‘GONE WEST’ SONGWRITERS RETURN EAST TO MIDWEST ROOTS
The Gone West Songwriters Project – a trio of solo singer-songwriters including Kelly Bosworth, Avery Hill, and Chris Stewart – present original and traditional folk music on Saturday, June 20, at the Old Independence Regional Museum, located at 380 S 9th St in Batesville. The show begins at 6:00pm and admission is free but donations are welcome.
In coordination with the museum’s exhibit “Living With the White River: From the Ozarks to the Delta”, which opened May 24, the Gone West Songwriters Project will curate their performance to fit the theme of water, referring both literally and metaphorically to its significance in the life of a community.
Bosworth, Hill, and Stewart are independent musicians, all based in Portland, Oregon. When they discovered they each have family roots in the Midwest, the Gone West Songwriters Project was born. They have named their tour in honor of the different migrations their ancestors and families traveled from the Midwest to the West Coast. “More than a tour”, they say, this project will include as much opportunity to learn traditional music of the region as to share their original music with audiences.
Musician bios:
Kelly Bosworth was raised on family jam sessions and classical music. Her evocative, haunting melodies and warm vocals draw audiences into her songs, which speak to universal themes of loss, longing, and love. She released her self-titled debut album in November 2014. The album is a powerful lamentation and a meditation on loss. But there is an undeniable sense of hope and celebration woven through the grief. Her single “Waters” from her debut album hit #7 on the folk DJ charts and has played across the country. www.kellybosworth.com
Family legend has it Avery Hill sang before she talked. Since then, drawing from influences as varied as Billie Holliday, The Beach Boys, Joni Mitchell, and Dar Williams, she has developed her own style of sensitive guitar technique and honest, image-filled lyrics. Each song tells a story, reflecting on themes of family, history, and what it means to be human. After releasing her debut EP Fare Thee Well in 2012, Hill is getting ready to release her first full-length album this year.www.averyhilltunes.com
Chris Stewart’s music embodies the heart of a singer-songwriter. His songs are deeply confessional: he doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff, but doesn’t forget the joys of life, either. Growing up to a soundtrack of progressive rock of Rush and other bands, Chris’ musical journey has been long and winding through various genres, bands, and projects. He has produced and independently released two albums of original music, most recently Simple Poetry in 2013.www.chrisstewart.net
