BLOOMINGTON -- The Twin Cities' longest-running acoustic music emporium turns 18 this fall with a mix of returning favorites and a special touring festival in October.

The season at Illinois Wesleyan University's Blue Moon Coffeehouse kicks off at 8 p.m. Saturday, with longtime friends, Chicago's Sons of the Never Wrong.

The acoustic sounds continue through the fall and spring semesters, concluding in May with a special "after season" show featuring the Willy Porter Band.

"Despite funding cuts and the poor economy, we are still bringing national touring artists and are keeping the line on ticket prices," says Darcy L. Greder, the IWU associate dean of students who has been running the Blue Moon show since day one.

Though originally a free offering, rising artist fees and other costs forced the venue to implement a $10 ticket charge several seasons ago, "which we were loathe to do," Greder adds.

Even so, the admission remains lower than what the series' artists usually command at other venues around the country.

"We have a strong season planned, with a nice blend of favorites and some new music, too," Greder says.

The coffeehouse remains ensconced in the Memorial Student Center's Young Main Lounge, where coffee, tea and light pastries are sold at each performance, befitting the coffeehouse ambience.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for each performance, with tickets available beginning at 6 p.m. They can also be purchased at The Garlic Press in Normal, via phone at (309) 556-3815 and e-mail at bluemoon@titan.iwu.edu.

Following is the fall semester lineup:

Sons of the Never Wrong, Saturday: The Chicago acoustic trio featuring Bruce Roper (formerly of B-N), Deborah Lader and Sue Demel have recorded six albums of "turbo-charged folk" over their 18-year career, which parallels that of the Blue Moon itself.

disappear fear, Sept. 26: SONia Rustein and her band return, the latter including noted bass player Freebo, famed for his work with Bonnie Raitt, as well as Ringo Starr, Aaron Neville and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Friends of Daniel Pearl-FODfest, Oct. 24: A nationally touring celebration of the life and ideals of the late Wall Street Journal reporter who was abducted and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan in 2002. "We are exceptionally honored to be one of the select venues presenting this important and moving show," says Greder. (In lieu of the $10 ticket fee, donations to the Daniel Pearl Foundation will be accepted at the door.)

Trina Hamilton, Nov. 21: "Fans of Susan Werner know Trina's music through the brilliant work she did with Susan on her 'Gospel Truth' project," Greder says. "And now they'll have the opportunity to get to know her in her own right."

The spring schedule includes Susan Werner, Jan. 16; Vance Gilbert, Feb. 13; John Gorka, March 27; Patty Larkin, April 10; and the special show with the Willy Porter Band, May 22.

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Right music

What: Sons of the Never Wrong

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: Blue Moon Coffeehouse in IWU Memorial Student Center Main Lounge

Tickets: $10

Information: (309) 556-3815