JOE CROOKSTON From Ithaca, NY Artist, writer, singer, guitar picker, painter, claw hammer banjo player, eco-village member and believer in all things possible. You’ll be pulled in by the magic and musical world he creates and you’ll end up in the moment, humming & buzzing with the rest of the crowd. He’ll sing to you ~ You’ll sing with him…He’s plumbing for lyrical gold, like some kind of social archeologist. His story songs are universal, masterful and his concerts are a grand celebration of all of us. He believes in stories. Come to a show…You’ll ride along mystical, historical, and humorous roads, and twist through personal stories along the way. Amber eyes, Oklahoma towns, rattlesnake tails, Grandmother Moons, Galway heather, meter maids and silver crowns. At the end of the night, you’ll leave inspired, with a renewed sense of what’s possible. “The Long Note” is a phrase used in Irish culture~ “The Long Note” is that place of resonance and transcendence where the music, the voices, the instruments, and the community ALL come together and unite… There IS a “Long Note” and Joe is reaching for it. From the first strum of his 1948 Gibson, through stories of ruby red dresses, Tinian Island, Dylan Thomas, Taoist parables and drunken roosters you’ll be drawn in. It happens every time. Watch a YouTube video. It’s good, but it’s not the same. You gotta come to the show. Joe was recently signed to Tamulevich Artist Management along with fellow songwriters John Gorka, Red Horse and Peter Yarrow. Through his spirit and playfulness and his unwavering courage to be himself, you will be moved in ways you didn’t expect. He is literate, poignant and funny as hell. ~ You’ll be glad you came. He lives in Ithaca, NY, and tours regularly in the US, Ireland and Canada. ~~~~~~~Joe Crookston His CD, “Able Baker Charlie & Dog” received the most airplay of any folk acoustic recording and was awarded: “Album of the Year” by the International Folk Alliance in Memphis, TN. He received a year-long songwriting grant from the Rockefeller Foundation to travel throughout New York State, collect stories, and write original songs. His favorite quote about his music is: “I hate folk music, but I absolutely LOVE Joe Crookston’s music!” But, for Joe, it’s less about awards and quotes, and it’s more about this: “I am learning to trust that my voice as a songwriter. Be who i am. trust the stories and follow no trends. More and more I find that when I tell my true story, it has wider breadth, deeper impact, and resonates more clearly. After years of creating, I do feel as though I’ve honed a way of writing and performing that has identifiable themes and expresses my quirky uniqueness. There is a Georgia O’Keeffe quote that I love, and I’m paraphrasing: ”The parts of ourselves that we are most self-conscious of, are the parts of ourselves that are most uniquely true to who we are!” I see my job as an artist to have the confidence to sing, play and perform from this deep/true place inside of myself despite what is hip and cool at the moment.” ~~~~~~~ Joe Crookston is a master storyteller. His music swirls with themes of lightness, darkness, clocks ticking, weeping willows, cynicism, hope, and the cycles of life and rebirth. If you love a moving song and musical madness, Joe Crookston delivers it all, the melodies, the lyrics, the energy, and a deep passion for exceptionally well-written songs. Haven’t seen him perform? Promise, you’ll be more than glad you did. COVER SONGS: His music has been recorded and performed by Irish harpers, a cappella gospel choirs, solo artists, and numerous national and international performers. SOLO: Joe performs regularly as a solo artist. His blend of guitar mastery, story songs, humor, unstoppable energy and rhythm bring the house to their feet at almost every show. DUO: (For select dates) Joe is available as a DUO with Peter Glanville on six-string guitar, tenor guitar, and vocals. Glanville is also from Ithaca, NY and plays extensively on Joe’s 2011 “Darkling & the BlueBird Jubilee” CD. TRIO: (For select venues and festivals) Joe is available with his trio “The BlueBird Jubilee” with Peter Glanville on six-string guitar, tenor guitar, and vocals along with Ithaca resident and keyboardist Nate Richardson on Rhodes, piano and vocal harmonies. WORKSHOPS/RETREATS: Joe enjoys teaching and facilitating. For select dates he is available for songwriting workshops in conjunction with a public concert. He is an experienced facilitator, and has been invited to teach at many retreats including SummerSongs, The Swannanoa Gathering in North Carolina, and the Yearly Quaker Gathering in Rhode Island. VISUAL ART: For select concerts, Joe displays his acrylic and oil paintings combining his visual art with his music. As a painter and songwriter, Joe brings his love of imagery to life on stage, in his songs and to the canvas.