LEWISTON — Americana singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle, whose recent album, “Harlem River Blues,” debuted at No. 47 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, will perform at Bates College on Dec. 5.

Earle’s recording “Midnight at the Movies” was named Amazon’s No. 8 country album of 2009 and received four stars in Rolling Stone Magazine. Last year’s “Harlem River Blues” was nominated for Album of the Year by the Americana Music Association, and the title song was named Song of the Year.

Son of rock/country singer-songwriter Steve Earle, Justin was raised in a world of folk, country, blues, rhythm and blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. “He’s fully absorbed his genetic and cultural heritage and draws upon both with great skill and dimension,” said a Los Angeles Times reporter.

Earle performs a solo acoustic concert. Opening for him, also performing solo and acoustically, will be eclectic singer-songwriter Tristen.

Since his debut in 2008, Earle has toured relentlessly, including performances at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Fest, the Grand Ole Opry and the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, as well as a recent appearance on “A Prairie Home Companion.”

He appears on the Buddy Holly compilation album, “Rave On;” is on the cover of the July/August issue of American Songwriter; and just appeared on “Last Call with Carson Daly.”

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Rolling Stone wrote that “He has an ear for the telling line and the small detail that convinces, plus a killer way with a melody. All in all, this is as good a slice of Americana as you’ll hear all year.”

Tristen, who is based in Nashville, calls herself a pop traditionalist. She went on tour this year to promote her debut album, “Charlatans at the Garden Gate,” and launched her own record label, American Myth.

Spin Magazine described “Charlatans” as “hooky guitar pop that blends country, rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll, girl group sounds and introspective balladry — the result of Tristen’s expansive study of pop music. And, just like the LP, her live shows are rollicking and sharp.”

The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. in Olin Arts Center, 75 Russell St. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of show. For tickets, visit batestickets.com. For more information, call 786-6135 or email olinarts@bates.edu.

Singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle, whose song, “Harlem River Blues” was named Song of the Year by the Americana Music Association last year, will perform at Bates College on Dec. 5.


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