About the Artist

** Harmony Fest in Harmony Park, located directly across from Hey Nonny, will be occurring during this performance. Please note, parking may be limited and food service may not be available. Drink service WILL be available.

Chicago Folk / Americana singer / songwriter, Steve Dawson, has been called “one of the most underrated songwriters in American music,” who writes, “graceful, poetic songs akin to a volume of great short stories in their precise, exacting wordplay and soulful heartache.” Dawson has released six albums with his long-time band, Dolly Varden, and six solo albums, including 2021’s “At The Bottom Of A Canyon In The Branches Of A Tree,” and the 2024’s, “Ghosts,” both on Pravda Records.

Originally from San Diego, California, he spent his teen years in Hailey, Idaho, where he learned guitar and started writing songs. After a few years at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Dawson moved to Chicago and formed the band, Stump The Host, with his future wife, artist and singer, Diane Christiansen. Dawson also teaches songwriting at the legendary Old Town School of Folk Music and co-wrote a book on songwriting and the creative process with Mark Caro called, “Take It To The Bridge: Unlocking The Great Songs Inside You.”