RIPTON — Greg Klyma will perform on Saturday, Feb. 2 for the Ripton Community Coffee House music series, but note, that this concert will be held at the Ripton Elementary School, due to repair work being done at the regular location.
Some artists find inspiration in romantic break-ups, others find it in rediscovering their roots. For Boston-based singer-songwriter Greg Klyma, it came from both.
“Never Knew Caroline,” his latest release, finds him coping with a toxic end of a romantic relationship and recalling the musicians from his Buffalo, N.Y. hometown that inspired him in his formative years. Several of them, including critically acclaimed artists Peter Case and Gurf Morlix, join Klyma on the album.
The genre diversity of this album shouldn’t come as a surprise from an artist well studied in American music.
“Old school country, classic rock, and singer-songwriter folk are three styles of music that I love,” said Klyma. “I love to listen to ‘em. I love to play ‘em… My wheelhouse finds me standing in the long shadows of Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Steve Earle, Tom Petty and Mick & Keef, to name a few.”
His birthdate puts him squarely in the middle of Generation X (that means he was born between the early-to-mid 1960s and the early 1980s), but Klyma considers himself an old-school troubadour. His enduring themes, articulate and amusing stories, and populist ideals make him one of those rare young artists who is carrying the torch of Woody and Ramblin’ Jack. He rolls in off the road, pulls out a guitar, and proceeds to take us back to the basics: family, love, gratitude and laughter.
Don’t miss Klyma in Ripton, where he’ll share the timeless art of the true troubadour — keeping alive the American folk tradition.
Doors open at 7 p.m., open mic starts at 7:30, followed by the featured performance. General admission is $10, $15 if you’re feeling generous. Kids under 12 come in for $3. Again don’t forget this show is at the Ripton Elementary School, 753 Lincoln Rd, in Ripton.
For more info visit rcch.org or call (802) 349-3364. To sign up for open mic call (802) 388-9782 or email [email protected].