Lower 48 musicians coming to Valley for pair of concerts

PALMER - Three musicians from the Lower 48 have brought their talents to Palmer this week for three shows.

Last night, Carrie Newcomer appeared at Vagabond Blues in Palmer. She started three nights of folk music, as concerts continue today and tomorrow.

Today, Dave Van Ronk, of Greenwich Village in New York City, brings his guitar skills and his voice to the Palmer cafe. He first recorded his music in 1959, and he has been playing ever since. No one style can define Van Ronk, who reaffirms belief in the richness of American music, according to the Boston Globe.

His style ranges from the blues to show tunes to Joni Mitchell covers, and his voice has been compared to Tom Waits. Among his credentials is the fact he gave music lessons to Bob Dylan.

Following Van Ronk, Boston resident Ellis Paul will play Wednesday. In the Boston area, Paul is a pleaser. He routinely sells out thousand-seat halls in his hometown. He has won numerous awards and accolades for his bouncy, catchy melodies.

All shows start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Vagabond Blues and Metro Music and Books in Anchorage.

The shows are being presented by Whistling Swan Productions.

For more information about the shows, or about the individual artists, visit whistlingswan.net.