The Special Consensus is a bluegrass band that has achieved a contemporary sound in their four decades of performing, making their music a modern classic. Band leader and founder Greg Cahill is a recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and Special Consensus has received five awards from the IBMA and two Grammy nominations.

Special Consensus’ sound is grounded in a deep appreciation and understanding of bluegrass music; the infectious band sound reminds people of the past while utilizing the innovations of today.  With the foundation of Greg’s unique banjo playing style, Rick Faris (guitar), Nate Burie (mandolin), and Dan Eubanks (bass) effortlessly support each other and consistently maintain their bluegrass center whether they’re playing a jazz-tinged instrumental or a song from any of their award-winning recordings. These four talented vocalists and instrumentalists follow their creative desires without straying too far from their roots.  Rivers and Roads, the band’s 19th recording, was nominated for a 2019 Grammy, received five 2018 IBMA nominations and was awarded Album of the Year. The tune “Squirrel Hunters” from that recording received the Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year award.

International tours have brought the band to Canada, Europe, South America, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The band has also appeared on National Public Radio, The Nashville Network, the Grand Ole Opry at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, and in concert with symphony orchestras nationwide.

Dedicated to preserving their craft as well as keeping it fresh, in 1984 Special Consensus initiated the Traditional American Music (TAM) Program to introduce bluegrass music to students in schools across the country and in several foreign lands.

The band records for Compass Records and proudly celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2020 with the release of Chicago Barn Dance. This recording also celebrates the long-standing connection of country and bluegrass music with Chicago from the time of the WLS “National Barn Dance” that was a precursor to the Grand Ole Opry. The songs on this recording either relate to Chicago and/or are written by artists who once lived in Chicago.

Special C’s continued success is a testament to their adaptability and contemporary appeal.

•  Advanced tickets are available but we are general seating. 
• Doors open at 6 pm, so get there early to get the best seat you can! 
• Tickets are $25 advanced or at the door. At the door is CASH ONLY.
• Children 10 and under are free
• water and soda is available on site
• wheelchair accessible
• porta potties on site
• leashed and friendly dogs are welcome

Due to covid-19 we are limiting tickets to 75 guests per show (under half of our capacity). We are highly suggesting that you purchase your tickets prior to coming to the show. That can be done through our website and tickets can be printed or shown on your phone as you enter the barn. We will still accept walk-ins as long as we have not reached our capacity. Once we have reached our reduced capacity we will be considered sold out and may decide to Facebook live the concert (only if it’s sold out) and there will be no prior announcement about the Facebook Live.

We are not providing any refreshments or snacks. Our snack and Soda/water “bar” will be closed until further notice.We will have a Porta Potty on site for those that feel comfortable using it. It gets cleaned on Mondays and Fridays. We do not see many people during the week, so the bathroom isn’t used often. Hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes will be available in the bathroom for you to use.

If you are experiencing any FLU or COVID-19 symptoms we ask you to please refrain from coming and to stay home. We want to provide music to everyone in a healthy and safe environment for all involved.

We WILL NOT have chairs set up. We are encouraging you to bring your own and set them up in the barn where you wish. However, if you would like to use our chairs, you may! We will have them leaning against the wall with Clorox wipes for you to wipe them down and hand sanitizer nearby.

We are asking everyone to please follow social distancing. Please try to set up your chairs 6 feet apart from others, not including the people in your party.

We will have hand sanitizing stations on the “soda/water Bar” in back of the barn and by the ticket table.

Masks are not required as we understand that some people may not be able to wear one. If you feel comfortable wearing a mask please feel free to wear one, if you would rather not wear one that is acceptable too.