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Join us for exceptional music, coffee, and dessert in an intimate setting at one of our Coffee House events.
We now have two locations!
Please note which location is holding your event!
Sanctuary Location: 1001 Green Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Out Of Eden Location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake MI 49240
Evening shows at the Sanctuary location start at 8 pm; Out Of Eden location, 7:30 pm. Sunday matinees start at 3 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before show time.
To purchase tickets:
1. Eventbrite link found with each event listing or
2. Call Green Wood (734-665-8558) and leave a message with your name, number of seats, and event date; then pay at the door with cash or check.
No tickets are mailed; simply give your name at the door.
Friday and Saturday, doors open at 7:30 p.m for Ann Arbor location and 7:00 p.m. for Grass Lake location. Sunday, doors open at 2:30 p.m. No tickets are mailed; simply give your name at the door.
Times are tough — money is tight. Music brings comfort and joy. If your budget prevents you from paying admission, please don’t stay away! At the door, simply pay what you can, or mention that you are on the guest list. It’s just not the same without you!
Green Wood Coffee House Series is not a First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor program, but is an independent/private venture. Communications from GWCH do not necessarily reflect the views of FUMC of Ann Arbor or its leadership.
We want to keep our artists, volunteers, and audience safe! Masking is currently optional at all events. We may update masking protocol when appropriate.
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Fri17Feb20238:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Tickets $15
Songwriter and Michigan Emmy recipient Kitty Donohoe is not an Irish or Celtic singer, but she clearly draws from that part of her heritage, as well as her American roots, as an artist. A writer of tunes as well as songs, her originals are rich with her natural sense as a storyteller, her love for language and her ear for a melody. Her music is luminous, earthy and compelling, and all of her songwriter CDs integrate the textures and feel of accordions, whistles, pipes and bodhran alongside the more standard guitar, bass or piano. Some of her originals sound like they were written 100 years ago and others are clearly contemporary, but one thing is certain: with or without a band behind her, Kitty's striking voice carries it all, delivering each song with power and emotion. www.kittydonohoe.com -
Sat04Mar20237:30 pmGrass Lake train depot: 210 E Michigan Ave, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Due to power outage in Grass Lake, this Saturday's (3/4/23) Matt Watroba/Claudia Schmidt concert will be held in the beautiful historic Grass Lake train depot, 210 E Michigan Ave. Show time 7:30pm; doors 7pm. grasslakedepot.com
Amazing place for dinner before show: Sawd's Village Inn, https://www.sirved.com/restaurant/grass_lake-michigan-usa/sawds-village-inn/779915/menusAmazing place for dinner after show: Missy's Grass Shack, https://www.allmenus.com/mi/grass-lake/414599-missys-little-grass-shack/menu/
Both establishments are owned by the extraordinary Missy. Photo attached is a burger you can order at either eatery.
Tickets $15
Matt Watroba brings a very special set of talents to the stage whenever he appears as a folk musician. His excellent guitar playing, mellow voice, friendship with his audience, and knowledge of his presentations is impressive. Add to that Matt's own special brand of humor and you are in for a most entertaining and enlightening evening. You will feel his obvious love of folk music, both traditional and contemporary; its writers and performers, its heroes and villains. Matt sings songs of compassion, inner strength, humor, and everyday living. www.mattwatroba.net
Michigan native Claudia Schmidt has covered a lot of musical ground, beginning with a stirring rendition of "Tammy," at age 4, around a neighborhood bonfire. Claudia's 3-decade career touring North America and Europe includes regular stints on "A Prairie Home Companion;" participating in the delightful Les Blank movie, "Gap-Toothed Women," contributing a song as well as an interview; and performing a lead role in The Gales of November," a musical retelling of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy from the point of view of three wives of the doomed crew of the Great Lakes ore-carrier. Claudia has recorded fifteen albums mostly of original songs, exploring folk, blues, and jazz idioms featuring 12-string guitar and mountain dulcimer. Claudia describes herself as a "creative noisemaker." You may expect anything at a Schmidt concert: hymn, poem, bawdy verse, torch song, satire. www.claudiaschmidt.com
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Fri17Mar20238:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Tickets $20
There are songs that transport you to good times remembered. Songs like, “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight,” “Nights Are Forever Without You,” and, “Love Is The Answer” have that effect on many of us. These songs and numerous others have made John Ford Coley a singing legend.
John is most revered as half of the duo England Dan and John Ford Coley. The classically-trained pianist and talented guitarist continues performing the gold and platinum record hits for audiences around the world. Some of Coley’s other hits are, “Gone Too Far,” “We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again,” and, “Sad To Belong."
John’s experiences comprise a broad background. Although he performed throughout high school and college as a classical and rock pianist, he chose to major in English Literature in college, and is an avid student of history. In the mid-1980’s, John began acting in television and in feature films. He recently penned a book, "Backstage Pass," about his years in the music industry.
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Sat01Apr20237:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $15
Australian singer/songwriter/virtuoso harmonica player, Peter D. Harper, now based in Detroit, creates a heady mix of roots music through his creative use of the harmonica and the haunting drone of the didgeridoo. Harper has received an amazing 14 blues/roots music awards, in the USA, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, and has achieved 4 top ten Billboard blues charting albums. He recently won a Detroit Music Award for "outstanding vocalist." Peter D Harper is known for his powerful, soulful, voice and a deep, mystical approach to the roots genre. Harper and Midwest Kind have been nominated for the 2021 Independent Blues Awards for Best Modern Roots Band and Best Modern Roots Album: "RISE UP". Harper is backed by his touring band, Midwest Kind, which features Austin Johnson on guitar, Lee Lewis on bass guitar, Bud Smith on drums and Bobbi Llewellyn on backing vocals and percussion.
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Sat08Apr20237:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $15
Harmonious husband and wife duo!
Through a chance encounter in Nashville in 2006, Benjamin and Kassie Wilson were sure of each other from the start. “Kassie knew she was going to marry me from the first time she saw me…and she was right,” Ben gloats. Formerly known as My One and Only, the duo has reimagined their southern-soul melodies and emotionally honest lyrics into Goldpine. After nearly a decade, they’re ready to give the world their self-produced debut LP, One. The album exposes the pain from severed relationships and unearths the pursuits of love and purpose. Laced with bold vocal harmonies and fervent lyrics, Goldpine's music is cathartic, moody, raucous, and relevant.
www.goldpinemusic.com
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Sat15Apr20237:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $15
Singer/songwriter Lucy Wainwright Roche grew up in an impressive musical family. She is the daughter of Loudon Wainwright III and Suzzy Roche, and half-sister of Rufus and Martha Wainwright. Born and raised in New York City, Roche spent years traveling with and amongst her large musical family. After college, she began teaching second and third grade. In 2005 she joined brother Rufus on tour to sing backup, and after releasing an eight-song, debut CD, Lucy became a full-time touring musician. Recent tours have included solo appearances; double bills with mom, Suzzy; and ensemble shows with Suzzy, Loudon, Rufus, Martha, and Sloan Wainwright. Lucy's recent CDs include solo release "Little Beast" and "Mud and Apples," a collaboration with Suzzy Roche. www.lucywainwrightroche.com
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Sun16Apr20233:00 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $15
Matinee show, 3pm
An uplifting evening of fun with the Honey Dewdrops!
Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish celebrate their 13th year of touring full time as The Honey Dewdrops, having played stages and festivals all over North America and Europe. With tight harmonies and musicianship that features claw hammer banjo, mandolin, and guitars, they offer up a handcrafted repertoire of heartfelt lyrics and moving melodies. After leaving their home base of Virginia and living on the road for 2 years, Laura and Kagey now call Baltimore, Maryland home. Their songs and stage performance rock, reel, and rollick.When they're not on tour, you can find Laura and Kagey playing in Baltimore with their Fred Eaglesmith tribute band; contributing backing vocals and instrumental sounds to various community recording projects; and you'll probably see them going for a run in and around their neighborhood.
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Sun23Apr20233:00 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $15
Matinee show, 3pm
Jon Shain is a veteran singer-songwriter who’s been turning heads for years with his words and his fiery acoustic guitar work. His musical style combines improvised Piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing, and ragtime. He is the 2019 winner of the International Blues Challenge in the solo/duo category. Shain’s most recent solo disc, Gettin’ Handy with the Blues: A Tribute to the Legacy of WC Handy, was released in 2018 and is soon to come out as a music book published by Mel Bay.
www.jonshain.com -
Fri28Apr20238:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Tickets $20
In a career that spans 23 albums and includes three Grammy awards, Tom Chapin has covered a lot of creative ground. In addition to his work as a recording artist and concert performer, Chapin has acted on Broadway and worked in films, television and radio. Tom grew up in a family that encouraged artistic pursuits. He began performing professionally as a teenager in the early 1960s, playing in Greenwich Village folk clubs alongside his siblings, Harry and Steve, as one of The Chapin Brothers. In 1971, he began a five-year run as the host of the ABC-TV children's series, "Make A Wish." Chapin and his songs were also featured in the 1970 documentary film, "Blue Water, White Death," for which he spent six months sailing the Indian Ocean searching for great white sharks.
As a music-maker, Chapin has maintained two parallel careers, as a highly respected contemporary folk artist and as a pioneer in the field of children's music. In the former role, Chapin has established a reputation for insightful, heartfelt songcraft and charismatic live performances. In the latter, he continues to engage the hearts, minds and imaginations of young listeners with witty, life-affirming original songs delivered in a sophisticated array of musical styles. Chapin's infectious songs, sterling musicianship and personal warmth shine, whether he's performing on record or in a concert hall, an outdoor festival, a school, in front of a symphony orchestra, or in an intimate coffeehouse.
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Sat29Apr20237:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $15
An eclectic mix of acoustic, melodic art/folk, with flavors of jazz, vaudeville and cabaret.
Rupert Wates was born in London and studied at Oxford University. His music is an eclectic mix of acoustic, melodic art/folk, with flavors of jazz, vaudeville and cabaret. He has released twelve solo CDs. They have received outstanding reviews in the international online press and tracks from them have been played on radio all over the world. In addition, Wates' songs have been covered by other artists in the UK, Canada and the US. Two full length tribute CDs to his material have been recorded: Crazy Puzzle by Nashville-based performer Roxie Rogers, and Wide Open Heart by vocalist Susan Kohler. Both these CDs were initiated and funded entirely by the artists themselves, and comprise exclusively songs taken from Rupert Wates' back catalog. Over 20 recordings featuring Wates's songs by other artists were made in 2016 alone.
www.rupertwatesmusic.com -
Fri05May20238:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Tickets $20
Vocalist and composer Carla Cooke is the youngest daughter of the legendary Sam Cooke, whose musical life encompassed religion, romance, and history. Carla’s career mirrors that of her father, in that she crafted her sound in the church. Carla sought not to use her father’s name, but to build her own reputation. Now the younger Cooke knows that her roots are firmly entwined in her father's as she connects with them through his music.
Carla Cooke’s style is diverse in gospel, Christian, R&B, soul, and pop styles. With a strong vocal range and warm personality, Carla shows that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as she channels the raw talent, emotion, beauty, and charisma of the Cooke family persona.
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Sun07May20233:00 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $20
Matinee show, 3pm
Back by popular demand! Don White combines heartfelt, serious lyrics with side-splitting laughs to provide an evening not to be forgotten. This Massachusetts comedian/singer/songwriter/author is best-known in these parts for his radio gems, "Rascal," "Psycho Mom and Dad" and "I Know What Love Is." A Don White show promises to delight new audiences and devoted "repeat offender" fans, alike.
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Fri22Sep20238:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Tickets $15
Claude Bourbon is known throughout Europe and America for amazing guitar performances that take blues, Spanish, and Middle Eastern stylings into uncharted territories.
Claude’s inimitable style incorporates all five digits on each hand dancing independently but in unison, plucking, picking and strumming at such speed and precision that his fingers often seem to melt into a blur. Thousands of people in the UK, Europe and USA have enjoyed listening to this virtuoso and for the majority of his audience it is an experience that compels them to return again and again to hear and watch him play, as his fingers lightly dance over the strings of his guitar and create a unique sound that is ’Claude’.
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Sat23Sep20237:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $15
Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship and now settled in rural England, Sarah brings the eclecticism of her background to her captivating, unorthodox songwriting and choice of material, spanning genres and defying categorization.
In 2020, with her spring tour cut short due to the COVID-19 crisis, Sarah mounted a successful crowdfunding campaign to finance the filming and recording of a full-length live concert sans audience in the beautiful medieval church of St Buryan, just over a mile from Sarah’s home.
The St Buryan Sessions was released in 2021 by Sarah‘s own Shovel And A Spade label on CD and limited-edition blue vinyl double LP. The album made it onto “Best of 2021” lists on three continents and features stunning solo performances by Sarah on acoustic and electric guitars, piano and floor tom drum, her lush, distinctive vocals echoing through the soaring space.
Photo credit: Phil Nicholls
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Fri29Sep20238:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Tickets $20
Those hits! "It's So Nice To Be With You" and "I Believe In Music."
Jim Gold is the singer-songwriter/guitarist of the 1970s soft rock band Gallery, best known for their 1972 songs, "Nice to Be with You", written by Gold, and "I Believe In Music." Born and raised in Detroit, Jim began writing songs and playing guitar at age fourteen. In 1972, Gallery was voted Best New Singles Group by "Cashbox" and Best Vocal Group by "Record World." Since then, Jim has recorded as a solo artist. Tonight we get the entire band! Come hear that steel guitar and those harmony vocals!
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Fri06Oct20237:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $15
Hiroya is a one-of-a-kind composer, guitarist and singer-songwriter from Kyoto, Japan. He began playing the five-string banjo when he was thirteen, and took up the guitar shortly after.
In 2000, Hiroya received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music and came to the United States. He formed his own group in Boston, INTEROCEANICO (inter-oceanic), which consists of unique musicians from different continents including Latin Grammy Colombian singer Marta Gomez. The group released three acclaimed records and Hiroya has released three solo albums.
Hiroya has been leading concerts internationally including several appearances at Blue Note (NYC), United Nations and Japanese National Television. In 2018, Hiroya won 2nd place in International Finger Style Guitar Championship.
www.hiroyatsukamoto.com -
Sun08Oct20233:00 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $15
Matinee show, 3pm
Whether it be folk or bluegrass festival, "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," MTV, or Merlefest, Stuart's storytelling, guitar playing, vocals, and songs have graced stages all over the world. He serves up rock, blues, folk, country, and more, on electric, acoustic, and slide guitar. Some songs are autobiographical; some are from the viewpoint of a lifelong troubadour. He might very well toss a Paul McCartney, John Fogerty, or Woody Guthrie song into his set.
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Fri13Oct20238:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Tickets $15
There is no better storyteller than Chuck Brodsky. Ranging from poignant to hilarious, his songs are about the little things in the lives of everyday people. Chuck's soulful and compassionate voice brings his characters to life, and is the perfect instrument for infusing his lyrics with heartfelt humanity or biting wit. His spoken introductions to his songs can be as spellbinding as his colorful lyrics, which he brings to life with a well-travelled voice and a delivery that's natural and conversational. His groove-oriented strumming and fingerpicking draw on influences from the mountains of western North Carolina where he now lives, and from lots of different good old traditional folk stuff of all kinds. Chuck is widely known for his many wonderful songs about the heroes -- and zeroes -- of baseball. His latest CD is The Tell Tale Heart.
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Sat14Oct20237:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $15
This band of tender-hearted rascals -- brothers, Dan and Nate Monea -- has been bonded by three albums, years of touring and recording, and a deep love of music and bringing people together. They’ve played festivals all over the world, including Hard Rock Calling in London (Bruce Springsteen/Lady Antebellum) and The Rock Boat (Sister Hazel/Barenaked Ladies). In addition to traditional touring, the band travels annually to Guatemala with the Music Is Love Exchange for a week of service work and performances at schools and hospitals.
Hey Monea!’s pop-leaning rock music features soaring vocal harmonies. The band’s latest single, “Give A Little," is a fan favorite. It is the follow-up to “We’re Gonna Be OK”, featured in the NASCAR Heat 5 video game, a rallying cry for people around the world seeking connection and reassurance in these bizarre and uncertain times.
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Sun15Oct20233:00 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $15
Matinee show, 3pm
Creating at the crossroads of healing and activism.
The Rochester, NY native began writing songs as a college student in Kingston, Jamaica, and is known for staking out brave lyrical and musical territory. Jess spent eight years soaking up the live music culture of Austin, TX. Jess was named a 2015 finalist in the highly regarded Kerrville New Folk Competition. Klein has performed to rapt audiences at the Newport Folk Festival, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Fuji Rock Festival in Japan and packed houses in notable listening rooms including Joe’s Pub (NYC), The Borderline in London, Club Passim in Boston and Fogartyville in Sarasota, FL. She has appeared on "Good Morning America" and NPR’s "All Things Considered" and toured across the US, Europe and Japan on her own and with such artists as Arlo Guthrie, John Fullbright and Carlene Carter. www.jessklein.com
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Fri20Oct20238:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Tickets $15
(This event will take place at Sanctuary or Out of Eden location. Location TBD closer to event date.)
Based in Guelph, Ontario, James Gordon is one of Canada's most prolific songwriters, well known for his songs about social justice, heritage and environmental issues. His classic "Frobisher Bay" has been recorded and performed by hundreds of acts world-wide and was an audition piece for "Canadian Idol." His song, "Mining For Gold" was featured on the Cowboy Junkies' landmark album "The Trinity Sessions" and was heard in John Sayles' film "Silver City."
James has made countless appearances on television and radio, and was a resident songwriter on CBC radio for 12 years. He tours as a solo performer and with his sons, and has released over 30 albums as a solo artist or with the legendary folk trio "Tamarack." Between tours, James is a record producer, playwright, community activist and theatre director.
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Sat21Oct20237:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $15
Facebook event pageChuck Mitchell started singing in Detroit folk clubs in the 1960s. In Toronto, on his first out of town gig, he met Canadian songwriter Joni Anderson. They married, and as a duo Chuck and Joni Mitchell played the coffeehouse circuit, and gin rummy, until they divorced in 1968. Mitchell's credits include A Prairie Home Companion and repertory theatre in Texas and in England. He has played Harold Hill in The Music Man and Woody Guthrie in Woody Guthrie's American Song. Most recently, he wrote and produced Mr. Foster & Mr. Twain, in which Stephen Foster joins Mark Twain for an evening of story and song. A Chuck Mitchell's show combines his seasoned skills as an actor, singer and guitarist with a selection of delightful material. He sings cabaret songs by Brecht and Weil -- "Mack the Knife" and "The Bilbao Song" -- and whimsical songs by Flanders & Swann -- "The Gnu" and "Have Some Madeira, M'dear". He roves the room singing "Freeborn Man" by Ewan McColl, or "Necessity" from Finian's Rainbow. He weaves poetry by Robert Frost and T.S. Eliot into his shows. He has been called a renaissance man, and thinks he is old enough to be one.
www.mitchellsong.com -
Fri10Nov20238:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Tickets $15
Ari is a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter who began his career as an independent artist in 2001. He built a loyal following touring the college circuit, after which he released two albums on Columbia Records, Someone To Tell and The Break-In, while touring in the U.S. and abroad with artists including Martin Sexton, Suzanne Vega, and Ani DiFranco.
In 2008 Ari wrote, recorded and released a new song every Monday in his 52 project, and in 2009 released Twelve Mondays, a collection of re-mixed fan favorites from 52. Ari has released four other albums: Sunset Over Hope Street, The Fire Plays, Shouts And Whispers, and the Grammy nominated Silver Skies Blue, a duets album with Judy Collins.
Many of Ari's songs have appeared in TV shows and films, including The Path, The Lincoln Lawyer, Private Practice, Army Wives, and One Tree Hill.
Celebrating 20 years as a songwriter and performer, Ari released a retrospective album, I Remember When, in 2021.
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Sat18Nov20237:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $15
Facebook event pageBuddy Mondlock writes songs. Great songwriters have recorded his songs on their own albums: Guy Clark, Nanci Griffith, and Janis Ian, to name a few. You might’ve heard his song, “The Kid,” recorded by David Wilcox; Peter, Paul and Mary; and Cry, Cry, Cry.
Buddy toured North America and Europe with Art Garfunkel and Maia Sharp in support of their album, “Everything Waits To Be Noticed,” which they wrote and recorded together as a trio.
In recent years Buddy has been writing songs with military veterans through a program sponsored by an organization called Music Therapy of the Rockies and he includes several of those songs in his shows and on his latest release, Filament.
Buddy and Maia Sharp have also been collaborating on a new musical, “The Girl In the Red Dress.” It includes several songs from their project with Art Garfunkel and new material from Buddy and Maia.
In addition to writing and touring, Buddy also teaches songwriting in workshops and retreats across the U.S. and Europe, and has been a staff instructor at the Swannanoa Gathering and the Kerrville Folk Festival Song School.
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Fri01Dec20238:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Tickets $20
Back by popular demand! Don White combines heartfelt, serious lyrics with side-splitting laughs to provide an evening not to be forgotten. This Massachusetts comedian/singer/songwriter/author is best-known in these parts for his radio gems, "Rascal," "Psycho Mom and Dad" and "I Know What Love Is." A Don White show promises to delight new audiences and devoted "repeat offender" fans, alike.
