Lena Jonsson & Ian Carr

This new duo of award-winning Swedish fiddler Lena Jonsson and avant folk guitar genius Ian Carr has been on the cards since Ian was lured from England to Sweden by the charms of Swedish folk music.

With a swinging repertoire of solo hits and beautifully arranged trad pearls from the forests of Scandinavia, with Ian’s Celtic drive and Lena`'s old timey swing, this duo is ready and raring to go!

Lena’s ability to balance a deep knowledge of traditional Swedish folk music with innovative artistic sensibilities, sparkling joy of life, and the charisma of a rock star, have made her one Scandinavia’s most visionary musicians. She has created a unique style inspired by traditional Swedish music as well as rock, pop and American old-time and bluegrass traditions.

In April this year, the Lena Jonsson Trio won Artist of the Year at the Swedish Folk awards. Their latest album, Stories from the Outside, won both a Swedish Grammis and the Manifest prize in 2021, Album of the Year by LIRA Music Magazine, and Song of the Year by Swedish radio. Lena Jonsson Trio released their third album, Elements, in June 2023.

“Lena Jonsson seems to be born with star quality. As a fiddle player, Lena is hard to beat, her bow is like a wand and she´s got excellent technique, it sounds effortless whatever she plays. – Lira Music Magazine

“Lena's timbre is powerful, it is beautiful but also has distinction and fits in to all the styles she wants to play. Her tone is clear, the ornaments masterful and her ideas are full of life”. –Brittany Haas

Ian Carr is widely considered to be one of the best and most influential folk guitarists of his generation. He is known for his work with Swåp, the band that "successfully united Swedish and British trad music without sounding far fetched," (Dagens NyheterSweden), and for his work as side person of choice for many acclaimed artists in the folk music world, including Kate Rusby, Kris Drever, Eddi Reader, and Sofia Karlsson.

“The most innovative… and sympathetic guitarist that Britain has produced in years, in any genre…” – Froots Magazine UK

“Guitar genius and musical pioneer." - Quintessential Review, Edinburgh tradfest 2024

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, general admission; $15 for students with ID. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Host or Publisher Sam Rudin