Legendary folk singer-songwriter and guitarist Tom Rush will bring his celebrated blend of music, storytelling, humor, and American roots traditions to the Camden Opera House on Friday, Sept. 4, at 7:30 p.m. for An Evening with Tom Rush, accompanied by guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Brendan Cleary.

 

For more than six decades, Rush has been a defining figure in American folk music. With his distinctive guitar style, warm and expressive voice, wry humor, and unmistakable storytelling, his performances move effortlessly from rib-aching laughter to the sweet melancholy of a ballad and the raw passion of the blues.

Rush’s influence on American music has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival of the 1960s and the roots-music renaissance of the 1980s and ’90s, leaving his mark on generations of artists.

 

James Taylor has called Rush one of his early heroes and major influences, while country music superstar Garth Brooks has cited him as one of his top five musical influences. A longtime champion of emerging talent, Rush’s early recordings helped introduce audiences to the music of artists including Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, and James Taylor.  In more recent years, his Club 47® concerts have helped shine a spotlight on artists such as Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin early in their careers.

 

Rush began his musical journey in the early 1960s while attending Harvard University and performing at Boston-area clubs. He quickly became a regular at the legendary Club 47, where he absorbed the influence of some of the era’s most important folk artists while developing his own distinctive style. By the time he graduated, he had already released two albums.

 

Signed by Elektra Records in 1965, Rush went on to record three albums for the label, culminating in "The Circle Game." The album is widely regarded as an important milestone in the emergence of the singer-songwriter movement. Throughout his career, Rush has demonstrated an extraordinary ear for great songs, both as a writer and interpreter. His compositions and performances have crossed musical boundaries, finding audiences in folk, country, rock, heavy metal, and even rap.

 

Joining Rush for the Camden performance is Brendan Cleary, a New Jersey-born guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter whose music is deeply rooted in the American musical tradition. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Cleary developed his artistic voice through songwriting shaped by the rich textures of folk, blues, and country. Together, Rush and Cleary promise an unforgettable evening of music, stories, humor, and the enduring songs of the American roots tradition.

 

Choose-your-own reserved-seat tickets are $55 in advance and $65 on the day of the show at camdenoperahouse.com. The Opera House is at 29 Elm St., Camden.

 

For more information, call 207-236-3154.  Sponsored by Camden Maine Stay Inn and 40 Paper.