Lil’ Rev's Story

Lil' Rev is great on blues harmonica

Ahead of Lil’ Rev’s return to Wesley’s Place on March 6, I sent him a few questions about performance, songwriting, humor, and why intimate rooms matter so much to him. His answers offer a wonderful glimpse into how he thinks about music and connection.

How would you describe your live show in three words?

Edu-Tainment, because I love to share music history and I love being an entertainer. Heartwarming, because I like to sing songs that touch the heart and soul. Rooted, because I love old songs.

How do you decide which instruments to bring into a show?

My choice is predicated on a number of factors. Whether I am playing solo or with another musician, what type of venue it is, whether it is a listening room or a loud bar, and how long I am playing. I love variety in my shows and I love too many styles of music to stick to one thing. When I cover old songs or write my own, I ask which instrument will best serve the song and convey what I am trying to convey.

Do you have a favorite instrument?

Ukulele is my favorite, with guitar a close second. I love the sound of it and how it feels in my hands. It also seems to be the best vehicle for my original material.

How do you build a set list?

I always make out a set list, but I rarely follow it. I like to feel the energy of the room and let that be my guide. The list mostly reminds me what I have been practicing. I also try to be respectful of what the venue is looking for, whether it leans folk, bluegrass, or something else.

How do you think about humor in your shows?

I want to take people on a journey and help them escape their daily grind. Being too serious all the time can be a bummer. I love humor, double entendre, Dr. Demento era stuff, and Catskills and Borscht Belt humor. Sometimes you are laughing just to keep from crying, but the goal is to make people laugh.

What kind of venues do you enjoy most?

I prefer smaller venues, house concerts, and coffeehouse type spaces. I like intimacy and connection. Big festivals can be great, but at the end of the day I love rooms where people show up to listen and you are not fighting external noise.

What does it mean to have Mark Dvorak host the night?

Mark is someone I admire deeply. He has dedicated his life to folk music and represents everything good about it. He has been a mentor to me and has always shared generously. Having him host makes the night a thousand times better because he truly cares about touching people’s hearts.

What do you hope people leave with after a Lil’ Rev show?

A sense of American history, a taste of old time music, a chance to sing along and laugh, and an appreciation for our shared humanity and cultural treasures.

What are you most looking forward to about coming back to Wesley’s Place?

It is a great opportunity to connect with an audience that loves folk music and really listens. My last visit was wonderful because people told me directly how much the songs and stories meant to them.

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That is what we want to hear. Hope you will come out on March 6 and enjoy