James Keelaghan returns to the me&thee on Friday, February 15

James Keelaghan has been called Canada’s finest singer-songwriters; he is truly a man for all seasons since he is not only and esteemed writer of songs but is an unparalleled storyteller as well. Keelaghan has been touring the folk and roots music circuit for three decades and has performed at theatres, music clubs and coffeehouses as well as national and international festivals. Sophie Buskin opens the show. The concert is on February 15 at 8:00 p.m. The me&theecoffeehouse is at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford Street, Marblehead.

Keelaghan creates his songs with brilliantly defined craftsmanship infused with his own unique artistic vision. He is, without doubt, one of the most distinctive and readily identifiable voices of not only the Canadian scene, but as a member of the international singer-songwriter community. His songs have enlightened and enthralled and have been embraced by audiences around the world. Keelaghan’s life as an artist is one that is a never-ending journey on so many levels. Music fans have marveled at his stories and songs that are deeply entrenched with history as well as the emotional trails of human relations. His masterful storytelling over the course of many albums has been the bedrock of his success, earning Keelaghan his share of nominations and awards, and acclaim from Australia to Scandinavia.

Keelaghan is a Calgary, Alberta native but calls Winnipeg, Manitoba home now. He says “There are different sides of what I write about. The narrative writing, the historical material, as well as the personal, where you have to take the responsibility for what you are saying…” Keelaghan has a love for language and history and makes an immediate connection with audiences in a live setting; he has an ear for melodies and harmonies that are memorable. It was Dave Marsh, the award-winning American music critic and historian who not so long ago stated thatJames Keelaghan is Canada’s finest songwriter,” and those few but powerful words of praise say it all about an artist who continues to set the bar high.

Brooklyn-based songwriter, Sophie Buskins, is the daughter of two musicians. She’s been singing professionally since the age of four. Aside from an extensive jingle and ad background, she has supported legendary artists like Paul Shaffer, Jewel, Mason Jennings, and Buskin & Batteau. Her new sing-song CD, Sweet Creature, is first-rate. It brings the listener on a journey through the pangs of love, loss and the grappling to understand the impermanence of it all, but pushing towards renewal. She closed the CD with a loving nod to her father, David Buskin, with “When I Need You Most of All.”

Tickets for James Keelaghan with Sophie Buskin are $20in advance and $23 at the door. Student tickets are $10. 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. 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: Friday, February 22, 2019: Breaking Barriers: A Tribute to The Women Who Paved the Way featuring Danielle Miraglia, Jenee Halstead, Samantha Farrell and Lisa Bastoni.