Detroit's Duo Un Duo didn't write the book on music, but one of the two members wrote his thesis on it.

For his graduate studies at Wayne State University, Nick Schillace, who will be playing six-string and 12-string guitars at Friday night's show at Schlow Centre Region Library, 211 S. Allen St., wrote his thesis on American music in the 20th century.

Nathaniel Rasmussen, who booked the show and will also be playing keys for Evening Fires, said that Schillace plays guitar in a similar style to famous fingerpicker John Fahey.

Having booked Schillace at Schlow twice before, Rasmussen spoke highly of his abilities, but said that there would be more to this performance.

"This duo, as I understand it, is more than just guitar," Rasmussen said.

"There's not too many people playing the way he does as well as he does, and knowing the caliber of his musicianship, I'm sure it'll be a great show."

Schillace, too, had high praise for his partner, Joel Peterson.

Though Peterson comes from a different musical background -- focusing more on experimentation and free improvisation compared to Schillace's compositional style -- Schillace said the partnership works.

"There's nothing one of us does that the other doesn't like," Schillace said.

"We're totally coming from the same place, even though musically it's not always the same thing. You can't underestimate that."

Peterson -- a multi-instrumentalist who will be bringing his double bass, clarinet and bouzouki for this show -- said he was also fond of the partnership.

"We're both guys who like to push what we do," he said.

Peterson said the relationship has been mutually beneficial.

"It was a natural thing for both of us," he said. "[Schillace's] Americana thing was something I had never delved into as a musician before."

Schillace said he's gained from the accord as well.

For instance, Schillace's domestic background contrasted with Peterson's Hungarian, Greek and ethnic style, offering a chance for both artists to explore new territory.

"It's always good to be able to learn," he said.

"You always want it to be continually educational. The forward momentum is the only thing that makes me happy as a musician."

Peterson says the duo plays acoustic music of all types, including "free improv and composed stuff, ethnic and American folklore, little bits of freedom and psych folk," but that the band doesn't strive to fit under any one label.

"People develop a voice on an instrument that's identifiable," Peterson said.

"It's less about a genre and more about sounding like you," he added.