Sons of Town Hall Blend Folk Music, Myth and Theater

The musical duo brings a theatrical, allegorical twist to their folk rock sound.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:49pm

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The Sons of Town Hall, a folk music duo composed of Ben Parker and David Berkeley, take the stage at The Kate theater with a unique blend of folk music, myth, and theatrical performance. Wearing costumes that evoke 19th-century traveling troubadours, the two singers weave a narrative about their fictional personas as vagabond musicians who have traveled the world, writing songs for various historical expeditions and movements.

Why it matters

The Sons of Town Hall's theatrical approach to folk music sets them apart from typical musical acts, blending storytelling, mythology, and charismatic stage presence to create a one-of-a-kind live experience. Their ability to seamlessly transition between clownish farce and emotional gravity showcases their talents as both musicians and performers, breathing new life into the folk rock genre.

The details

The duo's sound is described as a mix of Mumford & Sons and Richard Thompson, with gorgeous harmonies and nuanced guitar work. Their original songs cover themes of love, loss, and the struggle to be a good person, drawing inspiration from the real-life story of musician Poppa Neutrino and his self-made, nomadic lifestyle. The Sons of Town Hall commit fully to their theatrical personas, weaving an allegorical narrative about their fictional lives as traveling troubadours.

  • The Sons of Town Hall performed at The Kate theater on March 12, 2026.

The players

Ben Parker

One half of the folk music duo Sons of Town Hall, playing the character of "George Ulysses Brown".

David Berkeley

The other half of the folk music duo Sons of Town Hall, playing the character of "Josiah Chester Jones".

Poppa Neutrino

An American musician, raft-builder, and founder of the band The Flying Neutrinos, whose nomadic lifestyle and self-made ethos inspired the theatrical concept of the Sons of Town Hall.

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What they’re saying

“The Sons sail around the world on a barge patched together out of 'needle and thread, an old oak door, linen cloth, a 6-foot pinewood box.' They live alternately on land and sea. They write legendary anthems for 19th-century expeditions to Antarctica; they pen revolutionary marches for sweatshops in Dusseldorf.”

— Clare Byrne, Author

“Their story is endlessly allegorical; they push it to hilarious lengths. Between songs and banter, the Sons move from clown-show farce to tear-jerking gravity. No mean feat.”

— Clare Byrne, Author

What’s next

The Sons of Town Hall are expected to continue touring and bringing their unique theatrical folk music performance to audiences across the country.

The takeaway

The Sons of Town Hall's ability to blend folk music, myth, and theatrical storytelling creates a one-of-a-kind live experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional folk rock performances, inspiring audiences with their charisma, musicianship, and commitment to their allegorical personas.