Shields continues the tradition of American music with a solo-performance that pulls in styles of days-gone-by. Using his National Resonator Guitar or Banjo accompanied by a unique front porch style of foot percussion and harmonica, he uses his voice as an extension of the past. Lou carries a full sound during live performances while sharing stories, thoughts and experiences with the audience. He has toured throughout the United States and Europe for over 5 years and has released 3 full-length albums.

Lou grew up in Chicago, living downtown or in the South Suburbs his entire life. While downtown he owned an art gallery in Pilsen at 18th and Halsted. Lou often creates his art from experiences on the road. He will take a picture of an old home in Mississippi and then draw it later. He exhibits his art in Gallery shows or sells prints out of his merch box. He often blends his art and music by creating album art and show posters for himself and other musicians. Lou’s heart is on the road, he enjoys traveling in his van or pulling his Vintage Shasta and visiting State or National Parks.

In 2015, Lou purchased land and a salvaged wood/Amish-built cabin in the Driftless Region of Southwest Wisconsin where he is setting up an off-grid homestead. Lou loves working with wood and reclaimed materials due to his deep connection to the past. The homestead is filled with antiques he found on the road from stopping at roadside sales, antique and thrift stores. In addition to the cabin, Lou is building a tiny house for guests to visit his property and share in the enjoyment of the bluffs and outdoors. Lou’s current projects have been an outhouse, reclaimed shed and a large barn to host shows and events. Lou enjoys playing his banjo on the front porch of his Kickapoo River Valley Homestead. He also enjoys spending a lot of time with friends & family in Madison, Wisconsin.

Down From The Hills plays bluegrass music inspired by the likes of Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs & John Hartford. Our music features both instrumental solos & vocal harmonies. Recently, we've added Cajun music to our shows, with Pat on the Cajun button accordion.

Dishing up foot-stomping, old time classics and tight high-and-lonesome harmonies, the Oak Street Ramblers are an essential cog in Madison’s burgeoning bluegrass scene. The Oak Street Ramblers were born in a garage on the corner of Oak and Union streets on the east side of Madison, Wisconsin. At first a loosely knit collective made up of a revolving cast of old time and Americana enthusiasts, the Ramblers eventually coalesced into a core group of dedicated bluegrass pickers.

Armchair Boogie formed in the heart of Wisconsin in 2014 as a banjo and guitar duo. After playing a handful of shows, Augie Dougherty (banjo) and Ben Majeska (guitar) recruited a well versed rhythm section to hold down the upbeat tempos and provide an extra oomph that’ll bring even the saddest uncle to a dance floor. This happened in October 2015; and in the few short years since, they've toured consistently around the midwest, played with top notch artists such as Jeff Austin Band and Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, and played venues as big as The Majestic Theater in Madison. The sound has a newgrass feel that's not afraid to delve into realms like funk or country. Keep an eye out for the first full length Armchair Boogie album being released 2017, and don't miss them on the road year round!