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The Rise of the Singer-Songwriter in American Music: From Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell to Billy Joel In-Person
Michael Shea, guitarist and singer-songwriter, will perform an acoustic concert tracing the evolution of the American singer-songwriter from 1952 to the present, highlighting this uniquely self-contained performer who emerged from the folk revival of the 1960s. His set will feature songs by iconic artists like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Leonard Cohen, as well as lesser-known voices, interwoven with biographical insights and anecdotes. Emphasizing lyrical poetry, acoustic accompaniment, and personal storytelling, Michael Shea will also perform original compositions that honor this deeply American tradition, which transcends age, race, and background. Free and open to all, the concert particularly resonates with those who came of age in the '60s through '80s, for whom these songs served as both personal soundtracks and reflections of cultural change.