Stephen Wade Tickets

Stephen Wade is a celebrated five-string banjo player, storyteller, and folklorist whose work spans performance, scholarship, and preservation of American roots music. Born February 13, 1953, in Chicago, Wade has built a distinguished career around intimate storytelling, traditional tune playing, and a deep engagement with the history of American music. His acclaimed one-man show Banjo Dancing helped establish him as a leading voice in Chicago and Washington, D.C., culminating in invitations to prestigious venues including the White House.

Beyond performance, Wade is a respected author. His prize-winning book The Beautiful Music All Around Us (UI Press, 2012) explores field recordings and the cultural significance of everyday American music. He has earned multiple honors in the ethnomusicology community, including a Grammy nomination for Banjo Diary: Lessons from Tradition (Smithsonian Folkways, 2012) and the 2013 ASCAP Deems Taylor Award and 2013 ARSC Award recognitions.

Wade’s discography spans six albums, ranging from Dancing Home (1990) to A Storyteller's Story: Sources of Banjo Dancing (2019), with more recent live recordings like Hands on the Tune (2017, 2022). He continues to perform Americana-focused programs and headline at venues such as the Old Town School of Folk Music, bringing archival material and contemporary storytelling to vibrant audiences. Wade is represented by Tamulevich Artist Management and has shared insights on NPR and various press outlets.

Whether you’re new to Stephen Wade’s work or a longtime admirer, this page provides a concise guide to his career, notable works, and upcoming tour information. Follow Wade for updates on performances and new releases, and secure your seats early for intimate, storytelling-driven concerts that celebrate the enduring legacy of American folk music.

Upcoming tour details will appear as dates are announced. When available, tickets will be described with venue, date, and seating options to ensure a straightforward, no-fuss purchasing experience—because you’ve got a guy who can get you great seats for meaningful performances.