OXFORD — Singer/songwriter Vance Gilbert, considered one of the best performers on the folk scene today, has been playing in Oxford for more than 25 years. He’ll return for a 6 On The Square concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18.
According to a media release, more than 30 years into his career, Gilbert’s influence can be felt all over the contemporary folk and Americana realm as he has helped pave the way for many of the Black, Indigenous, People of Color artists who have followed.
Gilbert was born and raised in the Philadelphia area. Hoping to be an R&B and jazz singer at college, he discovered his affinity for the storytelling sensibilities of an acoustic singer-songwriter. Word spread like wildfire about Gilbert’s stage-owning singing and playing, and Shawn Colvin invited him to be a guest on her 1992 Fat City tour.
Noted as a performer whose songs tug at people’s heartstrings and onstage banter has audiences in stitches, Gilbert has recorded 14 albums, including five for Philo/Rounder Records. His latest album, “The Mother of Trouble,” features Grammy Award winner Lori McKenna on background vocals, Juno Award recipient and Bonnie Raitt Grammy hit song co-writer Joey Landreth on guitars, and Americana/roots master mandolinist Joe K. Walsh.
Along with being the opener of choice for artists as varied as Arlo Guthrie, Anita Baker, The Milk Carton Kids and Southside Johnny, the mid 2000s found Gilbert opening more than 150 shows for comedian George Carlin. Most recently, he’s been the opener of choice for “Mad About You”/“Stranger Things” star (and Binghamton University alumnus) Paul Reiser’s standup shows.
In addition to songwriting and performing, Gilbert has been a voice coach all around the world, from Australia to Winnipeg. He is an instructor/professor at the University of Colorado Denver and has done a decade’s worth of summer programs at Berklee College of Music. He also offers private coaching and has six to 10 students weekly.
As the host of Vance’s Monday Night Acoustic Pajama Party, started on YouTube the first week of the pandemic in 2020, Gilbert has played a live, themed, weekly 90-minute show of originals and cover tunes to a rotating following of about 200 fans. A percentage of his weekly tip jar is donated to the local nonprofit of his choice.
Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at 6onthesquare.org or call 607-843-6876 to make a reservation. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
The show will also be streamed live online for $10.
Visit 6onthesquare.org for more information.