BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – Stage 33 Live welcomes the return of Rupert Wates on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. The Early Risers will open. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.stage33live.com, or at the door as available; advance tickets guarantee entry. Only 40 tickets will be sold.
Though British by birth, Wates has been hailed as “a prime figure in American music.” Since 2006, the London-born, Oxford-educated, award-winning songwriter has made his home between New York City and Colorado, performing throughout North America and Europe. He has released 12 acclaimed solo albums earning international airplay, and has received more than 50 songwriting awards. Dozens of recording artists have covered his songs on their albums.
While the doors to large venues and big festivals are open to him, he has a great fondness for intimate listening rooms where the focus is on connection and storytelling. He captivates audiences with his haunting, eclectic blend of acoustic, melodic art/folk infused with elements of jazz and cabaret.
The recognition that regular people are what make the world extraordinary is reflected in his vivid, sophisticated songwriting that by turns is vulnerable and bold, featuring intricate lyrics and memorable melodies, exceptional guitar skills, and his smooth, expressive voice.
Ashley Storrow and Putnam Smith joined forces as the Early Risers in 2015 and have since toured across the country, from Maine, to Texas, to California, to Vancouver, B.C., at notable venues such as Club Passim, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, and the High Plains Public Radio concert series. Rootsy and lyric-driven, the Early Risers feature close vocal harmonies and arrangements on an array of instruments. Their debut album, “Making Life Sweet,” went to No. 1 on the national Folk DJ Charts.