ROCKPORT — John McCutcheon is the definition of a music man.
The folk musician sings and plays several instruments, including the hammered dulcimer, guitar, banjo, keyboard and harmonica.
McCutcheon soon will put his musical skills on display in Rockport, during a 3 p.m. concert Dec. 3 at the Old Sloop Coffeehouse, a performing arts series at the First Congregational Church of Rockport.
For folk legend Pete Seeger, McCutcheon is “not only one of the best musicians in the U.S.A. but also a great singer, songwriter and song leader.”
Johnny Cash also had words of praise for McCutcheon, saying he was “the most impressive instrumentalist I’ve ever heard.”
While he is today a respected and loved folksinger, McCutcheon’s inauspicious start in music did not signal his eventual talent. The story goes that McCutcheon “found his voice” thanks to a cheap mail-order guitar and a used book of chords.
But his efforts would soon bear fruit, as he mastered more than a dozen traditional instruments, most notably the hammer dulcimer.
McCutcheon’s songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe and his 30 recordings have garnered the kind of praise that has led to seven Grammy Award nominations.
In addition, he has produced more than 20 albums for other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters. He has also authored a number of books and instructional materials and introduced budding musicians to their own musical experiences.
McCutcheon is also known for his live performances — with some critics describing his public works as “little feats of magic” and “like a conversation with an illuminating old friend.”
The Old Sloop Coffeehouse show takes place Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m.at the First Congregational Church of Rockport, 12 School St. in Rockport, which is handicap accessible. Tickets, $5 for youth and $25 for adults, are available prior to the show online at oldslooppresents.org. The suggested contribution at the door is $30 for adults, $5 for juniors, and $60 for families.
Show details can be found at https://oldslooppresents.org/performance/john-mccutcheon-2023.
Stephen Hagan can be reached at 978-675-2708 or at shagan@northofboston.com.