featuring claudia russell, laurie lewis, don henry, and nina gerber
8:00 PM, Doors at 7:30 PM
$23/$18 students
Join us for a night of outstanding music as award-winning songwriters trade songs in an intimate Nashville-style song circle. Prepare to be moved as Don Henry, Laurie Lewis and Claudia Russell perform some of their favorite compositions, accompanied by virtuoso guitarist, Nina Gerber.
Don Henry is a songwriter’s songwriter, bringing humor, depth and a profound sense of humanity to his songs. Henry’s songs have been recorded by Ray Charles, Patti Page, Conway Twitty, Blake Shelton and Lonestar. Henry won a Grammy for Kathy Mattea’s version of “Where’ve You Been.” Entertainment Weekly says, “Henry comes across as a first cousin to Randy Newman, with hot-wired songs about born-again whores, interfaith marriages, and the homeless taking over the White House. This is funny and thought provoking stuff, all of it good.” When not performing here, Don can be seen opening shows for and backing up folk legend Tom Paxton.
The Bay Area’s own Laurie Lewis is a world-renowned, Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, fiddler, bandleader, producer and educator. Linda Ronstadt speaks for many when she says of Laurie: “Her voice is a rare combination of grit and grace, strength and delicacy. Her stories are always true.” She has twice been voted Female Vocalist of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Laurie has recorded nearly 20 albums for such labels as Flying Fish, Rounder, Hightone, Sugar Hill, Kaleidoscope and her own label, Spruce & Maple Music. Her latest album with her band the Right Hands, The Hazel and Alice Sessions, was nominated for the “Best Bluegrass Recording” Grammy in 2017.
Claudia Russell’s heartfelt and humorous songs have won her accolades from far and near. Britain’s Country Music People UK writes, “Few singers can construct a song as well as Claudia Russell, and her sharp, well-observed lyrics, have an engaging timeless feel.” American Songwriter named her 2013 CD, All Our Luck Is Changing “a masterpiece.” Sing Out magazine called Claudia “an outstanding talent in the crowded field of singer/songwriters.” And Boston’s WUMB-FM named Claudia Artist of the Year.
Nina Gerber adds her virtuoso guitar to the evening’s music. Nina is one of the West Coast’s most sought-after guitarists, known for her intuitive, ethereal style. She’s added her talents to a wealth of wonderful artists, including Karla Bonoff, Peter Rowan, Nanci Griffith, John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky and notably Kate Wolf, with whom Nina started her musical career. Her album Good Music with Good People features outstanding performances with Jackson Browne, Eliza Gilkyson, and Bruce Cockburn.