On Wednesday, July 2, Pokey LaFarge will bring his unique brand of old-timey “riverboat soul” to Door Community Auditorium (DCA). With a style that’s both ragged and polished, LaFarge is a songwriter, bandleader, innovator, and preservationist whose arsenal of talents has placed him at the forefront of old-time American music.
Accompanied by a top-notch backup band, Pokey LaFarge plays with a classic bluesman’s confidence, infusing his performances with dynamic vocals, effortless wit, and good old-fashioned storytelling. Time Out Chicago writes of LaFarge, “His jumpy American roots music is pure joy.”
Over the last decade, Pokey LaFarge has endeared himself to music lovers across the globe with his lively mix of early jazz, string ragtime, country blues, and western swing music. Born in the American heartland and now based in St. Louis, Missouri, LaFarge has a Midwestern charisma that draws audiences in. Stephen Thompson of NPR says LaFarge “evokes the old-timey spirit of a thousand crackling 78 RPM records.”
In the past, LaFarge has played with the likes of Jack White, The Raconteurs, Wanda Jackson, Old Crow Medicine Show, and the Carolina Chocolate Drops. 2014 looks to be LaFarge’s most momentous year yet, with a tour trail consisting of over 250 shows that includes appearances at clubs and festivals across the USA and Canada, as well as two extensive tours in Europe.
LaFarge is currently touring with a five-piece backing band, including his original bandmates, Ryan Koenig (harmonica, washboard, snare), Adam Hoskins (guitar) and Joey Glynn (upright bass); as well as Chloe Feoranzo (clarinet) and TJ Muller (cornet).
Pokey Lafarge is sponsored by The Blacksmith Inn on the Shore.
Pokey LaFarge and his band will perform at DCA at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2. Tickets for the concert range from $15 to $25. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made through the DCA box office, located at 3926 Highway 42 in Fish Creek. The box office is open Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in person, on the phone at (920) 868-2728, or online at www.dcauditorium.org.