Bluesman to play concert near Olivette
A musician whose love of history and literature led him to the blues will appear near Olivette.
Andrew Heissler, now known as Pokey LaFarge, was influenced by his grandfathers. One gave LaFarge his first banjo and guitar; the other, who was an amateur historian, told the youngster about the Civil War and the Second World War. He also enjoyed literature, particularly the work of Jack Kerouac, Ernest Hemingway, and John Steinbeck. He combined these interests with his love of the blues.
His has gained a reputation as a guardian of old-time music. He combines Appalachian folk melodies, Western swing, and Americana, and uses old-fashioned instruments such as lap steel guitar, washboard, and kazoo, recalling performances from years ago.
LaFarge formed a band and released “Riverboat Soul” in 2010. Critics spoke highly of the album, which won an Independent Music Award as the “Best Americana Album.” In 2011, they released “Middle of Everywhere,” which also won the “Best Americana Album,” assuring LaFarge's reputation as one of the most important young artists singing this music.
A concert review says:
In what is just the sort of event likely to be promoted with poster printing, LaFarge will appear at the Off Broadway in St. Louis, a short trip from Olivette, on December 28 and 29, at 8:00 pm.
Andrew Heissler, now known as Pokey LaFarge, was influenced by his grandfathers. One gave LaFarge his first banjo and guitar; the other, who was an amateur historian, told the youngster about the Civil War and the Second World War. He also enjoyed literature, particularly the work of Jack Kerouac, Ernest Hemingway, and John Steinbeck. He combined these interests with his love of the blues.
His has gained a reputation as a guardian of old-time music. He combines Appalachian folk melodies, Western swing, and Americana, and uses old-fashioned instruments such as lap steel guitar, washboard, and kazoo, recalling performances from years ago.
LaFarge formed a band and released “Riverboat Soul” in 2010. Critics spoke highly of the album, which won an Independent Music Award as the “Best Americana Album.” In 2011, they released “Middle of Everywhere,” which also won the “Best Americana Album,” assuring LaFarge's reputation as one of the most important young artists singing this music.
A concert review says:
“Pokey LaFarge is a consummate performer, great music, lyrics, and backed by a fantastic group of musicians! This is quite literally one of the best shows I've been to . . .”
In what is just the sort of event likely to be promoted with poster printing, LaFarge will appear at the Off Broadway in St. Louis, a short trip from Olivette, on December 28 and 29, at 8:00 pm.