GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Hannah Wicklund and Turning Jane will take the stage at Barrington Hall on Saturday, bringing a night of rock 'n' roll, self-expression and empowerment as part of their independently produced tour, "Cowards, Kings & Queens of Hearts."

 

The duo is challenging traditional music industry practices by taking control of their careers, bringing live performances to smaller communities, and fostering human connection with the goal of inspiring creativity and individuality, Wicklund said.

 

Having toured since she was 16, the South Carolina native said most of her previous performances were concentrated in major markets.

 

Great Barrington was intentionally selected as a stop on the tour because it "fit perfectly" with the artists' efforts to bring their music to smaller communities, raise awareness of independent artists, and demonstrate alternatives to the traditional, corporate-driven music industry, she said.

 

The tour's name, "Cowards, Kings & Queens of Hearts," combines the titles of songs and albums from its two co-headlining acts: Wicklund's song "Cowards and Kings," from her album "War on Women, Calling All Good Men," and four-piece rock band Turning Jane's album "Queen of Hearts." 

 

The two performers bring contrasting styles to the stage, with Turning Jane delivering a more traditional rock sound and Wicklund adding a psychedelic edge. These different rock styles add variety to the show while sharing a similar passion for music and a strong sense of artistic identity, Wicklund said.

 

"I'm wishing to create [an atmosphere that] is constantly inspirational, and hoping to have people walk away feeling like they want to go home and paint or write or learn guitar, any of the self-expression tools that I know and love," Wicklund said.