Chris Smither visiting Palmer

March 4, 2005

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

PALMER - Chris Smither has been described as an American-folk-blues artist who speaks the language of the poets and philosophers. On March 6, the traveling bard brings his world-worn knowledge to Vagabond Blues, in Palmer.

An accomplished finger-picking guitarist, singer and songwriter, Smither's songs visit death, deserted streets and the ancient, timeless struggles of mankind. Smither has been making music since moving north to New England from his native New Orleans as a teen-ager at the tail end of the 1960s folk revival. At that time, he sat at the feet of the masters, learning their techniques.

Influenced by legends such as Mississippi John Hurt and Bob Dylan, Smither's songs are described both as finger-picked melodies and muscular bluesy stomps.

Tickets for the Palmer performance are available for $20 at Vagabond Blues. The music starts at 3 p.m. For more information call 745-2233.