His third visit to the University Café finds singer, songwriter, novelist John Wesley Harding bringing songs from a new band album, Who Was Changed and Who Was Dead, as well as classic songs and great humor from an impressive career.
This pioneer of “gangsta folk” emerged on the folk scene in 1989 and caught the attention of critics for his songs with copious nuances, stinging lyrical observation, and tell-tale Harding hooks. His U.S. debut album, Here Comes the Groom, included musical support from the Attractions, Elvis Costello’s backing band.
Harding soon opened shows for The Band, Michelle Shocked, Ray Davies, Los Lobos, Joan Baez, and Bruce Springsteen. An ongoing series of consistently highly acclaimed albums advanced Harding’s reputation and confirmed his skill in writing songs full of great hooks and keen wit. No stranger to the world of traditional music, Harding recorded a tribute album to Nic Jones and formed the roguish folk combo, The Minstrel in the Galleries, designed to entertain and engage with traditional folk music in its widest sense. He is also the author of two acclaimed novels.
The show is Sunday, November 8, at 2:00 pm. Advance sale tickets are available at www.universitycafe.org for $20 until November 5. Tickets at the door (if available) are $25.
The University Café is located in the Stony Brook Union.
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