Chicago Rovers brings Irish performance to USF
Although St. Patrick’s Day is over, there’s still reason to celebrate! The University of St. Francis presents the Chicago Rovers on Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m. in the Moser Performing Arts Center auditorium. Admission is free. For reservations, call (815) 740-3365.
From foot-stomping jigs and reels to romantic ballads and barroom sing-a-longs, the Chicago Rovers play something for everyone—folk, country, classic rock, the Beatles, bluegrass and Americana.
The Chicago Rovers were formed in early 1988 and consists of singer/pianist/guitarist Mick Archer, guitarist/singer Steve Arvey and multi-instrumentalist Dave Dalessandro.
Archer is well known for his versatility and vast repertoire. He has been active in blues, jazz, rock and folk music for over 20 years and most recently has turned his attention to Celtic music. In addition to his musical training at the American Conservatory, Archer is a published poet and holds a degree in English literature from the University of Illinois. He comes to this music by way of his appreciation of the great Irish literary tradition. Archer has performed in Ireland and recently was in a James Joyce tribute at the Newberry Library.
Arvey is a renowned performer of blues as well as Celtic music. He was sponsored by Harp Irish Lager at all of the top Irish clubs in the Chicago area. He is a recording artist with several CDs of original material to his credit. Well known for his humorous stage persona, he has worked in a variety of musical settings throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Dalessandro plays the mandolin, fiddle, guitar and bass in all styles of folk and country music. He has performed eight consecutive years at the Florida State Folk Festival and has been involved with instructional workshops at other festivals across the country. He teaches Celtic and Old Time fiddle style at Front Porch Music in Valparaiso, Ind. and Dynamite Music in Griffin, Ind. Dalessandro has performed regularly at the Abbey Pub and Irish Cultural Center in Chicago. He is a member of the Society For The Preservation Of Old Time Music and the Central Indiana Bluegrass Association.
The University of St. Francis is at 500 Wilcox St. in Joliet.