Reflecting on the beginnings of his interest in music, Michael Ammons credits the folk recordings of the legendary singer Pete Seeger for inspiration at the tender age of four. Growing up in Iowa, Rich Higdon sang in his church as a young boy. An inspirational school band director provided a solid instructional base in percussion. The duo closes out the annual Door Community Auditorium Fireside Coffeehouse series on Saturday, March 27 at 7 pm. Seating in the intimate fireplace lobby is limited and early purchase of tickets is recommended.

Together, Michael and Rich perform in the tradition of the musicians of the 20s and 30s, a repertoire that includes classic tunes from the blues, string band and jug band traditions, ragtime, “hokum” party music, as well as solid originals. Rich, who also plays in Michael’s band The Water Street Hot Shots, performs spoons, kazoo, jug, bass, and ukulele.

An accomplished finger-style blues guitarist, Ammons combines the unique sound of the metal-bodied National resonator guitar and the power of early blues recordings of the 1920s and ‘30s to create the music he calls his own. Ammons has criss-crossed Wisconsin since 1989. His guitar in hand, Ammon has brought his style of playing to Madison’s “roots” music bands.

Although Pete Seeger’s folk recordings were his earliest musical influence, Ammons was steered towards the guitar by his mother. When a passion for the out-of-doors led him to seek a small, portable instrument he could carry with him, Ammons discovered the harmonica, the instrument that ultimately led him to the Blues. Contemporary performers such as Greg Brown, Catfish Keith, and Paul Geremia later influenced Ammons to pursue proficiency on the technically challenging finger blues guitar.

His musicality continues to earn him accolades. Blues Review Magazine’s David Freeland calls Ammons, “An appealing performer with a keen awareness of early blues styles.”

It’s hard to find a musician like Michael Lee Ammons who addresses tradition with a fresh tradition,” said Nitty Gritty Dirt Band member John McEuen. Added Dirty Linen Magazine, Ammons’ guitar work “conjures up images of a delta blues picker pondering the northern lights.”

Appearing with Ammons is his long-time musical partner, Rich Higdon, who displays his flashy artistry on the washboard. He met Ammons after moving to Door County in 1993. Standing on a frozen bay on Lake Michigan, Ammons asked him if he had ever played washboard. After many lessons in old-time music, playing on the street for mildly amused tourists, late-night smoky bar patrons, or just around the kitchen table, washboard has become his primary instrument. In addition he can be occasionally playing percussion with many different groups around Door County.

The Fireside Coffeehouse concerts begin at 7 pm in the intimate setting of the DCA fireplace lobby. Tickets are $14 plus tax and handling charges and may be purchased on line at www.dcauditorium.org, by phone at 920 868-2728, or at the Box Office, Monday and Friday from 10 am to 3 pm and the day of the performance from 11 am to 3 pm. Refreshments from Ecology Sports Base Camp are available for purchase. The concert is sponsored by Baylake Bank. Door Community Auditorium is located on State Highway 42 at the north end of Fish Creek, immediately adjacent to Gibraltar Schools.