John McCutcheon, plus Kevin So

Friday Dec 11 8:00PM Add to Calendar
Palladium Theater [map]

This concert organized by WMNF's Saturday morning folk programmer Jeannie Holton-Carufel brings two artists whose music is steeped in WMNF's values of peace, equality and social and economic justice.

Tickets are $20 and only at The Palladium Theatre Phone: 727-822-3590

John McCutcheon sings of the nation’s heritage. His words channel the conscience of our people into streams of poetry and melody. He writes about subjects small and great, from a child’s haircut to freedom and human dignity – issues equally eternal and enduring. Think of McCutcheon as an incarnation of Pete Seeger and Mr. Rogers, Will Rogers and Bruce Springsteen, and above all Everyman, righteously passionate and impishly playful, blessed with gifts as a songwriter, historian, musician and storyteller that have won him praise in Australia as “the most overwhelming folk performer in the English language,” from a Russian critic as “the most versatile and compelling performer this reviewer has ever seen,” and from Johnny Cash as “the most impressive instrumentalist I’ve ever heard.”

While John McCutcheon has performed over a dozen WMNF concerts, this is the first WMNF concert by Kevin So. Making a name for himself as a boundary-stretching singer/songwriter, So's original blend of pop, rhythm & blues, and hip hop has garnered the attention and praise from Billy Bragg, Martin Sexton, Mary Lou Lord, Richie Havens, David Wilcox, and most recently Keb’ Mo’(he opened for Keb at the Tampa Theatre).

Kevin is one of the most recognized artists in the Asian American community. He, too admits that “there aren’t enough of us.” Fans all over the world have caught on to So's lyrical truths and his knack for engaging people through his music, intense storytelling, and foot stomping performances.

Kevin's love of people and community are not only illustrated in his music, but also in his sense of civic obligation. In addition to a rigorous tour schedule, Kevin has performed at many charity fundraising benefits for organizations such as The New England Home for Little Wanderers, the American Heart Association, Leaders of Tomorrow Inc., ANYTOWN New England, and the Judge Baker Children's Center.

Kevin has just released his 8th solo CD "leaving the lights on" - a double album - what he describes as “my Asian American Songs in The Key of Rice … my Kwandrophenia …” combining such diverse influences as Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Tupac Shakur, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye “with a little bit of Richard Pryor thrown in.” Confronting identity, sexuality, history, family, and yes - racism, this recording is one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year.

WMNF is inviting local organizations in the forefront of the struggle for peace and justice to set up tables at the concert to share their activities and give inspiration.