New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Portland, OR-based John Craigie releases his second live album LIVE - Opening For Steinbeck today. With wry observational humor interwoven in both story and song, the album is an ideal introduction to an artist doing something that's simultaneously old and brand new. The album documents a pair of sold out performances at Mississippi Studios and The Doug Fir late last year.
Craigie truly has a unique live performance; between nearly each song of the set, there's a "bit" he's written that thematically leads into the next track.
The Boot premiered the album's third single "Westbound Bart" and its intro bit, saying it's "a prime example of how Craigie mixes comedic tales and his musical storytelling in his live shows."
East of 8th praised Craigie's "flair for storytelling, Mitch Hedberg-esque observational humor, and folksy delivery that delights and dazzles crowds wherever he lands," while Glide Magazine said Craigie's first single "Presidential
Silver Lining" "captures his dynamic talent and what makes him such a compelling and entertaining live act."
With the clarity of vision of a millenial, the old soul of a troubadour, and the timing of a stand-up comedian, Craigie's live shows have his rapidly growing audiences hanging on every word. The humor that runs throughout his songs and the narratives that accompany them touch on embarrassing iPhone photos, Election Night 2016, and "pants" vs "trousers," all presented with self-deprecating wit.
"The significant part of my live shows is the story telling," explains Craigie. "Ever since I started people were always coming up to the merch table asking which album has the stories on it. The comedy bits don't work as well on a studio album, they need an audience there to respond to them. The live albums give the audience the option to take home the funny songs and stories with them."
Craigie's music is connecting with both audiences and various other famous folks. Fellow troubadour Todd Snider notably hand-delivered a gift on-stage, and action hero Chuck Norris remarkably sent Craigie fan mail. Most notably, Craigie caught the attention of one Jack Johnson. Through a serendipitous series of events, Craigie's 2016 live LP Capricorn in Retrograde… Just Kidding… Live in Portland landed in Johnson's car stereo during a California coastal road trip. Immediately becoming a fan, Jack reached out and Craigie found himself onstage for 12 shows during Johnson's 2017 summer tour including performances at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California and The Gorge in Washington state.
In his live performances, on his records, in his comedy bits and in his songs, Craigie's one goal is connecting with his listeners. "It's about transparency," he explains. "The storytelling enables listeners to relate. Really good music doesn't make you feel good; it makes you feel like you're not alone."
Tour Dates:
Mar 17 - Gilroy, CA - The Barn
Mar 18 -
Santa Cruz, CA - Kuumbwa Jazz
Mar 21 - Spokane, WA - The Bartlett
Mar 22 - Sandpoint, ID - Di Luna's (Two Shows March 22-23)
Apr 04 - Raleigh, NC - The Pour House
Apr 05 - Charlotte, NC - The Evening Muse
Apr 06 - Atlanta, GA - Smith's Olde Bar
Apr 07 - Marianna, FL - Madison's Warehouse
Apr 08 - Tallahassee, FL - Purple House Concerts
Apr 25 - South Burlington, VT - Higher Ground Showcase
Apr 26 - Portsmouth, NH - 3S Arts
Apr 27 - Boston, MA - The Red Room @ Cafe 939
Apr 28 - New York, NY - Rockwood
Music Hall (Stage 2)
Apr 29 - Philadelphia, PA - Bourbon & Branch
May 02 - Bozeman, MT - Live From The Divide
May 03 - Missoula, MT - Top Hat Lounge
May 04 - Billings, MT - Pub Station Taproom
May 05 - Rapid City, SD - Hay Camp Brewing Company
May 27 - Chillicothe, IL - Summer Camp
Jun 13 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend
Music Center *
Jun 14 - Noblesville, IN - Ruoff Home Mortgage Center *
Jun 15 - Clarkston, MI - DTE
Energy Music Theatre *
Jun 17 - Hunter, NY - Mountain Jam
Jun 28 - Laytonville, CA - Kate Wolf
Music Festival (June 28 - July 1)
Jul 05 - Quincy, CA - High
Sierra Music Festival (July 5-8)
Aug 03 - Happy Valley, OR - Pickathon (Aug 3-5)
* = opening for Jack Johnson
