The Street Music on Paris Avenue is gift from the city of Port Royal. Now beginning its ninth season, Street Music brings nationally and internationally renowned musicians to the Lowcountry town of Port Royal for a series of free concerts.

This year’s late summer lineup has just been announced. Starting in August, concerts will celebrate American Roots Music.

“Roots music” is an umbrella term for a wide variety of musical styles that were born in the USA. It’s a term that describes American folk music – not folk music in a Bob Dylan/Joan Baez kind of way – but folk music that is played by regular folk. The blues, gospel music, zydeco, native American music, bluegrass and country music can all be considered “roots music.”

The artists in this year’s Street Music lineup demonstrate that musical diversity.

First up on Aug. 13 is Sugar Blue, “a true harp hero.” This Grammy-award winning harmonica virtuoso has worked with the likes of Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. He was called one of the "the foremost harmonica players of our time," by Rolling Stone Magazine, and his energetic and expressive playing has been dazzling audiences worldwide for more than 30 years.

Lost in Holland’s original songs tell a very modern American story through expressive lyrics and passionate performances. Josh Hisle is a former Marine who did two tours in the Iraq War. Songwriting began as a way for him to explore his combat experiences. Hisle found the perfect musical partner in cellist Michael G. Ronstadt, and together they have recorded three albums and performed all over North America. Lost in Holland will take the stage on Paris Avenue on Aug. 27.

Next in this lineup of roots music is singer/guitarist Elise Witt on Sept. 10. Her music exemplifies America’s international roots. Born in Switzerland and raised in North Carolina, Witt’s songs are a musical melting pot. She speaks five languages, sings in over a dozen and has been a cultural ambassador to South Africa, China, Italy, Nicaragua and Switzerland.

Finally, on Sept. 24, the Boulder Acoustic Society is a group of four young musicians who promise to “take audiences to the edge of American roots music.” Although their music is deeply influenced by traditional Americana, Gospel and Blues, the BAS combines those traditional sounds with an indie rock energy that gives the group its modern sound.

All four concerts will start at 6 p.m. on Paris Avenue in Old Village Port Royal. In case of rain, the shows will be relocated to The Shed, adjacent to the street venue. Click here for more information or contact ARTworks at 843-279-2787.