• Dates and Times:
  Mon, Jan 12, 2009, 7:30pm
• Pricing:
  $22 Reserved; 707/996-9756

FOLK SINGER JOHN McCUTCHEON
RETURNS TO THE SEBASTIANI THEATRE JANUARY 12, 2009

Often called the “finest folk troubadour of our time,” John McCutcheon, is returning by popular demand to the Sebastiani Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, January 12. McCutcheon’s music conveys the message that our global family can make the world a better place by working together. Throughout his 30-plus year career, McCutcheon has built a bridge across generations. He first performed in elementary schools, not in bars. Called a musician for the ages in all of its meanings, he draws no lines between children and adults -- anyone who enjoys the honest rewards of folk music is welcome and people of all ages rush to hear him perform. He has appeared with Pete Seeger, with whom he is often compared, Arlo Guthrie, and Johnny Cash, who once called McCutcheon “the most impressive instrumentalist I’ve ever heard.” During performances, John McCutcheon switches skillfully from banjo, to guitar, jaw harp, fiddle, auto harp, and piano. He is also recognized as a master of the hammer dulcimer, America’s only traditional mallet instrument. Placing the many instruments he introduces in their ethnic framework, he teaches the audience to make music themselves as he weaves tales as modern fables, rich in history and universal scope.

The lifelong interest in music of this 54-year-old Wisconsin-born, Blue Ridge Mountain-based folk minstrel was sparked in part by the civil rights movement. John McCutcheon heard the songs of the Dust Bowl refugees, the Grapes of Wrath stories that cracked on the airwaves of the early 1960’s radio, and knew something else was going on. While still a college student, the oldest of a large Irish Catholic family, John took up the banjo and, under the tutelage of some of the greats of traditional Southern music, he quickly mastered seven different instruments, became an insightful and powerful singer of traditional songs, and honed an ear for a good story. Songwriting, storytelling, social activism all met and finally made sense.

John McCutcheon’s concerts are international sold-out hits. He has recorded with Paul Simon and Mary Chapin Carpenter and made numerous appearances on National Public Radio. He has produced over twenty-five albums in as many years, has been featured on public radio throughout the world, has garnered an amazing five consecutive Grammy nominations and received every imaginable award in the independent record industry. He has brought joy to millions of listeners from Seattle to Sydney. Additionally, he has written for numerous publications, produced documentary and educational recordings, authored children’s books, chaired literacy campaigns, championed grassroots organizations throughout the world, promoted international musicians, and is even currently the president of the most innovative and fastest growing local in the musicians union.

The Washington Post has calls his concerts “little feats of magic,” while others have referred to him as “the most versatile man in folk music.” John McCutcheon is a favorite, not only because he always has the best songs, but also because of his over all delivery and on-stage personality. Often interspersed with the music-making are stories of how he happened to find or write his music. In his songs and banter, McCutcheon is a life-affirming marvel. To say John McCutcheon is versatile is an understatement. A master musician, storyteller, stand-up comic, political commentator, and sing-along leader with broad appeal to audiences of all ages, John McCutcheon’s amazing versatility demonstrates he is truly a one-man folk music renaissance.

• Dates and Times:
  2 Matinee shows only:
  Sat & Sun, Dec 13 & 14, 2:00pm
• Pricing:
  children (12 & under) & seniors (62+) $7; adults $9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

4th ANNUAL HOLIDAY SEASON EXTRAVAGANZA
at SEBASTIANI THEATRE DECEMBER 13 & 14!

The Sebastiani Theatre presents the 4th ANNUAL HOLIDAY SEASON EXTRAVAGANZA -- a celebration of Sonoma's community through song, dance, and magic. Entertainers in the spotlight will be Roger Rhoten, The Magic Man; The Mystic Man Tobias; The Sonoma Ballet Conservatory Dancers; Rank Spencer; The Witchie Poo Players; The Holiday Tappers; and more, promising an afternoon of joyous entertainment for the whole family. This a must-see event! Bring your family and friends and make a party of it! Sonoma's finest talents will be showcased in TWO MATINEE PERFORMANCES ONLY on Saturday, December 13, and Sunday, December 14, at 2:00 p.m.!

The Sebastiani Theatre has been transformed once again into a magical winter holiday fairyland, beautifully decorated by the generous heart and fantastic artistic talents of the amazing Susan Bellach of Kenwood. Susan and her wonderful husband, Darryl Bellach, have devoted enormous amounts of time, personal resources, positive energy and unfathomable love and talent to promote the success of the Sebastiani Theatre. Please stop by to enjoy the fabulous holiday decorations!

Don't miss an opportunity to visit with Santa Claus, who will be making a special appearance to visit with children of all ages!