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 nextTunes & Tales will be May 17, 2026 at 3pm (CT), where Ashley & Simpson will host Robin Bienemann and Jenny Bienemann.

ROBIN BIENEMANN

Robin Bienemann is a singer & songwriter from Chicago. His wickedly funny and poignant original songs mix contemporary themes with old musical styles. He combines dry humor and sophisticated songwriting with a deep sense of history. At his musical core is a reverence for the guitar as an instrument to accompany songs and as a vessel to express the American psyche in all its strange beauty and complexity.

Robin revels in the delicious history of Chicago music. He combines Blues, Jazz, Country and Latin music with fingerstyle guitar to create a playground for his lyrical musings on science, animals and the whole scope of human experience. His songs are poetic, comical and educational. A flow of images ranging from vampires, insects, dinosaurs, dodo birds, work and romance.

Robin has shared the stage with Dan Hicks, Christine Lavin, Junior Brown & Southern Culture on the Skids. He performs regularly solo, with his trio, and as a duo with his wife Jenny Bienemann. With his duo Twang Bang he toured the U.S. and Japan.

JENNY BIENEMANN

Jenny Bienemann is an award-winning poet, singer, songwriter, and visual artist with a mission to find the extraordinary in the everyday. With three critically acclaimed studio albums and two live albums, her music has underscored TV, film and theatre projects. She’s offered classes at The Old Town School of Folk Music, Lamb’s Retreat for Songwriters, and The Acorn Theatre. 

She began a daily practice of taking photos and writing haiku. What started as a lark quickly evolved into Haiku Milieu, a movement of creativity and community.  Today, there are four Haiku Milieu books, and more than 450 new songs inspired by Haiku Milieu, written by artists from across the United States and a Sunday Morning Haiku Milieu email that reaches a global audience. She has been featured in the Chicago Tribune Arts Section, WGN Radio 720 in Chicago, Chicago Public Radio, Northern Illinois Public Radio, Naperville Magazine, and more. 

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.