"Elaine St. George sings Steve Goodman"

Steve Goodman, the Chicago-born folk music singer-songwriter whose promising career was cut short in 1984, is brought to life by Elaine St. George, in a loving and irreverent show The New York Times called a “poignant, easygoing tribute.” Times critic Stephen Holden wrote that audiences were “transported deep inside [Goodman’s] world of personalized Americana, evocative of Norman Rockwell by way of Woody Guthrie.”

Lavishing big-hearted attention on this influential if underrated troubadour of the American scene, St. George – winner of the 2014 Bistro Award for Outstanding Vocalist and a MAC Award from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs – teams with local favorite Chris Casey on piano. An active pianist, composer and arranger, Casey has performed extensively throughout New England and the New York area. He has played with such greats as Jackie McLean, Nat Reeves, Steve Davis, Claudio Roditi, Slide Hampton, Houston Person, Jacomo Gates, Bob Berg, Jimmy Greene and Greg Banaszak. Past performances have included Tanglewood, The Hartford Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center, The Side Door, Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, Music Mountain, The Hill-Stead Museum, and The Buttonwood Tree.

Steve Goodman is best known as the composer of “City of New Orleans” (made famous by Arlo Guthrie and later by Willie Nelson), “Banana Republics” and “Woman Goin’ Crazy on Caroline Street” (recorded by Jimmy Buffett). With friend and collaborator John Prine he penned the country hit “You Never Even Call Me by my Name.” Goodman also wrote several Chicago Cubs-inspired songs, including “Go, Cubs, Go” which is played after Cubs home wins…whenever those may be.

Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Trisha Yearwood, John Denver and Johnny Cash have also covered his songs. He won both of his Grammy Awards posthumously – Best Song in 1985 for Willie Nelson’s recording of “City of New Orleans,” and Best Contemporary Folk Album in 1988 for “Unfinished Business.”

Time Out NY has compared St. George’s sound to that of Barbara Cook, saying she “hits the same gorgeous, shimmery notes.” BistroAwards.com also voiced its praise saying her voice “over the past few years has developed into an even more beautiful instrument.” Talkin’ Broadway calls her “a terrifically entertaining singer.”

“Elaine St. George Sings Steve Goodman” plays the Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center, 605 Main Street, Middletown, CT on Saturday January 17th at 8:00 p.m. The music charge is $10. For reservations call (860) 347-4957, or to order online visit www.buttonwood.org

Have a news tip? Email Bill Maune. You can also post your own news, events and announcements on Patch by following these directions. Curious about how our new commenting platform, Disqus, works? Learn more about it here and start interacting with your neighbors on Patch.