Matt Nakoa at Cotuit Center for the Arts October 26

Cotuit Center for the Arts presents internationally touring singer/songwriter Matt Nakoa on Friday, October 26 at 7:30 PM.

Matt Nakoa grew up on a small goat farm in Smyrna, NY, and began composing music as a teenager. His initial goal was to be a concert pianist. Then he won a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston as a vocalist. There he studied alongside soon-to-be Grammy winners St. Vincent and Esperanza Spaulding, among others.

After college, Matt toured with his band, The Fens, and eventually landed in New York City’s vibrant piano bar scene. He quickly became a star performer at Manhattan’s Brandy’s Piano Bar, with lines outside the door each Saturday night.

Nakoa’s first solo album, “Light in the Dark” (2012), is an eclectic pop opus. In contrast, “A Dozen Other Loves” (2014), explores a simple acoustic palette. This intimate collection has earned many songwriting awards, including a win at Kerrville Folk Festival’s prestigious New Folk Competition.

Nakoa’s piano music has received favorable reviews in publications including The New York Times, and his film scoring has been featured by Disney. Matt now tours internationally, recently performing at The White House, throughout India, and regularly with folk music icon Tom Rush. He has earned awards for his songwriting, including a win at Kerrville Folk Festival’s prestigious New Folk Competition.

Though not easily pinned down, “In sum,” as a recent review on CoverLayDown.com put it, “Matt Nakoa is a musical adept, one of those well-kept secrets you just can’t help but celebrate: intimate and genuine, soulful and bittersweet, a rich poetic songbook sung in praise to a complicated, emotionally present world.”

Tickets are $35, $30 for balcony seating. There is a $5 discount for members and a $2 discount for seniors and veterans. Cotuit Center for the Arts is at 4404 Route 28 in Cotuit. For more information, visit artsonthecape.org or call 508-428-0669.

# # #

What:

Singer/songwriter Matt Nakoa

Where:

Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Route 28, Cotuit

When:

Friday, October 26, 7:30 PM

Admission:

$35, $30 for members. $5 discount for members; $2 discount for seniors and veterans

END