With a whopping 14 albums under his belt, folk and Americana artist Vance Gilbert returns to Marblehead’s Me&Thee Music on Friday, March 1 at 8 p.m. Gilbert’s career dates back to the early ’90s, and he has left an indelible mark on the folk and acoustic music scenes across the country as he helped pave the way for many BIPOC artists who have followed.
Gilbert has shared stages with icons like Anita Baker, Arlo Guthrie, Aretha Franklin, Shawn Colvin, and comedian George Carlin, opened dozens of stand-up shows for “Mad About You” star Paul Reiser, and has collaborated with folk legends like Ellis Paul and Lori McKenna.
Vance Gilbert’s concerts are filled with soul-stirring tunes, stories that resonate with the heart and sharp wit. Richmond Magazine wrote that “if Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results would be something close to the great Vance Gilbert.”
Known as a consummate performer, Gilbert has appeared at some of the world’s most prestigious gatherings and halls including festivals in Newport, Winnipeg, Calgary, Ottawa, Woodford in Australia, The Barns at Wolftrap, Lyman Auditorium in Nashville, and Symphony Hall in Boston. He is currently an instructor/professor at the University of Colorado Denver and has been a faculty member at Berklee College of Music for a decade.
New Jersey-based musicians Andrew Dunn and Todd Dennison will open the evening.
No-fee general admission tickets and student tickets are only available at meandthee.org. Locally, tickets for all concerts are on sale at Arnould Gallery, Washington Street, Marblehead. No phone orders are accepted and no other ticket websites are authorized.
Doors open at 7:15 p.m., and the music begins shortly after 8 p.m. Me&Thee is an all-volunteer, nonprofit arts organization at the UU Church, 28 Mugford St., Marblehead, now in its 54th season. Freshly baked desserts, mulled cider, coffee, and tea are available before the show and during intermission.