JONATHAN BYRD and CHRIS KOKESH These two solo artists (though they have each been involved in many collaborative projects) are touring in support of a duet album they released recently.

You can see a YouTube video of a performance here.

Jonathan Byrd is a preacher’s son, a Gulf War Navy veteran, and a seventh generation North Carolinian whose songs you likely have heard, even if you haven’t heard Byrd sing them. The Chicago Tribune called him “one of the top 50 songwriters of the last 50 years.” The Boston Globe gushed, “This rootsy North Carolinian.displays John Prine’s gift for stark little songs that tell big, complex stories, Guy Clark’s lean melodicism, Lyle Lovett’s wry mischief, and Bill Morrissey’s knack for the revealing image.”

“I thought I was listening to a young Doc Watson!” Jay Moulon, Southeast Performer Magazine

Chris Kokesh is no newcomer to the folk music scene. In her 14 years with the all-woman quartet Misty River, she became a veteran of festival stages and helped create the signature vocal blend of this northwest favorite. In July 2010, October Valentine debuted on the Folk DJ charts at #20, and Chris’s stunning songwriting, crystalline vocals, tasty fiddle and solid guitar distinguish her as a stand-alone talent. Onstage Kokesh reveals the inner workings of her heart with grace and an unexpectedly wry sense of humor. Jeff Douglas of Oregon Public Broadcasting says, “Chris Kokesh is writing songs that stand up with the best. Keep an ear out for this emerging talent.” Paxton said of Jonathan Byrd, “What a treat to hear someone so deeply rooted in tradition, yet growing in his own beautiful way.”

“Chris Kokesh is a super mix of talent- a stunning solo artist… great voice, fresh originality and a natural musicality…” Kate Power, former owner of Portland’s folk institution, Artichoke Music.

Jeff Douglas, of Oregon Public Broadcasting says, “When a song really works it’s hard to imagine those words with any other music, like they always went together and the writer just discovered them. Chris Kokesh is writing songs like that.”

Please call to reserve.

NOTA BENE: See calendar for art showing at the Carpe prior to this event- you may find it of interest.