Sundilla Concert Series: folking good music since 1993

Imagine sitting in your living room, sipping on your favorite craft beer or wine, listening to the scruffy baritone of Jeff Black sing and play songs on guitar he wrote for Sam Bush. This dream essentially describes the Sundilla Concert Series in Auburn, Alabama. A nonprofit founded in the early nineties by a few friends who worked at Auburn University, the series has become a haven for traveling singer-songwriters and bands. It is a community-driven venue that offers a listening room environment, with all of the creature comforts of your home - BYOB, with snacks, coffee and tea provided by volunteers.

Artist driven, community supported

Sundilla sets itself apart from most concert venues is a few notable ways. First, the performers - whether a band or a songwriter - receive 100% of the proceeds from the concert, which include ticket sales and merchandise. Sundilla, as an organization, does not take any percentage of a show's revenue. Another unique feature is that Sundilla volunteers offer their homes for artists to stay in while they are in town. Almost all performers graciously accept the offer of a free, comfortable stay in a home.

Booking the best in acoustic music and more

The president of Sundilla, Bailey Jones, books all of the artists. Sundilla, now an established name nationwide, is in high demand by songwriters and acoustic bands. Jones' challenge is to decide which requests he will convert to a scheduled show. This is a good problem to have though. Sundilla's musical Ferris wheel includes traditional folk, singer-songwriters, alternative country, blues, newgrass, bluegrass and an occasional dose or rock.

Who plays at Sundilla?

Gillian Welch is perhaps the best-known artist Sundilla has hosted. She gained notoriety for her contribution to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. Jeff Black (recorded many times by Sam Bush) and Dan Navarro (wrote Pat Benatar's hit "We Belong") have both played Sundilla numerous times and are significant names in the songwriting world. All of the artists love playing in the intimate environment of the historic 1870 Ebenezer Baptist, which seats about 100 people.

1870 Ebenezer Baptist Church. credit: John Greene

An award-winning folk music venue

The Southeast Regional Folk Alliance, or SERFA, awarded Sundilla with a prestigious SERFA award in 2017. "SERFA Award is the result of a lot of work from volunteers past and present” said current Sundilla President Bailey Jones. At the time, Sundilla was the only venue to receive a SERFA. This recognition further puts Sundilla on the map in the folk music world.

How can you get involved?

Visit Sundilla's website if you are interested in volunteering. There are numerous needs in the areas of hospitality, setup/takedown, artist relations, lighting/sound, and community relations. As Jones mentions, Sundilla is successful because of its volunteers. If you attend a concert, you will see them running around before and after the show, all glad to support a community asset like Sundilla. You can donate to the cause online or purchase a season pass.

Wondering what Sundilla sounds like? Checkout the two videos below. The first clip is from newgrass band Act of Congress jamming in 2017. The second video is the acoustic duo Ryanhood performing in 2018. Enjoy! video credits: John Greene