Fred Gillen Jr. will play the Stage 33 Live listening room on Sunday, May 8, at 7 p.m. Carl Beverly opens.
Gillen has released 11 acclaimed albums, shared stages with Merle Haggard, Todd Rundgren, and David Bromberg, and performed everywhere from Patan Durbar Square World Heritage Site in Kathmandu and the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City to places like farmers markets and coffeehouses where everyday people gather.
His songs have been featured on ABC, NPR, and CMJ's New Music Marathon Sampler. His version of Woody Guthrie's “I Ain't Got No Home” was included in Pete Remembers Woody, a collection of Pete Seeger's stories about Woody interspersed with renditions of Guthrie's songs.
Like Seeger and Guthrie, Gillen's lyrics often reflect both the hope and despair of the human condition, while his music illustrates diverse influences from growing up in the 1970s.
His live performances are spontaneous and full of storytelling, and he enjoys audience participation.
Carl Beverly, from Warner, N.H., opens with his “distinctive rhythmic finger-picking style that grooves without straying far from his solid folk grounding,” say organizers. “His strong, personal, and relatable writing and easygoing personality have made him a Stage 33 Live favorite.” In addition to his solo work, he also plays in the trio Picket Hill.
The performance at Stage 33 Live, 33 Bridge St., will be recorded and filmed. Seating is limited to 40. A $10+ donation is suggested, but nobody will be turned away for lack of money. Advance donations made through the stage33live.com website double as chair reservations.
According to the performer's preference, the COVID-19 protocol will be the guidelines in effect in the community on show day. Currently the guidance is that masks are optional, although that may change without notice. Respect those who choose to mask, and give them six feet of social distance.