About the Series

Hand Picked Music Series in Bloomington hosts some of the nation’s most notable acoustic roots artists at the FAR Center for the Contemporary Arts’ 505 Theater. Located in the Fourth and Rogers neighborhood, this historic building offers beautiful acoustics and a truly intimate experience. The 505 Theater has been carefully restored and designed with live performance in mind, the large vaulted ceilings and 12-foot glass garage doors provide a venue unlike any other you will find in Bloomington.

The series will open with Carrie Newcomer and String Quartet. Carrie is a songwriter, recording artist, performer and educator. She has been described as a "prairie mystic" by the Boston Globe and one who "asks all the right questions" by Rolling Stone Magazine. Carrie has 19 nationally released albums on Available Light & Concord/Rounder Records including Until Now, The Point of Arrival and The Beautiful Not Yet.

Hand Picked is presented by Bloomington Roots and 505 Live and will focus on creating a curated performance for each audience—ensuring a balance of sound and intimacy, while also bringing in acts unique to the area. Other acts of the 2022-2023 lineup include Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas, Humbird, and others to be announced soon.