Famed folk artist Caroline Aiken travels to Texas as a guest for Evenings with the Songwriter at the historic Dr. Eugene Clark Library on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. This monthly series, now in its ninth season, is always free to the public. This event is hosted by Lockhart songwriter Fletcher Clark.
Beginning her career in 1969 in New York, California, South America, the Pacific Northwest, and Europe, Aiken was named Best Acoustic Act in her birth town in Georgia. Her rich history includes recording and performing with Bonnie Raitt and the Indigo Girls.
Her bluesy voice, masterful finger-picking guitar style and hypnotic stage presence made her the artist of choice to open for such diverse music legends as Arlo Guthrie, Muddy Waters, Doc Watson, Bonnie Raitt, Randy Newman, Little Feat, the Beach Boys, Richie Havens, and many others during her 44-year career.
Aiken appears in regional and national festivals, radio shows, workshops and concert series, supporting nine nationally-acclaimed recordings. Her sensual voice, masterful songwriting, and expert guitar have anchored Seattle's acoustic and folk scene, influencing up and coming artists whom she took under her wing, including Indigo Girls and Shawn Mullins.
“Caroline is adored by her fans,” Clark said. “And particularly admired by her colleagues for her superb guitar playing. I am very much looking forward to this, something we have been trying to arrange for a couple of years.”
Evenings with the Songwriter has featured scores of celebrated artists: Jon Ims, Shake Russell, Tish Hinojosa, Vince Bell, Butch Hancock, Christine Albert, Dana Cooper, Susan Gibson, Rex Foster, Eric Taylor, Shelley King, Ken Gaines, Karen Mal, and Walt Wilkins. The ambiance of the Dr. Eugene Clark Library Lyceum, the oldest continually-operating library buildings in Texas, provides this unique venue for Evenings with the Songwriter, enjoyed by audience and guests alike.
“This is not strictly a performance nor an interview nor a song swap nor a lecture — we explore the art and craft of songwriting,” Clark said.
The series is presented to the public free of charge on the last Tuesday of the month (except December), thanks to City of Lockhart Library Director Bertha Martinez and her staff. Support comes from local Friends of the Song sponsors Todd Blomerth and Patti Payne, Donaly and Clare Brice, and Robert and Esther Wilson. Additional information is available at Evenings With Songwriter's website.