.00