On this week’s episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Barry Cloyd, touring performer, songwriter, historian, and creator of Barry Cloyd Productions, about For What It’s Worth: A Tribute to Stephen Stills in Song & Story, coming Aug. 22 to the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria.
The multimedia concert blends live performances with stories from Stephen Stills’ remarkable career, tracing his journey from his early years through Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and his solo work. Organized as a chronological journey, the evening combines history, personal anecdotes and some of Stills’ best-known songs.
Cloyd says the project grew out of a lifelong admiration for Stills’ musicianship. “He’s the only guitarist I’ve ever copied,” he said. “I’ve always loved his writing… This is one of the musicians that I’ve always wanted to do a tribute piece to.”
The performance also draws on Cloyd’s own experiences working alongside musicians connected to Stills throughout his career, adding firsthand stories to the music. Backed by his band Freedom Street, the show features performances by TJ Jones, Tom Abbot and Bruce Burton.
For What It’s Worth: A Tribute to Stephen Stills in Song & Story takes place Friday, Aug. 22, at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria.
