Last night, I had the very great honor of introducing two of the best and kindest musicians that I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, Matt and Shannon Heaton, to an appreciative audience at Uptown Bill‘s.

All of the photos in this post are by the talented Troy Shehan, my brother-in-wish and one of my favorite human beings.

It’s not often that I’m onstage without my fiddle as a security object and, in my blur of excitement, I think I very well might have forgotten to mention that this concert was made possible in part by a generous donation from the Iowa Friends of Old Time Music.

Matt Heaton is unmatched on guitar, bouzouki, and vocals.

Matt is a seasoned performer with concerts spanning many years and countries but I’d venture to guess this might be the first time he’s ever shared the stage with Elmo.

Elmo, sensing he was in the presence of greatness, did his furry best to copy Matt’s pose.

One of the Heatons’ recordings that I purchased last night (Lovers’ Well) features a perfect quote from Bill Margeson of Irish Music Magazine and American Public Radio:

“I can think of no other couple I’d rather sit of an evening than Matt and Shannon Heaton. There is always great music, great laughs, and great love. These two are superb musicians and singers. Far more important, they are superb people…”

Shannon Heaton graced us with her Irish flute, button accordion, whistles, and transcendent singing.

Matt and Shannon shared not only their music, their stories, and their humor with us, but also their obvious love for and pride in their adopted hometown of Boston where they have lived for more than a decade.

Iowa City was incredibly blessed to have been hosts to this duo and we hope that they return again soon. Many thanks to the Iowa Friends of Old Time Music as well as Tom G and the team at Uptown Bill’s for making this show possible!