Candle Lit Evening with Sam Ness

Live at the historic Montello Theater, Thursday, November 19th. Doors open at 6:30 PM, show 7 to 9 PM

Sam is a Wisconsin singer-songwriter, multiple-time Madison Area Music Award winner and the youngest inductee into the Madison Music Hall of Fame.

From theater performer to full-time busker and wanderer, performing at festivals and cafes, Sam Ness has shared the stage with America, Styx, Night Ranger, Chris Barron (Spin Doctors), and many others. Mixing Traditional Folk/Americana roots with an Indie feel, Sam Ness finds inspiration in the ancient cobblestone streets across the globe. Sometimes wild and dance oriented, other moments raw, emotional, and punctuated by moments of silence, Sam’s show changes every night. His percussive playing paired with an assortment of special effects including a loop system, have built a sound larger than some full bands.

Sam has taken home a handful of MAMAs (Madison, Wisconsin Area Music Awards) including Male Vocalist of the Year (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024). He is the youngest person to enter the Madison Music Hall of Fame (in 2024 at age 26). In 2025, Sam was awarded the WAMIs (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) – Folk Performer of the Year and Folk Song of the Year “Walmart Parking Twilight”.

He sold out our theater earlier this year and is returning with new sets, surrounded by over 800 candles.