Gaffer

Award winning singer/songwriter Gaffer has been delighting area audiences for almost 30 years. He brings to the stage a unique blend of folk, blues, rock and country that runs the range of irreverently poking fun at life to poignant stories of humanity. His love of music lies firmly rooted in his childhood and early teen years. He was born and raised in the rolling farm lands of northern Indiana's Wabash County and grew up listening to his mother's records of Jim Reeves and Eddy Arnold. He developed his own style and tastes through the influence of such diverse musicians as Gordon Lightfoot, Leo Kottke and John Mellencamp. Gaffer taught himself to play guitar at the age of 15 and was writing songs as soon as he had learned his first two chords. Sitting in the old porch swing on summer evenings he was known to drive the neighbors crazy as he worked out the details of a song. Playing it over and over late into the night.

Gaffer's songs reflect his love of life as well as his observations on the world at large. His point of view is definitely Midwestern and his songs often portray local history and color. Gaffer's songs, from the Banks of the Kenepocomoco to the Red Arrow Highway, from The Rhythm of Your Heart to Evil Woman Blues are certain to include something for everyone. Combined with solid and creative finger picking and slide guitar work and interspersed with short stories and humor, Gaffer is sure to please. You never know who is likely to drop in and lend their talents to one of Gaffer's sets.

Al Kniola, the host of WVPE's (FM 88.1) The Back Porch Folk Sampler radio show says that Gaffer "writes memorable songs with a healthy dose of sensitivity - you feel like you've been there - and it makes you want to sing along". He is "definitely worth seeing" and "is fun to listen to".

Come on out and enjoy an evening of "local" music with singer/songwriter Gaffer.