Press Release: An Evening with Tom Rush and Matt Nakoa at Cotuit Center for the Arts

Cotuit Center for the Arts An Evening with Tom Rush and Matt Nakoa on Wednesday, December 5 at 7:30 PM.

Folk legend Tom Rush and up-and-coming pianist Matt Nakoa were introduced by a friend four years ago. Rush had no interest in adding a keyboard player, and Nakoa had barely heard of Rush. Rush was at Neal Eckstein’s Fox Run recording studio cutting demos of some new songs, and, at Eckstein’s insistence, invited Nakoa to sit in. Rush was so impressed that he included Matt in the demo tracks, invited him to perform at his upcoming concert at Boston Symphony Hall, and added him to his concert schedule.

Though both Rush and Nakoa have appeared separately at CCftA, this is their first joint performance in Cotuit.

Singer-songwriter and folk rock pioneer Tom Rush is known for his unique brand of blues-influenced folk/rock music, warm, expressive voice, wry humor, and engaging stories and tales. From his early days at Club 47, through 16 albums, to his sold out Club 47 concert series, Rush helped shape the folk revival in the '60s and the renaissance of the '80s and '90s; his music has left its stamp on generations of artists.

Celebrating over 55 years of touring, Tom has been thrilling audiences here and abroad with hits like "No Regrets," "Circle Game," "Remember Song," "Urge for Going" and "Merrimack County." Exclaim Magazine wrote, "Never miss a chance to see Tom Rush live he's got that rare one-of-a-kind quality that makes you realize you've seen somebody who really matters."

Rush’s latest CD, “Voices” (2018) includes ten original songs, described as “relaxed, tenderhearted, amusing, and sometimes thoughtful,” plus a couple of folk songs because, according to Rush, “I don’t want to compromise my folksinger credentials.” The album features a crew of Nashville-based studio musicians in addition to Nakoa on keyboards and backing vocals.

Nakoa is an internationally touring singer/songwriter/pianist/guitarist. He grew up on a small goat farm in Smyrna, NY and began composing music as a teenager. He played classical music for a while and then won a scholarship to Berklee College of Music as a vocalist. After college, Nakoa toured with his band, The Fens, and eventually landed in New York City’s vibrant piano bar scene, where hee quickly became a star at Manhattan’s Brandy’s Piano Bar.

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.

Tickets are $55, $50 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.

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What:

An Evening with Tom Rush and Matt Nakoa

Where:

Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Route 28, Cotuit

When:

Wednesday, December 5, 7:30 PM

Admission:

$55, $50 for balcony seating. There is a $5 discount for members and a $2 discount for seniors and veterans.

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