An evening with
JOHN GORKA
Solo and acoustic | He's described himself variously as "the intense white guy from New Jersey" and an "aspiring folksinger." Others have called him one of the finest songwriters on the scene today or, in the words of The Boston Globe, "the quintessential urban folksinger."
Well-known for his rich baritone voice and unique songcraft, John Gorka has been captivating audiences across the country for years. According to The New York Times, "Listening to John Gorka sing can give you goose-bumps all over. There are many reasons: fresh lyrics, a stunning emotional baritone voice, and his twisted humor." Indeed, Gorka's songs look at the world with a realistic hope, acknowledging the sorrows and celebrating the joys of a modern life. It's a mark of their quality that his songs have been recorded by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mary Black and Maura O’Connell. Gorka himself has said that he's "honored to be a part of the folk tradition — energetic acoustic music that is an expression of everyday life."
With ten albums to his credit, Gorka's most recent releases, all on Red House Records, have been among the most popular and acclaimed of his career. His 1998 release, After Yesterday, marked a decidedly different attitude towards making music for John. The Company You Keep (2001) held fast to John’s tradition of fine songwriting, yet moved forward down new avenues. Its fourteen songs displayed John’s creative use of lyrics and attention to detail. Andy Stochansky played drums and shared production credits with Gorka and Rob Genadek. Ani DiFranco, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lucy Kaplansky and Patty Larkin contributed stellar guitar work and vocals to this fan favorite. Old Futures Gone (2003) contained the kind of music only a veteran musician (and seasoned student of life) could channel. Informed by his life as husband and father of two young children, it also contained the colorful experience of many hard years on the road.
His latest release, Writing in the Margins (2006), is an engaging collection of sweet and serious songs that spans many musical genres — folk, pop, country and soul — and features guest vocalists Nanci Griffith, Lucy Kaplansky and Alice Peacock. With stories about love, war and the hope for a better world, John has released his most compelling and accessible album to date.
Fri Apr 18 | 8 pm
CSPS | 1103 Third St SE | Cedar Rapids
$17 advance | $20 day of show

Ticket info
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