PUTNEY — Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present folk singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, storyteller, activist, and author John McCutcheon at Next Stage on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 7:30 p.m.
Described as folk music's “rustic renaissance man” by The Washington Post, McCutcheon is a master of a dozen traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer.
His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His 30 recordings have garnered many honors, including seven Grammy nominations. He has also produced more than 20 albums, 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. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers.
Before McCutcheon graduated from Minnesota's St. John's University, the Wisconsin native literally headed for the hills, forgoing a college lecture hall for the classroom of the eastern Kentucky coal camps, union halls, country churches, and square dance halls.
His apprenticeship to many of the legendary figures of Appalachian music embedded in him a love of not only homemade music, but a sense of community and rootedness. The result is music, whether traditional or from his huge catalog of original songs, with the profound mark of place, family, and strength - and a storytelling style that has been compared to Will Rogers and Garrison Keillor.
His live performances have brought his music into the lives and homes of a broad audience. Besides his usual circuit of major concert halls and theaters, McCutcheon is equally at home in an elementary school auditorium, on a festival stage, or at a farm rally.