Events

Colorado-based quartet The Sweet Lillies will bring their heartfelt, collaborative and genre-bending sound to Ca d’Zan House Concerts in Cambridge on Thursday, August 20. Presented by Crossroads Cultural Connections, the all-ages concert will begin at 7 p.m., following an optional community potluck dinner at 6 p.m.

Known for a sound they describe as “Americana Roots Pop Fusion,” The Sweet Lillies blend folk, jazz, blues, Southern rock, bluegrass, hip-hop, pop and more into a style that is both adventurous and deeply rooted in original songwriting. The band features Julie Gussaroff, Becca Bisque, JJ Murphy and Jones Maynard, combining electric guitar, viola and violin, upright and electric bass, drums, percussion and ethereal vocal harmonies.

At the heart of The Sweet Lillies is a spirit of collaboration. Founders Julie Gussaroff and Becca Bisque built the band around the idea that each member would contribute equally to the group’s creative direction, songwriting and musical identity. That openness has helped shape a live show where setlists can shift in the moment, songs take on new life and each performance becomes a unique musical experience.

Since forming in 2013, The Sweet Lillies have released six albums, including A Lighter Hue, produced by Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon; Common Ground, produced by Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth; and Equality, produced by Grammy Award winner Chris Pandolfi of The Infamous Stringdusters and released on Americana Vibes. Their 2024 album, Cover to Cover, marked the band’s first full covers project, reimagining well-known songs through their own creative lens.

Over the years, The Sweet Lillies have shared stages and musical moments with an impressive list of artists, including Sam Bush, George Porter Jr., Peter Rowan, Sally Van Meter, members of The String Cheese Incident, Trey Anastasio Band, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters and many others. Andy Thorn of Leftover Salmon has described the group as having evolved “from a folk-and-bluegrass group into a genre-bending powerhouse.”

Their performances are known for beautiful harmonies, soulful original songs, inventive arrangements and a joyful willingness to push musical boundaries. Whether moving through intimate acoustic moments or energetic, rhythm-driven explorations, The Sweet Lillies create a sound that is difficult to categorize and easy to connect with.

Guests are invited to arrive at 6 p.m. for the optional potluck dinner and may bring a dish to share. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. A donation of $20 to $30 is suggested, and music lovers of all ages are welcome.

Presented by Crossroads Cultural Connections, this concert continues the organization’s mission of bringing meaningful, high-quality live music experiences to Henry County and surrounding communities.

EVENT DETAILS

Who: The Sweet Lillies
When: Thursday, August 20
Potluck: 6 p.m.; bring a dish to share if participating
Concert: 7 p.m.
Where: Ca d’Zan House Concerts, Cambridge, Illinois
Admission: Suggested donation of $20–$30
Seating: Bring lawn chairs or blankets
Audience: All ages welcome