Canadian Matthew Byrne at the Linden Tree

From Newfoundland-Labrador, Singer songwriter Matthew Byrne at the Linden Tree in Wakefield March 7, 2020

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse continues its thirty-fifth season with a visit from singer-songwriter Matthew Byrne on Saturday, March 7th. Hailing from Newfoundland-Labrador, Matthew has been described as possibly the finest interpreter of traditional songs with powerful vocals, polished guitar work, and a presence that fills the room.

Storytelling through song is a fundamental duty of traditional music and Matthew Byrne does this brilliantly. His repertoire has been shaped by his musical upbringing. With parents who were both singers and song collectors, and a strong family focus on sharing songs, Byrne has inherited a unique repertoire as well as a fascination with unearthing and reimagining traditional songs.

Byrne is also a student of history whose love of traditional music goes well beyond the words and music. For him, songs are ways of understanding people before him…their lives, work, language, and worldview. “I see songs as sources of the past - windows into my own family history. Traditional music has always been the most important tool for me to understand where I come from and who I am. My live performance is meant to bring audiences on a journey through the lineage of my repertoire and share what these songs have revealed to me.”

Audiences in this area who have seen Matthew at New Bedford Folk Festival, The Burren, and last winter at WGBH's Brian O’Donovan’s Christmas show in Cambridge agree with the many reviewers and performers who praise Matthew for his new songs and beautiful voice, making him a unique folk performer that should not be missed.

Matthew is currently supporting his newest release, Horizon Lines - a collection of traditional material from both sides of the Atlantic that continues Byrne’s journey through his own unique musical lineage. This album won Traditional Recording of the Year at the 2018 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Having received this distinction for a second time, Matthew Byrne continues to establish himself as one of today’s most authentic and vital traditional voices.

Tickets are $20, under 18 $10, thanks to support in part from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Wakefield chapter. Reservations are recommended by calling 781-246-2836.

Beverages and homemade baked goods are sold before the show and during intermission. The doors are open at 7:30, show begins at 8 pm.

The Linden Tree Coffeehouse is located in the social hall of the UU Church, 326 Main St. Wakefield, MA 01880. www.LindenTreeCoffeehouse.org