upcoming

Lila Nelson

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Local singer-songwriter Lila Nelson returns to Humboldt County to perform at the Arcata Playhouse.

Humboldt chartreuse Lila Nelson returns to the area to perform at the Arcata Playhouse on Saturday, April 24 at 8:00 p.m. She will be joined by Mendocino county band The Blushin’ Roulettes and duo Gwyneth and Monko.

With her guitar and piano based songs somewhere between the stark, often wry first person of Loudon Wainwright III and the rich elliptical song-scapes of his son Rufus, Nelson’s sound is both seasoned and fresh.  Nelson has released 5 records to date, has toured the country extensively playing shows with some of her favorites: Ben Folds, Richie Havens, Kenny Edwards, Peter Mulvey, Casey Connor, Amelia White and many more, and recently relocated to the Bay Area where she continues to work in the world of song. In a razor sharp world that favors the soundbite, Nelson maintains a rich inner life, an irrepressible sense of humor, and a profound facility for poetry—all delivered in a sizzlingly charismatic package.

Nelson will be celebrating her birthday for this intimate performance night and has invited two of her favorite groups to share the stage for her birthday weekend at the Playhouse. The Blushin’ Roulettes hail from Mendocino county, California. This folksy twang gang delivers old-time tunes with a modern twist deeply rooted in feminine perspective.  Songwriter/guitarist Angela Rose belts her sweet and sultry tunes of damsels in their bliss and distress in a warbling vibrato often compared to Iris Dement and Dolly Parton. Kate Stone adds her smooth vocal harmonies as she holds down the low end plucking and bowing her cello. Cas Sochacki adds subtle dobro licks while contributing on baritone duets with Rose.  Add to this the tasty guitar licks of the legendary Buddy Stubbs, the chugga lugga rhythms of not-so-little drummer boy Jubal Stedman, and Mike Luparello on bass…catch them fresh from Alaska! Also on the bill, are Gwyneth and Monko. The amalgam of Gwyneth Moreland’s “tangible gentleness” and Michael Monko’s old-timey grunge creates a captivating performance that is sure to rouse the weary. Rooted deep in the American Tradition, their musical style is built on a foundation of old-time blues, pop, and true American country.

Tickets are $13 general and $10 students and seniors and are available at Wildwood Music, The Works or online at brownpapertickets.com. You can also call (707) 822-1575 for reservation or visit arcataplayhouse.org for additional information.

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