What a wonderful wintertime we are having in Decorah! If it feels a bit cold, don’t worry ~ Decorah’s arts scene provides many ways to warm yourself on these January evenings. Wandering Water Street on the evening of Friday, January 16th, you’ll find quality events at two different locations.

At the west end, join the ArtHaus Fundraiser (7-9 pm), and listen to the folk music of Door County singer-songwriter Katie Dahl and bassist Richard Higdon. On the east end, join Hotel Winneshiek’s Live in the Lobby event with the bluegrass music of guitarist and singer Billy Strings and mandolinist Don Julin.

At the ArtHaus Fundraiser, you’ll have the opportunity to listen to a wonderful duo, while supporting the driftless region’s finest art centers. This is the talented song-writer Katie Dahl’s first concert in Decorah. Richard Higdon has not performed in Decorah since he was a member of the Luther College Symphony Orchestra (in 1992). The duo will be performing both original and cover songs, accompanied by Dahl’s guitar and harmonica playing and Higdon’s upright bass, spoons, and washboard.

Hotel Winneshiek’s Live in the Lobby series brings the music of Don Julin and Billy Strings to Decorah. Billy Strings brings an intense energy to their live performances. Julin is at the forefront of the mandolin scene, and is known for his creativity, versatility, and powerful picking technique.

Both venues provide an opportunity to mingle with good friends in an intimate setting, while feeding your soul with great music. Come and experience first-hand the vital and thriving arts element of life in Decorah!

Event: ArtHaus Fundraiser with musicians Katie Dahl and Rich Higdon

Cost: $10 minimum suggested donation (or online at: http://arthausdecorah.org/friends/), to support ArtHaus’s general fund

Event Date and Time: 7-9 pm on Friday, January 16, 2015

Event Location: ArtHaus, 508 W Water St., Decorah

Event: Hotel Winneshiek Live in the Lobby with Billy Strings and Don Julin

Cost: Free, full menu and bar available

Event Date and Time: 6-9 pm on Friday, January 16, 2015

Event Location: Hotel Winneshiek, 104 E. Water St., Decorah

Photo credit:  K Dahl