Chris Smither coming to Johnson Hall

GARDINER — Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center on Water St. in Gardiner will present Chris Smither on Saturday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $28 for all seats.

Smither is an acoustic country blues singer-songwriter. He is an American original who was born in Miami but grew up in New Orleans. Smither’s music doesn’t bear the usual markers of the New Orleans sound. While he learned the basics in New Orleans, he found success in Boston’s mid ’60s acoustic music scene. He writes literate, poignant, often haunted-sounding songs given a dark cast by his hushed delivery and deep baritone.

A profound songwriter, Smither draws deeply from blues, American folk music, modern poets, and philosophers. He has toured worldwide and has had concert dates with artists such as B.B King and Bonnie Raitt. There is no nonsense in Smither’s songs, just direct and heartfelt messages. Acoustic Guitar magazine wrote that Smither sings about “the big things – life, love, loss – in a penetrating and poetic yet unpretentious way.” His CD “Drive You Home Again earned four-stars from Rolling Stone.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Johnson Hall’s website at www.johnsonhall.org or call the box office at 207 582-7144.