The 164th “First Friday for Folk Music,” Savannah’s monthly showcase of local and touring folk musicians, will feature both a youthful, up-and-coming duo, the Pace Brothers from Clyo and a polished, consummate professional duo, Small Potatoes. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church at 520 E. Washington Avenue on Feb. 5.

The Pace brothers, Julian and Ethan, attend Armstrong Atlantic University and are active members of their church college and career class at Rincon Baptist Temple, where Julian leads the Sunday Evening music service. Both play for church services and sing in the choir.

The Pace Brothers have been playing together ever since Julian began guitar lessons and Ethan began learning to play the violin, later “fiddle” under nationally recognized Eddie Hoover. The brothers began to realize that a distinct sound was developing and that they enjoyed playing together so they decided to try their luck on the local coffee house scene. The results have been tremendous with Julian’s vocal talents being compared to James Taylor, and Ethan’s fiddle playing being noted of exceptional quality. The twosome has since played at numerous festivals, benefits, county fairs, coffee houses, churches, weddings and other private events in the U.S. and Canada.

They played their first gig “across the pond” in Smolensk, Russia, last summer. Their first CD, “In the Beginning,” was released in fall 2008. Julian Pace won the Savannah Folk Music Festival’s Youth Songwriting Competition in 2009.

Small Potatoes is Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso. This Chicago-based duo has been touring on the folk circuit since 1993 and in that time they’ve become sought-after regulars at many clubs and coffeehouses across the U.S. They have made repeat appearances at major folk festivals, including the Kerrville Folk Festival, the Walnut Valley Folk Festival, and Philadelphia Folk Festival. They were one of the “most requested” acts at the 1999 Falcon Ridge New Artist Showcase. Jacquie is also a past winner of the Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Contest. Their first appearance in Savannah was at the Savannah Folk Music Festival and they have been SFMS guests at other concerts and First Fridays since then.

“First Friday for Folk Music” is a production of the Savannah Folk Music Society and is held the first Friday of each month at First Presbyterian Church at 520 E. Washington Ave. in Savannah. The time is from 7:30 and its smoke-free, alcohol-free and family-friendly. There is a recommended donation of $2 per person. Beverages and fresh baked goods are available for purchase at nominal prices.

For further information, call Hank Weisman at (912) 786-6953 or on the web see www.savannahfolk.org.