8pm doors, 9pm show
$20, all ages
tickets: https://littlevillagetickets.com/events/185145841/dan-bern-sam-knutson
https://samknutson.bandcamp.com/album/where-the-covers-deep
Dan Bern is a captivating live performer who has enthralled a loyal and ever-growing fan base in the US and Europe since the mid ‘90s. His songs range from deeply moving to wildly imaginative and hilarious, often within the same song.
He has been compared favorably to the great masters of songwriting, such as Guthrie, Dylan, Costello. Though he draws from the great American tradition of songwriting, there is something deeply unique and compelling that makes you want to get to know the man behind the songs.
He conjures incredibly specific imagery like in a painting. Though he may turn to cynicism and political satire at times, the beauty of his work is that he is able to imagine better worlds, revealing a deep capacity for empathy and optimism. Bern connects with his audiences skillfully and directly, weaving the topical and local in with the more universal themes. He has written for many films and TV shows, and has made more than thirty albums.
“If you ever read the name “Dan Bern” give yourself a treat and go see him. He’s been one of my favourite songwriters and musicians for the past 25 years. His songs are a mix of thought provoking lyrics and a wonderful dry wit. You’ll have a great night out! —Roger Daltrey
"Sam Knutson is one of Iowa City’s most enigmatic songwriters. His music flows from rebellious to reverent, from deep honesty to the tallest tales; it includes songs about both internal and external weather, and songs about mistakes and youthful foolishness with dry, self-deprecating humor. His songs are wildly unique and yet comfortingly familiar. What they are is authentically Sam Knutson songs.
He fronted a really good band that did four CDs and got considerable critical acclaim, but the touring wore him down, as it does. He toured smaller folkie venues as a solo artist for a decade or so, and brought the Iowa Opera House concert series to life.
Sam started out as many indie singer/songwriters did in the 80s, with records on cassette, switching to CDs in the 90s. There are still CDs, but nowadays much of his music is offered digitally from his Bandcamp page. His catalog is rich and deep, and well worth exploring."