Roots Music

The sirens of Greek myth were said to lure travellers with their music. Illinois roots musician and jazz guitarist Jim Kanas may have followed their call, but he hasn't been led astray.

Kanas has been playing music for almost as long as he's been alive. And when that life-long passion got wind of American folk music, Kanas knew he had to leave suburbia to and move to the country to fully experience the rural traditions that spawned the art form.

Now living in Kings, Kanas hones his craft while sitting on his porch, playing in DeKalb clubs, or teaching the next generation about American musical traditions through in-school programs. A student of jazz early in his career, Kanas continues to explore all facets of musical expression, whether he's bowing his fiddle, plucking the banjo, strumming his acoustic or banging on drums.

Related Links

Explore the folk traditions of Illinois with some great musicians like Michael Miles, Erwin Thompson, and Special Consensus.

And check out roots musician Dennis Stroughmatt, whose band Creole Stomp digs into Illinois' French connection.