Dazzling duo Julian Smedley and Mike Wollenberg return to set the Freight stage smokin' with an evening of acoustic jazz.

He of the red-hot violin and charming personality, Julian's playing is familiar to Bay Area audiences who've heard him in concert with the Hot Club of San Francisco, Jim Kweskin, Gadjo Quartette, and Kaila Flexer's Third Ear. (He was last seen at the Freight last fall, performing an outrageously swinging "salute to romance" with guitarist/singer Alison Odell.) A multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer, and producer, Julian brings an infectious exuberance to every musical relationship and performance.

Best known for his work as a fingerstyle solo guitarist, Mike creates the illusion of much more than just one guitar by playing two or three parts simultaneously or by suggesting bass lines or chord patterns and allowing the listener's ear to fill in the gaps. A founding member of beloved Bay Area bluegrass band Back Up & Push, Mike has also recorded with Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Dave Balakrishnan, and Connie Doolan.

Tonight's program features a great mix of jazz standards and originals, including selections from Mike and Julian's recent CD, A Common Language, and a special guest appearance by daughters Anica (vocals) and Leah (fiddle) for a smokin' rendition of Traffic's "Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys."