CAMDEN — The Camden Opera House presents the David Mallett Band as a kickoff to the toboggan nationals weekend Friday, Feb. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Americana duo The Dinallos will open the concert, which is sponsored by the Captain Swift Inn and 40 Paper Italian Bistro.
“David Mallett is the quintessential Maine singer-songwriter, proven recently when he, his band, and sons Luke and Will performed at Gov. Janet Mills’ inauguration ceremony in Augusta,” said the Opera House, in a news release.
Mallett’s musical career began at age 11, singing in a folk duo with his older brother, Neil, appearing on local TV and recording a few 45s. At the University of Maine, he encountered the American singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s and started writing songs. By age 26, he was a solo performer of his own material.
Noel Paul Stookey helped bring Mallett’s Garden Song to the attention of Pete Seeger, whose recording of was soon followed by John Denver’s cover. Garden Song since has been recorded hundreds of times and performed worldwide. Mallett toured the folk circuit for 10 years, then moved to Nashville. In Music City, he recorded three albums for Flying Fish Records and two collections for Vanguard. His songs were recorded by Marty Stuart, Hal Ketchum, Emmylou Harris, Kathy Mattea, Allison Kraus and more; and his Ballad of St. Anne’s Reel, from his second album, became in international folk classic, according to the release.
Long settled back in his hometown of Sebec, David Mallett continues to record on his own North Road label. His music evokes a past of Main Streets and summer dances, rambling farmhouses and the families who lived and loved there.
The David Mallett Band includes Mallett on vocals, guitar and harmonica; Susan Ramsay on violin and ukulele; Michael Burd on bass and ukulele; Roy Clark on keys; and either Robby Coffin or Max Cantlin on electric guitar, both Midcoast natives.
Michael Dinallo and Juliet Simmons Dinallo offer a sonic vision of American roots music, which always borders on country-soul. Michael was musical director for The Songs of John Prine Tour 2021-2022. Last fall, The Dinallos released a distinctive take on the late, great Prine’s The Speed of the Sound of Loneliness as a follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2021 eponymous release.
Tickets for the Feb. 3 concert are $24 in advance, $28 day-of-show. Choose-your-own reserved seats are available online at camdenoperahouse.com and by calling 236-3154.
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