Griffin House returns to Marblehead on April 15

On Friday, April 15, the me & thee features Griffin House, a Nashville-based artist whose openly emotional singing, poetic lyrics and spiraling melodies recall Jackson Browne circa his classic album,Late for the Sky. As American Songwriter declares “If you are looking to be blown away by raw talent, then look no further than Griffin House.” Boston-area singer-songwriter, Britt Connors opens the show. Doors are at 7:30 PM for this 8:00 PM show. The me & thee coffeehouse is located at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead at 28 Mugford Street.

It is a true, and nowadays rare, musician who writes lyrics so vulnerable and authentic that an audience is irrevocably captured by the powerful experience of sharing the journey. An album that is essentially an autobiographical account of personal mistakes, change, and growth, offers listeners a chance to reflect on their own experiences and connect with another’s story. With Griffin House’s newest album, So On and So Forth, it is clear that this artist digs deep and offers up his narrative after much reflection. House is a young family man and artist who is choosing sobriety and celebrating the path to his success, through songs which share his perspective on how people remember the past with rose-colored glasses, how we grow up and realize what we deeply need, and how we must find happiness in ourselves in the present. One song on this album is particularly poignant. “Paris Calling” is about living in Nashville and dreaming of returning for a visit to France. “For me, Paris will always be a place that can be described by three words; magical, surreal, and enchanting. My heart is in love there – in love with life itself. I celebrated the completion of my album with a return this summer to my favorite city on Earth,” says House. He was very saddened after the terrorist attack there this fall and decided to release this special song to the public months before the album release and donated all sales to a non-profit organization that aims to fight against poverty and exclusion in France and throughout the world.

Recording and performing for over a decade, House has toured with Ron Sexsmith, Patti Scialfa, Josh Ritter, John Mellencamp, Mat Kearney, and The Cranberries. He received early critical acclaim on the CBS Sunday Morning, and his songs have since been featured in countless films and television shows such as One Tree Hill, Army Wives, and Brothers and Sisters. He has also appeared on Late Night with Craig Ferguson. Most recently, CNN Newsroom invited House to perform “Paris Calling” live on the air.

Britt Connors blends blues, folk, and country with jazz voicings and pop sensibilities. For her latest album,Warmer Season she put together her talented band, Bourbon Renewal and the players are as tight as tight can be. The recording includes clapping, foot-stomping, and even some whistling for a brand new music genre called “Y’all-Ternative” music. Britt’s earlier album, The Bad Side of Good is an “astonishingly strong debut. Britt’s pitch perfect voice and smartly written songs show amazing versatility in a brand range of style” according to Nate Dow from the Boston Herald.

Tickets for the performance by Griffin House with Britt Connors opening are $20 in advance and $23 at the door. Tickets are available online at www.meandthee.org and can be purchased in person at the Spirit of ’76 Bookstore or the Arnould Gallery in Marblehead. The Landing Restaurant at 81 Front Street, Marblehead offers a 10% discount on dinner if you show your ticket or receipt. Enjoy a meal before the show! As at all me & thee coffeehouse events, refreshments are available, including homemade pastries, coffee, and teas. The me & thee has a handicapped-accessible entrance and an accessible bathroom, is a smoke-free environment, and is easily reached by MBTA bus.

The me & thee is one of the oldest continually running acoustic coffeehouses in New England, and probably the country. It has been and will always be a volunteer, non-profit organization sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead. For information and directions, call 781-631-8987 or check the website at www.meandthee.org.

Next concert: April 22 – Loudon Wainwright III with Marblehead’s Kat Quinn opening.