Folk legend Greg Brown comes to Union Chapel on Martha’s Vineyard

0
Greg Brown performs at the Union Chapel on Saturday, July 28. — Photo courtesy of Greg Brown

It isn’t every day that a Grammy nominated act makes its way to Martha’s Vineyard, but that’s exactly what we’re getting when Greg Brown arrives at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs on Saturday, July 28, at 8 pm.

Musician Bo Ramsey will be the opener, and then he will continue to play with Mr. Brown. “Opening for and playing with Greg will be his longtime friend and playing partner Bo Ramsey whose presence has become an integral part of Greg’s music. Bo’s lyrical electric slide guitar sets beautifully next to Greg’s funky country blues style acoustic playing,” according to a press release.

They are brought to the Island by the KCT Concerts series, spearheaded by Gregg Harcourt and Mary Wolverton.

Born in Iowa, Mr. Brown travelled around the Midwest with his preacher father during his youth. Gospel, country, black blues masters, hillbilly, early rock and roll, classical, and sounds from across the history of American folk can be heard in his music. After spending time in major cities such as New York and Los Angeles, Mr. Brown returned to his native Iowa to record his CDs “44 and 66” and “The Iowa Waltz.” He is now known nationally through his work on “A Prairie Home Companion.”

“Though a touring musician for over 30 years, he has never abandoned those things that move him deeply — family, home, poetry, and the natural world. Music and words flow through him and he uses them to paint simple yet powerful images on a canvas of diverse textures of music,” the press release continued.

Through the years Mr. Brown has used his talents to support community and ecological responsibility. He has sold benefit CDs whose proceeds have gone to supporting charities such as “In Harmony” and “The Breast Cancer Fund,” as well as protecting the Yellow Dog River Watershed in Michigan.

Mr. Brown has released over two dozen recordings. His albums “Friend of Mine” and “Slant 6 Mind” received Grammy nominations, and his album “Poet Game” won the “Indie Award for singer-songwriter Album of the Year.” A folk legend, this is a rare opportunity to see one of America’s most respected musicians right here on Martha’s Vineyard.

Tickets are $27.50 in advance or $35 at the door; children under 12 are free. Tickets are available at: Alley’s Store, Island Entertainment, Scottish Bakehouse, aboveground Records and the Oak Bluffs General Store. For information or reservations, call 508-693-6237 or 508-560-2109, or at kctconcerts.com.