Back to roots

Songs of Appalachia at Bodles Opera House Chester —Jonathan Byrd and Diana Jones will perform the music of Appalachia at Bodles Opera House on Friday, March 23. Byrd is a North Carolinian singer-songwriter rooted in tradition, with a twist. He will perform early-American ballads and old-time folk. He won the 2003 New Folk competition at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival. His latest album is “This is the New That.” Jones is a New Yorker with eastern Tennessee roots. Her music is reminiscent of Iris Dement in her singing and songwriting about country blues and mountain music. She won Kerrville’s 2006 New Folk competition. She most recently recorded “My Remembrance of You.” Their performance begins at 8:30 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 for dinner. Admission is $15 For more information about the performers, visit www.jonathanbyrd.com and www.dianajonesmusic.com. On Sunday, March 25, Bodles presents the Claire Lynch Band, an award-winning bluegrass band with a “post-modern edge.” Claire Lynch is a Kingston native who has recorded with Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Kathy Mattea, The Seldom Scene, and others. Her latest recording, “New Day,” is number 2 on the Bluegrass Now Top 10 Albums of the Year Chart. Lynch was nominated for a Grammy. The performance begins at 7 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 for dinner. The Wire Choir, featuring Rachel Handman, Wayne Fugate, and Phil Helm will open the show. Admission is $25. For more information about Lynch, visit www.clairelynch.com. Bodles’ regular events include an acoustic open mike with Mike Baglione and Terry Michie at 8 p.m. every Thursday. Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m.. Admission is $3 For more information or reservations, call Bodles at 469-4595 or visit www.bodles.com.