Matt Nakoa and Rachael Kilgour in Marblehead on May 13

On Friday, May 13, the me&thee coffeehouse welcomes Matt Nakoa and Rachael Kilgour, two up and coming singer-songwriters to its stage. Matt Nakoa is an internationally touring artist, recently appearing at The White House, throughout India, and regularly with folk icon, Tom Rush. Rachael Kilgour has built a devoted following in her home base of Duluth, Minnesota and is currently spreading her musical wings in the Northeast. Doors open at 7:30 PM for this 8:00 PM show at the me&thee coffeehouse which is located at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead at 28 Mugford Street.

Growing up on a small goat farm in rural New York State, Matt Nakoa discovered music as a means of teenager escape and trained to be a concert pianist. Matt was ultimately accepted as a vocalist to Berklee College of Music where he studied alongside soon-to-be Grammy winners St. Vincent and Esperannza Spalding among others. After school, Mattlanded in NYC’s vibrant piano bar scene. There he quickly became a star performer at Manhattan’s famous Brandy’s Piano Bar with lines waiting outside the door each Saturday night.

As if illustrating sides of himself, Matt’s first alum, Light in the Dark (2012), is a sweeping pop opus, while A Dozen Other Loves (2014) explores an intimate acoustic palette. Across the board his songcraft has garnered awards, including a win at Kerrville Folk Festival’s prestigious New Folk Competition. Though not easily pinned down, as a recent review on the CoverLayDown.com put it, “Matt Nakoa is one of those well kept secrets you just can’t help but celebrate: intimate and genuine, soulful and bittersweet, a rich poetic songbook sung in praise to a complicated, emotionally present world.” The Boston Globe raves about Nakoa: On guitar, a Jack Johnson-esque singer-songwriter….between his piano chops, charismatic stage presence, and heartfelt originals on guitar…he drops jaws.”

Rachael Kilgour captivates audience with a balance of provocative, topical lyrics, passionate musical delivery, and a charmingly witty stage presence. She began writing and performing her own songs ten years ago and was invited to join recording artist, Catie Curtis, on a tour of the Midwest as an opener and backup musician in 2006 and again the following year. Catie and Rachael joined musical forces again this year when Curtis agreed to produce Kilgour’s newest album which will be released later in 2016. She released her long-awaited debut album in 2008 and a second release Will You Marry Me? in January 2011. Both alums give an earnest glimpse into the life and politics of a young woman turned wife, mother and advocate for a generation of dissatisfied global citizens.

Kilgour has performed across the country in coffeehouses, concert series and radio studios as well as protests and picket lines. She’s shared the stage with such folk luminaries as Greg Brown and Cheryl Wheeler, and made a splash in the folk world with her vulnerable and driven performances. Kilgour was chosen as the Grand Prize winner of the 2015 New Song Music contest. The win earned her a performance at the ASCAP Café at the Sundance Film Festival, a future performance of her own at the Lincoln Center in NYC, and an EP produced in Asheville, North Carolina at the Echo Mountain Studio. Kilgour’s music is inspiring; she showcases her innate ability to challenge and inspire listeners and engages them with her thoughtful lyrics and inviting melodies.

Tickets for the double bill of Matt Nakoa and Rachael Kilgour are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Student tickets are only $10. Tickets are available online at www.meandthee.org and can be purchased in person in Marblehead at either the Spirit of 76 Bookstore or the Arnould Gallery. 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 the oldest continually running acoustic coffeehouse in New England, and probably the country. The me & thee 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 www.meandthee.org.

Next show: Saturday, May 21: Eleventh Annual “All You Need is Love Beatles Benefit” with proceeds going to Music in Our Schools