Pioneer Valley Folklore Society Happenings

Rupert Wates is featured guest at June 6 Song & Story Swap

Rupert Wates will join June 6 Song & Story Swap in Amherst

Please come share in an evening of music and stories at the Pioneer Valley Folklore Society Song & Story Swap.

Saturday, June 6, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at First Church, 165 Main St., Amherst, MA. Free parking is available in back of the church, and the meeting room is near the front.

The guest performer for the June 6 Song & Story Swap will be the award-winning, London-born songwriter Rupert Wates.

Born in London and educated at Oxford University, Wates began his full-time songwriting career in the late 1990s after signing an exclusive publishing deal with Eaton Music. Since relocating to the United States in 2006, he has released twelve solo albums and earned more than 50 awards for songwriting and performance. His music is an eclectic blend of melodic acoustic art-folk infused with elements of jazz, vaudeville, and cabaret. Described by Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange as "a prime figure in American music," Wates performs an average of 120 shows annually across North America and Europe, focusing on connection and storytelling in intimate listening rooms.

Wates is highly regarded for his haunting, melodic style and "phenomenal" guitar work. His 2010 concept album, Joe's Café, which explores U.S. history through personal narratives, was named Best Music Revue at the San Francisco Fringe Festival. His prolific output has inspired more than 20 cover recordings by other artists and two full-length tribute albums comprised entirely of his material.

June 6 promises to be a captivating evening of music and storytelling by a consummate artist. Don't miss it!

Attendees are invited to contribute a song or story on the topic of "Portraits" during an opening round of sharing.

This month’s theme is Portraits This month's
theme is 'Portraits'

The June 6 Song & Story Swap will be held at First Church, 165 Main St. in Amherst, Mass., at 7pm. Parking is available in the lot behind the church.

The Song & Story Swap is held on the first Saturday of each month, excepting July and August, and is organized by the Pioneer Valley Folklore Society. Visit the Folklore Society website at pvfs.us.

The Song & Story Swap is open to the public, free of charge with donations accepted ($10 is suggested).

People of all ages gather to share stories and songs that are traditional, newly written, or of personal experiences. You can tell, sing, or lead everyone in singing, or request a song or story. Listeners are welcome.

For information contact Paul Kaplan, (413)-687-5002 or visit https://pvfs.us.