The Mainstay is presenting three consecutive evenings of outstanding live music, each with its own personality and sound.

Beginning with a free Pub Nite featuring an award-winning touring songwriter, continuing Friday with Joe Holt and guests Sharon Sable and Beth McDonald, and finishing Saturday with one of the world’s most exciting Gypsy Jazz guitarists, Joscho Stephan.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

PUB NITE SPECIAL WITH ELI LEV

5:30–7:30 PM • FREE ADMISSION

We kick things off with Maryland-based touring singer-songwriter Eli Lev, whose heartfelt blend of indie folk, Americana and contemporary songwriting has attracted listeners around the world.

Inspired by a lifetime of travel and self-discovery, Eli writes earthy, uplifting songs about connection, identity and the roads we travel. He has performed at venues including the Kennedy Center and Washington’s 9:30 Club, toured extensively throughout the United States and overseas, and built a devoted international following.

Eli’s recent honors include three 2026 Washington Area Music Awards for Best Folk/Bluegrass Artist, Best Folk/Bluegrass Album and Best Country/Americana Song. We are pleased to welcome this accomplished touring artist to the casual, friendly setting of a Mainstay Pub Nite. Admission is free.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

JOE HOLT’S SPECIAL FRIDAY

SONGBIRDS AND STORYTELLERS

Featuring Sharon Sable and Beth McDonald

7:30 PM • TICKETS $25

On Friday evening, Mainstay favorite Joe Holt returns to the piano for a very special gathering with vocalists Sharon Sable and Beth McDonald.

“Songbirds and Storytellers” brings together three distinctive artists who understand that a memorable performance is about much more than simply playing the notes. It is about interpreting the lyric, sharing the story and finding the emotional heart of a song.

Sharon Sable is an expressive jazz vocalist known for her warmth, subtlety and sophisticated phrasing. Her longtime musical partnership with Joe has earned widespread praise, particularly for their acclaimed celebration of the music of Blossom Dearie.

Singer-songwriter Beth McDonald brings her own honest, deeply personal approach to the program. Beth and Joe have shared a musical partnership spanning approximately two decades, creating an easy and natural connection that can only come from years of listening and performing together.

With Joe providing his unmistakably thoughtful and inventive piano accompaniment, expect an intimate evening filled with beautiful voices, meaningful songs, good humor and the kind of spontaneous musical conversation that makes every performance unique.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

JOSCHO STEPHAN GUITAR DUO

WITH RAFAEL MUELLER

7:30 PM • TICKETS $25

On Saturday, German guitar virtuoso Joscho Stephan makes his Mainstay debut alongside guitarist Rafael Mueller.

Widely regarded as one of the most exciting acoustic guitarists performing today, Joscho has helped introduce the tradition of Django Reinhardt and Gypsy Jazz to a new generation. His music is firmly rooted in classic Gypsy Swing while also drawing from Latin music, classical music, pop and rock.

Joscho’s concerts are renowned for their speed, energy, imagination and breathtaking musicianship. He has performed at major festivals and concert venues around the world and collaborated with an extraordinary list of artists, including Tommy Emmanuel, Biréli Lagrène, Stochelo Rosenberg, Frank Vignola, John Jorgenson and Richard Smith. He has also appeared at New York’s legendary Birdland Jazz Club.

Rafael Mueller adds masterful rhythm, interplay and musical depth to the duo. Together, the two guitarists create an exciting musical conversation filled with dazzling solos, infectious rhythms and plenty of spontaneous surprises.

This is a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s premier Gypsy Jazz guitarists in the intimate setting of The Mainstay. Guitar lovers will not want to miss it, but you do not have to be a jazz expert to be swept up by the excitement.

This performance is generously sponsored by The Durham Family.

Three evenings. Three very different musical experiences. One big Mainstay weekend!

Tickets and additional information are available at www.mainstayrockhall.org or by calling 410-639-9133.