PUTNEY, Vt. – Twilight Music presents acclaimed singer-songwriter John Gorka in concert on Sunday, May 17, at 7 p.m., at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill in Putney. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are discounted in advance at at www.nextstagearts.org.
Described by Rolling Stone as “the leading singer-songwriter of the New Folk movement,” Gorka has spent decades captivating audiences with his rich baritone voice, evocative songwriting, and deeply human storytelling. From his early days at the legendary Godfrey Daniels coffeehouse in Pennsylvania, to international tours across the U.S. and Europe, Gorka has built a career grounded in authenticity, craft, and emotional resonance.
With 11 critically acclaimed studio albums and collaborations with some of the most respected artists in folk music, Gorka’s songs explore themes of love, resilience, justice, and hope. His latest release, “unentitled,” continues this tradition. Reflecting on the album, Gorka notes, “Writing songs is my way of trying to make some sense of the world…It is my desire that some of these songs will make you feel that you aren’t the only one going through a rough patch…and that there are better days ahead.”
Gorka’s career has included performances at Austin City Limits, Mountain Stage, and eTown, as well as collaborations and shared stages with artists such as Nanci Griffith and Mary Chapin Carpenter. His songs have been recorded by numerous musicians, further cementing his influence within the folk canon.
“Gorka is widely heralded for the sophisticated intelligence and provocative originality of his songs,” writes The Boston Globe. With a reputation for weaving wry observations with poignant narratives, his live performances offer an intimate and moving experience.
This concert is part of Twilight Music’s ongoing series highlighting exceptional roots and folk artists in an intimate setting.