He’s been called “the leading singer/songwriter of the New Folk movement,” by Rolling Stone, and this summer John Gorka will perform at the historic Opera House in Boothbay Harbor. Days later acclaimed Italian, finger-style guitarist Peppino D’Agostino will be in concert at the Opera House. Advance discounted tickets for Gorka’s Aug. 20 show and D’Agostino’s Aug. 26 show are currently on sale.

“John Gorka is widely heralded for the sophisticated intelligence and provocative originality of his songs,” writes the Boston Globe. He is frequently considered the quintessential iconic singer-songwriter of the 80’s folk scene. Hailing from New Jersey, but forged in the Greenwich Village Fast Folk scene, he honed his craft and persona into an unmistakable image. The shy, wry, insightful, and sensitive singer-songwriter has been copied and parodied. But the old coat he wove still fits, and still suits him well. The old songs ring as true as they ever did, and the new ones are just as good.

A native of Italy, Peppino D’Agostino has made his considerable international mark as a musical artist on the guitar since he arrived in America 35 years ago. In 2017 Guitar Player listed him as one of the 50 transcendent superheroes of the acoustic guitar. The CD “Every Step of The Way” was awarded by Acoustic Guitar’s People’s Choice Awards with a Bronze medal for Best Acoustic Album of All Time.

To date, Peppino has recorded 19 CDs, performed in over 35 countries at international festivals and concert halls. He has shared the stage with such greats as Larry Carlton, Eric Johnson, Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Martin Taylor, Roland Dyens, David Tanenbaum, and many more.

Advance tickets for each show are $25 if purchased from the box office at 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor, or by calling 207-633-5159. Regular tickets are $30 online at boothbayoperahouse.com, and on the day of the performance. Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., doors for seating open at 7.

The Opera House requires that all audience members over the age of 11 show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or proof of a negative Covid test taken on the day of the performance. The Maine CDC recommends that masks be worn indoors.