Was that the sound of strings-a-strummin'? And I thought I just heard a double-neck guitjo. Some unique sounds are going down on Delridge. And this is in addition to the already happenin' scene just down the street at the Skylark.

For a neighborhood that used to seem somewhat quiet when it came to live music, now the hills are alive with the sound of it. Once a month, Westsiders are tapping their toes to folk music, bluegrass, Americana and more with the new Four Sheep Concert Series at Youngstown Cultural Art Center's Thelma DeWitty Theater.

Offering national acts like Eliza Gilkyson and Acoustic Eidolon, the series is not only putting West Seattle on the map for reputable music venues, but it's also providing class acts for the entire community to enjoy without ever leaving the neighborhood.

"All shows are also family friendly," explains Four Sheep's co-founder Brian Higgins. "Because it's not a bar, there is no age restriction which is great because it gives us a chance to expose our young people to music - and they also get student discounts."

In fact, students of any age get in for half price and Youngstown residents living within the arts center can see any show for $5.

"We want to provide high quality music for everyone," explains Higgins. "We are strictly not-for-profit and pass on all money, over our expenses for putting on the show, directly into the artists' pockets."

The idea for the Four Sheep concert series began after a few pints of Guinness on the western coast of Ireland. On their honeymoon, founders and Brian and Jill Higgins were enjoying an Irish tradition (beer) with their singer-songwriter friend Johnsmith (no, that's not a typo). Somewhere between becoming three sheets to the wind and taking in the hilltop Irish views under a moonlit sky, the idea (and name) for Four Sheep was born.

Both Brian and Jill had a background in music and connections with folk artists from working at various radio stations across the country. When the two met - at a folk fest no less - their passions for music united. They moved to West Seattle on a job transfer, married and decided to share folk music with their neighbors, many of whom had to travel to Ballard and other areas of Seattle to see shows of this nature, until now.

"The idea became a reality when we toured Youngstown and saw Thelma DeWitty Theater," recalls Higgins. "We then proposed doing one show per month from September through April."

And now, just a few days away from the series' kick off, West Seattle has a whole slough of great performances to look forward to. Here is a brief rundown of the upcoming acts (check the http://www.foursheep.org web site for times):

Nov 12: Austin-based singer-songwriter Susan Gibson

Gibson is perhaps most well-known for writing one of the Dixie Chicks most popular singles, "Wide Open Spaces." So you can imagine what else she has to share with West Seattle.

For more info, visit: www.susangibson.com

Dec. 14: Seasonal concert with instrumental duo Acoustic Eidolon

Acoustic Eidolon's recordings have been featured on NPR's "All Things Considered," John Diliberto's "Echoes," PAX Television, Woodsong's "Olde Time Radio Hour," and numerous other stations across the country. There is simply nothing like this cello and "guitjo" combo. And if you're wondering what a guitjo is (a 14-string double necked guitar), you better come see (and hear) it for yourself. For more info, visit: http://www.acousticeidolon.com

Jan. 19: New Mexico-based singer-songwriter Don Conoscenti

Acoustic, improvisational storytelling through song is Conoscenti's forte. His 2001 release, "Paradox of Grace," featured the pivotal song, "The Other Side" which was played regularly on WFUV-FM in New York City following the attacks of Sept 11th. For more info, visit: http://www.doncon.com

Feb. 8:- Singer-songwriter Johnsmith

Johnsmith was the past winner of the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk award and has released four CDs with rave reviews by industry pubs such as Dirty Linen, Performing Songwriter, and Sing Out!. He has also served as a staff songwriter for the WrenSong Music Group in Nashville. But see him live and he'll share his soul with you through song.

For more info, visit: www.johnsmithmusic.com

April 5: Kentucky-based singer-songwriter Rob McNurlin

A true cowboy, McNurlin was inspired by inspired by Cash, Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Hank Williams. He's released five CDs including "Cowboy Boot Heel" recorded at Johnny Cash's Cabin Studio and produced by his son John Carter Cash.

For more info, visit: www.RobMcNurlin.com

April (TBD): Boston-based folk artist Ellis Paul

April is a great month for Four Sheep offering a second show with Boston folk-scene veteran Ellis Paul who has headlined major folk festivals and had his songs featured in Hollywood movies.

For more info, visit: www.ellispaul.com

What:

Four Sheep Concert Series

Where:

Thelma DeWitty Theater

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

4408 Delridge Way SW

www.foursheep.org

206.932.0804

When:

See events listed above

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