Tunes & Tales is a new songwriter-in-the-round series at the Two Way Street Coffee House, hosted by Ashley & Simpson—directors of the venue and a songwriting folk duo. Each session brings Ashley & Simpson together with two guest songwriters for an intimate afternoon of tunes and tales. In this cozy setting, artists take turns sharing their songs and the stories behind them, offering a deeper look into their creative process. Join us for a warm, conversational atmosphere where melodies meet meaning and every song comes with a tale.

Our first Tunes & Tales will be February 8, 2026 at 3pm (CT), where Ashley & Simpson will host Chris Walz and James H Jewell.

CHRIS WALZ

Nationally acclaimed bluegrass multi-instrumentalist Chris Walz combines a joy of performing with a reverence for America’s musical story. Chris perfected his Scruggs-style banjo playing and guitar flatpicking at a young age as he diligently studied all his musical heroes from Pete Seeger to Mississippi John Hurt to Woody Guthrie to Dave Van Ronk. Whether it is his lightning speed on the banjo’s fretboard, his hard-hitting grooves on the guitar or his tender melodic touch on the mandolin, Chris delivers a fulfilling performance. To top it off, Chris is an extraordinary singer, using his rich voice to buoy up a traditional ballad, a unique original composition, or a rousing ‘tear down the house’ bluegrass medley. His many years touring with bluegrass, Grammy nominated Special Consensus, honed his group and solo prowess. A natural born storyteller, Chris has a masterful presence as he weaves his songs and remembrances, one to the next, into a night of music that is not easily forgotten. Chris is a gifted and much sought-after teacher at the historic Old Town School of Folk Music and spreads his knowledge and love of music in each community he plays in with well-polished workshops. A rare combination of past and present, Chris is playing music for the future.

JAMES H JEWELL

James H Jewell is a Singer-songwriter, furniture maker, and poet. Pennsylvania born he now is living in Chicago. In between he and his wife have lived in Nashville, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Paris. His songs reflect a very homegrown Pennsylvania feeling while telling stories of travel, adventures, struggles, and trials of a vagabond lifestyle. He’s recorded and played with musicians everywhere he’s gone and has a beautiful collection of songs and recordings to show for it. His third record is “Songs From the Fridge” which was recorded in Paris France with one of Ray Charles’s engineers Steven Forward. It features musicians from Pennsylvania, Seattle, Paris, and Nashville.

ASHLEY & SIMPSON

Comprised of Jennifer Ashley and Joel Simpson, Ashley & Simpson are quickly becoming folk scene favorites. This folk duo blends traditional songs and instrumentation along with beautiful vocal harmonies reminiscent of famous duos such as Ian & Silvia and The Everly Brothers. With their sophomore release “Off To Here Land,” they have pushed the art of folk to a new sound with an all traditional track list that will delight fans new and old.  Both bringing a classical perspective to their duo, Jennifer Ashley & Joel Simpson have reached a new level with incorporating elements of jazz, popular music and other modern styles in their arrangements. 

Two Way Street Coffee House is Chicagoland’s most beloved folk and acoustic music venue, presenting weekly concerts and community events for over 55 years!  The show starts at 3pm (CT) and the doors open at 2:30pm. Donations are accepted and encouraged.  We will also host this concert virtually.  You may access the livestream on www.twowaystreet.org, on our Facebook page, or on our YouTube channel. You can donate to these artists HERE.