Friendly Spotlight - Dana Maragos and Brian Wilkie

This Tuesday, the Friendly Spotlight welcomes Southside native Dana Maragos for an evening of "understated and atmospheric" folk, featuring the masterful accompaniment of prominent Chicago guitarist and pedal steel player Brian Wilkie.

A formidable songwriter whose music has been hailed as "quite marvelous" and "worth exploring" by roots music critics across the globe, Dana’s latest work, Unimaginable Things, is a vivid collection of tales inspired by triumph and reflection. Whether she’s channeling the grit of Lou Reed or the grace of a Sunday choir, Dana’s ability to connect with an audience through atmospheric folk and prodigious guitar arrangements is undeniable.

Joining her is Brian Wilkie, a decades-long fixture of the Chicago country and roots scene. Best known for his work with the legendary honky-tonk band The Hoyle Brothers, Brian brings a wealth of experience from iconic stages like The Empty Bottle and Martyrs' to the Friendly’s intimate setting. Together, they invite you into a "web of truthfulness" that highlights Dana's expressive voice and perceptive, deeply personal lyrics alongside Brian’s world-class string work.

This is a rare chance to experience a local favorite and a premier pedal steel talent in a collaboration that feels both universal and an "undiscovered gem" all at once.