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James Keelaghan returns to the Linden Tree in Wakefield
May 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
$25JAMES KEELAGHAN RETURNS TO WAKEFIELD’S LINDEN TREE
SATURDAY, MAY 3 AT 7:30 PM
The Secret Sauce to open.
The final Linden Tree Concerts 40th season welcomes back Canadian singer-songwriter James Keelaghan on Saturday, May 3rd at 7:30 pm. Winners of Linden Tree’s Winter Potpourri, The Secret Sauce trio, will open the show. Reservations are recommended as the popularity of these performers often lead to a sold out show.
James Keelaghan is an award-winning folk singer-songwriter based in Perth, Ontario. Many of the lyrics in his songs display a concern for social problems and justice in society. Called Canada’s finest singer-songwriter by one of the most respected and lauded music journalists of the last 50 years, James Keelaghan is an artist who has proven to be a man for all seasons.This poet laureate of the folk and roots music world has gone about his work with a combination of passion, intent and intensity, and curiosity.
Fusing his insatiable appetite for finding the next unique storyline Keelaghan also forges his pieces with brilliantly defined craftsmanship and a monogrammed artistic vision, making him 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.
Armed with a songbook that has enlightened and enthralled, and been embraced, by audiences around the world, Keelaghan’s life as an artist is one that is a perpetual journey on so many levels. His masterful story telling, over the course of nine recordings, has been part of the bedrock of his success, earning Keelaghan his share of nominations and awards, and acclaim from Australia to Scandinavia. “The necessity to write has always been a double-edged sword.” Keelaghan’s aces have long been a love of language, and history, his skills as a thespian that he acquired at an early age, that explain his ability to make an immediate connection with audiences in a live setting, and an ear for a memorable melody, and harmonies that make those melodies glisten.
Keelaghan’s inspirations can come in many forms, he is always on the lookout for a good story or idea. His sister told him the story that became Kiri’s Piano. It was such an image of a dark chapter in Canadian history, Japanese internment camps in the Second World War. Not only does his deep catalogue include timeless originals like Fires of Calais, Cold Missouri Waters, Jenny Bryce, and Hillcrest Mine, but also he is an interpreter of outside material, a fine example being his gripping take on Gordon Lightfoot’s epic Canadian Railroad Trilogy on the Lighfoot Tribute disc Beautiful and My Blood written with Jez Lowe.
For Keelaghan staying at the top of his game comes down to a very clear rule, “never stop accumulating.” “I want my audiences to know that I am open enough to try new things and push their bounds.” It was Dave Marsh, the award-winning American music critic and historian who not so long ago stated that James 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 at a lofty height. James will be presenting old favorites and songs from his newest recordings, so many for him to choose. Keelaghan.com
The Secret Sauce was the top vote getter in Linden Tree’s 2024 Winter Potpourri. Janet Feld, Esther Friedman & Jackie Damsky have joined forces as The Secret Sauce, performing tasty originals & choice covers, with lots of sweet 3-part harmony, plus guitar, mandolin, & violin. They came together over a love of each other’s songs, great friendship, and fun, and that’s how the Secret Sauce rolls!
The Linden Tree Coffeehouse is located in the social hall of the Wakefield Lynnfield United Methodist Church, 273 Vernon Street in Wakefield. There is a parking lot behind the church and it is handicapped accessible. The show begins at 7:30 pm, doors open at 7:00. Homemade baked goods and beverages are available. Tickets are $25 (those under 18 $10) Pay cash or check at the door. Reservations: for preferential seating. 978- 326 7905. www.LindenTreeCoffeehouse.org
STAY TUNED: Wakefield Porch Fest is being scheduled for Sat. Sept 6
Linden Tree Concerts will return in fall 2025 in new location.
Most shows will be on Sunday afternoons at 2 pm.
