Instrumentalist wonder, a master at leading into a song with a story” THE SUN
“This is…Steinbeck with a guitar” FLAGPOLE
“The multi-instrumentalist wonder, a master at leading into a song with a story” THE SUN
Master instrumentalist, powerful singer-songwriter-storyteller and multiple Grammy nominee, John McCutcheon surprises and delights with an ear for a good story, deft pen, and insights using the most ordinary experiences that resonate with universal meaning. His live performances, marked by hilarity, charm, and the ability to connect with listeners, are breathtaking - like a conversation with an old friend.
As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments including guitar and banjo, and most notably the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer.
His five-decade career has taken him around the world with his unique blend of stunning instrumental skills, incisive songwriting and seductive storytelling. He’s hilarious, heartwarming, stirring and always entertaining.
His first award-winning song, says he, was titled “The Ponderosa No-Cream-in-My Coffee Blues,” penned at a greasy spoon of the same name in his Wisconsin hometown. He was all of 15 years old and it won him his high school talent show. “My best friend claims that he still has a cassette of the song,” McCutcheon recently disclosed, “and if we ever have a serious falling out it’s going right up on YouTube.”
He has written hundreds of songs since, and garnered more than his share of accolades. His eclectic catalog of ballads, historical songs, children’s songs, love songs, topical satire, fiddle and hammer dulcimer instruments, and even symphonic works are among the broadest in American folk music. His 45 albums have earned six Grammy nods. His songwriting has been hailed by critics around the world; his song "Christmas in the Trenches" is considered a classic and was recently named one of Folk Alley's '100 Essential Folk Songs.’
He has also produced over 20 albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works; his books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. His commitment to union work and other grassroots political organizations has put him, like his friend and mentor Pete Seeger, on the front lines defending issues important to communities and workers.
McCutcheon live onstage with guitars, banjo, hammer dulcimer and an occasional fiddle has a magic all its own. Join us to welcome him back!
NOTE: Gold Circle tickets include Priority Seating, and a Meet & Greet with John onstage, 6:30 pm (doors open at 7).